Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and wireless communication apparatus

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a wireless communication apparatus that may enable more reliable detection of presence of a signal of a primary system. A learning unit carries out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to the primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information. A detection unit carries out detection processing based on the frequency utilization statistics information and, upon detection of the presence of the signal of the primary system, gives detection notification or radio wave stoppage instructions to other wireless communication apparatuses utilizing a frequency for the secondary system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2018/032085 filed on Aug. 30, 2018, which claims priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2017-175455 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Sep. 13, 2017. Each of the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a wireless communication apparatus and particularly relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a wireless communication apparatus that may enable more reliable detection of presence of a signal of a primary system.

BACKGROUND ART

For wireless communication with use of radio waves, in the past, legislation and standardization for a system of secondary use of frequencies have been advanced because of a deficiency of frequencies that may be newly allocated. As representative examples of such a system, frequency utilization administration based on frequency administration database, detection and protection of a primary system through frequency sensing, and the like may be enumerated.

Dynamic frequency selection (DFS) provided for use with weather radar in 5 GHz band is among representative examples of the frequency sensing, for instance, and investigations on frequencies that may be newly shared have been made based on this system.

For instance, PTL 1 discloses a method of carrying out DFS through central control based on measurement reports from a plurality of wireless access nodes in detection of radar signals in 5 GHz wireless frequency band.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problems

In PTL 1 described above, however, no specific disclosure is made as to how presence or absence of radar signals is to be determined. In addition, improvements are demanded with regard to DFS, in particular, with regard to undetectability for signals of unknown radar, absence of update on DFS function for appearance of new type of radar, and the like.

Though the frequency administration based on the frequency administration database enables advanced protection of the primary system, additionally, the frequency administration has poorer responsiveness than DFS in that a wireless communication apparatus is made incapable of determining availability by itself based on only the frequency administration. Therefore, there is a demand for attainment by DFS of frequency sensing that enables determination as accurate as possible based on any radar signal.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such a situation and aims at enabling more reliable detection of presence of a signal of a primary system.

Solution to Problems

An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a learning unit that carries out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information, and a detection unit that carries out detection processing for detecting whether or not a signal of the primary system is present, based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning by the learning unit.

An information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes, by an information processing apparatus that carries out information processing, carrying out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information, and carrying out detection processing for detecting whether or not a signal of the primary system is present, based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning.

A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of an information processing apparatus which carries out information processing, to execute information processing including carrying out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information, and carrying out detection processing for detecting whether or not a signal of the primary system is present, based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning.

A wireless communication apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a learning unit that carries out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information, a detection unit that carries out detection processing for detecting whether or not a signal of the primary system is present, based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning by the learning unit, and a communication processing unit that gives detection notification or radio wave stoppage instructions through wireless communication to other wireless communication apparatuses utilizing a frequency for the secondary system in a case where the detection unit detects the presence of the signal of the primary system.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the learning of the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system is carried out, with use of the information regarding the frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares the frequency or the frequency band allocated to the primary system, at least as the teacher information, and with use of the sensing data collected by the sensor unit which senses the radio wave environment, as the student information. In addition, the detection processing for detecting whether or not the signal of the primary system is present is carried out based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning.

Advantageous Effect of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, more reliable detection of the presence of the signal of the primary system may be enabled.

Meanwhile, effect described herein is not necessarily limitative and may be any of effects described in the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinbelow, a specific embodiment to which the present technique is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration Example of Wireless Communication Apparatus>

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a radio wave environment learning apparatus that is an information processing apparatus to which the present technique is applied.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a radio wave environment learning apparatus11, including a plurality of sensor units21(three sensor units21-1through21-3, in the example ofFIG. 1) connected to an information processing apparatus22, can be utilized in a wireless communication apparatus that utilizes of a secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, for instance. In addition, the information processing apparatus22includes an information acquisition unit31, an information retention unit32, a learning unit33, and a detection unit34.

The sensor units21have a function of sensing of a radio wave environment at an installation position of the radio wave environment learning apparatus11and respectively supply sensing data collected through the sensing to the learning unit33and the detection unit34of the information processing apparatus22.

The information acquisition unit31acquires information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system (which will be appropriately referred to as “secondary frequency information” hereinbelow) and supplies the information to the information retention unit32, the learning unit33, and the detection unit34. For instance, the information acquisition unit31can acquire the secondary frequency information provided from a frequency administration database not illustrated, the secondary system, or the like.

The information retention unit32retains the secondary frequency information supplied from the information acquisition unit31and additionally retains such contents of learning by the learning unit33as will be described later, criteria information to be used by the detection unit34, and the like.

The learning unit33has a function of learning frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system, for instance, as information demanded for determination of presence of a signal of the primary system by the detection unit34, with use of the secondary frequency information supplied from the information acquisition unit31. Besides, the learning unit33supplies the information retention unit32with the contents of learning that represent information acquired through learning, so as to make the information retention unit32retain the contents of learning, or supplies the detection unit34with the contents of learning. Upon supply of new secondary frequency information, for instance, the learning unit33can update the contents of learning retained in the information retention unit32, by carrying out learning.

The detection unit34matches the sensing data supplied from the sensor units21with the contents of learning acquired through the learning by the learning unit33and calculates a degree of correlation therebetween. Alternatively, the detection unit34may read out the contents of learning retained in the information retention unit32. Besides, the detection unit34has a function (system or algorithm) of detecting the presence of the signal of the primary system through a comparison between the calculated degree of correlation and the criteria information retained in the information retention unit32.

The radio wave environment learning apparatus11configured in such a manner is capable of more reliably detecting the presence of the signal of the primary system by detecting the presence of the signal of the primary system with use of the contents of learning acquired through the learning in which the secondary frequency information is utilized.

Herein, basic actions of processing that is carried out in the radio wave environment learning apparatus11will be described.

<Radio Wave Environment Learning Processing by Learning Unit>

The learning unit33can acquire the information (contents of learning) demanded for the determination of the presence of the signal of the primary system by the detection unit34, by carrying out the learning.

Frequency occupancy utilization information regarding the secondary system, frequency characteristics that are measured in a case where a frequency is not utilized by the secondary system, or the like can be utilized as the secondary frequency information that is used as teacher information for the learning by the learning unit33, for instance.

The frequency occupancy utilization information regarding the secondary system includes statistics information, current action operation parameter information, and wireless access technique information. As the statistics information, channel occupancy rate, rate of utilization, or the like is used, for instance. As the current action operation parameter information, furthermore, positional information, antenna information, or the like and transmission power, frequency, or the like are used, for instance. As the wireless access technique information, furthermore, RAT (Radio Access Technology), modulation method, or the like and transmission frame information (specifically, TDD (Time Division Duplex) configuration or the like) are used, for instance.

The frequency characteristics that are measured in a case where the frequency is not utilized by the secondary system include spectrum (frequency characteristics that may be observed by a spectrum analyzer) and statistics information regarding white noise component.

Meanwhile, the learning unit33can learn reference signals for aid to learning sensing that are transmitted by the secondary system and can learn the reference signals by making the sensor units21receive known reference signals from one another, for instance. Thus, the learning unit33is made capable of learning factors such as propagation path loss or shadowing attenuation, as well.

The information acquisition unit31can acquire such secondary frequency information from such a spectrum coordinator as the frequency administration database, for instance. Alternatively, the information acquisition unit31may directly acquire the information from communication nodes acting as the secondary system.

In addition, the learning unit33can carry out learning in which requirements of wireless communication apparatuses stipulated in radio wave law of a relevant country are used as the secondary frequency information as the teacher information. For instance, the secondary frequency information can include conformity requirements for technical regulations in Japan or requirements stipulated in standards of ETSI EN 301 598 (for TV white space device) and EN 301 893 (for 5 GHz RLAN) that are standards corresponding to the conformity requirements for technical regulations in Europe. Specifically, the secondary frequency information may include spectrum mask, maximum EIRP (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power), or the like.

Thus, the learning unit33can carry out learning by using various types of the secondary frequency information as described above, as the teacher information, and by inputting received signals, assumed to be received by the sensor units21, as student information. That is, the learning unit33can carry out the learning, in regard to a received signal r(t) for the sensor units21, by using a received signal xn(t) and a noise component n(t) that are assumed regarding n-th secondary system at time t, in accordance with following expression (1).

Herein, the learning unit33can carry out the learning with conversion into frequency domain signals posterior to Fourier transformation, for instance.

Besides, the received signal that is assumed regarding the secondary system can be calculated from the current action and operation parameter information, the wireless access technique information, or the like as described above, for instance. Additionally, the propagation path loss can be estimated based on installation positions of the sensor units21and an installation position of the secondary system and can be calculated through addition and subtraction with use of antenna gain, the transmission power, and the like. Meanwhile, random numbers can be used for the noise component n(t).

In the above described expression (1) for calculation of the received signal r(t), moreover, the reference signal for the aid to the learning sensing that is transmitted by the secondary system can be applied as the received signal at time of reception by the sensor units21. Similarly, use of the requirements of wireless communication apparatuses stipulated in the radio wave law of the relevant country can be applied to the above described expression (1) for the calculation of the received signal r(t).

It is to be noted that, for any of forms of the received signal, it is preferable that a sampling interval be shorter than for a signal assumed to be used in the primary system. In a case where the primary system is assumed to be radar, for instance, sampling within time shorter than pulses of the radar is desirable.

Thus, the learning unit33can acquire probability density function/probability distribution function of frequency spectrum of the secondary system, for instance, as the contents of learning, by carrying out learning in which the received signals are used as the student information. That is, the learning unit33can calculate the probability density function PDFf(a) or the probability distribution function CDFf(a) at a frequency f, with use of the received signal r(t) to be learned at each time as a sample and with use of a random variable a of received power.

Furthermore, the learning unit33can acquire probability density functions/probability distribution functions numbered in 2Nof the frequency spectrum, as the contents of learning, for combinations numbered in N and generated in accordance with the number of secondary systems in action among installed secondary systems.

When the learning unit33learns the secondary frequency information, furthermore, learning algorithm may be made to extract features. For instance, the learning unit33can make the algorithm extract parameters indicating features of relation between actions of the secondary systems and the frequency characteristics, a comparison between an accumulated radio wave of the secondary systems and conformity requirement values for the technical regulations, or the like.

For instance, a feature as to how the frequency characteristics of the signals received by the sensor units21change with change of the actions of the secondary system is extracted as the relation between the actions of the secondary systems and the frequency characteristics. Specifically, an average, a variance, or the like of the probability density functions PDFf(a) or the probability distribution functions CDFf(a) can be calculated as a degree of such change. Meanwhile, the probability density function/probability distribution function of a difference Δt (=t2−t1) regarding time t1and t2when the change occurs can be calculated as a frequency of the change. Furthermore, these features may be extracted for each of predetermined frequency blocks.

As the comparison between the accumulated radio wave of the secondary systems and the conformity requirement value for the technical regulations, meanwhile, a statistic of a difference ΔP between the spectrum mask stipulated in the radio wave law and the accumulated radio wave sensing value of as illustrated inFIG. 2can be calculated, for instance. That is, the statistic such as an average or a variance of the difference ΔP at a frequency can be calculated.

<Primary Signal Detection Processing by Detection Unit>

The detection unit34can match the sensing data acquired from the sensor units21with the contents of learning obtained as a result of the learning by the learning unit33.

The detection unit34can determine the presence of the signal of the primary system, in a case where a change of the frequency characteristics in a period from the time t to slightly advanced time t+α does not coincide with the contents of learning or indicates an abnormal state that is conceived to be impossible to occur based on the contents of learning, for instance. Specifically, the detection unit34can determine the presence of the signal of the primary system, in a case where a sample value of the sensing data is not included in an arbitrary interval [−kσ, kσ] determined based on a standard deviation of the probability density function or the probability distribution function described above. Therein, k is an arbitrary integer and σ is the standard deviation.

Upon a determination of the presence of the signal of the primary system, the detection unit34further performs a procedure for stopping operation of the secondary systems without fail. The procedure may be detection notification which notifies the spectrum coordinator such as the frequency administration database that the presence of the signal of the primary system has been detected, for instance. In a case where a communication node itself includes the detection unit34, for instance, the communication node may directly carry out processing for stopping radio waves of the communication node itself.

In a case where wired interfaces (X2 interfaces in LTE (Long Term Evolution) system, WLAN (Wireless LAN) wireless access points, or the like belonging to the same router, for instance) are provided among the communication nodes, for instance, the detection notification of the presence of the signal of the primary system can be further given to other communication nodes with utilization of the wired interfaces. Furthermore, the detection notification with use of wireless communication on another available frequency may be given to the communication nodes, if possible, for instance.

After matching by the detection unit34, the learning unit33may be further made to learn the sensing data, irrespective of the presence or absence of the signal of the primary system. On condition that the sensing data is made to be learned in the presence of the signal of the primary system, for instance, the detection unit34may determine the presence of the signal of the primary system in a case where a similar change of the frequency characteristics is observed in subsequent matching.

Herein, the criteria information that is utilized by the detection unit34can be retained (updated) in the information retention unit32through software update via a network.

<Radio Wave Environment Learning Processing>

With reference to a flow chart illustrated inFIG. 3, radio wave environment learning processing that is carried out in the information processing apparatus22will be described.

The information processing apparatus22starts the radio wave environment learning processing upon new preparation of the secondary frequency information that is used as the teacher information, for instance. In step S11, the information acquisition unit31acquires the secondary frequency information provided from the frequency administration database, the secondary system, or the like, as the teacher information to be used for the learning and supplies the secondary frequency information to the information retention unit32so as to make the information retention unit32retain the secondary frequency information.

In step S12, the learning unit33acquires the sensing data collected through the sensing of the radio wave environment by the sensor units21, as the student information to be used for the learning.

In step S13, the learning unit33learns the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system, by using the secondary frequency information, read out from the information retention unit32, as the teacher information, and using the sensing data, acquired from the sensor units21in step S12, as the student information. For instance, the learning unit33learns the probability density function/probability distribution function of the frequency spectrum of the secondary system, through calculation with use of the expression (1) described above.

In step S14, the learning unit33supplies the information retention unit32with the frequency utilization statistics information, acquired through learning in step S13, as the contents of learning so as to make the information retention unit32retain the frequency utilization statistics information and the radio wave environment learning processing is thereafter ended.

With reference to a flow chart illustrated inFIG. 4, primary signal detection processing that is carried out in the information processing apparatus22will be described.

The information processing apparatus22can carry out the primary signal detection processing periodically at specified timing, for instance, and, in step S21, the detection unit34acquires the sensing data collected through the sensing of the radio wave environment by the sensor units21.

In step S22, the detection unit34reads out the contents of learning retained in the information retention unit32by the learning unit33in the radio wave environment learning processing ofFIG. 3.

In step S23, the detection unit34carries out the detection processing for detection of the presence or absence of the signal of the primary system, by matching the sensing data acquired in step S21with the contents of learning read out in step S22.

In step S24, the detection unit34determines whether or not the presence of the signal of the primary system has been detected as a result of the detection processing of step S23. As described above, the detection unit34can determine the presence of the signal of the primary system in a case where the change of the frequency characteristics in the period from the time t to the slightly advanced time t+α does not coincide with the contents of learning or indicates the abnormal state that is conceived to be impossible to occur based on the contents of learning.

If the detection unit34determines in step S24that the presence of the signal of the primary system has not been detected, the processing makes a return to step S21and stands by until subsequent timing and similar processing is iterated thereafter.

In a case where the detection unit34determines in step S24that the presence of the signal of the primary system has been detected, by contrast, the processing advances to step S25.

In step S25, the detection unit34gives notification that the signal of the primary system is present and performs the procedure for stopping the operation of the secondary system. After that, the processing makes a return to step S21and stands by until subsequent timing and similar processing is iterated thereafter.

As described above, the information processing apparatus22can acquire the information demanded for the determination of the presence of the signal of the primary system by the detection unit34, without a demand for information indicating features of the signal of the primary system, for instance, by carrying out the radio wave environment learning processing (FIG. 3) with use of the secondary frequency information and the sensing data. Thus, the detection unit34is capable of more reliably detecting the presence of the signal of the primary system, even if the signal of the primary system is unknown, for instance.

By carrying out the radio wave environment learning processing in accordance with update of the secondary frequency information, furthermore, the information processing apparatus22can renew the contents of learning or can update the criteria information that is used by the detection unit34. In a case where a new type of radar appears, for instance, the information processing apparatus22is thus capable of detecting signals of the new type of radar by the detection unit34.

<Configuration Example of Wireless Communication System>

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication system in which a wireless communication apparatus with learning sensing function including the information processing apparatus22ofFIG. 1is incorporated.

InFIG. 5, a wireless communication system51includes a frequency administration database52, a wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function, a plurality of general wireless communication apparatuses54(two general wireless communication apparatuses54-1and54-2in the example ofFIG. 5), and a wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function.

In the wireless communication system51, as further illustrated inFIG. 5, the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function and the plurality of general wireless communication apparatuses54are connected through wired interfaces to the frequency administration database52. The wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function, however, is not connected through a wired interface to those apparatuses and is operated in stand-alone mode without being administered by the frequency administration database52.

The frequency administration database52administers the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function and the general wireless communication apparatuses54and carries out frequency administration and detection (sensing) of vacant frequency band based on the sensing, with respect to the same frequency band.

The wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function includes the information processing apparatus22that is similar to the radio wave environment learning apparatus11ofFIG. 1, as illustrated inFIG. 6to be described later, and is capable of carrying out the learning sensing (sensing based on such learning algorithm as described above). In addition, the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function is operated under administration by the frequency administration database52and is capable of carrying out ordinary wireless communication.

The general wireless communication apparatuses54, which are wireless communication apparatuses that do not have a sensing function, are operated under the administration by the frequency administration database52and are capable of carrying out ordinary wireless communication.

The wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function includes the sensor unit21ofFIG. 1, for instance, and is capable of supplying sensing data, acquired by the sensor unit21, to the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function through wireless communication.

Subsequently,FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function includes the sensor unit21, the information processing apparatus22, a communication processing unit23, and a wireless communication unit24. Herein, the sensor unit21and the information processing apparatus22are configured similar toFIG. 1and thus detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, it is preferable that a wired interface connected to the frequency administration database52be configured so as to be connected to the information acquisition unit31.

The communication processing unit23controls the wireless communication unit24and thereby carries out various types of processing for wireless communication by the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function. In a case where the detection unit34detects the presence of the signal of the primary system, for instance, the communication processing unit23can carry out communication processing for transmitting notification of such detection to the wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function. Then the communication processing unit23can control the wireless communication unit24so as to stop radio waves.

The wireless communication unit24is capable of carrying out wireless communication with other wireless communication apparatuses. The wireless communication unit24is connected to the information acquisition unit31and is capable of supplying the information acquisition unit31with information provided from other wireless communication apparatuses through the wireless communication. For instance, the wireless communication unit24supplies the information acquisition unit31with the sensing data provided from the wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function.

The wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function that is configured in such a manner can carry out the learning sensing by the information processing apparatus22, in parallel with operation of the ordinary wireless communication by the communication processing unit23. Furthermore, the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function can carry out the learning sensing with use of the sensing data provided from the wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function, in addition to the sensing data acquired through sensing by the sensor unit21of the wireless communication apparatus53itself.

In a case where the detection unit34detects the presence of the signal of the primary system, additionally, the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function can stop its own radio waves to be outputted from the wireless communication unit24, in accordance with control by the communication processing unit23.

Meanwhile, the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function can transmit the detection notification or a radio wave stoppage instruction to the wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function, before stopping its own radio waves. Herein, the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function outputs the radio waves in ordinary operation. In a case where the radio waves outputted from the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function become undetectable within given time, therefore, the wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function may determine that the presence of the signal of the primary system has been detected in the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function and may stop its own radio waves.

In addition, the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function can give the detection notification to the frequency administration database52after stopping its own radio waves. Upon reception of the detection notification, the frequency administration database52transmits the radio wave stoppage instructions to the general wireless communication apparatuses54administered by the frequency administration database52. This transmission may be made as push notification or may be made as responses to inquiries concerning frequency availability that are made periodically or occasionally by the general wireless communication apparatuses54, for instance.

<Processing in Case Where Signal of Primary System is Detected>

With reference to a flow chart illustrated inFIG. 7, processing in a case where the signal of the primary system is detected in the wireless communication system51will be described.

The wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function periodically supplies the sensing data to the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function through wireless communication, for instance. In step S31, the information processing apparatus22of the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function thus carries out the radio wave environment learning processing (seeFIG. 3) with use of the sensing data provided from the wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function, in addition to the sensing data acquired by the sensor unit21of the wireless communication apparatus53itself.

In step S32, the information processing apparatus22of the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function carries out the primary signal detection processing (seeFIG. 4). In the information processing apparatus22, as described above, the primary signal detection processing is iterated at the specified timing until the presence of the signal of the primary system is detected and, if the presence of the signal of the primary system is detected, the processing advances to step S33.

In the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function, in step S33, the detection unit34notifies the communication processing unit23that the presence of the signal of the primary system has been detected. In response, the communication processing unit23gives the detection notification (or the radio wave stoppage instruction) to the wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function via the wireless communication unit24through wireless communication.

In step S34, the communication processing unit23controls the wireless communication unit24so as to stop the radio waves and the radio waves to be outputted from the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function are stopped.

The wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function gives the detection notification to the frequency administration database52through the wired interface, in step S35, and a response is given from the frequency administration database52, in step S36.

If an inquiry is sent from the general wireless communication apparatuses54through the wired interfaces to the frequency administration database52, in step S37, the frequency administration database52gives the radio wave stoppage instructions to the general wireless communication apparatuses54, in step S38.

If the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function detects the presence of the signal of the primary system, as described above, output of the radio waves in all the wireless communication apparatuses can be stopped in the wireless communication system51.

<Processing in Case where Signal of Primary System Becomes Undetectable>

With reference to a flow chart illustrated inFIG. 8, processing in a case where the signal of the primary system becomes undetectable in the wireless communication system51will be described.

In step S41, the information processing apparatus22of the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function carries out the primary signal detection processing (seeFIG. 4) in a state in which the output of the radio waves is stopped in all the wireless communication apparatuses in the wireless communication system51as described with reference toFIG. 7. Herein, the primary signal detection processing is iterated until the absence of the signal of the primary system is detected. When the absence of the signal of the primary system is eventually detected, the detection unit34notifies the communication processing unit23that the absence of the signal of the primary system has been detected and the processing advances to step S42.

In the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function, in step S42, the communication processing unit23controls the wireless communication unit24so as to start the output of the radio waves and the radio waves are outputted from the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function.

In the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function, in step S43, the communication processing unit23notifies the wireless communication apparatus55with sensing function via the wireless communication unit24through wireless communication that the absence of the signal of the primary system has been detected.

The wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function notifies the frequency administration database52through the wired interface that the absence of the signal of the primary system has been detected, in step S44, and a response is given from the frequency administration database52, in step S45.

If an inquiry is sent from the general wireless communication apparatuses54through the wired interfaces to the frequency administration database52, in step S46, the frequency administration database52gives the general wireless communication apparatuses54permission to utilize the radio waves, in step S47.

If the wireless communication apparatus53with learning sensing function detects the absence of the signal of the primary system, as described above, the output of the radio waves can be started in all the wireless communication apparatuses in the wireless communication system51.

<Configuration Example of Computer>

Herein, the processing described with reference to the flow charts described above does not have to be carried out chronologically in an order described as the flow charts and includes processing that is carried out parallelly or individually (such as parallel processing or processing based on object). In addition, programs may be subjected to processing by a single CPU or may be subjected to distributed processing by a plurality of CPUs.

Furthermore, a series of processing (information processing method) described above can be carried out by hardware or can be carried out by software. In a case where the series of processing is carried out by software, programs that configure the software are installed from a program recording medium in which the programs are recorded, into a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware, a general-purpose personal computer, for instance, capable of performing various functions by various programs installed therein, or the like.

FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of hardware of the computer that carries out the series of processing described above by the programs.

In the computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)101, a ROM (Read Only Memory)102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory)103are connected to one another by a bus104.

In addition, an input-output interface105is further connected to the bus104. To the input-output interface105, an input unit106including a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or the like, an output unit107including a display, a speaker, or the like, a storage unit108including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like, a communication unit109including a network interface or the like, and a drive110that drives a removable medium111such as a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a magneto-optic disc, or a semiconductor memory are connected.

In the computer configured as described above, the CPU101loads programs, stored in the storage unit108, for instance, into the RAM103through the input-output interface105and the bus104and executes the programs, so that the series of processing described above is carried out.

The programs to be executed by the computer (CPU101) are provided through being recorded in the removable medium111as a package medium including a magnetic disc (including a flexible disc), an optical disc (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), a magneto-optic disc, a semiconductor memory, or the like or through a wired or wireless transmission medium such as local area network, Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting, for instance.

Furthermore, attachment of the removable medium111to the drive110enables installation of the programs into the storage unit108through the input-output interface105. In addition, the programs can be received by the communication unit109through the wired or wireless transmission medium and can be installed into the storage unit108. Otherwise, the programs can be preinstalled in the ROM102, the storage unit108, or the like.

<Example of Combination of Configurations>

Herein, the present technique can have such configurations as follows.

An information processing apparatus including:

a learning unit that carries out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information; and

a detection unit that carries out detection processing for detecting whether or not a signal of the primary system is present, based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning by the learning unit.

The information processing apparatus according to above (1),

in which, upon detection of the presence of the signal of the primary system, the detection unit gives detection notification or radio wave stoppage instructions to other wireless communication apparatuses utilizing a frequency for the secondary system.

The information processing apparatus according to above (1) or (2), further including:

an information acquisition unit that acquires the teacher information to be utilized for the learning by the learning unit, from a frequency manager that controls utilization of a frequency by the secondary system.

The information processing apparatus according to above (3),

in which the information acquisition unit acquires an operation parameter for the secondary system as the teacher information, and

the learning unit carries out the learning by utilizing the operation parameter for the secondary system.

The information processing apparatus according to above (3) or (4), further including:

an information retention unit that retains the information acquired by the information acquisition unit and the information acquired through the learning by the learning unit, as contents of learning.

The information processing apparatus according to above (5),

in which the contents of learning retained in the information retention unit are updated through the learning by the learning unit, and

the detection unit carries out the detection processing through reading out the contents of learning retained in the information retention unit.

The information processing apparatus according to above (6),

in which the detection unit calculates a degree of correlation between the contents of learning retained in the information retention unit and sensing data collected by the sensor unit and detects whether or not the signal of the primary system is present through a comparison between the degree of correlation and a specified criterion.

An information processing method including:

by an information processing apparatus that carries out information processing,carrying out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information; andcarrying out detection processing for detecting whether or not a signal of the primary system is present, based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning.
(9)

A program that causes a computer of an information processing apparatus which carries out information processing, to execute information processing including:

carrying out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information; and

carrying out detection processing for detecting whether or not a signal of the primary system is present, based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning.

A wireless communication apparatus including:

a learning unit that carries out learning of frequency utilization statistics information regarding a secondary system, with use of information regarding a frequency occupancy situation of the secondary system which shares a frequency or a frequency band allocated to a primary system, at least as teacher information, and with use of sensing data collected by a sensor unit which senses a radio wave environment, as student information;

a detection unit that carries out detection processing for detecting whether or not a signal of the primary system is present, based on the frequency utilization statistics information regarding the secondary system acquired through the learning by the learning unit; and

a communication processing unit that gives detection notification or radio wave stoppage instructions through wireless communication to other wireless communication apparatuses utilizing a frequency for the secondary system in a case where the detection unit detects the presence of the signal of the primary system.

Herein, the present embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described above and may be modified in various manners unless departing from the purport of the present disclosure. Additionally, effects described herein are consistently exemplary and not limitative and thus other effects may be brought about.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

11Radio wave environment learning apparatus,21Sensor unit,22Information processing apparatus,23Communication processing unit,24Wireless communication unit,31Information acquisition unit,32Information retention unit,33Learning unit,34Detection unit,51Wireless communication system,52Frequency administration database,53Wireless communication apparatus with learning sensing function,54General wireless communication apparatus,55Wireless communication apparatus with sensing function