Communication device for location information management

Abstract

To provide a communication device for position information management that can easily search for a specific object in a plurality of objects.SOLUTION: A communication device for position information management has a storage unit that stores identification information on the device and a first communication control unit that causes a first communication unit performing communication according to a first communication standard by using power from a power supply unit to transmit the identification information stored in the storage unit to a server related to management of position information, and is provided in a position information management object, and the communication device for position information management comprises: a second communication unit that performs, with a reading device, communication according to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; a determination unit that, when the reading signal that the second communication unit receives from the reading device includes the identification information on the communication device for position information management provided in a search target, determines whether the search target is the device based on the identification information and the identification information on the device stored in the storage unit; and an output unit that, when the search target is the device, performs output for notifying the location of the device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device for managing location information. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, systems that acquire position information of an object and grasp the object's location have been widely used. For example, such systems are used to confirm the location of luggage or transportation equipment in logistics.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a communication device having a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver is placed on an object, and the location information received by the GNSS receiver is acquired as the location information of the object. The acquired location information is transmitted from the communication device to a server by wireless communication using LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) as a communication standard, and the location information of the object is managed by the server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-100297 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the location of an object may be indicated as being in a specific space based on the acquired location information. For example, assume that the object is luggage, transportation equipment, or the like, and is indicated as being stored in a warehouse. In this case, the user can actually check the object stored in the warehouse. When multiple objects are stored in the warehouse, the user can search for a specific object by visually checking the identification number of the communication device provided on each object. The identification number of the communication device is displayed, for example, on a label attached to the surface of the communication device. However, when a large number of objects are stored in the warehouse, it is time-consuming to visually check the identification number of the communication device provided on each object one by one. In addition, depending on the storage state of the object, it may be difficult to visually check the identification number of the communication device. For example, when the label is hidden behind another object and the object cannot be easily moved so that the identification number of the communication device can be visually checked, it becomes difficult to visually check the identification number. For example, when a large number of objects are placed close to each other, stacked, or packed together, it may be difficult for a user to find a specific object among multiple objects in a warehouse.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device for managing location information that can easily search for a specific object among a plurality of objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a location information management communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a memory unit that stores identification information of its own location information management communication device, and a first communication control unit that causes a first communication unit that communicates according to a first communication standard using power supplied from a power supply unit to transmit the identification information stored in the memory unit to a server related to management of location information, and the location information management communication device is provided in a managed object whose location information is managed, and a second communication unit that communicates with a reading device according to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, and a determination unit that, when a read signal received from the reading device by the second communication unit includes the identification information of the location information management communication device provided in a search target, determines whether the search target is the own location information management communication device based on the identification information of the location information management communication device provided in the search target and the identification information of the own location information management communication device stored in the memory unit, and, when the search target is the own location information management communication device, performs an output to notify the location of the own location information management communication device, an environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information indicating information related to the environment of the management target detected by a sensor device attached to the location information management communication device; Equipped with The determination unit determines whether or not the state of the environment of the managed object is in a state in which a warning should be issued based on the magnitude relationship of the environmental information with respect to a reference value, and the output unit performs output for issuing a warning when the state of the environment of the managed object is in a state in which a warning should be issued. . Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a specific object can be easily searched for among a plurality of objects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a location information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of cargo information according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of location management information according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of matching information according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a position information management communication device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output of a notification according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in the position information management communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in the position information management communication device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <1. Configuration of location information management system> An example of the configuration of a location information management system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a location information management system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the location information management system 1 includes a communication device for location information management 10, a cargo management server 20, a Sigfox management server 30, a location information management server 40, a Wi-Fi management server 50, and a user terminal 60. The Sigfox management server 30, the location information management server 40, and the Wi-Fi management server 50 are examples of servers related to management of location information of managed objects (hereinafter also referred to as "management servers").

[0012] The location information management system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for grasping the location (location) of a managed object. The managed object is, for example, a logistics material such as a pallet, a basket cart, a container, a packing box, or a package in logistics, or the like. In the following, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the managed object is luggage 12 (12A, 12B), and an example will be described in which the luggage 12 is transported by a vehicle 14 between a plurality of user bases 2 (2A, 2B).

[0013] The location information management communication device 10 is an electronic device for acquiring location information of the luggage 12. The location information management communication device 10 is attached to the luggage 12, which is a management target whose location information is managed. That is, the location information indicating the location of the location information management communication device 10 is also the location information indicating the location of the luggage 12. Note that the location on the luggage 12 at which the location information management communication device 10 is attached is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the location information management communication device 10A is attached to the luggage 12A, and the location information management communication device 10B is attached to the luggage 12B.

[0014] The user base 2 is provided with, for example, a base terminal 13 capable of communicating with the cargo management server 20. The base terminal 13 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a terminal such as a PC (personal computer). Note that the base terminal 13 is not limited to such examples. The base terminal 13 transmits, for example, to the cargo management server 20, identification information of the location information management communication device 10 input by the user and identification information of the baggage 12 to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached. The identification information of the communication device 10 for managing location information is, for example, an identification (ID) of the communication device 10 for managing location information (hereinafter also referred to as a "communication device ID"). The identification information of the luggage 12 is, for example, an identification ID of the luggage 12 (hereinafter also referred to as a "baggage ID"). The communication device ID and the luggage ID are, for example, character strings combining any characters (alphabets, numbers, symbols, etc.).

[0015] The location information management communication device 10 according to the present embodiment has various communication functions for transmitting and receiving various information to and from other devices. For example, the location information management communication device 10 has a Wi-Fi communication function, a Sigfox communication function, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​communication function.

[0016] The Wi-Fi communication function is a function for communicating with a Wi-Fi access point using Wi-Fi as a communication standard. The access point with which the location information management communication device 10 communicates is, for example, an access point provided within a communication range around the baggage 12. The location information management communication device 10 acquires information on the Wi-Fi access point (hereinafter also referred to as "Wi-Fi information") at a predetermined timing by using the Wi-Fi communication function. The predetermined timing for the location information management communication device 10 to acquire the Wi-Fi information is, for example, the timing when the location information management communication device 10 is powered on or the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0017] The Wi-Fi information includes, for example, address information and reception level information. The address information is information indicating the address of an access point. Specifically, the address of an access point is a Media Access Control address (MAC address). In the following, in this embodiment, an example in which the address information is a MAC address will be described. Moreover, the reception level information is information indicating the strength of a signal that the location information management communication device 10 receives from an access point.

[0018] In addition, the access point from which the location information management communication device 10 obtains Wi-Fi information may be located either inside or outside a building, vehicle, etc., as long as the location information management communication device 10 can receive a signal. Furthermore, when the communication device 10 for managing location information receives Wi-Fi information from a plurality of Wi-Fi access points, i.e., when the communication device 10 acquires a plurality of pieces of Wi-Fi information, the communication device 10 for managing location information may extract any Wi-Fi information from the acquired Wi-Fi information. For example, the communication device 10 for managing location information extracts Wi-Fi information according to the reception level of a signal from an access point. As an example, the communication device 10 for managing location information preferentially extracts Wi-Fi information received from an access point having a high reception level of a signal.

[0019] The communication device 10 for managing location information transmits the communication device ID and the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function to a server related to management of location information of the luggage 12. The server related to management of location information of the luggage 12 is, for example, a server that acquires location information of the luggage 12, a server that manages location information acquired by each server, etc.

[0020] The Sigfox communication function is a function for communicating with the Sigfox management server 30 using Sigfox (an example of a first communication standard) as a communication standard. Sigfox is one of the standards of LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). The communication device 10 for location information management transmits a communication device ID and a MAC address acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function to the Sigfox management server 30 at a predetermined timing by the Sigfox communication function. The predetermined timing for the communication device 10 for location information management to transmit the communication device ID and the MAC address is, for example, the timing when the MAC address is acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function or the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0021] The LPWA standard used by the communication device 10 for managing location information when transmitting the communication device ID and the MAC address is not limited to Sigfox. For example, the communication device 10 for managing location information may use standards such as NB-IoT, LoRa (LoRa WAN), ELTRES, ZETA, and Wi-SUN as the LPWA standard. The communication standard used by the communication device 10 for managing location information is not limited to LPWA. For example, the communication device 10 for managing location information may use communication standards such as 3G (third generation mobile communication system), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0022] The server to which the communication device 10 for location information management transmits the communication device ID and the MAC address is a server conforming to the communication standard used by the communication device 10 for location information management. In the present embodiment, the communication standard used by the communication device 10 for location information management is Sigfox. Therefore, the communication device 10 for location information management transmits the communication device ID and the MAC address to the Sigfox management server 30 via a Sigfox base station as shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] The RFID communication function is a function for communicating with an RFID reader 15 (an example of a reading device) using RFID (an example of a second communication standard) of Near Field Communication (NFC) as a communication standard. RFID can transmit and receive more information in one communication than LPWA. The RFID reader 15 is a device that communicates with the communication device 10 for location information management by RFID and transmits information acquired through the communication to the location information management server 40. The communication device 10 for location information management transmits the communication device ID to the RFID reader 15 at a predetermined timing by using the RFID communication function. The predetermined timing at which the communication device 10 for location information management transmits the communication device ID is, for example, the timing at which the communication device 10 for location information management receives a read signal for the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15.

[0024] The cargo management server 20 is a server that manages the correspondence between the location information management communication device 10 and the cargo 12. The cargo management server 20 stores the communication device ID and the cargo ID received from the base terminal 13 in association with each other. Hereinafter, the information in which the communication device ID and the cargo ID are associated with each other is also referred to as "cargo information." The cargo management server 20 may transmit the cargo information to the location information management server 40 to share it.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of cargo information according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the cargo information is composed of a communication device ID and a baggage ID. Note that the cargo information shown in Fig. 2 is an example, and the cargo information is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "001" and the baggage ID is "101". This indicates that the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "001" is attached to the baggage 12 with the baggage ID "101". 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "002" and the baggage ID is "102." This indicates that the location information managing communication device 10 with the communication device ID "002" is attached to the baggage 12 with the baggage ID "102." 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "003" and the baggage ID is "103." This indicates that the location information managing communication device 10 with the communication device ID "003" is attached to the baggage 12 with the baggage ID "103."

[0026] The Sigfox management server 30 acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10 based on information received from the location information management communication device 10 via a Sigfox base station. For example, the Sigfox management server 30 acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10 by base station positioning. The Sigfox management server 30 acquires the acquired location information of the location information management communication device 10 as the location information of the baggage 12 (management target) to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached.

[0027] The Sigfox management server 30 according to this embodiment performs base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using Sigfox. The Sigfox management server 30 may perform base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using a LPWA standard other than Sigfox, or may perform base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using a communication standard other than LPWA. The name of the Sigfox management server 30 may be a name according to the communication standard used.

[0028] Hereinafter, the location information of the package 12 acquired by base station positioning is also referred to as "base station positioning information." The base station positioning information acquired by base station positioning includes, for example, coordinates indicating the latitude and longitude of the current location of the package 12. The base station positioning information may also include reliability. The reliability is indicated, for example, by the radius of a circle centered on the coordinates included in the base station positioning information. The circle indicates the range in which the location of the package 12 may be included. In other words, it can also be said to indicate the positioning error by base station positioning.

[0029] The Sigfox management server 30 transmits information including the acquired base station positioning information to the location information management server 40. The Sigfox management server 30 also transmits the communication device ID and MAC address received from the location information management communication device 10 to the location information management server 40.

[0030] In addition, in the communication between the Sigfox management server 30 and the location information management server 40, the amount of information that can be transmitted in one communication may be limited. Therefore, the Sigfox management server 30 transmits two pieces of information, the base station positioning information and the Wi-Fi information, to the location information management server 40 according to the amount of information that can be transmitted. For example, if two pieces of information can be included in one signal, the Sigfox management server 30 may include the two pieces of information in one signal and transmit the two pieces of information in one communication. On the other hand, if only one piece of information can be included in one signal, the Sigfox management server 30 may include the two pieces of information in different signals and transmit the two pieces of information in two separate communications. If one piece of information cannot be included in one signal, the Sigfox management server 30 may divide one piece of information according to the amount of information that can be transmitted, and transmit the information in a number of communications according to the number of divisions.

[0031] The location information management server 40 is a location information management device that manages the location information of the luggage 12. The location information management server 40 manages the location information of the luggage 12 based on the cargo information received from the cargo management server 20 and the communication device ID, base station positioning information, and Wi-Fi information received from the Sigfox management server 30.

[0032] For example, the location information management server 40 transmits the MAC address included in the Wi-Fi information to the Wi-Fi management server 50, and causes Wi-Fi positioning to be performed. This allows the location information management server 40 to acquire location information of the luggage 12 acquired by Wi-Fi positioning. Hereinafter, the location information of the luggage 12 acquired by Wi-Fi positioning is also referred to as "Wi-Fi positioning information." The Wi-Fi positioning information acquired by Wi-Fi positioning includes, for example, coordinates indicating the latitude and longitude of the current location of the luggage 12. Note that the Wi-Fi positioning information may also include a reliability similar to that of the base station positioning information.

[0033] The location information management server 40 stores the communication device ID and base station positioning information received from the Sigfox management server 30, and the Wi-Fi positioning information acquired from the Wi-Fi management server 50, in association with each other for each acquisition date and time. Hereinafter, the information in which the communication device ID, the base station positioning information, the Wi-Fi positioning information, and the date and time are associated with each other is also referred to as "location management information."

[0034] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of location management information according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the location management information is made up of a communication device ID, base station positioning information, Wi-Fi positioning information, and date and time. In the first record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is “001” and the base station positioning information is (X B1 ,Y B1 ), Wi-Fi positioning information (X W1 ,Y W1 ), and the date and time are "2020 / 12 / 01 10:00:00". This is because the base station positioning information acquired at "2020 / 12 / 01 10:00:00" for the position information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "001" is (X B1 ,Y B1 ) and the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X W1 ,Y W1 ) In the second record in the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is “002” and the base station positioning information is (XB2 ,Y B2 ), Wi-Fi positioning information (X W2 ,Y W2 ), and the date and time are "2020 / 12 / 01 11:00:00". This is because the base station positioning information acquired at "2020 / 12 / 01 11:00:00" for the position information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "002" is (X B2 ,Y B2 ) and the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X W2 ,Y W2 ) In the third record in the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is “003” and the base station positioning information is (X B3 ,Y B3 ), Wi-Fi positioning information is "-", and the date and time is "2020 / 12 / 01 14:00:00". This is because the base station positioning information acquired at "2020 / 12 / 01 14:00:00" for the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "003" is (X B3 ,Y B3 ), which indicates that no Wi-Fi positioning information was obtained. Note that the location management information shown in Fig. 3 is an example, and the location management information is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 3. For example, the base station positioning information and the Wi-Fi positioning information of the location management information shown in Fig. 3 may include credibility in addition to coordinates.

[0035] The location information management server 40 estimates the current location of the luggage 12 based on the generated location management information. Generally, the positioning accuracy of Wi-Fi positioning is higher than that of base station positioning. That is, the positioning error included in the base station positioning information is larger than the positioning error included in the Wi-Fi positioning. Therefore, the location information management server 40 according to this embodiment estimates the current location of the luggage 12 by preferentially using the Wi-Fi positioning information among the information included in the location management information. Then, the location information management server 40 transmits information indicating the estimated current location of the luggage 12 to the user terminal 60.

[0036] For example, the location information management server 40 estimates the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information as the current location of the package 12, and transmits the coordinate information to the user terminal 60 as information indicating the current location of the package 12. In addition, the location information management server 40 may estimate the name of the base where the package 12 is stored based on the matching information, and transmit the base name to the user terminal 60 as information indicating the current location of the package 12.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of matching information according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the matching information is composed of a base name and base location information. The base name indicates the name of the base. The base location information indicates the coordinates where the base is located. Note that the matching information shown in Fig. 4 is an example, and the matching information is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 4. In the first record of the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base I" and the base location information is (X K1 ,Y K1 ) is shown. This is because "Base I" is (X K1 ,Y K1 ) is shown. In the second record of the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base II" and the base location information is (X K2 ,Y K2 This is an example where "Base II" is (X K2 ,Y K2 ) is shown. In the third record in the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base III" and the base location information is (X K3 ,Y K3 This is an example where "Base III" is (X K3 ,Y K3 ) is shown.

[0038] The location information management server 40, for example, compares the matching information with the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information to obtain the name of the base where the baggage 12 is stored. In the comparison, for example, it is determined whether the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information match the coordinates indicated by the base location information of the comparison information, and the base name corresponding to the base location information with the matching coordinates is obtained. After the acquisition, the location information management server 40 transmits the acquired base name to the user terminal 60. Note that, if there are no matching coordinates, the location information management server 40 may not acquire the name of the base where the baggage 12 is stored, and may output information indicating that the baggage 12 is not stored at the base. For example, the location information management server 40 outputs information indicating that the baggage 12 is being moved (transported) between bases, or is lost to a place not included in the comparison information, stolen, or the like, and its location is unknown.

[0039] The Wi-Fi management server 50 performs Wi-Fi positioning on the location information management communication device 10 based on the MAC address received from the location information management server 40. The Wi-Fi positioning acquires location information of the location information management communication device 10. The Wi-Fi management server 50 acquires the acquired location information of the location information management communication device 10 as Wi-Fi positioning information of the baggage 12 to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached. The Wi-Fi management server 50 transmits the acquired Wi-Fi positioning information to the location information management server 40.

[0040] The user terminal 60 is a device that a user operates to refer to various information. The user terminal 60 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a terminal such as a PC. Note that the user terminal 60 is not limited to such examples.

[0041] Now, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of communication by each communication function will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, first, at a user base 2A, a location information management communication device 10A is attached to a baggage 12A, and a location information management communication device 10B is attached to a baggage 12B, and the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B are powered on (initial state). At this time, if there is an access point within a range where a signal can be received, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use a Wi-Fi communication function to obtain Wi-Fi information of the access point. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use a Wi-Fi communication function to obtain Wi-Fi information of an access point AP1 provided in the user base 2A. After acquiring the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS1 using the Sigfox communication function.

[0042] Next, as shown in Fig. 1, the luggage 12 is transported between the user site 2A and the user site 2B by the vehicle 14. If an access point is present within a range where a signal can be received while the luggage 12 is being transported, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point using a Wi-Fi communication function. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information of an access point AP2 provided outside the vehicle 14 using the Wi-Fi communication function. After acquiring the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS2 using the Sigfox communication function.

[0043] Next, as shown in Fig. 1, it is assumed that the baggage 12 is transported to the user base 2B by the vehicle 14. If an access point is present within a range where a signal can be received at the user base 2B, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point using the Wi-Fi communication function. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point AP3 provided in the user base 2B using the Wi-Fi communication function. After acquiring the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS3 using the Sigfox communication function.

[0044] In addition, the access points from which the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B obtain Wi-Fi information may be located either inside or outside the user base 2, and may be located either inside or outside the vehicle 14, as long as they are within a range where signals can be received.

[0045] The communication device 10 for location information management according to the present embodiment has a built-in battery. The communication device 10 for location information management operates with power supplied from the battery, and can use a Wi-Fi communication function and a Sigfox communication function. The communication device 10 for location information management has a configuration (i.e., a passive configuration) that can use an RFID communication function by using power obtained by communication with an RFID reader 15. The communication device 10 for location information management converts radio waves from the RFID reader 15 into electrical energy, and can use the RFID communication function with the obtained electrical energy, so that it is not necessary to have a built-in battery for using the RFID communication function. Therefore, even if the power supplied from the battery built into the communication device 10 for location information management is insufficient or the battery runs out, the communication device 10 for location information management can use the RFID communication function if it is read by the RFID reader 15.

[0046] In this embodiment, when managing the location information of the luggage 12 or searching for the luggage 12, the user reads the communication device 10 for location information management using the RFID reader 15. When the communication device 10 for location information management in this embodiment reads the RFID reader 15, the communication device 10 for location information management performs processing according to the information contained in the read signal. For example, when the read signal includes a communication device ID, the communication device 10 for location information management performs processing related to searching for the luggage 12 (search target) corresponding to the communication device ID. Specifically, the communication device 10 for location information management performs output to notify the location of the luggage 12. On the other hand, if the read signal does not include a communication device ID, the communication device 10 for location information management performs processing related to management of the location information of the baggage 12. Specifically, the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management is transmitted to the RFID reader 15. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 10B for location information management that has been read by the RFID reader 15 transmits the communication device ID of the communication device 10B for location information management to the RFID reader 15. The RFID reader 15 transmits the received communication device ID to the location information management server 40.

[0047] <2. Functional configuration of communication device for managing location information> An example of the configuration of the location information management system 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0048] 5, the communication device for location information management 10 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100, a Sigfox communication unit 110, a control unit 120, a storage unit 130, a power supply unit 140, an environmental information detection unit 150, an output unit 160, and an RFID communication control unit 200. The Sigfox communication unit 110 is an example of a first communication unit.

[0049] (1)Wi-Fi communication department 100 The Wi-Fi communication unit 100 has a Wi-Fi communication function and has a function of performing communication via Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100 operates using power supplied from a power supply unit 140. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100 communicates with a Wi-Fi access point by using a Wi-Fi communication function, and acquires Wi-Fi information. In this embodiment, the acquired Wi-Fi information includes the MAC address of the access point and the reception level of a signal from the access point. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100 may store the acquired Wi-Fi information in the storage unit 130.

[0050] (2)Sigfox communication department 110 The Sigfox communication unit 110 has a Sigfox communication function and has a function of performing communication by Sigfox. The Sigfox communication unit 110 performs communication using power supplied from the power supply unit 140. The Sigfox communication unit 110 transmits, using the Sigfox communication function, transmission information including the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication unit 100 and the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information stored in the memory unit 130 to the Sigfox management server 30.

[0051] (3) Control unit 120 The control unit 120 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the communication device for location information management 10. The control unit 120 operates with power supplied from the power supply unit 140. The function of the control unit 120 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the communication device for location information management 10 to execute a program. 5, the control unit 120 includes a transmission information acquisition unit 121, a communication control unit 122, an environmental information acquisition unit 123, a determination unit 124, an output control unit 125, and a power source selection unit 126. The communication control unit 122 is an example of a first communication control unit.

[0052] (3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121 The transmission information acquisition unit 121 has a function of acquiring the transmission information transmitted by the Sigfox communication unit 110 to the Sigfox management server 30. The transmission information includes Wi-Fi information and a communication device ID. For example, the transmission information acquisition unit 121 acquires the Wi-Fi information from the Wi-Fi communication unit 100 or the storage unit 130. The transmission information acquisition unit 121 also reads and acquires the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information from the storage unit 130. The transmission information acquisition unit 121 acquires the transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the transmission information acquisition unit 121 acquires the transmission information is the timing when the Wi-Fi communication unit 100 acquires the Wi-Fi information, the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed, the timing when the baggage 12 is moved, etc.

[0053] (3-2) Communication control unit 122 The communication control unit 122 has a function of controlling communication in the location information management communication device 10. For example, the communication control unit 122 controls communication in the Wi-Fi communication unit 100 and communication in the Sigfox communication unit 110 using power supplied from the power supply unit 140.

[0054] Specifically, the communication control unit 122 causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 100 to communicate with a Wi-Fi access point and acquire Wi-Fi information. The communication control unit 122 causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 100 to acquire the Wi-Fi information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the communication control unit 122 causes the position information management communication device 10 to acquire the Wi-Fi information is the timing when the power supply for the position information management communication device 10 is turned on, the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed, the timing when the baggage 12 is moved, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, the communication control unit 122 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110 to transmit transmission information including the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing own location information, which is acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 121, to the Sigfox management server 30. The communication control unit 122 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110 to transmit the transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the communication control unit 122 causes the transmission information to be transmitted is the timing at which the transmission information acquisition unit 121 acquires the transmission information, the timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed, the timing at which the baggage 12 is moved, etc.

[0056] (3-3)Environmental information acquisition unit 123 The environmental information acquisition unit 123 has a function of acquiring environmental information. For example, the environmental information acquisition unit 123 acquires, as environmental information, information detected by the environmental information detection unit 150. The environmental information acquisition unit 123 stores the acquired environmental information in the storage unit 130.

[0057] (3-4) Judgment section 124 The determination unit 124 has a function of making various determinations. For example, the determination unit 124 determines whether the communication device 10 for location information management is the search target. Specifically, it is assumed that the read signal received by the RFID communication unit 210 described later from the RFID reader 15 includes the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management provided in the search target. In this case, the determination unit 124 determines whether the search target is the communication device 10 for location information management based on the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management provided in the search target and the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management stored in the storage unit 130. More specifically, the determination unit 124 checks whether the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management provided in the search target matches the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management itself. If the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management provided in the search target matches the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management itself, the determination unit 124 determines that the search target is the communication device 10 for location information management itself. On the other hand, if the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management provided in the search target does not match the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management itself, the determination unit 124 determines that the search target is not the communication device 10 for location information management itself.

[0058] In addition, the determination unit 124 determines whether the environmental state of the baggage 12 on which the self-location information management communication device 10 is provided is a state in which a warning should be issued. Specifically, when the environmental information acquisition unit 123 acquires environmental information, the determination unit 124 determines whether the environmental state of the baggage 12 on which the self-location information management communication device 10 is provided is a state in which a warning should be issued, based on the environmental information. More specifically, the determination unit 124 determines whether the environmental state of the baggage 12 is a state in which a warning should be issued, based on the magnitude relationship of the environmental information with respect to a reference value. Note that the determination criterion for determining whether the environmental state of the baggage 12 is a state in which a warning should be issued can be set according to the type of baggage 12. For example, when the baggage 12 is affected by changes in the surrounding temperature, the temperature is set as the reference value. Specifically, it is assumed that the baggage 12 is adversely affected when the surrounding temperature is lower than the reference value. In this case, when the temperature indicated by the environmental information becomes lower than the reference value, the determination unit 124 determines that the environmental state of the baggage 12 is a state in which a warning should be issued. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the environmental information is higher than the reference value, the determination unit 124 determines that the environmental state of the luggage 12 is not in a state where a warning should be issued. Also, assume that the luggage 12 is adversely affected when the surrounding temperature is higher than the reference value. In this case, when the temperature indicated by the environmental information is higher than the reference value, the determination unit 124 determines that the environmental state of the luggage 12 is in a state where a warning should be issued. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the environmental information is lower than the reference value, the determination unit 124 determines that the environmental state of the luggage 12 is not in a state where a warning should be issued.

[0059] (3-5) Output control unit 125 The output control unit 125 has a function of controlling the output from the output unit 160 . For example, the output control unit 125 controls the output method in the output unit 160. The output unit 160 is capable of performing output in a plurality of types of output methods. The output method is, for example, either a method of performing output using a light emitting device or a method of performing output using a sound emitting device or a vibration device. The light emitting device is a device that emits light, for example, an LED lamp 161 shown in FIG. 5. The light emitting device is not limited to an LED lamp, and may be, for example, a light bulb. The sound emitting device is a device that outputs sound, for example, a buzzer 162 shown in FIG. 5. The sound emitting device is not limited to a buzzer, and may be, for example, a speaker. The vibration device is a device that generates vibration, for example, a vibration motor 163 shown in FIG. 5. The vibration device is not limited to a vibration motor.

[0060] The output control unit 125 controls the output method of the output unit 160 based on, for example, the designation information. The designation information is information indicating the output method used by the output unit 160 for output. The designation information is, for example, set in advance by a user, and is included in a read signal of the RFID reader 15 and transmitted from the RFID reader 15 to the communication device for location information management 10. When the designation information is included in a read signal received by the RFID communication unit 210 described later from the RFID reader 15, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 160 to perform output using an output method according to the designation information. For example, when the designation information indicates a light-emitting device, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 160 to perform output using a light-emitting device. When the designation information indicates a sound-emitting device, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 160 to perform output using a sound-emitting device. When the designation information indicates a vibration device, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 160 to perform output using a vibration device. Note that the type of output method designated by the designation information is not limited to one, and multiple types of output methods may be designated.

[0061] Furthermore, the output control unit 125 controls the type of notification output by the output unit 160. For example, the output control unit 125 controls the type of notification output by the output unit 160 based on the result of the determination by the determination unit . Specifically, when the determination unit 124 determines that the search target is the communication device 10 for managing location information, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 160 to output to notify the location of the communication device 10 for managing location information. On the other hand, when the determination unit 124 determines that the search target is not the communication device 10 for managing location information, the output control unit 125 does not cause the output unit 160 to output to notify the location of the communication device 10 for managing location information. Furthermore, when the determination unit 124 determines that the environmental state of the luggage 12 is such that a warning should be issued, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 160 to output for issuing a warning. On the other hand, when the determination unit 124 determines that the environmental state of the luggage 12 is not such that a warning should be issued, the output control unit 125 does not cause the output unit 160 to output for issuing a warning.

[0062] (3-6) Power source selection unit 126 The power source selection unit 126 has a function of selecting a supply source of power used for output by the output unit 160. For example, the power source selection unit 126 selects a supply source of power used for output by the output unit 160 in accordance with the output method used by the output unit 160. Specifically, the power source selection unit 126 selects either the power source unit 140 or a power generation unit 230 (described later) as a source of power used for output by the output unit 160, depending on the output method used by the output unit 160. The power generation unit 230 generates power from radio waves received by an RFID communication unit 210 (described later) in communication with the RFID reader 15. More specifically, when the output method is a method of outputting using an LED lamp 161 (light emitting device), the power source selection unit 126 selects the power generation unit 230, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the output method is a method of outputting using a buzzer 162 (sound emitting device) or a vibration motor 163 (vibration device), the power source selection unit 126 selects the power source unit 140.

[0063] (4) Storage section 130 The storage unit 130 has a function of storing various information. The storage unit 130 is configured by a storage medium, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media.

[0064] The storage unit 130 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 140 or power supplied from the RFID communication unit 210. The storage unit 130 stores, for example, a communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing own location information. Note that the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130 is identification information different from the identification ID of the RFID communication control unit 200. The storage unit 130 may also store Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication unit 100.

[0065] (5) Power supply section 140 The power supply unit 140 has a function of supplying power. The power supply unit 140 is, for example, a battery such as a cylindrical or button type dry cell (primary cell) or a battery (secondary cell). The power supply unit 140 supplies power to the Wi-Fi communication unit 100, the Sigfox communication unit 110, the control unit 120, and the storage unit 130.

[0066] (6) Environmental information detection unit 150 The environmental information detection unit 150 has a function of detecting environmental information. The function of the environmental information detection unit 150 is realized by various sensor devices that the positional information management communication device 10-1 has as hardware (attached to the positional information management communication device 10-1). For example, if the location information management communication device 10-1 has a temperature sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 detects the temperature around the luggage 12 or the temperature of the location information management communication device 10-1 by the temperature sensor. If the location information management communication device 10-1 has a humidity sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 detects the humidity around the luggage 12 by the humidity sensor. If the location information management communication device 10-1 has an acceleration sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 detects the acceleration of the luggage 12 by the acceleration sensor. The environmental information detection unit 150 may detect, for example, the number of times acceleration is detected as the number of times impacts are applied to the luggage 12.

[0067] (7) Output unit 160 The output unit 160 performs output in an output method according to the designated information. When the designated information is included in a read signal received by the RFID communication unit 210 from the RFID reader 15, the output unit 160 uses an output method according to the designated information. For example, when the designation information indicates a light-emitting device, the output unit 160 performs output using a light-emitting device. When the designation information indicates a sound-emitting device, the output unit 160 performs output using a sound-emitting device. When the designation information indicates a vibration device, the output unit 160 performs output using a vibration device. The number of output methods used by the output unit 160 for output is not particularly limited, and the output unit 160 may perform output using any number of output methods. For example, it is assumed that the designation information indicates a light-emitting device and a sound-emitting device. In this case, the output unit 160 performs output using an LED lamp 161 and a buzzer 162. It is also assumed that the designation information indicates a light-emitting device and a vibration device. In this case, the output unit 160 performs output using an LED lamp 161 and a vibration motor 163. It is also assumed that the designation information indicates a sound-emitting device and a vibration device. In this case, the output unit 160 performs output using a buzzer 162 and a vibration motor 163.

[0068] The output unit 160 outputs various notifications. For example, when the search target is the communication device 10 for managing own location information, the output unit 160 performs output to notify the location of the communication device 10 for managing own location information. On the other hand, when the search target is not the communication device 10 for managing own location information, the output unit 160 does not perform output to notify the location of the communication device 10 for managing own location information. Furthermore, when the environmental state of the luggage 12 is such that a warning should be issued, the output unit 160 outputs to notify the warning. On the other hand, when the environmental state of the luggage 12 is not such that a warning should be issued, the output unit 160 does not output to notify the warning.

[0069] The output unit 160 outputs a notification by various output methods. For example, when the output method is a light-emitting device, the output unit 160 issues a notification by turning on or blinking the light-emitting device from an off state. The output unit 160 may also issue a notification by turning off the light-emitting device from a light-emitting or blinking state. When the output unit 160 outputs a notification by the light-emitting device, the user can search for a specific object by visually checking the output of the light-emitting device. When the output method is a sound emitting device, the output unit 160 notifies by outputting a sound from the sound emitting device. The output unit 160 may also notify by stopping the output of the sound from the sound emitting device. When the output method is a vibration device, the output unit 160 notifies by vibrating the vibration device. The output unit 160 may also notify by stopping the vibration of the vibration device. When the output unit 160 outputs a notification by a sound emitting device or a vibration device, the user can identify the approximate position or direction of a specific object by checking the sound or vibration even when the position information management communication device 10 cannot be seen.

[0070] The output unit 160 uses power according to the output method for output. For example, the output unit 160 uses either the power supplied from the power supply unit 140 or the power supplied from the power generation unit 230 (described later) for output according to the output method. Specifically, when the output method is a method of performing output using an LED lamp 161 (light emitting device), the output unit 160 uses the power supplied from the power generating unit 230 for output. On the other hand, when the output method is a method of performing output using a buzzer 162 (sound emitting device) or a vibration motor 163 (vibration device), the output unit 160 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 140 for output. It is desirable that the power supply source used by the output unit 160 for output is selected according to the power consumption in each output method. For example, when the output unit 160 is operated, if the selected output method can be sufficiently operated with the power supplied from the power generating unit 230, the power generating unit 230 may be selected as the supply source. On the other hand, when the output unit 160 is operated, if the selected output method cannot be operated with the power supplied from the power generating unit 230, the power supply unit 140 that can supply more power than the power generating unit 230 may be selected as the supply source. As a result, the output unit 160 consumes power appropriately according to the output method, so that the position information management communication device 10 can prevent power from being wasted.

[0071] Here, an example of the output of the notification by the output unit 160 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the output of the notification according to the present embodiment. A plurality of pieces of luggage are loaded on each of the four basket cars 16A to 16D (an example of a transport tool) shown in FIG. 6. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the pieces of luggage loaded on the basket cars 16A to 16D are fixed with wrap, film, net, or the like to prevent the pieces of luggage from collapsing. As a result, the users cannot easily move the pieces of luggage. That is, even if the location information management communication device 10 provided on each piece of luggage is hidden behind other pieces of luggage, the users cannot move the pieces of luggage in order to make the communication device ID displayed on the label attached to the location information management communication device 10 visible. In addition, when the output method of the output unit 160 of the location information management communication device 10 provided on each piece of luggage is an LED lamp 161, the notification of the location is performed by turning on the LED lamp 161 that was turned off. Furthermore, if the output method of the output unit 160 of the position information management communication device 10 provided in each piece of luggage is a buzzer 162, notification of the location is made by generating a sound from the buzzer 162.

[0072] Assume that a user inputs the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10 provided on the specific package into the RFID reader 15 to search for a specific package among the packages shown in Fig. 6, and performs a read. By this read, the RFID reader 15 transmits a read signal including the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10 provided on the search target. When the location information management communication device 10 provided on each package receives the read signal, it determines whether or not its own location information management communication device 10 is a search target. Then, if its own location information management communication device 10 is a search target, the location information management communication device 10 performs an output to notify its location. For example, assume that the location information management communication device 10A provided on the baggage 12A shown in FIG. 6 is not the search target. In this case, the location information management communication device 10A keeps the LED lamp 161A turned off. On the other hand, assume that the location information management communication device 10B provided on the baggage 12B is the search target. In this case, the location information management communication device 10B turns on the LED lamp 161B. By visually confirming that the LED lamp 161B has been turned on, the user can identify that the baggage 12B on which the location information management communication device 10B is provided is the search target. Also, suppose that the search target is not luggage that can be seen by the location information management communication device 10, such as luggage 12A and luggage 12B. In this case, by using a sound emitting device or a vibration device as the output method, the user can identify the general location and direction of the search target. In the example shown in FIG. 6, sound is output from the basket cart 16D. That is, the user can identify that the search target is in the basket cart 16D.

[0073] (8) RFID communication control unit 200 The RFID communication control unit 200 has a function of controlling communication by the RFID communication function. The function of the RFID communication control unit 200 is realized by, for example, an antenna and an IC (integrated circuit) that the communication device for location information management 10 has as hardware. The RFID communication control unit 200 communicates with the RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication function. The RFID communication control unit 200 operates using power generated by communication with the RFID reader 15. Therefore, power is not supplied from the power supply unit 140 to the RFID communication control unit 200. 5, the RFID communication control unit 200 includes an RFID communication unit 210 and a control unit 220. The RFID communication unit 210 is an example of a second communication unit.

[0074] (8-1) RFID communication unit 210 The RFID communication unit 210 has an RFID communication function and has a function of performing communication by RFID. The function of the RFID communication unit 210 is realized, for example, by an antenna provided as hardware in the RFID communication control unit 200. The RFID communication unit 210 communicates with the RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication function.

[0075] The RFID communication unit 210 transmits transmission information including the communication device ID of the communication device for managing own location information stored in the storage unit 130 to the RFID reader 15 by using the RFID communication function.

[0076] (8-2) Control unit 220 The control unit 220 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the RFID communication control unit 200. The control unit 220 operates with power supplied from the RFID communication unit 210. The function of the control unit 220 is realized, for example, by an IC that the RFID communication control unit 200 has as hardware. 5, the control unit 220 includes a reading detection unit 221, a transmission information acquisition unit 222, and a communication control unit 223. The communication control unit 223 is an example of a second communication control unit.

[0077] (8-2-1) Reading detection unit 221 The reading detection unit 221 has a function of detecting reading by the RFID reader 15. For example, when the RFID communication unit 210 receives a reading signal of the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15, the reading detection unit 221 detects that the communication device ID has been read by the RFID reader 15.

[0078] (8-2-2) Transmission information acquisition unit 222 The transmission information acquisition unit 222 has a function of acquiring the transmission information transmitted by the RFID communication unit 210 to the RFID reader 15. The transmission information includes the communication device ID. For example, when the reading detection unit 221 detects that the RFID reader 15 has read the information, the transmission information acquisition unit 222 reads out and acquires the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information from the storage unit 130.

[0079] (8-2-3) Communication control unit 223 The communication control unit 223 has a function of controlling communication in the RFID communication unit 210. For example, the communication control unit 223 causes the RFID communication unit 210 to transmit transmission information including the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing own location information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 222 to the RFID reader 15. The communication control unit 223 causes the RFID communication unit 210 to transmit the transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the communication control unit 223 causes the RFID communication unit 210 to transmit the transmission information to the RFID reader 15 at a timing when the RFID communication unit 210 receives a read signal of the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15.

[0080] (9) Power generation section 230 The power generating unit 230 has a function of generating power from radio waves received by the RFID communication unit 210 in communication with the RFID reader 15. The power generating unit 230 operates the entire RFID communication control unit 200 by supplying the generated power to the RFID communication unit 210 and the control unit 220. The power generating unit 230 may use the generated power for the operation of components other than the RFID communication control unit 200. For example, the power generating unit 230 may supply the generated power to the control unit 120, the storage unit 130, and the output unit 160 to operate them. The power supplied to the control unit 120 may be further supplied to the Wi-Fi communication unit 100, the Sigfox communication unit 110, and the environmental information detection unit 150. The power generating unit 230 may supply the generated power to the storage unit 130 only when the power supplied from the power supply unit 140 to the storage unit 130 is insufficient.

[0081] <3. Processing flow> An example of the functional configuration of the communication device 10 for location information management according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the process flow in the communication device 10 for location information management according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. Figs. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the process flow in the communication device 10 for location information management according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 shows an example of the process flow when notifying the location of a search target. Fig. 8 shows an example of the process flow when notifying a warning.

[0082] (1) Flow of processing when notifying the location of a search target 7, first, the reading detection unit 221 of the RFID communication control unit 200 of the communication device 10 for managing location information detects the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 (step S100). If the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected (step S100 / YES), the process proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, if the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is not detected (step S100 / NO), the process proceeds to step S109.

[0083] When reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected and the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management provided in the search target is included in the read signal (step S101 / YES), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, when reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected and the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management provided in the search target is not included in the read signal (step S101 / NO), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0084] When the read signal contains the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10 installed in the search target, the determination unit 124 of the location information management communication device 10 determines whether the location information management communication device 10 is the search target (step S102). If the location information management communication device 10 is the search target (step S102 / YES), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the location information management communication device 10 is not the search target (step S102 / NO), the process proceeds to step S109.

[0085] If the location information management communication device 10 is the search target and the designated information is included in the read signal (step S103 / YES), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the location information management communication device 10 is the search target and the designated information is not included in the read signal (step S103 / NO), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0086] When the designation information is included in the read signal, the output control section 125 of the position information managing communication device 10 determines the output method of the output section 160 based on the designation information (step S104). The power source selection unit 126 of the position information management communication device 10 selects a power supply source used by the output unit 160 for output according to the output method determined by the output control unit 125 (step S105). Then, the output unit 160 performs output notifying the location of the communication device for managing its own location information 10 using the output method determined by the output control unit 125 and power supplied from the supply source selected by the power source selection unit 126 (step S106).

[0087] When the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected and the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management installed in the search target is not included in the read signal, the transmission information acquisition unit 222 of the RFID communication control unit 200 acquires the transmission information to be transmitted by the RFID communication function. The transmission information acquisition unit 222 reads the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for location information management stored in the storage unit 130 and acquires it as the transmission information (step S107).

[0088] After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 223 of the RFID communication control unit 200 causes the RFID communication unit 210 to transmit the transmission information including the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information to the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function of the RFID communication unit 210 (step S108).

[0089] Regardless of whether or not the RFID reader 15 has detected the reading of the communication device ID, the communication control unit 122 determines whether or not it is the predetermined timing (step S109). If it is not the predetermined timing (step S109 / NO), the process repeats from step S100. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing (step S109 / YES), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0090] If it is a predetermined timing, the transmission information acquisition unit 121 acquires the transmission information to be transmitted by the Sigfox communication function. The communication control unit 122 acquires, as the transmission information, the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100 and the communication device ID of the communication device for managing own location information 10 stored in the storage unit 130 (step S110).

[0091] After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 122 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110 to transmit the transmission information including the Wi-Fi information and the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information to the Sigfox management server 30 by the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110 (step S111). After transmitting the transmission information, the process is repeated from step S100.

[0092] (2) Processing flow when a warning is issued 8, if the environmental information is detected by the environmental information detection unit 150 of the location information management communication device 10 (step S200 / YES), the process proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if the environmental information is not detected by the environmental information detection unit 150 of the location information management communication device 10 (step S200 / NO), the process is repeated from step S200.

[0093] When the environmental information is detected by the environmental information detection unit 150 of the communication device for location information management 10, the judgment unit 124 judges whether or not the state of the environment of the managed object is such that a warning should be issued (step S201). If the state of the environment of the managed object is such that a warning should be issued (step S201 / YES), the output unit 160 outputs a warning notice (step S202). After outputting the warning notice, the process is repeated from step S200. On the other hand, if the state of the environment of the managed object is not such that a warning should be issued (step S201 / NO), the process is repeated from step S200. The process for notifying a warning may be executed in parallel with the process for notifying the location of a search target.

[0094] As described above, the communication device for position information management 10 according to this embodiment includes the storage unit 130, the communication control unit 122, the RFID communication unit 210, the determination unit 124, and the output unit 160. The storage unit 130 stores the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information. The communication control unit 122 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110, which performs communication by Sigfox using power supplied from the power supply unit 140, to transmit the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130 to the management server. The RFID communication unit 210 performs communication with the RFID reader 15 by RFID, which is a communication standard different from LPWA. When the read signal received by the RFID communication unit 210 from the RFID reader 15 includes the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information provided in the search target, the determination unit 124 determines whether the search target is the communication device 10 for managing its own location information based on the communication device ID of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information provided in the search target and the identification information of the communication device 10 for managing its own location information stored in the storage unit 130. When the search target is the own location information management communication device 10, the output unit 160 performs output for notifying the location of the own location information management communication device 10.

[0095] With this configuration, when a user uses RFID reader 15 to transmit the communication device ID of a communication device 10 for location information management installed in a search target to an unspecified number of communication devices 10 for location information management, if there is a communication device 10 for location information management having a communication device ID that matches the transmitted communication device ID, a notification of the location is output from that communication device 10 for location information management. The user can easily search for the search target by checking the output of the notification of the location.

[0096] Therefore, the position information management communication device 10 according to this embodiment makes it possible to easily search for a specific object among a plurality of objects.

[0097] The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. In the above embodiment, the object of management is the luggage 12, and an example has been described in which the location information of the luggage 12 is managed by attaching the location information management communication device 10 to the luggage 12, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the object of management may be logistics materials such as a basket cart, a pallet, a container, a packing box, etc. The location information of each logistics material may be managed by attaching the location information management communication device 10 to each logistics material. The location at which the location information management communication device 10 is attached to each logistics material is not particularly limited, and the location may be any location. When the object to be managed is a logistics material, a logistics material ID (e.g., a basket ID if the logistics material is a basket cart) which is an identification ID of the logistics material to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached is associated with the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10. This makes it possible to manage the location information of the logistics material to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached based on the communication device ID, similar to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, a luggage ID may be associated with a logistics material ID. For example, if the logistics material is a basket cart, the luggage ID of the luggage 12 loaded on the basket cart is associated with the basket cart ID of the basket cart. This makes it possible to manage the location information of the luggage 12 loaded on the basket cart based on the communication device ID and the logistics material ID. Furthermore, when managing multiple luggage 12, there is no need to install a location information management communication device 10 for each luggage 12, so the cost required for the location information management communication device 10 in managing the location information of multiple luggage 12 can be reduced.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which RFID is used as the second communication standard has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the second communication standard may be Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark). When BLE is used as the second communication standard, the position information management communication device 10 has a configuration capable of supplying power for using BLE, in addition to the power supply unit 140. For example, the configuration is capable of generating power by energy harvesting. Specifically, the configuration is capable of converting vibrations, light such as indoor light or sunlight, and heat such as waste heat into electricity.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the location information management communication device 10 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100 for performing Wi-Fi positioning and a Sigfox communication unit 110 for performing base station positioning as a configuration for measuring the location of the baggage 12, but is not limited to such an example. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may have a configuration capable of performing GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning. Specifically, the location information management communication device 10 may include a receiving unit capable of receiving a GPS signal from a GPS.

[0100] In addition, a part or all of the functions of each part of the communication device for managing location information 10 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing the functions may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize the functions. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may include a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be a program for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be a program that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or may be a program that is realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0101] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 Location information management system 2A, 2B User sites 10, 10A, 10B Location information management communication device 12A, 12B Baggage 13 Base terminal 14 Vehicles 15 RFID Reader 16A~16D Cage cart 20 Cargo Management Server 30 Sigfox Management Server 40 Location information management server 50 Wi-Fi Management Server 60 User terminals 100 Wi-Fi Communication Department 110 Sigfox Communication Department 120 Control section 121 Transmission information acquisition unit 122 Communication control section 123 Environmental Information Acquisition Department 124 Judgment section 125 Output control section 126 Power supply selection section 130 Storage section 140 Power supply section 150 Environmental Information Detection Unit 160 Output section 161 LED Lamp 162 Buzzer 163 Vibration Motor 200 RFID communication control unit 210 RFID Communication Unit 220 Control section 221 Reading detection unit 222 Transmission information acquisition unit 223 Communication Control Unit 230 Power generation section AP1, AP2, AP3 Access Points BS1, BS2, BS3 Sigfox base station

Claims

1. A location information management communication device includes a storage unit that stores identification information of the location information management communication device itself, and a first communication control unit that causes a first communication unit that performs communication according to a first communication standard using power supplied from a power supply unit to transmit the identification information stored in the storage unit to a server related to management of location information, the location information management communication device being provided in a management target whose location information is managed, a second communication unit that communicates with a reader using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; a determination unit that, when the identification information of the location information management communication device provided in the search target is included in the read signal received by the second communication unit from the reading device, determines whether the search target is the local location information management communication device based on the identification information of the location information management communication device provided in the search target and the identification information of the local location information management communication device stored in the memory unit; an output unit that performs an output for notifying the location of the communication device for managing location information of the subject of the search when the communication device for managing location information of the subject is the communication device for managing location information of the subject; an environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information indicating information related to the environment of the management target detected by a sensor device attached to the location information management communication device; Equipped with the determination unit determines whether or not a state of the environment of the managed object is a state in which a warning should be issued based on a magnitude relationship of the environment information with respect to a reference value; the output unit performs output for notifying a warning when the state of the managed environment is such that a warning should be notified. Communication device for location information management.

2. The output unit is capable of outputting in a plurality of types of output methods, and uses, for the output, either the power supplied from the power supply unit or the power supplied from a power generation unit that generates power from radio waves received in communication with the reading device, depending on the output method.

2. The location information management communication device according to claim 1.

3. When the output method is a method of performing the output using a light-emitting device, the output unit uses the power supplied from the power generation unit for the output.

3. The location information management communication device according to claim 2.

4. When the output method is a method of performing the output using a sound emitting device or a vibration device, the output unit uses the power supplied from the power supply unit for the output.

4. The position information management communication device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. When the read signal received by the second communication unit from the reading device includes designation information for designating the output method, the output unit uses the output method corresponding to the designation information. The position information management communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

Images