JP2019138875A - Position detector, base station device, position detection method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a position detector with which it is possible to stably acquire position information without useless consuming the electric power of a mobile terminal.SOLUTION: Provided is a position detector for detecting the position of a mobile terminal connected for communication to a base station device, the position detector comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring directivity information relating to the directivity of a beam formed toward the mobile terminal, which is obtained by beam sweeping by the base station device; and a generation unit for generating position information pertaining to the mobile terminal located within an area where the beam sweeping is performed. The generation unit specifies, from among a plurality of grid areas imaginarily set within the area corresponding to each of a plurality of beams differing in directivity that are used in the beam sweeping, a grid area that corresponds to the position of the mobile terminal on the basis of the directivity information and generates the position information on the basis of the specified grid area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a position detection device, a base station device, a position detection method, and a computer program.

In a mobile communication system, a method using a GPS receiver built in a mobile terminal may be adopted for position detection of the mobile terminal (see Patent Document 1).
Also, a technique using radio waves from a plurality of base station apparatuses may be employed.

JP 2007-109171 A

In the above-described conventional method, the method using the GPS receiver can detect the position with high accuracy. However, it requires power for operating the GPS receiver, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of power consumption of the mobile terminal. .
In addition, in the method using radio waves from a plurality of base station devices, position detection cannot be performed unless the required number of base station devices capable of receiving radio waves reaches the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal communication environment The position information may not be stably acquired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of stably acquiring position information without causing a mobile terminal to waste power consumption.

  A position detection apparatus according to an embodiment is a position detection apparatus that detects a position of a mobile terminal that is connected to a base station apparatus, and is formed toward the mobile terminal obtained by beam sweeping by the base station apparatus. An acquisition unit that acquires directivity information related to the directivity of the beam, and a generation unit that generates position information of the mobile terminal located in the region where the beam sweeping is performed, wherein the generation unit includes the region The position of the mobile terminal is determined based on the directivity information from a plurality of grid regions corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping, which are regions that are virtually set in the region. A corresponding grid area is specified, and the position information is generated based on the specified grid area.

  A base station apparatus according to another embodiment is a base station apparatus that performs position detection of a mobile terminal, and obtains directivity information related to the directivity of a beam formed toward the mobile terminal obtained by beam sweeping. An acquisition unit that acquires from the mobile terminal, and a generation unit that generates position information of the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweeping is performed, and the generation unit is virtually set in the area A grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal is determined based on the directivity information from a plurality of grid areas corresponding to each of a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping. Then, the position information is generated based on the specified grid area.

  A position detection method according to another embodiment is a position detection method for detecting a position of a mobile terminal that is communicatively connected to a base station apparatus, and is directed to the mobile terminal obtained by beam sweeping by the base station apparatus. An acquisition step of acquiring directivity information relating to the directivity of the beam formed in a step, and a generation step of generating position information of the mobile terminal located in the region where the beam sweeping is performed. The method further includes the step of virtually setting a plurality of grid regions corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping, and the generating step includes selecting the directivity information from the plurality of grid regions. To identify a grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal based on the identified grid area It generates the position information.

  A computer program according to another embodiment is a computer program for causing a computer to execute a position detection process for detecting the position of a mobile terminal that is communicatively connected to a base station apparatus. An acquisition step of acquiring directivity information related to the directivity of a beam formed toward the mobile terminal obtained by beam sweeping performed by a base station apparatus; and the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweeping is performed A generation step of generating position information; and a plurality of grid regions corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping are virtually set in the region. Further comprising the step of generating From among the plurality of grid areas, it identifies the grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal based on the directional information, a computer program for generating the location information based on the specified grid region.

  According to the present invention, position information can be acquired stably.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bird's-eye view showing an example of a cell formed by the base station apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the edge server and the base station apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a beam control table. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a directivity table in which information indicating beam directivity is registered. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cell of the base station apparatus. FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining the spread of the beam width. FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the beam width and the grid area. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the grid area specifying table. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an aspect when the position of a mobile terminal is detected. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the position detection process of the mobile terminal performed by the edge server. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the position information database.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Outline of Embodiment]
(1) A position detection apparatus according to an embodiment is a position detection apparatus that detects a position of a mobile terminal that is communicatively connected to a base station apparatus, and is directed to the mobile terminal obtained by beam sweeping by the base station apparatus. An acquisition unit that acquires directivity information related to the directivity of the beam formed, and a generation unit that generates position information of the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweeping is performed. The mobile terminal based on the directivity information from among a plurality of grid regions that are virtually set in the region and correspond to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping. A grid area corresponding to the position of is identified, and the position information is generated based on the identified grid area.

  According to the position detection apparatus having the above-described configuration, since the generation unit that generates the position information of the mobile terminal based on the directivity information is provided, the mobile terminal is connected to the base station apparatus that performs beam sweeping, and the beam sweeping is performed. If the directivity information can be obtained, the position information of the mobile terminal can be generated. As a result, the location information of the mobile terminal can be obtained stably without causing the mobile terminal to waste power.

(2) The position detection apparatus further includes a notification unit that notifies the base station apparatus of setting information regarding the plurality of beams, and the setting information includes a beam width of a beam corresponding to each of the plurality of grid regions. It is preferable that the information is set to be different depending on the distance between the plurality of grid areas and the base station apparatus.

The beam from the base station apparatus gradually spreads as the distance from the base station apparatus increases. Therefore, when beam sweeping is performed with a constant beam width, the area covered by the beam also increases as the distance from the base station apparatus increases, as with the beam. For this reason, it is necessary to set a wide grid area corresponding to the beam, which lowers the resolution of position detection.
On the other hand, in the above configuration, the base station apparatus has setting information for setting the beam width of the beam corresponding to each of the plurality of grid areas so as to differ depending on the distance between the plurality of grid areas and the base station apparatus. Since the base station apparatus controls the beam according to the setting information, the beam width can be set to be narrowed as the position of the grid area moves away from the base station apparatus. Thereby, it is not necessary to set a grid area farther away from the base station apparatus, and a decrease in resolution of position detection due to the grid area farther away from the base station apparatus can be suppressed.

(3) Moreover, the said position detection apparatus WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said acquisition part acquires the terminal identification information of the said mobile terminal corresponding to the said directivity information with the said directivity information.
In this case, position information can be generated for each of a plurality of mobile terminals.

(4) In the position detection device, the terminal identification information may be temporary identification information that is temporarily assigned to the mobile terminal to which the base station device is connected.

(5) In the position detection apparatus, the directivity information may be information acquired by receiving a synchronization signal for the mobile terminal transmitted by the plurality of beams.
In this case, the mobile terminal can obtain directivity information by receiving a synchronization signal that is a signal to be received, and it is not necessary for the mobile terminal to receive a signal only for obtaining directivity information. It is possible to effectively suppress wasteful consumption of power consumption.

(6) The position detection device may further include a position information database for registering past position information of the mobile terminal, and the generation unit generates the position information and converts the position information into the position information. It is preferable to register in the database.
In this case, it is possible to detect the trajectory that the mobile terminal has moved.

(7) Moreover, in the position detection device, the generation unit may be registered in the position information database as to whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal mounted on a vehicle or another mobile terminal. It can also be determined based on past position information.
In this case, it is possible to recognize the type of the mobile terminal such as whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal mounted on a vehicle or another mobile terminal while generating position information.

(8) In the position detection device, the directivity information may be beam identification information for identifying a beam having directivity directed toward the mobile terminal among the plurality of beams.

(9) The directivity information may be received power when the mobile terminal receives the plurality of beams.

(10) A base station apparatus according to another embodiment is a base station apparatus that detects the position of a mobile terminal, and is obtained by beam sweeping and has directivity related to the directivity of a beam formed toward the mobile terminal. An acquisition unit that acquires information from the mobile terminal, and a generation unit that generates position information of the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweeping is performed. Grid corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal based on the directivity information from among a plurality of grid regions corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping. An area is specified, and the position information is generated based on the specified grid area.

(11) The base station apparatus further includes a control unit that sets a beam width of a beam corresponding to each of the plurality of grid areas so as to be different according to a distance between the plurality of grid areas and the base station apparatus. It is preferable.
In this case, the beam width can be set so as to be narrowed as the beam is directed away from the base station apparatus. Thereby, even when the position where the beam is directed away from the base station apparatus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in position detection resolution.

(12) A position detection method according to another embodiment is a position detection method for detecting a position of a mobile terminal that is communicatively connected to a base station apparatus, the movement being obtained by beam sweeping by the base station apparatus. An acquisition step of acquiring directivity information relating to the directivity of a beam formed toward a terminal, and a generation step of generating position information of the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweep is performed, The method further includes the step of virtually setting a plurality of grid regions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping in the region, and the generating step includes, among the plurality of grid regions, the A grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal is identified based on the directivity information, and the identified grid area Based generates the location information.

(13) A computer program according to another embodiment is a computer program for causing a computer to execute a position detection process for detecting the position of a mobile terminal that is connected to a base station apparatus. Is obtained by beam sweeping performed by the base station apparatus and acquires directivity information regarding the directivity of the beam formed toward the mobile terminal, and the position located in the region where the beam sweeping is performed. A generation step of generating position information of a mobile terminal, and a plurality of grid regions corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping are virtually added to the region. Further comprising the step of setting to The step is a computer program that specifies a grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal based on the directivity information from the plurality of grid areas, and generates the position information based on the specified grid area. .

[Details of the embodiment]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
Note that at least a part of each embodiment described below may be arbitrarily combined.
[Overall configuration of mobile communication system]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a mobile communication system 1 includes a plurality of mobile terminals 2A and 2B capable of wireless communication, a plurality of base station devices 3 that wirelessly communicate with the mobile terminals 2A and 2B, an edge server 4, a core And a server 5.

The core server 5 is a server that performs processing related to a communication service provided by the mobile communication system 1.
The core server 5, the plurality of base station devices 3, and the edge server 4 are connected to the network N and can communicate with each other.
The edge server 4 is arranged at the network edge and bears a part of the processing related to the plurality of base station devices 3 to be performed by the core server 5.

  The plurality of base station devices 3 form a local communication area (cell C1) having a radius of about several tens to several hundreds of meters, for example. The plurality of cells C1 may be included in a macro cell C2 formed by a macro base station apparatus (not shown) and wider than the cell C1.

  The mobile communication system 1 of the present embodiment is a communication system that is compliant with, for example, a fifth generation mobile communication system. For this reason, the base station apparatus 3 performs wireless communication with the mobile terminals 2A and 2B located in the cell C1 formed by the own apparatus 3 using radio waves in a relatively high frequency band of 6 GHz or more, for example. .

  The mobile terminal 2 </ b> A is a wireless communication device mounted on the vehicle 6. The vehicles 6 include not only ordinary passenger cars but also public vehicles such as route buses and emergency vehicles. The mobile terminal 2 </ b> A of the vehicle 6 may be an existing wireless communication device in the vehicle 6 or a portable terminal brought into the vehicle 6 by a passenger.

  The mobile terminal 2B is composed of a mobile terminal carried by the pedestrian 7. The pedestrian 7 is a person who moves on foot such as outdoors on roads and parking lots and indoors such as in buildings and underground shopping streets. The pedestrian 7 includes not only a person walking but also a person who rides on a bicycle having no power source.

FIG. 2 is a bird's-eye view showing an example of the cell C1 formed by the base station apparatus 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, the base station device 3 executes an antenna 10, a support 11 that supports the antenna 10 at a height of several meters to several tens of meters from the ground, and processing to be performed as a base station device. And a base station control device 12.
The support 11 is provided with an edge server 4 that performs processing related to the base station device 3. The edge server 4 that performs processing related to the base station apparatus 3 and the base station apparatus 3 are arranged so that their positions on the network are relatively close.
FIG. 2 shows the case where the edge server 4 is provided on the column 11 of the base station apparatus 3. However, the edge server 4 is located at a position relatively close to the base station apparatus 3 on the network. The base station device 3 may be installed at a position physically separated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base station apparatus 3 of this embodiment forms the cell C1 in a predetermined area where the antenna 10 faces. 2, the direction orthogonal to the front (antenna surface) of the base station apparatus 3 is the X direction, the direction orthogonal to the X direction is the Y direction, and the vertical direction is the Z direction.
In the cell C1, a road R and a building (not shown) are provided, and there are a mobile terminal 2A mounted on the vehicle 6 and a mobile terminal 2B carried by a pedestrian 7.
In FIG. 2, the antenna 10 is supported at a high place by the column 11, but may be installed in a high building such as a building.

The base station device 3 has a function of performing beam forming. When the base station apparatus 3 performs radio communication with the mobile terminals 2A and 2B in the cell C1, the base station apparatus 3 controls the directivity by beam forming so that the beam is directed to the mobile terminals 2A and 2B connected in the cell C1.
As described above, the base station device 3 performs wireless communication using a frequency of 6 GHz or more. In general, a radio wave having a relatively high frequency such as 6 GHz or more has a large attenuation during propagation. For this reason, the base station apparatus 3 controls the directivity of the radio wave, suppresses the attenuation of the radio wave by directing the beam to the mobile terminals 2A and 2B to be connected, and performs radio communication using a high frequency of 6 GHz or more. To compensate for the attenuation of radio waves.

[Configuration of edge server and base station apparatus]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the edge server 4 and the base station device 3.
Note that the edge server 4 shown in FIG. 3 is installed so that the position on the network is in the vicinity of the base station device 3, and performs part of the processing related to the base station device 3 to be performed by the core server 5.
Further, the edge server 4 has a function of detecting the positions of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B that are connected to the base station apparatus 3 for communication.

As described above, the base station device 3 includes the antenna 10 and the base station control device 12.
The antenna 10 includes a large number of antenna elements 10a and constitutes an array antenna. In FIG. 3, for example, 64 antenna elements 10a are provided.

The antenna 10 includes an amplifier, a phase adjuster, and a gain adjuster corresponding to each antenna element 10a. Therefore, the antenna 10 can individually adjust the phase and gain of signals transmitted and received by each antenna element 10a.
By individually adjusting the phase and gain of the signal transmitted and received by each antenna element 10a, the direction (directivity direction) and beam width of the beam formed by the antenna 10 can be adjusted.
The base station controller 12 controls the phase adjusters and gain adjusters corresponding to the respective antenna elements 10a.

The base station control device 12 includes a processing device 15, a communication unit 16, and an interface unit (IF unit) 17.
The communication unit 16 is connected to the network N and has a function of performing data communication with the edge server 4 and the core server 5 via the network N.
The IF unit 17 is connected to the antenna 10 and transmits and receives communication signals of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B transmitted and received by the antenna 10. The IF unit 17 also sends and receives control commands to the phase adjuster and gain adjuster of the antenna 10 generated by the processing device 15.

  The processing device 15 is configured by a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a memory and a hard disk. The storage device included in the processing device 15 stores a computer program to be executed by the CPU, and the CPU reads and executes the computer program to realize various functions of the processing device 15 described later. The

The processing device 15 functionally includes a communication control unit 15a and an antenna control unit 15b.
The communication control unit 15a has a function of performing processing related to wireless communication with the mobile terminals 2A and 2B. Further, the communication control unit 15a has a function of performing beam sweeping, which is processing necessary for maintaining communication connection with the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.
The beam sweeping is a process for obtaining optimum directivity for the mobile terminals 2A and 2B to be connected for communication, which will be described in detail later.

The antenna control unit 15 b has a function for controlling the antenna 10. The antenna control unit 15 b generates a control command for the phase adjuster and gain adjuster of the antenna 10, and gives the control command to the antenna 10 via the IF unit 17. Accordingly, the antenna control unit 15b controls the directivity direction and the beam width of the beam formed by the antenna 10.
The processing device 15 stores a beam control table 15c used when the antenna control unit 15b controls the antenna 10 in the storage device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the beam control table 15c.
In the beam control table 15c, beam numbers from 1 to N and gain and phase settings of the 64 antenna elements 10a are registered in association with each other.
The gain and phase settings corresponding to each beam number are settings for causing the antenna 10 to form a plurality of beams having different directivity directions and beam widths. In other words, the beam control table 15c has N types of gain and phase settings for setting a plurality of directional directions for covering the entire area in the cell C1, and a plurality of different beam widths in each of the directional directions. It is registered. A beam number is assigned to each of the N types of beams formed by the antenna 10.
The antenna control unit 15b selects a beam number as necessary, and acquires the gain and phase settings for the selected beam number with reference to the beam control table 15c. The antenna control unit 15 b generates the acquired gain and phase settings as a control command and supplies the generated control to the antenna 10.
The phase adjuster and gain adjuster of the antenna 10 to which the control command is given adjusts according to the control command. Accordingly, the antenna 10 forms a beam corresponding to the beam number selected by the antenna control unit 15b.

Further, the processing device 15 may store a table in which information indicating beam directivity is registered in the storage device.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a directivity table in which information indicating beam directivity is registered.
In FIG. 5, in the directivity table, beam numbers 1 to N are registered in association with vertical and horizontal angle and beam width settings. The beam number corresponds to the beam number of the beam control table 15c. Therefore, the antenna control unit 15b can grasp the vertical and horizontal angles and beam width of the beam formed by the beam control table 15c by referring to the directivity table.

  As described above, the antenna control unit 15b controls the directivity direction and the beam width of the beam formed by the antenna 10 using the beam control table 15c.

As shown in FIG. 3, the edge server 4 includes a processing device 18 and a communication unit 19.
The communication unit 19 is connected to the network N and has a function of performing data communication with the core server 5 and the base station device 3 via the network N.

  The processing device 18 is configured by a computer including a CPU, a storage device such as a memory and a hard disk. The storage device included in the processing device 18 stores a computer program and the like to be executed by the CPU. When the computer program is read and executed by the CPU, various functions included in the processing device 18 described later are realized. The

The processing device 18 functions as an acquisition unit 18a, a generation unit 18b, and a used beam notification unit 18c in addition to a function of performing a part of the processing related to the base station device 3 to be performed by the core server 5 on behalf of the core server 5. Have.
The acquisition unit 18 a has a function of acquiring directivity information (described later) regarding the directivity of the beam of the base station device 3.
Moreover, the production | generation part 18b has a function which produces | generates the positional information on mobile terminal 2A, 2B which is connected in communication with the base station apparatus 3 by being located in the cell C1.
The used beam notification unit 18 c has a function of notifying the base station apparatus 3 of setting information related to the beam setting of the base station apparatus 3.

Further, in the processing device 18, the generation unit 18 b stores a grid area specifying table 18 d used for generating position information of the mobile terminals 2 </ b> A and 2 </ b> B in the storage unit.
The grid area specifying table 18d is a table used for specifying the positions of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.

Furthermore, the processing device 18 includes a location information database 18e for registering the location information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B generated by the generation unit 18b over time, and map data 18f of an area covered by the cell C1 of the base station device 3. Is stored in the storage device.
The map data 18f is 3D indicating the three-dimensional shape (three-dimensional shape) of the building or road in addition to the two-dimensional information indicating the position of the building or road in the area covered by the cell C1 of the base station device 3. Dimensional information is also included. The position information on the map indicated by the map data 18f can be represented by, for example, two-dimensional coordinates.
The position information database 18e will be described in detail later.

[About grid area]
The edge server 4 of the present embodiment generates location information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B based on a plurality of grid areas that are areas virtually set in the cell C1 of the base station device 3.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cell C <b> 1 of the base station device 3. In addition, the road R etc. in the cell C1 are shown with the dashed-two dotted line.

In FIG. 6, a plurality of grid regions 20 are set in the cell C1. Each grid region 20 has a rectangular shape, and is arranged over almost the entire area in the cell C1. Thus, the area in the cell C1 is divided in units of the grid area 20.
Each grid area 20 is associated with position information on the map indicated by the map data 18f. Therefore, if the mobile terminal 2A, 2B is specified in which grid area 20 among the plurality of grid areas 20 in the cell C1, the positions of the mobile terminals 2A, 2B are specified in units of the grid area 20. be able to.
Each grid area 20 is represented by two-dimensional coordinates on the map indicated by the map data 18f.

The plurality of grid areas 20 are set corresponding to each of the plurality of beams formed by the antenna 10 of the base station device 3.
As described above, the plurality of beams formed by the antenna 10 are set to have different directivities (directivity direction and beam width).
The base station apparatus 3 selects a plurality of beams to be used for wireless communication from the N types of beams registered in the beam control table 15c (FIG. 4) in order to cover the wireless communication in the cell C1. And use.

The base station apparatus 3 has a list (first beam list) indicating beam numbers of a plurality of used beams used for covering wireless communication in the cell C1, and by referring to this beam list, a plurality of Identify the beam used.
Further, as will be described later, the base station apparatus 3 may have a plurality of beam lists by being provided with another beam list (second beam list) different from the first used beam list from the edge server 4. When the base station apparatus 3 has a plurality of beam lists, the plurality of beam lists may be selectively used or may be used in combination. In the following description, a plurality of used beams used to cover wireless communication in the cell C1 included in one beam list is also referred to as a used beam group.

  The area where each used beam included in the used beam group covers radio communication with the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is uniformly arranged in the cell C1 so as not to overlap each other as much as possible. The used beam group is selected so that each used beam included in the used beam group is uniformly arranged in the cell C1. Thereby, the used beam group covers the entire area in the cell C1.

  Here, the beam group to be used is selected as follows. That is, the area covered by each of the N types of beams registered in the beam control table 15c is grasped in advance. Then, a beam to be used that is necessary to cover the entire area in the cell C1 is selected from the N types of beams. Thereby, the use beam group which can cover the whole region in the cell C1 can be selected.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of grid regions 20 aligned and arranged are set corresponding to each of the plurality of beams formed by the antenna 10 of the base station device 3 as described above.
In this case, a beam that can cover the grid region 20 is specified from each of the N types of beams, and each of the specified plurality of beams is selected as a use beam group.
Thereby, the plurality of used beams included in the used beam group are set corresponding to each of the plurality of grid regions 20 while covering the entire area in the cell C1.

In order to specify the area covered by each of the N types of beams registered in the beam control table 15c, for example, the beam control table 15c (FIG. 4) or the directivity table (FIG. 5) of the base station apparatus 3 is provided. The area covered by each beam registered in the beam control table 15c when the installation position of the antenna 10 of the base station device 3 is used as a reference, and the calculation result is referred to to identify Alternatively, the area covered by each beam registered in the beam control table 15c may be measured and specified by referring to the actual measurement result.
A grid area 20 is set for each area covered by each use beam specified as described above.

In addition, when the base station apparatus 3 uses the first used beam list and the second used beam list, a plurality of grids corresponding to the used beam group for each of the first used beam list and the second used beam list. Set the area.
This is because the used beam group of the first used beam list and the used beam group of the second used beam list may be configured by beams having different beam numbers.

Further, the beam from the antenna 10 of the base station apparatus 3 gradually spreads as the distance from the base station apparatus 3 increases. Therefore, if the entire area of the cell C1 is to be covered with a constant beam width, the area covered by the beam will also expand as the distance from the antenna 10 increases as with the beam.
Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, if the beam width (angle) W is set in accordance with the grid area 20a closest to the antenna 10, the area covered by the beam at a position away from the antenna 10 is the grid. It becomes wider than the region 20a, and the width of the grid region 20 needs to be set wider as the distance from the antenna 10 increases. Then, the position detection resolution is lowered at a position away from the antenna 10.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the beam width of the used beam corresponding to each of the plurality of grid areas 20 is set to be different depending on the distance between the plurality of grid areas 20 and the base station apparatus 3 (the antenna 10 thereof). To do.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the beam width is set narrower (the beam angle is reduced) as the position of the grid region 20 becomes farther from the antenna 10 of the base station apparatus 3. . In FIG. 7B, the beam width W1 of the used beam B1 corresponding to the grid region 20a closest to the antenna 10 is compared with the beam width W2 of the used beam B2 corresponding to the grid region 20b farther from the antenna 10 than the grid region 20a. The beam width W2 is set smaller than the beam width W1.
Thereby, it is not necessary to set the grid region 20 farther away from the antenna 10 wider, and the decrease in position detection resolution due to the grid region 20 farther away from the antenna 10 can be suppressed.

  The setting of the beam widths of the plurality of used beams by the base station device 3 is performed by the setting beam notification unit 18c of the edge server 4 notifying the base station device 3 of the setting information. This setting information is used to set the beam width of the used beam corresponding to each of the plurality of grid areas 20 to be different depending on the distance between the plurality of grid areas 20 and the base station apparatus 3 (the antenna 10 thereof). This is a list (second used beam list) showing beam numbers of used beam groups.

  As described above, the beam that can cover the grid region 20 is selected for each grid region 20 from among the N types of beams, as described above. Also, a beam having a beam width different from the beam width of the used beam in the first used beam list is selected as the used beam included in the second used beam list. For example, when a plurality of used beams included in the first used beam list are uniformly beams having the same beam width, the used beams included in the second used beam list are included in the first used beam list. A beam whose beam width is relatively narrower than the beam used is included.

The base station apparatus 3 controls the beam using the second used beam list notified as the setting information, so that the beam width of the used beam corresponding to each of the plurality of grid areas 20 is determined based on the position of the grid area 20. The beam width is narrowed (the beam angle is reduced) as the distance from the antenna 10 of the station apparatus 3 increases.
As a result, it is not necessary to set the grid region 20 farther away from the antenna 10 widely.

  The base station apparatus 3 that has received the notification of the setting information (second used beam list) may control the beam using the second used beam list as described above, or may use the first used beam list. The list and the second use beam list may be used in combination.

  In this embodiment, the case where the base station apparatus 3 performs beam control using the second used beam list is illustrated, and the directing direction and beam width of each used beam by the base station apparatus 3 are covered by each used beam. Each grid region 20 corresponding to the region to be set is set to be aligned in the X direction and the Y direction of the cell C1.

Further, grid identification information for individually identifying each of the plurality of grid areas 20 is given to the plurality of grid areas 20.
The grid identification information is registered in the grid area specifying table 18d stored in the edge server 4.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the grid area specifying table 18d. Grid identification information and beam directivity information used by the base station apparatus 3 are registered in the grid area specifying table 18d.
In the grid area specifying table 18d, beam numbers that are information for specifying a plurality of used beams included in the second used beam list are registered as directivity information.
In the grid area specifying table 18d, directivity information (beam number) and grid identification information of the grid area 20 corresponding to the beam used indicated by the directivity information are registered in association with each other.
In the present embodiment, the grid identification information is position information (two-dimensional coordinates in the map data 18f) indicating the center point in the grid area 20.

  Therefore, for example, if the mobile terminals 2A and 2B in the cell C1 are wirelessly communicating with the base station apparatus 3 using a specific used beam, the beam number of the used beam can be acquired. By referring to the grid area specifying table 18d, the grid area 20 where the mobile terminals 2A and 2B are located can be specified, and the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B can be obtained based on the specified grid area 20.

Therefore, the acquisition unit 18a of the edge server 4 acquires directivity information regarding the directivity of the beam formed toward the mobile terminals 2A and 2B located in the cell C1.
The generation unit 18b specifies the beam number of the used beam facing the mobile terminals 2A and 2B based on the directivity information acquired by the acquisition unit 18a. The generation unit 18b can specify the grid area 20 where the mobile terminals 2A and 2B are located by referring to the grid area specification table 18d, and can obtain the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.

FIG. 8 shows the grid area specifying table 18d in which the beam numbers included in the second used beam list and the grid identification information corresponding to the beam numbers are registered. However, the edge server 4 includes the first used beam list. A table in which the included beam numbers and corresponding grid identification information are registered is also stored.
The edge server 4 acquires, from the base station apparatus 3, information related to the usage mode of the beam list, such as whether the first used beam list and the second used beam list are selectively used or used together.
The edge server 4 selects an appropriate grid area specifying table 18d based on the acquired information on the usage state of the beam list, and uses it to acquire the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.
In this embodiment, the edge server 4 acquires information indicating that the second used beam list is used from the base station apparatus 3, and the beam number included in the second used beam list and the grid identification information corresponding to the beam number are included. The registered grid area specifying table 18d in FIG. 8 is used.
In the following description, the used beam refers to a used beam included in the second used beam list registered in the grid area specifying table 18d in FIG.

[Beam sweeping]
The edge server 4 of the present embodiment detects the positions of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B every time the base station apparatus 3 performs beam sweeping.

Here, the beam sweeping means that the base station apparatus 3 sequentially transmits signals with beams having different directivities to sweep the entire area within the cell C1, and transmits notifications regarding beam reception states to the mobile terminals 2A and 2B. The process for obtaining the optimum directivity for the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.
For example, the base station device 3 transmits a synchronization signal necessary for wireless communication using each of a plurality of used beams. The base station apparatus 3 forms a plurality of used beams in a predetermined order, and transmits a synchronization signal using all of the plurality of used beams.

When the mobile terminals 2A and 2B in the cell C1 receive the synchronization signal transmitted by beam sweeping, the mobile terminals 2A and 2B transmit notification information including the terminal ID and the reception state information to the base station apparatus 3.
The terminal ID is identification information (temporary assigned) from the base station apparatus 3 to the mobile terminals 2A and 2B when the mobile terminals 2A and 2B in the cell C1 establish communication connection with the base station apparatus 3. Identification information). This terminal ID is identification information such as RNTI (Radio Network Temporary Identifier), which is temporarily assigned to the mobile terminals 2A and 2B by the lower layer than the application layer.
The reception status information is information regarding the reception status of the synchronization signal from the base station apparatus 3 transmitted by beam sweeping. The reception state information includes, for example, reception power of each of the plurality of used beams.

The base station apparatus 3 receives notification information transmitted from each of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B that are connected for communication.
The base station apparatus 3 (the communication control unit 15a) that has received the notification information uses which beam as a beam for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminals 2A and 2B based on the terminal ID and the reception state information included in the notification information. Is determined from the plurality of used beams. The base station apparatus 3 specifies an optimum beam to be used for each terminal ID (mobile terminals 2A and 2B).
For example, the base station apparatus 3 compares the received power of each of the plurality of used beams included in the reception state information, and identifies the used beam having the highest received power as the optimum used beam.

  The base station apparatus 3 obtains the optimum directivity for the mobile terminals 2A and 2B connected for communication in the cell C1 by specifying the optimum beam to be used. The base station apparatus 3 that has identified the optimum beam to be used maintains the communication connection with the target mobile terminals 2A and 2B by using the optimum beam to be used.

[Mobile terminal location detection]
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an aspect when the positions of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B are detected. In FIG. 9, only one mobile terminal 2A, 2B connected to the base station apparatus 3 is shown for easy understanding, but a plurality of mobile terminals 2A, 2B are connected to the base station apparatus 3 for communication. The same applies to the case.

As shown in FIG. 9, the base station apparatus 3 performs beam sweeping at regular intervals (steps S1 and S5).
When receiving the synchronization signal transmitted by beam sweeping by the base station device 3, the mobile terminals 2A and 2B in the cell C1 that is connected to the base station device 3 for communication connection transmit notification information to the base station device 3 (step S2, Step S6).

  The edge server 4 monitors whether or not the base station device 3 has received the notification information from the mobile terminals 2A and 2B, and recognizes that the base station device 3 has received the notification information (step S3, step S3). S7) The position of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is detected (steps S4 and S8).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the position detection process of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B performed by the edge server 4.
When the position detection process is started, the acquisition unit 18a of the edge server 4 first acquires the directivity information from the base station device 3, and acquires the terminal IDs of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B corresponding to the directivity information ( Step S11).
The directivity information is information regarding the directivity of the beam formed toward the mobile terminals 2A and 2B, and is information obtained by the base station apparatus 3 by beam sweeping.
The edge server 4 acquires, as the directivity information, the beam number indicating the optimum beam to be used, which is specified by the base station device 3 based on the reception state information by beam sweeping. The edge server 4 also acquires information indicating the time when beam sweeping is performed.

If terminal ID and directivity information are acquired in step S11, the production | generation part 18b of the edge server 4 will produce | generate the positional information on mobile terminal 2A, 2B (step S12).
When acquiring the terminal ID and the directivity information, the generating unit 18b of the edge server 4 refers to the grid area specifying table 18d (FIG. 8) and specifies the grid area 20 where the mobile terminals 2A and 2B are located.
The generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 acquires grid identification information of the grid area 20 corresponding to the beam number that is directivity information. The generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 outputs the grid identification information as the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.
Here, as described above, the grid identification information is position information (two-dimensional coordinates in the map data 18f) indicating the center point in the grid area 20.
That is, the generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 specifies the grid area 20 corresponding to the position of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B based on the directivity information, and the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B based on the specified grid area 20 Is generated.

  As described above, according to the edge server 4 of the present embodiment, since the generation unit 18b that generates the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B based on the directivity information is provided, the mobile terminals 2A and 2B are the base station devices. If the directivity information by beam sweeping can be obtained through communication connection to the mobile terminal 3, position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B can be generated. As a result, the location information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B can be obtained stably without wastefully consuming power, such as operating the GPS receiver or the like on the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.

  When the location information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is generated in step S12, the generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 uses the location information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B (the grid identification information of the identified grid area 20) together with the location information. Register in the database 18e (step S13).

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the position information database 18e.
In FIG. 11, in the position information database 18e, a terminal ID and its type information and position information (grid identification information) are registered in association with each other.
As described above, when generating the position information, the generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 registers the terminal IDs of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B corresponding to the position information together with the position information in the position information database 18e.
When the terminal ID corresponding to the generated position information is already registered in the position information database 18e, the generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 registers the position information in association with the already registered terminal ID. .
When the communication of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B with the terminal ID registered in the location information database 18e is disconnected, the generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 disconnects the terminal IDs of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B and the corresponding location information. Are deleted from the position information database 18e.

In the position information database 18e, past position information of each terminal ID is registered. A plurality of pieces of past position information are registered at each time when the base station apparatus 3 executes beam sweeping.
As shown in FIG. 9, the edge server 4 according to the present embodiment performs position detection of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B each time the base station apparatus 3 performs beam sweeping and recognizes reception of notification information from the mobile terminals 2A and 2B. I do.
Therefore, the generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 generates the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B to be connected for communication every certain period as the base station apparatus 3 performs the beam sweeping, and every time the position information is generated. Register in the position information database 18e.
That is, the past location information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B registered in the location information database 18e indicates a trajectory of movement in the cell C1 of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.

For example, in FIG. 6, when a certain mobile terminal 2B moves along the line L1 from the start point S1 to the end point E1, a plurality of hatched grid areas are stored in the position information database 18e as the position information of the mobile terminal 2B. A plurality of grid identification information indicating 20 is registered as position information.
Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to detect the approximate positions of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B in the cell C1 and the locus of movement of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.

Further, the generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 generates type information indicating the type of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B and registers it in the position information database 18e.
The type of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is the distinction of the mobile terminal depending on whether or not it is mounted on the vehicle 6, and the type information is the mobile terminal 2A mounted on the vehicle 6 by the mobile terminals 2A and 2B. This is information indicating which of the other mobile terminals 2B is not mounted on the vehicle 6, such as being carried by the pedestrian 7 or the like. In the present embodiment, the type information indicating the mobile terminal 2A is “in-vehicle”, and the type information indicating the mobile terminal 2B is “others”.

The generation unit 18b of the edge server 4 refers to the location information database 18e and determines the type of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B based on the past location information. The generation unit 18b registers type information corresponding to the determined result in the position information database 18e.
The generation unit 18b obtains the moving speeds of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B from the position information database 18e, and determines the type based on the moving speed. For example, when the moving speed moves at 30 km / h or more, it is determined as the mobile terminal 2A, and when the moving speed is lower than that, the mobile terminal 2B is determined.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the types of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B can be recognized while generating the position information.
According to the edge server 4 of the present embodiment, the location information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is generated and the type of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is also specified. The traffic information such as the distribution of the vehicle and the like, the moving speed of the vehicle 6 on the road and the staying state can be acquired.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the acquisition unit 18a of the edge server 4 acquires the terminal IDs of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B corresponding to the directivity information together with the directivity information. These can be registered in the database 18e in association with each other, and the location information can be managed for each of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B.

  In the present embodiment, since the terminal ID, which is identification information temporarily assigned to the mobile terminals 2A and 2B, is acquired and registered in the location information database 18e, for example, each mobile terminal 2A and 2B has its own unique information. It can be easily identified without acquisition.

  In the present embodiment, since the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is generated using the directivity information obtained by beam sweeping using the synchronization signal, a signal only for acquiring the directivity information is transmitted to the mobile terminal. 2A and 2B do not need to be received, and wasteful consumption of power consumption in the mobile terminals 2A and 2B can be effectively suppressed.

[Others]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive.
In the embodiment described above, each beam used is associated with a plurality of grid areas 20 that are virtually set in the cell C1 of the base station apparatus 3 and are generated in a lattice shape, thereby generating position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B. However, for example, the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B may be generated without causing each beam used by the base station apparatus 3 to correspond to the grid area or the like. In this case, the area covered by each used beam is not aligned, but if the position information of the area covered by each used beam is specified, the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B can be generated. it can.
However, as in the above-described embodiment, the accuracy of the position information can be further stabilized when the beam information is associated with the plurality of grid regions 20 and the position information of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is generated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the directivity information acquired by the acquisition unit 18a of the edge server 4 is a beam number indicating the optimum beam to be used that is identified by the base station device 3 by beam sweeping has been illustrated. However, the acquisition unit 18a may acquire from the base station device 3 the reception state information given to the base station device 3 by the mobile terminals 2A and 2B as the directivity information. In this case, the edge server 4 identifies the used beam having directivity toward the mobile terminals 2A and 2B based on the reception state information, and the mobile terminals 2A and 2B locate the grid region 20 corresponding to the identified used beam. The grid area 20 is configured to be identified.

  In addition, the acquisition unit 18a may acquire the gain and phase settings of each of the 64 antenna elements 10a for forming the optimum used beam specified by the base station apparatus 3 as the directivity information. In this case, the gain and phase settings of each of the 64 antenna elements 10a are registered in the grid area specifying table 18d as directivity information.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where grid identification information was made into the positional information which shows the center point in the grid area | region 20 was illustrated, grid identification information represents the grid area | region 20 on the map of the map data 18f, for example. Two-dimensional coordinates may be used.

  Moreover, although the case where the edge server 4 detects the positions of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B connected to the base station apparatus 3 and generates position information has been described in the above embodiment, the base station apparatus 3 has the edge server 4 You may have the function to produce | generate the positional information on mobile terminal 2A, 2B.

  Moreover, although the case where the type of the mobile terminals 2A and 2B is determined based on the past position information has been described in the above embodiment, for example, the mobile terminals 2A and 2B to which the acquisition unit 18a communicates and connects from the base station device 3 If it is possible to acquire information related to the type of information, that information may be used.

  The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile communication system 2A, 2B Mobile terminal 3 Base station apparatus 4 Edge server 5 Core server 6 Vehicle 7 Pedestrian 10 Antenna 10a Antenna element 11 Support | pillar 12 Base station control apparatus 15 Processing apparatus 15a Communication control part 15b Antenna control part 15c Beam control Table 16 Communication unit 17 Interface unit 18 Processing unit 18a Acquisition unit 18b Generation unit 18c Used beam notification unit 18d Grid area specifying table 18e Location information database 18f Map data 19 Communication unit 20 Grid area 20a Grid area 20b Grid area C1 cell C2 Macrocell B1 Beam used B2 Beam used W1 Beam width W2 Beam width S1 Start point E1 End point L1 Line R Road

Claims (13)

A position detection device that detects a position of a mobile terminal that is connected to a base station device,
An acquisition unit that acquires directivity information regarding the directivity of a beam formed toward the mobile terminal, obtained by beam sweeping by the base station device;
A generating unit that generates position information of the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweeping is performed,
The generation unit is an area virtually set in the area and is based on the directivity information from a plurality of grid areas corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping. A position detection device that specifies a grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal and generates the position information based on the specified grid area. A notification unit for notifying the base station apparatus of setting information related to the plurality of beams;
The setting information is information for setting a beam width of a beam corresponding to each of the plurality of grid areas so as to be different depending on a distance between the plurality of grid areas and the base station apparatus. The position detection device described. The position detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires terminal identification information of the mobile terminal corresponding to the directivity information together with the directivity information. The position detection device according to claim 3, wherein the terminal identification information is temporary identification information that is temporarily assigned to the mobile terminal to which the base station device is connected for communication. The position detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the directivity information is information acquired by receiving a synchronization signal transmitted to the mobile terminal transmitted by the plurality of beams. A location information database for registering past location information of the mobile terminal;
The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein when the position information is generated, the generation unit registers the position information in the position information database. The generation unit determines whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal mounted on a vehicle or another mobile terminal based on the past location information registered in the location information database. 6. The position detection device according to 6. The position according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the directivity information is beam identification information for identifying a beam whose directivity is directed to the mobile terminal among the plurality of beams. Detection device. The position detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the directivity information is received power when the mobile terminal receives the plurality of beams. A base station device for detecting the position of a mobile terminal,
An acquisition unit that acquires, from the mobile terminal, directivity information related to the directivity of the beam formed toward the mobile terminal obtained by beam sweeping;
A generating unit that generates position information of the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweeping is performed,
The generation unit is an area virtually set in the area and is based on the directivity information from a plurality of grid areas corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping. A base station apparatus that specifies a grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal and generates the position information based on the specified grid area. 11. The base according to claim 10, further comprising a control unit configured to set a beam width of a beam corresponding to each of the plurality of grid areas so as to be different according to a distance between the plurality of grid areas and the base station apparatus. Station equipment. A position detection method for detecting the position of a mobile terminal that is in communication connection with a base station device,
An acquisition step of acquiring directivity information related to the directivity of a beam formed toward the mobile terminal obtained by beam sweeping by the base station device;
Generating position information of the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweeping is performed,
The method further includes the step of virtually setting a plurality of grid regions corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping in the region,
The generation step specifies a grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal based on the directivity information from the plurality of grid areas, and generates the position information based on the specified grid area. Method. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a position detection process for detecting the position of a mobile terminal that is connected to a base station device,
The computer program is
An acquisition step of acquiring directivity information related to the directivity of a beam formed toward the mobile terminal, obtained by beam sweeping performed by the base station device;
A generation step of generating position information of the mobile terminal located in an area where the beam sweeping is performed,
The method further includes the step of virtually setting a plurality of grid regions corresponding to a plurality of beams having different directivities used in the beam sweeping in the region,
The generating step specifies a grid area corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal based on the directivity information from the plurality of grid areas, and generates the position information based on the specified grid area. .

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