JP2020155903A - Reflection unit, antenna unit, radio base station, control device, program and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique which can effectively utilize a radio wave radiated from an antenna.SOLUTION: In an antenna unit 100 of a radio base station 10, a reflection unit 300 is installed, in a different direction from a first direction 202, on an antenna 200 which outputs a radio wave in the first direction as a principal direction, to reflect a radio wave from the antenna to the first direction side. Further, there is provided a base station unit 400 installed on the second direction 204 side opposite to the first direction of the antenna which outputs a radio wave in the first direction as a principal direction. The base station unit includes a change controller which, according to a preset condition, changes the angle of a reflector 320 in which an angle can be changed within a preset angle range from the direction orthogonal to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a reflection unit, an antenna unit, a radio base station, a control device, a program, and a control method.

A technique for providing a wireless communication service by installing an antenna that outputs millimeter waves on a ceiling or the like has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[Prior art literature]
[Patent Document]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-207184

It is desirable to provide technology that can effectively utilize the radio waves radiated from the antenna.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reflection unit installed in an antenna that outputs radio waves with the first direction as the main direction. The reflection unit may be installed in a direction different from the first direction with respect to the antenna, and may reflect the radio wave from the antenna to the first direction side.

The reflection unit may be installed on a second direction side different from the first direction, and may reflect the leaked radio wave from the antenna to the first direction side. The reflection unit may include a mounting portion of the antenna mounted on the second direction side and a reflector extending from the mounting portion. The reflector may extend in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and a direction between the second direction, starting from the mounting portion. The reflector may be extended along a plane orthogonal to the first direction with the mounting portion as a starting point.

The angle of the reflector may be changed within a range of a predetermined angle from the direction orthogonal to the first direction starting from the mounting portion. The reflection unit may include a change control unit that changes the angle of the reflector according to predetermined conditions. The change control unit may change the angle of the reflector based on the radio wave reception intensity of the radio wave from the antenna by the communication terminal that receives the radio wave from the antenna.

When the CQI Index value received from the communication terminal by the base station unit using the antenna is lower than the predetermined first threshold value, the change control unit sets the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction. When the CQI Index value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction may be increased. When the number of communication terminals whose CQI Index value transmitted to the base station unit using the antenna is lower than the predetermined first threshold value is equal to or larger than the predetermined first number, the change control unit may perform the first When the number of communication terminals whose CQI Index value transmitted to the base station unit is equal to or greater than the first threshold value by reducing the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to the direction is equal to or greater than the first number, the first number or more. The angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to one direction may be increased.

When the path loss between the antenna and the communication terminal is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the change control unit reduces the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the path loss is predetermined. If it is smaller than the specified threshold value, the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction may be increased. The change control unit may change the angle of the reflector based on the distance between the communication terminal that receives the radio wave from the antenna and the antenna. When the distance between the communication terminal that receives the radio wave from the antenna and the antenna is longer than the preset distance, the change control unit reduces the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction. You may let me. When the distance between the communication terminal and the antenna derived based on the timing advance corresponding to the communication terminal is longer than a predetermined distance, the change control unit refers to a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The angle of the reflector may be reduced.

The reflection unit may include a mounting portion attached to the end side of the antenna and a reflector extending from the mounting portion to the first direction side. The reflector may be inclined toward the outside of the antenna with respect to the first direction starting from the mounting portion. The angle of the reflector with respect to the first direction starting from the mounting portion may be changed. The reflector may reflect radio waves from the antenna toward the inside of the antenna.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an antenna unit including the reflection unit and the antenna is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a radio base station including the reflection unit, the antenna, and a base station unit using the antenna is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a control device is provided. The control device is installed on the second direction side opposite to the first direction of the antenna that outputs radio waves with the first direction as the main direction, and the angle is within a predetermined range from the direction orthogonal to the first direction. The angle of the reflector which can be changed may be changed according to a predetermined condition. The change control unit may change the angle of the reflector based on the radio wave reception intensity of the radio wave from the antenna by the communication terminal that receives the radio wave from the antenna.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the computer is installed on the second direction side opposite to the first direction of the antenna that outputs radio waves with the first direction as the main direction, from the direction orthogonal to the first direction. A program is provided for functioning as a change control unit that changes the angle of a reflector whose angle can be changed within a predetermined range of angles according to a predetermined condition.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a control method performed by a control device is provided. The control method is installed on the second direction side opposite to the first direction of the antenna that outputs radio waves with the first direction as the main direction, and the angle is within a predetermined range from the direction orthogonal to the first direction. It may be provided with a change control step for changing the angle of the reflector which can be changed according to a predetermined condition.

The outline of the above invention does not list all the necessary features of the present invention. Subcombinations of these feature groups can also be inventions.

An example of the radio base station 10 is shown schematically. An example of the functional configuration of the base station unit 400 is schematically shown. An example of the processing flow by the base station unit 400 is schematically shown. An example of the processing flow by the base station unit 400 is schematically shown. An example of the wireless communication area 220 generated in the area 520 by the wireless base station 10 is shown schematically. Another example of the radio communication area 220 generated in the area 520 by the radio base station 10 is schematically shown. An example of the functional configuration of the control device 700 when the control device 700 adjusts the angle 30 of the reflector 320 instead of the base station unit 400 is schematically shown. Another example of the radio base station 10 is shown schematically. Another example of the radio base station 10 is shown schematically. An example of the hardware configuration of the computer 1200 functioning as the base station unit 400 or the control device 700 is schematically shown.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the inventions claimed in the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the means of solving the invention.

FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a radio base station 10 according to the present embodiment. The radio base station 10 includes an antenna unit 100 and a base station unit 400. The antenna unit 100 has an antenna 200 and a reflection unit 300.

The antenna 200 outputs radio waves with the first direction 202 as the main direction. The type of the antenna 200 may be any type. The antenna 200 may be an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna.

The antenna 200 can be installed at any location by the support columns 210. The antenna 200 is installed on the ceiling or the like, for example. When the antenna 200 is installed on the ceiling, the first direction 202 is, for example, the vertical direction.

The base station unit 400 uses the antenna 200 to generate the wireless communication area 220. The antenna 200 and the base station unit 400 are connected by wire via, for example, a wired cable 401. The base station unit 400 may be connected to the core network via a wired line or a wireless line. The base station unit 400 may provide a wireless communication service to the communication terminal 600 by relaying communication between the communication terminal 600 located in the wireless communication area 220 and the core network.

The communication terminal 600 may be any terminal as long as it can wirelessly communicate with the wireless base station 10. For example, the communication terminal 600 is a mobile phone such as a smartphone. The communication terminal 600 may be a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like. The communication terminal 600 may be a so-called IoT (Internet of Thing) device. The communication terminal 600 may include anything corresponding to the so-called IoT (Internet of Everything).

The reflection unit 300 according to the present embodiment is installed with respect to the antenna 200 in a direction different from that in the first direction 202, and reflects radio waves from the antenna 200 toward the first direction 202. FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the reflection unit 300 is installed on the side of the antenna 200 in the second direction 204 opposite to the first direction 202 and reflects the radio wave leaked from the antenna 200 in the first direction 202. There is. With any type of antenna 200, leaked radio waves can occur on the side opposite to the main direction.

According to the reflection unit 300 according to the present embodiment, the wireless communication area 220 can be expanded or reinforced by reflecting the leaked radio wave toward the first direction 202, which is the main direction. Further, according to the reflection unit 300 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the leaked radio wave from adversely affecting the second direction 204 side. For example, when the radio base station 10 is installed on the ceiling, it is possible to prevent the leaked radio waves from adversely affecting the upper floors.

The reflection unit 300 may have a mounting portion 310 attached to the antenna 200 and a reflector 320 extending from the mounting portion 310. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the mounting portion 310 is mounted on the support column 210. The mounting portion 310 may be movable with respect to the support column 210. The reflector 320 reflects the leaked radio wave 230 from the antenna 200 toward the first direction 202, as in the reflected radio wave 240 illustrated in FIG.

The reflector 320 extends in a direction between the direction 206 orthogonal to the first direction 202 and the second direction 204, starting from the mounting portion 310, for example. The angle 30 of the reflector 320 may be any angle. For example, a plurality of reflection units 300 having different angles 30 are prepared, and the reflection unit 300 having an angle 30 suitable for the environment is selected and installed. The reflector 320 may be extended along a plane orthogonal to the first direction 202 starting from the mounting portion 310.

The angle 30 of the reflector 320 may be changed within a range of a predetermined angle from the direction 206. The angle 30 of the reflector 320 can be changed, for example, within a predetermined angle range from the direction 206 to the second direction 204.

By configuring the angle 30 of the reflector 320 to be changeable, the size of the wireless communication area 220 can be changed by changing the reflection direction of the leaked radio wave 230 depending on the situation. The angle 30 of the reflector 320 may be manually changeable. Further, the angle 30 of the reflector 320 may be automatically changed.

For example, the angle 30 of the reflector 320 is changed under the control of the base station unit 400. The base station unit 400 changes the angle of the reflector 320 based on, for example, the quality data received from the communication terminal 600.

Further, for example, the angle 30 of the reflector 320 is changed under the control of a control device (not shown) that adjusts the angle 30 of the reflector 320. The control device receives, for example, the quality data transmitted from the communication terminal 600 to the base station unit 400 from the base station unit 400, and changes the angle of the reflector 320 based on the quality data.

The radio base station 10 may comply with any mobile communication system. The radio base station 10 conforms to, for example, a 3G (3rd Generation) communication system. The radio base station 10 may be a BS (Base Station). Further, the radio base station 10 conforms to, for example, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication system. The radio base station 10 may be an eNB (evolved NodeB). Further, the radio base station 10 conforms to, for example, a 5G (5th Generation) communication system. The radio base station 10 may be gNB.

In the 5G communication system, the use of 3.7 GHz band, 4.5 GHz band, and millimeter wave band is being studied by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As the millimeter wave band, a 28 GHz band or the like is being studied. The millimeter wave band has features such as large attenuation, high straightness, no diffraction, and easy reflection as compared with the 2.1 GHz band and the like in the existing LTE communication method. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the size of the wireless communication area as compared with the existing frequency band. In addition, since the transparency is low, a blind spot of radio waves is likely to occur in the wireless communication area.

On the other hand, according to the reflection unit 300 according to the present embodiment, the leaked radio wave that does not originally contribute to the wireless communication area can be made to contribute to the wireless communication area. This can contribute to increasing the size of the wireless communication area and reducing the blind spot of radio waves. The frequency band of the radio wave output by the antenna 200 is not limited to these, and may be any frequency band.

The position, size, and the like of each configuration included in the radio base station 10 shown in FIG. 1 are examples, and are not limited to the position, size, and the like shown in FIG. That is, the position and size of the antenna 200 included in the antenna unit 100, the position and size of the reflection unit 300, and the position and size of the base station unit 400 are not limited to the positions and sizes shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the base station unit 400. FIG. 2 describes a functional configuration when the base station unit 400 can execute change control of the angle 30 of the reflector 320.

The base station unit 400 includes a terminal communication unit 402 and a change control unit 404. The terminal communication unit 402 uses the antenna 200 to wirelessly communicate with the communication terminal 600. The terminal communication unit 402 may provide the communication terminal 600 with a wireless communication service by relaying the communication between the core network and the communication terminal 600.

The change control unit 404 changes the angle of the reflector 320 according to a predetermined condition. The change control unit 404 causes the angle change unit 312 to change the angle of the reflector 320, for example, by transmitting the amount of change in the angle of the reflector 320 to the angle change unit 312 of the mounting unit 310. Further, the change control unit 404 causes the angle change unit 312 to change the angle of the reflector 320, for example, by transmitting the absolute amount of the angle of the reflector 320 to the angle change unit 312. The change control unit 404 transmits, for example, such information to the angle change unit 312 via AISG (Antenna Interface Standards Group). By configuring the angle information to be transmitted via AISG, it is not necessary to implement a new interface for transmitting the angle information in the base station unit 400, which simplifies the configuration of the base station unit 400. be able to. The change control unit 404 may transmit the angle information to the angle change unit 312 using any communication standard, not limited to AISG. The angle changing unit 312 changes the angle of the reflector 320 by using an arbitrary drive mechanism such as a stepping motor.

The change control unit 404 may change the angle of the reflector 320 based on the information received from the communication terminal 600 by the terminal communication unit 402. The change control unit 404 changes the angle of the reflector 320 based on, for example, the radio wave reception intensity of the radio wave from the antenna 200 by the communication terminal 600.

When the radio wave reception intensity of the plurality of communication terminals 600 tends to be strong, the change control unit 404 may increase the angle 30 of the reflector 320 so that the wireless communication area 220 expands. When the radio wave reception intensity of the plurality of communication terminals 600 tends to be weak, the change control unit 404 may reduce the angle 30 of the reflector 320 so as to reduce the wireless communication area 220.

For example, when the CQI Index value received from the communication terminal by the terminal communication unit 402 is less than a predetermined first threshold value, the change control unit 404 reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320 so that the CQI Index value is the first. When it is equal to or more than the threshold value, the angle 30 of the reflector 320 is increased. Here, the case where the same first threshold value is used is given as an example, but the threshold values used may be different.

Further, the change control unit 404 reduces the angle of the reflector 320 when the number of communication terminals whose CQI Index value to be transmitted is less than the predetermined first threshold value is equal to or more than the predetermined first number. When the number of communication terminals whose CQI Index value to be transmitted is equal to or greater than the first threshold value is larger than the predetermined second number, the angle 30 of the reflector 320 is increased. The first threshold, the first number, and the second number may be arbitrarily set.

In the environment where the wireless base station 10 is installed, when the radio wave reception intensity by the communication terminal 600 located in the wireless communication area 220 tends to be high, the first threshold value is increased, and when the radio wave reception intensity tends to be low, the first threshold value is set. You can lower it. Further, when the number of communication terminals 600 in the wireless communication area 220 tends to be large in the environment in which the wireless base station 10 is installed, the first number and the second number tend to be large and small. In that case, the first number and the second number may be reduced.

Further, for example, when the path loss between the antenna 200 and the communication terminal 600 is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the change control unit 404 reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320, and the path loss is smaller than the predetermined threshold value. In this case, the angle 30 of the reflector 320 is increased.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of the processing flow by the base station unit 400. Here, the flow of the process in which the change control unit 404 changes the angle of the reflector 320 based on the CQI Report received by the terminal communication unit 402 from the communication terminal 600 will be described. The communication terminal 600 may be described as a UE (User Equipment).

In step 102 (the step may be abbreviated as S) 102, the change control unit 404 acquires the CQI Report received by the terminal communication unit 402. In S104, Table 1 shows the CQI Table 1 in which the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the CQI Table used by the communication terminal 600 that has transmitted the CQI Report is the CQI Table 1.

If it is CQI Table 1, the process proceeds to S106, and if it is not CQI Table 1, the process proceeds to S132. In S106, the change control unit 404 refers to the CQI Report acquired in S102 and determines whether or not the CQI Index is equal to or higher than the first threshold value. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first threshold value is 7.

If the CQI Index is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the process proceeds to S108, and if it is less than the first threshold, the process proceeds to S120. In S108, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the number of UEs corresponding to the first threshold value or more of CQI Table 1 is equal to or more than a predetermined first number. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first number is 100. If it is the first number or more, the process proceeds to S110, and if it is less than the first number, the process proceeds to S116.

In S110, the change control unit 404 increases the angle 30 of the reflector 320 by 1 degree. In S112, the change control unit 404 sets the number of UEs corresponding to all the Tables of CQI Table 1, CQI Table 2, and CQI Table 3 to 0. In S114, the change control unit 404 deletes all the stored CQI Index values (may be described as CQI values).

In S116, the change control unit 404 saves the CQI value included in the CQI Report acquired in S102 in association with the CQI Table 1. In S118, the change control unit 404 adds 1 to the number of UEs corresponding to the first threshold value or more of the CQI Table 1.

In S120, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the number of UEs corresponding to less than the first threshold value of CQI Table 1 is equal to or more than a predetermined second number. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second number is 100. If it is greater than or equal to the second number, the process proceeds to S122, and if it is less than the second number, the process proceeds to S128.

In S122, the change control unit 404 reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320 by 1 degree. In S124, the change control unit 404 sets the number of UEs corresponding to all Tables to 0. In S126, the change control unit 404 deletes all the stored CQI values.

In S128, the change control unit 404 saves the CQI value included in the CQI Report acquired in S102 in association with the CQI Table 1. In S130, the change control unit 404 adds 1 to the number of UEs corresponding to less than the first threshold value of CQI Table1.

In S132, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the CQI Table used by the communication terminal 600 that has transmitted the CQI Report is the CQI Table 2. CQI Table 2 is shown in Table 2.

If it is CQI Table 2, the process proceeds to S134, and if it is not CQI Table 2, it is determined that the CQI Table used by the communication terminal 600 is CQI Table 3, and the process proceeds to S160. CQI Table 3 is shown in Table 3.

In S134, the change control unit 404 refers to the CQI Report acquired in S102 and determines whether or not the CQI Index is equal to or higher than the second threshold value. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second threshold value is set to 4.

If the CQI Index is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the process proceeds to S136, and if it is less than the second threshold, the process proceeds to S148. In S136, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the number of UEs corresponding to less than the second threshold value of the CQI Table 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined third number. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the third number is 100. If it is the third number or more, the process proceeds to S138, and if it is less than the third number, the process proceeds to S144.

In S138, the change control unit 404 increases the angle 30 of the reflector 320 by 1 degree. In S140, the change control unit 404 sets the number of UEs corresponding to all Tables to 0. In S142, the change control unit 404 deletes all the stored CQI values.

In S144, the change control unit 404 saves the CQI value included in the CQI Report acquired in S102 in association with the CQI Table 2. In S146, the change control unit 404 adds 1 to the number of UEs corresponding to the second threshold value or more of the CQI Table 2.

In S148, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the number of UEs corresponding to less than the second threshold value of CQI Table 2 is equal to or more than a predetermined fourth number. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the fourth number is 100. If it is the fourth number or more, the process proceeds to S150, and if it is less than the fourth number, the process proceeds to S156.

In S150, the change control unit 404 reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320 by 1 degree. In S152, the change control unit 404 sets the number of UEs corresponding to all Tables to 0. In S154, the change control unit 404 deletes all the stored CQI values.

In S156, the change control unit 404 saves the CQI value included in the CQI Report acquired in S102 in association with the CQI Table 2. In S158, the change control unit 404 adds 1 to the number of UEs corresponding to less than the second threshold value of CQI Table 2.

In S160, the change control unit 404 refers to the CQI Report acquired in S102 and determines whether or not the CQI Index is equal to or higher than the third threshold value. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the third threshold value is 9.

If the CQI Index is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the process proceeds to S162, and if it is less than the third threshold, the process proceeds to S174. In S162, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the number of UEs corresponding to the third threshold value or more of the CQI Table 3 is equal to or more than a predetermined fifth number. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the fifth number is 100. If it is the fifth number or more, the process proceeds to S164, and if it is less than the fifth number, the process proceeds to S170.

In S164, the change control unit 404 increases the angle 30 of the reflector 320 by 1 degree. In S166, the change control unit 404 sets the number of UEs corresponding to all Tables to 0. In S168, the change control unit 404 deletes all the stored CQI values.

In S170, the change control unit 404 saves the CQI value included in the CQI Report acquired in S102 in association with the CQI Table 3. In S172, the change control unit 404 adds 1 to the number of UEs corresponding to the third threshold value or more of the CQI Table 3.

In S174, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the number of UEs corresponding to the third threshold value or less of the CQI Table 3 is equal to or greater than the predetermined sixth threshold value. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the sixth number is 100. If it is the sixth number or more, the process proceeds to S176, and if it is less than the sixth number, the process proceeds to S182.

In S176, the change control unit 404 reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320 by 1 degree. In S178, the change control unit 404 sets the number of UEs corresponding to all Tables to 0. In S180, the change control unit 404 deletes all the stored CQI values.

In S182, the change control unit 404 saves the CQI value included in the CQI Report acquired in S102 in association with the CQI Table 3. In S184, the change control unit 404 adds 1 to the number of UEs corresponding to less than the third threshold value of CQI Table 3.

The process shown in FIG. 3 may be continuously executed. The base station unit 400 ends the process shown in FIG. 3 when, for example, is instructed by the administrator of the wireless base station 10.

FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of the processing flow by the base station unit 400. Here, the flow of processing in which the change control unit 404 changes the angle of the reflector 320 based on the path loss between the antenna 200 and the communication terminal 600 will be described.

In S202, the change control unit 404 acquires the Measurement Report (may be described as MR) received from the communication terminal 600 by the terminal communication unit 402. In S204, the change control unit 404 derives a path loss value (may be referred to as a path loss value) based on the MR acquired in S202.

The change control unit 404 may derive the path loss value by using an arbitrary method. The change control unit 404 derives a path loss value by, for example, subtracting RSRP (Reference Signal Received Quality) included in the MR from the Reference signal Power of the base station unit 400. As a specific example, when the Reference signal Power is 12 dBm and the RSRP contained in the MR is -100 dBm, -112 dBm is derived as the path loss value.

In S206, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the path loss value derived in S204 is less than a predetermined threshold value. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the threshold value is −110 dBm. If it is below the threshold value, the process proceeds to S208, and if it is above the threshold value, the process proceeds to S220.

In S208, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the number of UEs corresponding to the path loss value less than the threshold value is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the predetermined number is set to 100. If the number of UEs is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S210, and if the number of UEs is less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S216.

In S210, the change control unit 404 increases the angle 30 of the reflector 320 by 1 degree. In S212, the change control unit 404 sets the total number of UEs to 0. In S214, the change control unit 404 deletes all the stored path loss values.

In S216, the change control unit 404 stores the path loss value derived in S204. In S218, the change control unit 404 adds 1 to the number of UEs corresponding to less than the path loss threshold.

In S220, the change control unit 404 determines whether or not the number of UEs corresponding to the path loss threshold value or more is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the predetermined number is set to 100. If the number of UEs is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S222, and if the number is less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S228.

In S222, the change control unit 404 reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320 by 1 degree. In S224, the change control unit 404 sets the total number of UEs to 0. In S226, the change control unit 404 deletes all the stored path loss values.

In S228, the change control unit 404 stores the path loss value derived in S204. In S230, the change control unit 404 adds 1 to the number of UEs corresponding to the path loss threshold value or higher.

FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of a radio communication area 220 generated in the area 520 by the radio base station 10. Region 520 may be any region. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the radio base station 10 is installed on the ceiling of the area 520. The illustration of the base station unit 400 is omitted.

The wireless communication area 220 includes a wireless communication area 222 directly generated by the antenna 200 and a wireless communication area 224 generated by the reflection unit 300 reflecting the leaked radio waves from the antenna 200. As shown in FIG. 5, according to the radio base station 10 according to the present embodiment, the radio communication area 222 directly generated by the antenna 200 is reflected by the reflection unit 300 to reflect the radio waves leaked from the antenna 200. Can be expanded.

In particular, when the antenna 200 outputs a millimeter wave, the millimeter wave has a large attenuation, so that the wireless communication area 222 tends to be small. On the other hand, according to the wireless base station 10 according to the present embodiment, the wireless communication area 222 can be reinforced by effectively utilizing the leaked radio waves from the antenna 200.

Further, according to the wireless base station 10 according to the present embodiment, the position and size of the wireless communication area 224 can be changed by changing the angle of the reflector 320. As a result, for example, when the radio wave reception strength from the antenna 200 by the communication terminal 600 located in the wireless communication area 220 is high as a whole, the wireless communication area 220 is expanded and the communication terminal 600 located in the wireless communication area 220. When the radio wave reception intensity from the antenna 200 is generally low, the wireless communication area 224 can be narrowed, or the wireless communication area 224 can be overlapped with the wireless communication area 222 to reinforce the wireless communication area 222.

FIG. 6 schematically shows another example of the radio communication area 220 generated in the area 520 by the radio base station 10. Here, the differences from FIG. 5 will be mainly described. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the radio wave reflected by the reflection unit 300 reaches the outside of the area 520 due to the expansion of the wireless communication area 224.

In the situation shown in FIG. 6, the wireless communication area 224 and the wireless communication area generated by another wireless base station may interfere with each other. The base station unit 400 according to the present embodiment may change the angle of the reflector 320 based on the distance between the communication terminal 600 that receives the radio waves from the antenna 200 and the antenna 200.

The change control unit 404 derives the distance between the communication terminal 600 and the antenna 200, for example, based on the timing advance corresponding to the communication terminal 600. The change control unit 404 derives the distance between the antenna 200 and the communication terminal 600, for example, by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the timing advance corresponding to the communication terminal 600 by 2 by the propagation speed of light. The change control unit 404 may derive the distance between the point directly below the antenna 200 and the communication terminal 600 from the height at which the antenna 200 is installed and the distance between the antenna 200 and the communication terminal 600.

Then, the change control unit 404 reduces the angle of the reflector 320 when the derived distance is longer than the preset distance. As a preset distance, for example, a distance 522 from the antenna 200 to the end of the region 520 is set. As a result, in a situation where the radio wave reflected by the reflection unit 300 reaches the outside of the region 520 and the communication terminal 600 located outside the region 520 receives the radio wave, the reflector 320 By reducing the angle so that the reflected radio waves do not reach the outside of the area 520, interference with the radio communication area generated by other radio base stations outside the area 520 can be reduced or prevented. can do.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the control device 700 when the control device 700 adjusts the angle 30 of the reflector 320 instead of the base station unit 400. Here, the points different from the example shown in FIG. 2 will be mainly described.

The control device 700 is installed, for example, between the base station unit 400 and the mounting portion 310. A wired connection may be made between the base station unit 400 and the control device 700, and between the control device 700 and the mounting portion 310.

The control device 700 includes a base station communication unit 702 and a change control unit 704. The base station communication unit 702 communicates with the base station unit 400.

The change control unit 704 changes the angle of the reflector 320 according to a predetermined condition. The change control unit 704 causes the angle change unit 312 to change the angle of the reflector 320, for example, by transmitting the amount of change in the angle of the reflector 320 to the angle change unit 312 of the mounting unit 310. Further, the change control unit 704 causes the angle change unit 312 to change the angle of the reflector 320, for example, by transmitting the absolute amount of the angle of the reflector 320 to the angle change unit 312.

The change control unit 704 may change the angle of the reflector 320 based on the information received from the base station unit 400 by the base station communication unit 702. The change control unit 704 changes the angle of the reflector 320 based on, for example, the radio wave reception intensity of the radio wave from the antenna 200 by the communication terminal 600.

When the radio wave reception intensity of the plurality of communication terminals 600 tends to be strong, the change control unit 704 may increase the angle 30 of the reflector 320 so that the wireless communication area 220 expands. When the radio wave reception intensity of the plurality of communication terminals 600 tends to be weak, the change control unit 704 may reduce the angle 30 of the reflector 320 so as to reduce the wireless communication area 220.

For example, when the CQI Index value received from the communication terminal by the base station unit 400 is less than a predetermined first threshold value, the change control unit 704 reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320 so that the CQI Index value is the first. If it is higher than the threshold value, the angle 30 of the reflector 320 is increased. Further, when the number of communication terminals whose CQI Index value to be transmitted is less than the predetermined first threshold value is larger than the predetermined first number, the change control unit 704 reduces the angle of the reflector 320. When the number of communication terminals whose CQI Index value to be transmitted is equal to or greater than the first threshold value is larger than the predetermined second number, the angle 30 of the reflector 320 is increased.

The change control unit 704 reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320 when the path loss between the antenna 200 and the communication terminal 600 is larger than a predetermined threshold value, and reduces the angle 30 of the reflector 320 when the path loss is smaller than the predetermined threshold value. The angle 30 of 320 may be increased.

8 and 9 schematically show another example of the radio base station 10. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of the radio base station 10 viewed from the side, and FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of the radio base station 10 viewed from above.

In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the reflection unit 300 includes a mounting portion 310 mounted on the end side of the antenna 200 and a reflector 320 extending from the mounting portion 310 toward the first direction 202 side. The reflector 320 may be inclined toward the outside of the antenna 200 with respect to the first direction 202 starting from the mounting portion 310. The angle 32 of the reflector 320 with respect to the first direction 202 starting from the mounting portion 310 may be arbitrarily determined. Further, the angle 32 of the reflector 320 with respect to the first direction 202 starting from the mounting portion 310 may be changed.

Like the reflected radio wave 242 illustrated in FIG. 8, the reflector 320 reflects the radio wave 232 from the antenna 200 on the first direction 202 side and in the inner direction of the antenna 200. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the radio wave in the wall direction can be reflected to improve the indoor radio wave environment.

FIG. 10 schematically shows an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 1200 that functions as a base station unit 400 or a control device 700. A program installed on the computer 1200 causes the computer 1200 to function as one or more "parts" of the device according to the present embodiment, or causes the computer 1200 to perform an operation associated with the device according to the present embodiment or the one or more. A plurality of "parts" can be executed and / or a computer 1200 can be made to execute a process according to the present embodiment or a stage of the process. Such a program may be run by the CPU 1212 to cause the computer 1200 to perform certain operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

The computer 1200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 1212, a RAM 1214, and a graphic controller 1216, which are interconnected by a host controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 1222, a storage device 1224, a DVD drive 1226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via an input / output controller 1220. The DVD drive 1226 may be a DVD-ROM drive, a DVD-RAM drive, or the like. The storage device 1224 may be a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or the like. The computer 1200 also includes a legacy I / O unit such as a ROM 1230 and a keyboard, which are connected to the I / O controller 1220 via an I / O chip 1240.

The CPU 1212 operates according to the programs stored in the ROM 1230 and the RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphic controller 1216 acquires the image data generated by the CPU 1212 in a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 1214 or itself so that the image data is displayed on the display device 1218.

Communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The storage device 1224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 1212 in the computer 1200. The DVD drive 1226 reads the program or data from the DVD-ROM 1227 or the like and provides it to the storage device 1224. The IC card drive reads the program and data from the IC card and / or writes the program and data to the IC card.

The ROM 1230 stores in it a boot program or the like executed by the computer 1200 at the time of activation and / or a program depending on the hardware of the computer 1200. The input / output chip 1240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 1220 via a USB port, a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, and the like.

The program is provided by a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 1227 or an IC card. The program is read from a computer-readable storage medium, installed in a storage device 1224, RAM 1214, or ROM 1230, which is also an example of a computer-readable storage medium, and executed by the CPU 1212. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 1200 and provides a link between the program and the various types of hardware resources described above. The device or method may be configured to implement the operation or processing of information in accordance with the use of computer 1200.

For example, when communication is executed between the computer 1200 and an external device, the CPU 1212 executes a communication program loaded in the RAM 1214, and performs communication processing on the communication interface 1222 based on the processing described in the communication program. You may order. Under the control of the CPU 1212, the communication interface 1222 reads and reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in a recording medium such as a RAM 1214, a storage device 1224, a DVD-ROM 1227, or an IC card. The data is transmitted to the network, or the received data received from the network is written to the reception buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

Further, the CPU 1212 makes the RAM 1214 read all or necessary parts of the file or the database stored in the external recording medium such as the storage device 1224, the DVD drive 1226 (DVD-ROM1227), the IC card, etc. Various types of processing may be performed on the data of. The CPU 1212 may then write back the processed data to an external recording medium.

Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases may be stored on recording media and processed. The CPU 1212 describes various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, and information retrieval described in various parts of the present disclosure with respect to the data read from the RAM 1214, and is specified by the instruction sequence of the program. Various types of processing may be performed, including / replacement, etc., and the results are written back to the RAM 1214. Further, the CPU 1212 may search for information in a file, a database, or the like in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of the first attribute associated with the attribute value of the second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 1212 is the first of the plurality of entries. The attribute value of the attribute of is searched for the entry that matches the specified condition, the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry is read, and the first attribute satisfying the predetermined condition is selected. You may get the attribute value of the associated second attribute.

The program or software module described above may be stored on a computer 1200 or in a computer-readable storage medium near the computer 1200. In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a dedicated communication network or a server system connected to the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, whereby the program can be transferred to the computer 1200 via the network. provide.

The blocks in the flowchart and block diagram of the present embodiment may represent the stage of the process in which the operation is performed or the "part" of the device responsible for performing the operation. Specific stages and "parts" are supplied with dedicated circuits, programmable circuits supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on computer-readable storage media, and / or computer-readable instructions stored on computer-readable storage media. It may be implemented by the processor. Dedicated circuits may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuits include logical products, logical sums, exclusive logical sums, negative logical products, negative logical sums, and other logical operations, such as, for example, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and the like. , Flip-flops, registers, and reconfigurable hardware circuits, including memory elements.

The computer-readable storage medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions executed by the appropriate device, so that the computer-readable storage medium having the instructions stored therein is in a flow chart or block diagram. It will include a product that contains instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the specified operation. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, and the like. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include floppy (registered trademark) disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory). , Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), Blu-ray® Disc, Memory Stick , Integrated circuit cards and the like may be included.

Computer-readable instructions are assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or object-oriented programming such as Smalltalk, JAVA®, C ++, etc. Includes either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including languages and traditional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. Good.

Computer-readable instructions are used to generate means for a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or the processor of another programmable data processing device, or a programmable circuit, to perform an operation specified in a flowchart or block diagram. General purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing locally or via a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, etc. to execute the computer readable instructions. It may be provided in the processor of the device or in a programmable circuit. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers and the like.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The order of execution of each process such as operation, procedure, step, and step in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specification, and drawings is particularly "before" and "prior to". It should be noted that it can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Even if the scope of claims, the specification, and the operation flow in the drawings are explained using "first", "next", etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It's not a thing.

10 wireless base stations, 30 angles, 32 angles, 100 antenna units, 200 antennas, 202 1st direction, 204 2nd direction, 206 directions, 210 columns, 220 wireless communication area, 222 wireless communication area, 224 wireless communication area, 230 Leakage radio, 232 radio, 240 reflected radio, 242 reflected radio, 300 reflection unit, 310 mounting part, 312 angle change part, 320 reflector, 400 base station unit, 401 wired cable, 402 terminal communication part, 404 change control part, 520 area, 522 distance, 600 communication terminal, 700 control device, 702 base station communication unit, 704 change control unit, 1200 computer, 1210 host controller, 1212 CPU, 1214 RAM, 1216 graphic controller, 1218 display device, 1220 input / output controller , 1222 communication interface, 1224 storage device, 1226 DVD drive, 1227 DVD-ROM, 1230 ROM, 1240 input / output chip

Claims (24)

A reflection unit installed on an antenna that outputs radio waves with the first direction as the main direction.
A reflection unit that is installed in a direction different from the first direction with respect to the antenna and reflects radio waves from the antenna toward the first direction. The reflection unit according to claim 1, which is installed on a second direction side of the antenna different from the first direction and reflects radio waves leaked from the antenna toward the first direction side. A mounting portion of the antenna mounted on the second direction side and
The reflection unit according to claim 2, further comprising a reflection plate extending from the mounting portion. The reflection unit according to claim 3, wherein the reflector extends in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and a direction between the second direction, starting from the mounting portion. The reflection unit according to claim 3, wherein the reflector extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction with the mounting portion as a starting point. The reflection unit according to claim 3, wherein the angle of the reflector can be changed within a range of a predetermined angle from a direction orthogonal to the first direction starting from the mounting portion. The reflection unit according to claim 6, further comprising a change control unit for changing the angle of the reflector according to predetermined conditions. The reflection unit according to claim 7, wherein the change control unit changes the angle of the reflector based on the reception intensity of radio waves from the antenna by a communication terminal that receives radio waves from the antenna. When the CQI Index value received from the communication terminal by the base station unit using the antenna is less than a predetermined first threshold value, the change control unit determines the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction. The reflection unit according to claim 8, wherein when the CQI Index value is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the angle of the reflecting plate with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction is increased. When the number of communication terminals whose CQI Index value transmitted to the base station unit using the antenna is less than the predetermined first threshold value is equal to or more than the predetermined first number, the change control unit has the first number. When the number of communication terminals whose CQI Index value transmitted to the base station unit is equal to or greater than the first threshold value by reducing the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to one direction is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the said The reflection unit according to claim 8, wherein the angle of the reflection plate with respect to a direction orthogonal to the first direction is increased. When the path loss between the antenna and the communication terminal is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the change control unit reduces the angle of the reflecting plate with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the path loss is the path loss. The reflection unit according to claim 8, wherein when the value is less than the threshold value, the angle of the reflection plate with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction is increased. The reflection according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the change control unit changes the angle of the reflector based on the distance between the communication terminal receiving the radio wave from the antenna and the antenna. unit. When the distance between the communication terminal that receives the radio wave from the antenna and the antenna is longer than the preset distance, the change control unit reduces the angle of the reflector with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first direction. The reflection unit according to claim 12. The change control unit refers to a direction orthogonal to the first direction when the distance between the communication terminal and the antenna derived based on the timing advance corresponding to the communication terminal is longer than a preset distance. The reflection unit according to claim 13, wherein the angle of the reflector is reduced. A mounting portion mounted on the end side of the antenna and a mounting portion
The reflection unit according to claim 1, further comprising a reflection plate extending from the mounting portion to the first direction side. The reflection unit according to claim 15, wherein the reflector is inclined toward the outside of the antenna with respect to the first direction starting from the mounting portion. The reflection unit according to claim 16, wherein the angle of the reflection plate with respect to the first direction starting from the mounting portion can be changed. The reflection unit according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the reflector reflects radio waves from the antenna inward of the antenna. The reflection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
An antenna unit including the antenna. The reflection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
With the antenna
A radio base station including a base station unit using the antenna. It is installed on the side of the antenna that outputs radio waves with the first direction as the main direction in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and changes the angle within a predetermined range from the direction orthogonal to the first direction. A control device including a change control unit that changes a possible angle of a reflector according to predetermined conditions. The control device according to claim 21, wherein the change control unit changes the angle of the reflector based on the radio wave reception intensity of the radio waves from the antenna by the communication terminal that receives the radio waves from the antenna. Computer,
It is installed on the side of the antenna that outputs radio waves with the first direction as the main direction in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and changes the angle within a predetermined range from the direction orthogonal to the first direction. A program for functioning as a change control unit that changes the angle of a possible reflector according to predetermined conditions. A control method performed by a controller,
It is installed on the side of the antenna that outputs radio waves with the first direction as the main direction in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and changes the angle within a predetermined range from the direction orthogonal to the first direction. A control method comprising a change control step that changes a possible angle of a reflector according to predetermined conditions.

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