JP3775430B2 - Network service information providing system, network service information providing apparatus and method, and operation control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network service information providing system, a network service information providing apparatus, a method thereof, and an operation control method thereof. In particular, in an environment where various wireless communication services are mixed, a system required by a user is efficiently notified, and the user The present invention relates to a network service information providing method for providing information necessary for constructing a new wireless system and providing a service.

  As the type of network, an infrastructure type network (hereinafter abbreviated as “infrastructure”) having various functions for canceling communication of a terminal used by a user to a backbone network managed by an operator, and terminals gather together to directly communicate with each other It can be classified into an ad hoc network to be performed (a network in which a relay node is not provided and a network is temporarily configured only by a moving terminal). Further, considering wireless as a transmission medium of these networks, various systems such as a cellular wireless system that can cover a wide area with a relatively low transmission speed, and a wireless LAN system that has a high transmission speed but a narrow area that can be covered. There is.

  A system using a wireless LAN system is an infrastructure network that connects to the Internet by making use of its high-speed transmission capability to install a wireless base station (access point) at a place (hot spot) where people gather such as stations and airports. Available. Further, the cellular radio system is widely used as a current mobile phone system, and covers a wide nationwide area, and is used as an infrastructure network that can communicate anywhere regardless of location.

  On the other hand, as represented by “Bluetooth (registered trademark)”, a short-range wireless system that supports an area of 10 meters or less for the purpose of connecting devices around the user such as between a mobile phone terminal and a portable computer. It is also possible to connect not only the devices connected to the user but also the terminals of other users nearby and the own terminal to constitute a so-called ad hoc network.

  Such various wireless systems can be mixed as shown in FIG. 17, and Non-Patent Document 1 shows that an optimal wireless system is used according to a user's usage scene. Yes. In FIG. 17, 100 is the Internet, 101 is a cellular system cell, 102-1 and 102-2 are wireless LAN system cells, and 103-1 and 103-2 are ad hoc network cells.

  The Internet 100 is interconnected as an infrastructure of a cellular system cell 101 and wireless LAN system cells 102-1 and 102-2. In the figure, for simplicity, only one cell 101 is shown as a cell of the cellular system, but there are a plurality of adjacent cells, and the cellular system covers a wide area.

  The cells 102-1 and 102-2 of the wireless LAN system are connected to the Internet 100, and provide high-speed Internet connection services to hot spots with many users. The cells 102-1 and 102-2 of the wireless LAN system can be configured without authorization, for example, by using a 2.4 GHz band wireless LAN used as an ISM (Industrial Scientific Medical) band. The management organization of the cells 102-1 and 102-2 of the system may be different.

On the other hand, the ad hoc networks 103-1 and 103-2 are not connected to the Internet 100 as an infrastructure, and constitute a local closed network. In such a situation, for example, a user who wants to access the Internet 100
a) Access to a wireless LAN system cell 102-1 or 102-2 where the wireless LAN system cell 102-1 or 102-2 can be connected;
b) When moving to a place other than the cell 102-1 or 102-2 of the wireless LAN system, access using the cellular system,
Use properly as follows.

  In addition, when it is desired to communicate with other familiar users without going through an infrastructure such as the Internet, an ad hoc network 103-1 or 103-2 can be newly constructed.

  Further, when the ad hoc networks 103-1 and 103-2 and the cellular system cell 101 which is an infrastructure type network and the wireless LAN system cells 102-1 and 102-2 are mixed, both the ad hoc network and the infrastructure type network are used. Or, as a terminal that can connect to a network according to the user's wishes or construct a new ad hoc network, considering the possibility of connecting to various networks and the user's wishes, connecting to an appropriate network, ad hoc network There is a control method of construction.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications / Information and Communication Technology Subcommittee / New Generation Mobile Committee Report Summary (http://www.joho.soumu.go.jp/policyreports/joho_tsusin/bunkakai/abstract.pdf)

However, when there is a heterogeneous wireless system mixed type network shown in FIG.
1) Internet access in a wide area, albeit at a low speed, via a cellular system
2) High-speed Internet access limited to hotspots via wireless LAN,
3) Participation in local communication services performed on existing ad hoc networks,
4) Four points are considered: constructing a new ad hoc network and starting a local communication service.

  Regarding the service 1), since the cellular system has a wide service area, the user can receive the service regardless of the location of the user. On the other hand, regarding the services 2) and 3), since the service area itself is small, a user who wants to receive the service must move to the service area. At this time, if the user knows the service areas 2) and 3) in advance, the user can easily move. However, the following problems are associated with the services 2) to 4).

  In the case of the service of 2), radio wave propagation specialities differ due to new establishment or abolition of wireless LAN base stations, rearrangement of buildings and structures, the service area also fluctuates, and each user always keeps up-to-date information. It is difficult to have. In the case of the service 3), since it is a local communication, the time and place where the ad hoc network exists cannot be determined in advance, and the user cannot grasp the information of the ad hoc network in advance. You can only participate by chance. Furthermore, in the case of the service 4), when a new ad hoc network is constructed, there are other ad hoc networks in the vicinity of the service, which may interfere with each other and cause overall throughput degradation.

  On the other hand, from the perspective of a provider that provides hotspot services to users using a wireless LAN, the license system is not used for the use of ISM band radio waves, so different operators provide hotspot services independently. can do. As described above, although the degree of freedom of service provision is high, if hot spots exist in a disorderly manner, interference between hot spots is generated, and as a result, throughput that can be provided to the user is expected to be greatly deteriorated.

  An object of the present invention is to enable a user to easily grasp a position and a wireless transmission parameter for connecting to a narrow area wireless communication system in a communication system in which a wide area wireless communication system and a narrow area wireless communication system are mixed. Network service information providing system and network service information capable of providing a more advanced communication service without causing deterioration of a communication service already provided in a mixed environment when newly establishing a narrow area wireless communication system It is to provide a providing apparatus, a method thereof, and a terminal.

  A network service information providing system according to the present invention is a network service information providing system in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) providing wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed. In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, the communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow area wireless communication system is estimated, and the communication service quality falls below a predetermined threshold. Includes network service information detection means for providing a new installation condition obtained by correcting the new installation request.

  A network service information providing apparatus according to the present invention provides network service information in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) providing wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed. A network service information providing device for estimating communication service quality caused by newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system in response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, The network service information detecting means for providing a new installation condition in which the new installation request is corrected when the quality falls below a predetermined threshold value.

  The network service information providing method according to the present invention is a network service information providing method in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) that provide wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed. In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, the communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow area wireless communication system is estimated, and the communication service quality falls below a predetermined threshold. Includes a step of providing a new installation condition obtained by correcting the new installation request.

  The operation control method according to the present invention is an operation control method for a network service information providing apparatus in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) that provide wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed. In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, the communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow area wireless communication system is estimated, and the communication service quality falls below a predetermined threshold. In some cases, the method includes a step of providing a new installation condition obtained by correcting the new installation request.

  The program according to the present invention executes on a computer the operation of a network service information providing apparatus in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) that provide wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed. In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow-area wireless communication system, a communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow-area wireless communication system is estimated, and the communication service quality is predetermined. When it falls below a threshold value, it includes a process of providing a new installation condition in which the new installation request is corrected.

  The operation of the present invention will be described. In the present invention, a wireless area notification server capable of estimating a radio propagation characteristic is provided based on a structure such as a surrounding building and parameters such as a position of a wireless system, transmission power, and frequency, and the present invention relates to a hot spot or an ad hoc network. Understand the radio propagation status. With this wireless area notification server as the core, the following services are provided.

  That is, a cellular system that is a wide area system can be applied to communication between the wireless area notification server and the user. In addition, a user who wants to use a hot spot service notifies the wireless area notification server of his / her location, and the wireless area notification server notifies the hot spot communication area close to the user's location. Thereby, the user can grasp the location of the hot spot.

  Furthermore, the wireless area notification server can also provide information on ad hoc networks that are close to the user who wants to participate in the existing ad hoc network. Furthermore, a user who constructs a new ad hoc network notifies the wireless area notification server of his / her position, and the wireless area notification server takes into account the surrounding interference situation, so that the transmission power and the frequency used can be realized so that high throughput can be realized. Notify the recommended value. The wireless area notification server stores the fact that a new ad hoc network exists, and uses it for inquiries to users who want to participate in subsequent ad hoc networks and for estimating the radio wave propagation environment.

  Also, the wireless LAN hotspot service provider notifies the wireless area notification server of the installation location, transmission power, and frequency parameters of the wireless LAN base station. The wireless area notification server estimates interference from the surroundings and a radio wave reachable range and notifies the hot spot service provider. By using this information, the hot spot service provider can provide services based on optimization criteria such as maximizing throughput. Furthermore, the wireless area notification server can be used to estimate information to be provided to users who wish to use hot spot services in the future and other hot spot providers based on the location of the wireless base station. it can.

  In this way, by introducing a wireless area notification server that can estimate radio propagation characteristics, changes such as new installation / decommissioning of radio base stations, ad-hoc networks, movement of structures such as buildings, etc. It is possible to follow a radio propagation environment and notify an appropriate heterogeneous radio system in a timely manner.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an appropriate radio system desired by a user in a situation where a radio system having a wide service area, a radio system having a narrow service area, and a radio system providing an ad hoc service are mixed. It is possible to provide information for connecting to the network, and there is an effect that serviceability for the user can be improved.

  In addition, according to the present invention, even when a plurality of hot spot service operators having different service policies coexist, a hot communication service can be provided in consideration of interference, propagation loss, and delay distortion. There is an effect that it is possible to indicate the arrangement of base stations that provide the spot service.

  An embodiment of the network service information providing method of the present invention will be described in detail by taking the system configuration of FIG. 1 as an example. In FIG. 1, 100 is the Internet, 101 is a cellular system cell, 102-1 and 102-2 are wireless LAN system cells, 103-1 and 103-2 are ad hoc network cells, 110 is a terminal, and 115 is a wireless line. , 120 is a positioning server, and 130 is a wireless area notification server.

  The Internet 100 is interconnected as an infrastructure of a cellular system cell 101 and wireless LAN system cells 102-1 and 102-2. In FIG. 1, only one cell 101 is shown as a cell of the cellular system for simplicity, but there are a plurality of adjacent cells, and the cellular system covers a wide area.

  The cells 102-1 and 102-2 of the wireless LAN system are connected to the Internet 100, and provide high-speed Internet connection services to hot spots with many users. The cells 102-1 and 102-2 of the wireless LAN system, for example, can be configured without authorization when using a 2.4 GHz band wireless LAN used as an ISM band. The management organization of 1,102-2 may be different.

  On the other hand, the ad hoc networks 103-1 and 103-2 are not connected to the Internet 100 as an infrastructure, and constitute a local closed network. The terminal 110 is connected to the cell 101 of the cellular system via the wireless line 115. The user terminal 110 also has a communication interface of another wireless system so that it can be connected with different wireless systems such as the cells 102-1 and 102-2 of the wireless LAN system and the ad hoc networks 103-1 and 103-2. In addition, the user can connect both a terminal 110 that can be connected to a wide area wireless communication system and terminals that can be connected to different wireless systems such as the cells 102-1 and 102-2 of the wireless LAN system and the ad hoc networks 103-1 and 103-2. You may have.

  FIG. 2 is a basic sequence example of the network service information providing method of the present application in the system configuration of FIG. First, the user of the terminal 110 instructs a network information request to the terminal in order to obtain information about the network that the user needs (S100). In response to a request from the user, the terminal 110 transmits a position information request message to the positioning server 120 in order to measure the position of the terminal 110 (S101). The positioning server 120 transmits a position information response message including the position where the terminal 110 exists as a response to the position information request message to the terminal 110 (S102).

  The terminal 110 combines the own location included in the location information response message and the network information request input by the user, and transmits it to the wireless area notification server 130 (S103). The wireless area notification server 130 performs processing based on the location of the terminal 110 and the network information request requested by the user (S104), and responds to the terminal 110 with information requested by the user as a network information response message (S105). . When the terminal 110 receives the network information response message, the terminal 110 displays it so that the user can confirm (S106). In the example of FIG. 1, the positioning server 120 is provided. However, if the terminal 110 itself has a positioning function, it is not necessary to provide this positioning server.

In this basic sequence, as a user's network information request, for example,
1) Grasping the location where a familiar hot spot service can be used in order to receive a service using higher speed transmission (hereinafter referred to as hot spot request),
2) Understanding of nearby ad hoc networks that match the user's interests and can participate (hereinafter referred to as ad hoc participation requests),
3) Understanding the conditions necessary for building a new ad hoc network (hereinafter referred to as an ad hoc construction request),
Consider these three.

  The hot spot request message can be realized, for example, in the format shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, 300 is a message identifier field, 301 is a terminal location field, and 302 is a radio system profile field. The wireless system profile field 302 describes hot spot requirements such as the type of wireless system to which the terminal can connect.

  Further, the ad hoc participation request message and the ad hoc construction request message can be realized, for example, in the format shown in FIG. This message has an ad hoc profile field 303 indicating an ad hoc profile in addition to the message shown in FIG. In the ad hoc participation request message, a request condition for the ad hoc network desired to participate in the ad hoc profile field 303 is described. (As described in paragraph “0042”, an example of this requirement is shown in FIG. 7.) On the other hand, the ad hoc construction request message describes a condition for the ad hoc network to be constructed.

  The difference in operation for these different requests is summarized in the difference in operation of the wireless area notification server 130. First, a system diagram of the wireless area notification server 130 is shown, and the operation will be described in detail regarding these three cases.

  FIG. 5 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of the wireless area notification server 130. In FIG. 5, 200 is an input / output terminal, 201 is a message handling unit, 202 is a hot spot request control unit, 203 is an ad hoc participation request control unit, 204 is an ad hoc construction request control unit, 205 is a radio wave propagation estimation unit, and 206 is a switch. , 210 is a database group.

  The database group 210 includes an ad hoc network database 210-1, a hot spot network database 210-2, and a map / structure database 210-3. Each of the hot spot network database 210-2 and the ad hoc network database 210-1 can be configured as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is an example of the hot spot network database 210-2, which is based on the location of a base station that provides wireless communication services to areas such as hot spot cells 102-1 and 102-2 and the wireless profile of the base station. Composed. Examples of items constituting the wireless profile include parameters characterizing the wireless service provided by the base station, such as wireless system information indicating the type of wireless system, frequency used, transmission power, antenna directivity, and the like. Can be mentioned. As other matters, the installation height of the base station can be included.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the ad hoc network database 210-1, the position of the ad hoc network held in an area such as the cells 103-1 and 103-2 of the ad hoc network (for example, the position of the host terminal), and the communication service. It is composed of a wireless profile that provides an ad hoc network and an ad hoc profile that characterizes an ad hoc network. The wireless profile can be configured with the same items as those shown in FIG. The ad hoc profile includes, for example, the main communication mode (conversation, stream, data, etc.) performed in the ad hoc network, an authentication code for controlling availability of participation, content shared in the ad hoc network, the expected time of existence of the ad hoc network, etc. is there. It is possible to include information such as the contact information of the ad hoc network organizer.

  In addition, the map / structure database 210-3 specifies the size and arrangement of structures such as furniture such as buildings and roads if indoors, walls and desks if indoors, etc. Output structure data. Furthermore, the structure data can include physical property data of each structure. The radio wave propagation estimation unit 205 estimates the radio wave propagation environment based on the output from the database 210, and estimates and outputs the interference characteristics of the wireless system and the wireless communication quality.

  The operation when the wireless area notification server 130 configured in this manner receives the above-described hot spot request, ad hoc join request, and ad hoc configuration request messages will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, referring to FIG. 8, when a message is input via the input terminal 200 (step S20), the message handling unit 201 refers to the message identification field 300 of the input message, and determines the hot spot request message, ad hoc. It is determined whether the message is a participation request message or an ad hoc construction request message (step S21), and the received message is supplied to the hot spot request control unit 202, ad hoc participation request control unit 203, and ad hoc construction request control unit 204, respectively. (Steps S22-24).

  Each of the hot spot request control unit 202, the ad hoc participation request control unit 203, and the ad hoc construction request control unit 204 operates while controlling the database group 201 as follows based on the input message.

  First, operations of the hot spot request control unit 202 and the radio wave propagation estimation unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG. The hot spot request control unit 202 searches the hot spot network database 210-2 based on the contents described in the terminal position field 301 and the wireless profile field 302 included in the message, for example, within a radius of 500 meters centering on the terminal. As a range, base stations for hot spots existing in the search range are extracted (step S30). Further, the database 210 is controlled such that the extracted base station outputs a base station that matches the request condition described in the wireless profile field 302 as a candidate base station. The size of the search area can also be included in the hot spot request message transmitted from the terminal.

  Then, based on the terminal position field 301 included in the message, a range including the search range, for example, a range with a radius of 750 m centered on the terminal is set as the estimated range from the map / structure database 210-3, and the structure within the estimated range The database 210 is controlled so as to extract structure data such as the size and arrangement of the object (step S31). The extracted radio base station information, building and structure data are supplied to the radio wave propagation estimating unit 205, and the radio wave propagation characteristics in the estimation range are estimated based on these data (step S32). As a method for estimating the radio wave propagation characteristics, for example, a well-known ray launching method can be used. This estimation result is output to the message handling unit 201 (step S33).

  Operations of the ad hoc participation request control unit 203 and the radio wave propagation estimation unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG. First, based on the contents described in the terminal location field 301, the radio profile field 302, and the ad hoc profile field 303 included in the message, the radio system profile field exists within the search range described above from the ad hoc network database 210-1. 302, the database 210 is controlled so as to output an ad hoc network that matches the requirements described in the ad hoc profile field 303 as a candidate ad hoc network (step S40). The size of the search area can also be included in the ad hoc participation request message transmitted from the terminal.

  Next, based on the terminal position field 301 included in the message, the database 210 is controlled so as to extract the structure data such as the size and arrangement of the structure within the estimated range from the map / structure database 210-3. (Step S41). The extracted ad hoc network information and building and structure data within the estimation range are supplied to the radio wave propagation estimation unit 205, and the radio wave propagation characteristics of the estimation range are estimated based on these data (step S42). As the radio wave propagation characteristic estimation method, for example, the well-known ray launching method described above can be used. This estimation result is output to the message handling unit 201 (step S43).

  Operations of the ad hoc construction request control unit 204 and the radio wave propagation estimation unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the contents described in the terminal location field 301, the wireless system profile field 302, and the ad hoc profile field 303 included in the message are added to the ad hoc network database 210-1 as newly constructed ad hoc network candidates (step S50).

  Based on the contents described in the terminal location field 301, the wireless profile field 302, and the ad hoc profile field 303 included in the message, from the hot spot network database 210-2 and the ad hoc network database 210-1, The database 210 is controlled so as to extract all of the base stations or ad hoc networks that exist and can interfere with the newly constructed ad hoc network candidates, and the base stations or ad hoc networks that the newly constructed ad hoc network candidates can interfere with (step S51). . At this time, newly constructed ad hoc network candidates are also extracted. Further, the switch 206 is controlled so that the output of the radio wave propagation estimation unit 205 is input to the ad hoc construction request control unit 204 (step S52).

  Next, the extracted ad hoc network information and building and structure data within the estimated range are supplied to the radio wave propagation estimating unit 205, and the radio wave propagation characteristics of the estimated range are estimated based on these data (step S53). As the radio wave propagation characteristic estimation method, for example, the well-known ray launching method described above can be used. Then, by evaluating the output of the radio wave propagation estimation unit 205 and adding a newly constructed ad hoc network candidate, other ad hoc networks, interference to hot spots (interference), and newly constructed from other ad hoc networks and hot spots Interference (interfered) that may occur in the ad hoc network candidate is evaluated (step S54). This evaluation is performed by calculating the amount of interference (interference) and comparing it with a predetermined threshold value.

  As a result of this evaluation, even if a newly constructed ad hoc network candidate is added so long as both interfered and interfered are acceptable, the terminal location, radio profile, and ad hoc profile that characterize the newly constructed ad hoc network candidate are The message is output to the message handling unit 201 (step S55).

  On the other hand, if a newly constructed ad hoc network candidate is added and either of the interfered or the interference interferes with the communication quality, the terminal position, the wireless profile, and the ad hoc profile are changed (step S56). Return to the operation and repeat the above operation. As this change method, there is a method of limiting transmission power, reducing transmission power by a predetermined value, moving a place, changing a frequency by a predetermined value, etc. is there.

  When the hot spot request control unit 202 and the ad hoc participation request control unit 203 are activated, data retrieved from the database 210 is input to the radio wave propagation estimation unit 205, and hot spots existing within the estimated range, interference status related to the ad hoc network, radio waves Radio communication quality such as propagation characteristics is output to the message handling unit 201. Based on the input wireless communication quality, the message handling unit 201 sends a message including a location where the service can be received around the terminal to the terminal 110 that has transmitted the hot spot request message and the ad hoc participation request message. And output via the input / output terminal 200 (see step S25 in FIG. 8). The information of the network information response message includes communication quality information and congestion degree information described later.

The terminal 110 that has received these network information response messages displays, for example, the hot spot closest to the terminal position and the position of the ad hoc network to the user. In addition, the terminal 110 superimposes the status of the service area (communication quality information) including the communication quality that can be provided by the narrow-area wireless communication system of the hot spot or ad hoc network, for example, with map information,
High quality area: white
Low quality area: black High quality and low quality border area: Can be visually displayed to the user like gray. By viewing this display, the user can grasp, for example, the hot spot or ad hoc network closest to the current location.

  Further, the wireless area notification server 130 can estimate the degree of hot spot congestion by inquiring each base station about the number of terminals providing services from the base station of each hot spot. With regard to an ad hoc network, for example, the degree of congestion of the ad hoc network can be estimated by inquiring the organizer about the number of connected persons. At this time, the network information response message to the hot spot request control message or the ad hoc participation request message can include the congestion degree of the hot spot or the ad hoc network.

When the terminal 110 receives the network information response message including the degree of congestion, for example, it overlaps with the map information,
Congested area with many connections: Red
Empty area with a small number of connections: Blue As described above, an intermediate area between a crowded area and an empty area: yellow can be visually displayed to the user. By viewing this display, the user can grasp, for example, a hot spot or ad hoc network closest to the current location while avoiding a congested area.

  On the other hand, when the ad hoc construction control unit 204 is activated, a terminal position, a wireless profile, and an ad hoc profile that characterize a newly constructed ad hoc network candidate are input to the message handling unit 201. The message handling unit 201 creates such information as a network information response message, and outputs it to the terminal 110 that has transmitted the ad hoc construction request message via the input / output terminal 200. The terminal 110 displays the content of the received network information response message to the user, and displays information for newly constructing an ad hoc network without causing interference or interference.

  In the above embodiment, the ad hoc network does not exist in a fixed manner and may be moved. This case can be dealt with by using the ad hoc configuration request message as a construction of a new ad hoc network. The hot spot network database 210-2 can also dynamically change data as new base stations are installed and removed. Similarly, the map / structure database 210-3 can update the contents of data in accordance with building construction, rearrangement of fixtures, and the like. The data update of the hot spot network database 210-2 and the map / structure database 210-3 is not particularly shown, but an update input terminal is provided separately, and the network administrator uses the update input terminal. The database can be updated by updating the data in the hot spot network database 210-2 and the map / structure database 210-3 periodically or when the network configuration or structure changes. It is also possible to save the output result of the radio wave propagation estimation unit 205 and use the saved output result without performing radio wave propagation estimation every time various request messages are received.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking the system configuration of FIG. 12 as an example. In FIG. 12, 100 is the Internet, 102-1 to 102-4 are hot spot wireless communication areas, 500-1 to 500-3 are hot spot communication service providers, 510 is a wireless area notification server, and 520 is a hot spot wireless communication area. It is a building such as a shopping mall or airport including 102-1 to 102-4.

  Hotspot wireless communication areas 102-1 to 102-4 are connected to the Internet 100, and provide a connection service to the Internet 100 for users. The hot spot wireless communication areas 102-1 to 102-4 may be managed by any of the hot spot communication service providers 500-1 to 500-3, or one hot spot communication service provider, for example, 500- It may be managed in 1.

  In such a situation, for example, consider a case where the hot spot wireless communication provider 500-1 adds a new hot spot wireless communication area. FIG. 13 shows a basic sequence example at this time. The hot spot wireless communication service provider 500-1 transmits a message requesting the establishment of an area to the wireless communication area notification server 501 (S201).

  As a message for requesting the establishment of an area, for example, the format shown in FIG. 14 can be used. In FIG. 14, 600 is a message identifier field, 610 is an installation location profile field, and 620 is a wireless system profile field. As a message for requesting the establishment of a new area, two types of messages can be used: a hot spot base station request message and a hot spot area request message. In the message identifier field 600, identifiers for identifying these messages are input. . Each of the hot spot base station request message and the hot spot area request message can be configured as follows, for example.

Hotspot base station request message:
In the installation position configuration profile field 610, the position where the base station for providing the hot spot communication service is installed is input. As the position, an absolute position such as 35.2234 degrees north latitude, 135.2344 degrees east longitude, 35.8 m above sea level, an address, the name of a structure such as a building to be installed, or the like can be used. In the wireless system profile area 620, parameters characterizing the wireless system, such as a wireless system to be used, a frequency to be used, and a transmission speed to be provided, are input.

Hotspot area request message:
In the installation position configuration profile field 610, an area where the hot spot communication service is to be provided is input. As an area, for example, within an absolute area, address, service area such as 35.2234 degrees to 35.2235 degrees north latitude, 135.2344 degrees to 135.2345 degrees east longitude, 35.8 m to 36.8 m above sea level A group of structures such as included buildings can be used. In the wireless system profile area 620, parameters characterizing the wireless system, such as a wireless system to be used, a frequency to be used, and a transmission speed to be provided, are input.

  When the wireless communication area communication server 510 receives the hot spot base station request message and the hot spot area request message, the wireless communication area communication server 510 starts processing based on these messages, and the hot spot wireless communication provider that has transmitted these request messages, for example, A message for indicating a condition for newly establishing an area and an area newly established response message are transmitted to the hot spot wireless communication provider 500-1 (S202).

  The format of this message can be realized by the format shown in FIG. 14, for example. In the message identifier field 600, an identifier for identifying these messages is input. Each of the hot spot base station response message and the hot spot area response message can be configured as follows, for example. In the installation location configuration profile field 610, the installation location of the base station that provides the hot spot communication service is input. As the position, an absolute position such as 35.2234 degrees north latitude, 135.2344 degrees east longitude, 35.8 m above sea level, an address, the name of a structure such as a building to be installed, or the like can be used.

  In the wireless system profile field 620, parameters necessary for setting the wireless system, such as a wireless system to be used, a frequency capable of providing appropriate service quality in consideration of interference, a transmission rate that can be provided, and transmission power, are input. Is done. Further, as additional information, it is possible to add information on interference and interference caused by newly installing a hot spot.

  The wireless area notification server 510 can be configured as shown in FIG. 15, for example. In FIG. 15, 700 is an input / output terminal, 701 is a message handling unit, 702 is a hot spot base station request control unit, 704 is a hot spot area request control unit, 705 is a radio wave propagation estimation unit, 706 is a switch, and 710 is a database group. And a hot spot network database 710-1 (hereinafter abbreviated as a hot spot database) and a map / structure database 710-2. The message handling unit 701 receives a hot spot base station request message or a hot spot area request message via the input / output terminal 700.

  The message handling unit 701 refers to the message identifier field 600 of the input message, and if it is a hot spot base station request message, it sends it to the hot spot base station request control unit 702, and if it is a hot spot area request message, the hot spot area request. The message input to the control unit 704 is output. Further, by controlling the switch 706, if the output of the radio wave propagation estimating unit 705 is a hot spot base station request message if the input message is a hot spot base station request message, the output is a hot spot area request message. These are supplied to the hot spot area request control unit 704, respectively.

  The operations of the hot spot base station request control unit 702, hot spot area request control unit 704, database group 710, and radio wave propagation estimation unit 705 will be described with reference to the flow of FIG.

  In the profile setting step (S1), the hot spot base station request control unit 702, the hot spot base station request message supplied from the message handling unit 701 by the hot spot area request control unit 704, and the installation location profile field of the hot spot area request message The content described in 610 and the wireless system profile field 620 is read and temporarily stored as an installation position profile and a wireless system profile in a work memory such as a RAM which is a temporary storage memory.

  The hot spot database update step (S2) is performed by the hot spot base station request control unit 702 and the hot spot area request control unit 704 in accordance with the message input from the input / output terminal 700. Information of the requested new hot spot shown in the installation position profile and the wireless system profile is added to the hot spot database 710-1. The hot spot database 710-1 can be configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

  The radio wave propagation estimation data extraction step (S3) is performed by the hot spot base station request control unit 702 and the hot spot area request control unit 704 in accordance with the message input from the input / output terminal 700. Based on the installation position profile, a propagation estimation area for performing radio wave propagation estimation is obtained, map / structure data in the propagation estimation area is extracted from the map / structure database 710-2, and is output to the radio wave propagation estimation unit 705. . Further, based on the wireless system profile, data related to other hot spots that are affected by interference or interference due to the establishment of hot spots is extracted and output to the radio wave propagation estimation unit 705.

  In the radio wave propagation estimation step (S4), the radio wave propagation estimation unit 705 estimates the radio wave propagation situation in the propagation estimation area based on the data extracted in the radio wave propagation estimation data extraction step S4, and interference, propagation loss, delay The communication service quality in the propagation estimation area is estimated and output in consideration of distortion.

  The condition determination step (S5) is performed by the hot spot base station request control unit 702 or the hot spot area request control unit 704 to which the output of the radio wave propagation estimation step S4 is input via the switch 706 controlled by the message handling unit 701. Is done. In this step, the communication service quality generated by the establishment of the new hot spot estimated in the radio wave propagation estimation step S4 is evaluated, and it is determined whether or not a sufficient communication service can be provided. If a sufficient communication service can be provided, a response message output step S6 is performed. If a sufficient communication service cannot be provided, a hot spot database deletion step S7 is performed. This evaluation is performed by comparing the communication service quality with a prescribed threshold value.

  In the response message output step (S6), when it is determined in the condition determination step S5 that a sufficient communication service can be provided, the hot spot base station request control unit 702 or the hot spot area request control unit 704 holds it as a work area. A hot spot base station response message or a hot spot area response message is created based on the installed location profile and the wireless system profile, and is output to the message handling unit 701.

  In the hot spot database deletion step (S7), if it is determined in the condition determination step S5 that a sufficient communication service cannot be provided, the hot spot base station request control unit 702 or the hot spot area request control unit 704 Data registered in the hot spot database 710-1 is deleted based on the installation position profile and the wireless system profile stored in the memory.

  In the installation position profile / wireless system profile update step (S8), when it is determined in the condition determination step S5 that sufficient communication service cannot be provided, the hot spot base station request control unit 702 or the hot spot area request control unit 704 The installation position profile and the wireless system profile are modified so that sufficient communication service can be provided. As this correction method, a method similar to the method in step S56 of the flow of FIG. 11 described above can be used. After the correction, the steps after the hot spot database update step S2 are repeated.

  The message handling unit 701 sends the hot spot base station response message or hot spot area response message generated by the above processing via the input / output terminal 700 at the source of the hot spot base station request message or hot spot area request message. Transmit to a hot spot service provider 501-1.

  The wireless area notification server 705 sets the upper limit of the number of loops shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, and rejects the new establishment requested by the hot spot base station request message or the hot spot area request message when the upper limit is exceeded. It is also possible to set as follows.

  In the present embodiment, the establishment of a hot spot has been described. However, the removal of a hot spot can be dealt with by removing data on the hot spot to be removed from the hot spot database 710-1. In addition, the map / structure database 710-2 can be appropriately updated in accordance with changes such as the establishment of a new building or the addition of walls.

  Note that the operation flows of FIGS. 8 to 11 and FIG. 16 described above can be controlled by recording these procedures as a program in a recording medium in advance and causing the computer to read and execute them. Of course.

1 is a system configuration example illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the sequence in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an example format of a hot spot request message. It is a format example of an ad hoc participation request message and an ad hoc construction request message. It is a systematic diagram which shows the Example of the radio | wireless area notification server. It is an example of the data structure of the hot spot network database 210-2,710-1. It is an example of a data structure of the ad hoc network database 210-21. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process of step S22 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a process of step S23 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process of step S24 of FIG. It is an example of a system configuration explaining a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the sequence in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a format example of a hot spot base station request message, a hot spot area request message, a hot spot base station response message, and a hot spot area response message. It is a systematic diagram showing an example of a wireless area notification server 510. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a hot spot base station request control unit 702, a hot spot area request control unit 704, a database group 710, and a radio wave propagation estimation unit 705. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system with which the radio system was mixed.

Explanation of symbols

100 Internet
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Cellular system cell 102-1 to 102-4 Hot spot like wireless LAN system cell Wireless communication area 103-1, 103-2 Ad hoc network cell
110 terminals
115 wireless line
120 positioning server
130,510 Wireless area notification server
200,700 I / O terminals
201,701 Message handling section
202 Hot spot request control unit
203 Ad hoc participation request controller
204 Ad hoc construction request control unit
205,705 Radio wave propagation estimation unit
206,706 switch
210,710 Databases
210-1 Ad hoc network database 210-2, 710-1 Hot spot network database 210-3, 710-2 Map / structure database
702 Hotspot base station request control unit
704 Hot spot area request control unit

Claims (17)

A network service information providing system in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) that provide wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed,
In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, the communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow area wireless communication system is estimated, and when the communication service quality falls below a predetermined threshold, A network service information providing system comprising network service information detecting means for providing a new installation condition obtained by correcting the new installation request. The network service information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the new establishment request includes a position of a base station for providing a communication service by the newly established narrow-area wireless communication system. 2. The network service information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the new establishment request includes an area where a communication service is provided by the newly established narrow-area wireless communication system. The network service information detecting means includes
Specifications relating to wireless transmission for each of the narrow-area wireless communication systems, positions of base stations for providing communication services by each of the narrow-area wireless communication systems, and structures and geographical information that affect radio wave propagation And a database that stores
Considering mutual radio interference, radio propagation loss, and delay distortion between the narrow area radio communication systems, communication service quality that each of the narrow area radio communication system based on the new request and the existing narrow area radio communication system can provide Means for estimating
The network service information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A network service information providing apparatus for providing network service information in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) providing wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed. ,
In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, the communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow area wireless communication system is estimated, and when the communication service quality falls below a predetermined threshold, A network service information providing apparatus comprising network service information detecting means for providing a new installation condition obtained by correcting the new installation request. 6. The network service information providing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the new establishment request includes a position of a base station for providing a communication service by the newly established narrow-area wireless communication system. 6. The network service information providing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the new establishment request includes an area where a communication service is provided by the newly established narrow area wireless communication system. The network service information detecting means includes
Specifications relating to wireless transmission for each of the narrow-area wireless communication systems, positions of base stations for providing communication services by each of the narrow-area wireless communication systems, and structures and geographical information that affect radio wave propagation And a database that stores
Considering mutual radio interference, radio propagation loss, and delay distortion between the narrow area radio communication systems, communication service quality that each of the narrow area radio communication system based on the new request and the existing narrow area radio communication system can provide Means for estimating
The network service information providing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the network service information providing apparatus comprises: A network service information providing method in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) that provide wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed,
In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, the communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow area wireless communication system is estimated, and when the communication service quality falls below a predetermined threshold, A network service information providing method comprising the step of providing a new installation condition obtained by correcting the new installation request. 10. The network service information providing method according to claim 9, wherein the new establishment request includes a position of a base station for providing a communication service by the newly established narrow-area wireless communication system. 10. The network service information providing method according to claim 9, wherein the new establishment request includes an area where a communication service is provided by the newly established narrow-area wireless communication system. Specifications relating to wireless transmission for each of the narrow-area wireless communication systems, positions of base stations for providing communication services by each of the narrow-area wireless communication systems, and structures and geographical information that affect radio wave propagation Prepare a database that stores
Considering mutual radio interference, radio propagation loss, and delay distortion between the narrow area radio communication systems, communication service quality that each of the narrow area radio communication system based on the new request and the existing narrow area radio communication system can provide The network service information providing method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of estimating the network service information. An operation control method for a network service information providing apparatus in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) that provide wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed,
In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, the communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow area wireless communication system is estimated, and when the communication service quality falls below a predetermined threshold, An operation control method comprising a step of providing a new installation condition obtained by correcting the new installation request. 14. The operation control method according to claim 13, wherein the new installation request includes a position of a base station for providing a communication service by the newly established narrow area wireless communication system. 14. The operation control method according to claim 13, wherein the new installation request includes an area where a communication service is provided by the newly established narrow-area wireless communication system. Specifications relating to wireless transmission for each of the narrow-area wireless communication systems, positions of base stations for providing communication services by each of the narrow-area wireless communication systems, and structures and geographical information that affect radio wave propagation Prepare a database that stores
Considering mutual radio interference, radio propagation loss, and delay distortion between the narrow area radio communication systems, communication service quality that each of the narrow area radio communication system based on the new request and the existing narrow area radio communication system can provide 16. The operation control method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of estimating. A program for causing a computer to execute the operation of a network service information providing apparatus in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication systems (referred to as narrow-area wireless communication systems) providing wireless communication services in an area having a predetermined area are mixed. And
In response to a new installation request for newly installing the narrow area wireless communication system, the communication service quality caused by the new establishment of the narrow area wireless communication system is estimated, and when the communication service quality falls below a predetermined threshold, A program comprising a process for providing a new installation condition obtained by correcting the new installation request.

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