Communication terminal device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication terminal device (100) having: a first power generation section (101); a second power generation section (102) different from the first power generation section in power generation principle; a sensor section (103) that detects information; a first communication section (104) that transmits the information using power supplied from the first power generation section; and a second communication section (105) that transmits the information using power supplied from the second power generation section to communicate in a communication mode different from the first communication section.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-144664, filed on August 28, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a communication terminal device that transmits various information acquired by sensors without the need to replace batteries. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, various objects have become able to connect to networks, including the Internet, via communication mechanisms. Consequently, in addition to becoming able to control objects remotely, they have also become able to monitor their status or enable objects to exchange information with each other.

[0005] These objects are mostly located in remote or inaccessible places, and are characterized by transmitting and receiving small amounts of data over long periods. Because of these characteristics, a technology is being sought that eliminates the need for battery replacements in order to enable these objects to function.

[0006] As a technology to solve this problem, there are energy harvesting technologies that convert natural energy or minute amounts of energy existing in the surrounding environment into electricity. Examples include solar cells that utilize sunlight, vibration-based power generation, and radio wave-based power generation. Based on these, since power generation equipment using energy harvesting technologies can generate its own electricity to supply the power required for communication, there is no need to replace or recharge batteries.

[0007] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose sensor devices that are installed on livestock and transmit power generation information corresponding to the type of power generation unit.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses an electronic device that can be installed on a person or animal, which transmits the module's identifier or time information when the module consisting of a power generation unit and a transmission unit is switched on.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. WO2016 / 181604

[0012] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. WO2016 / 181605

[0013] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-109009 Summary of the Invention

[0014] The power generation units in these patent documents collect minute amounts of energy existing in the surrounding environment; therefore, they cannot generate electricity if the surrounding environment changes. For example, in the case of solar cells, they can generate electricity during the day when sunlight can be utilized, but cannot generate electricity at night.

[0015] Furthermore, although these patent documents describe the communication unit, they do not describe the relationship between the usage environment and the communication unit. Generally speaking, the longer the communication distance, the higher the power consumption of the communication device. However, if the power consumption of the generator is insufficient, the communication unit may fail to operate or transmit information.

[0016] Moreover, these problems become more pronounced when installed on objects that are designed for mobility, due to changes in the surrounding or communication environment.

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to realize a communication terminal device that can reduce the period of inability to send information and does not require battery replacement.

[0018] A communication terminal device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has:

[0019] First Power Generation Department (101);

[0020] The second power generation unit (102) operates on a different power generation principle than the first power generation unit.

[0021] Sensor unit (103), detects information;

[0022] The first communication unit (104) transmits the information using power supplied from the first power generation unit;

[0023] The second communication unit (105) uses power supplied from the second power generation unit to transmit the information, and communicates in a different communication mode than the first communication unit.

[0024] Furthermore, the numbers in parentheses attached to the claims and the above-described embodiments, which assign the constituent elements of the invention, are intended to show the correspondence between the present invention and the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] According to the communication terminal device of the present invention, since it has multiple modules that combine different power generation units and different communication units, it is possible to realize a communication terminal device that can reduce the period of inability to transmit information and eliminates the need for battery replacement. Furthermore, by combining modules corresponding to the features of the object to which the device is installed, the period of inability to transmit information due to insufficient power or changes in the communication environment can be further reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the common overall structure in embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication terminal device according to embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the front and back of the ear tag of the communication terminal device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the surface and cross-section of a communication terminal device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the front and back of the ear tag of the communication terminal device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the surface and cross-section of a communication terminal device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the communication terminal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication terminal device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication terminal device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the communication terminal device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of exclusive control of the communication terminal device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Furthermore, this invention refers to the invention described in the claims, and is not limited to the embodiments described below. Additionally, at least the statements within quotation marks refer to the statements described in the claims, and similarly are not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0040] The configurations and methods described in the dependent claims are any configurations and methods in the invention described in the independent claims. The configurations and methods of embodiments corresponding to the configurations and methods described in the dependent claims, as well as configurations and methods not described in the claims but only described in the embodiments, are any configurations and methods in this invention. The configurations and methods described in embodiments where the description in the claims is broader than the description in the embodiments are also, in the sense of being examples of the configurations and methods of this invention, any configurations and methods that become essential to the invention by being described in the independent claims.

[0041] The effects described in the embodiments are effects under the configuration of embodiments that serve as examples of the present invention, and are not necessarily effects possessed by the present invention.

[0042] In the presence of multiple implementations, the configurations disclosed in each implementation are not limited to those in each implementation, but can be combined across implementations. For example, the configuration disclosed in one implementation can be combined with other implementations. Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in multiple implementations can be combined.

[0043] The technical problems described in this disclosure are not well-known technical problems, but rather technical problems discovered independently by the inventors. These problems, together with the structure and method of this invention, affirm the inventiveness of the invention.

[0044] 1. Common overall structure in all implementation methods

[0045] use Figure 1 The common overall structure in the main implementation methods will be explained.

[0046] The main implementations of the communication terminal devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 (hereinafter collectively referred to as communication terminal devices 100, etc.) are held on ear tags 10 attached to livestock. Furthermore, the communication terminal devices 100, etc., are attached to the ears of livestock, such as cattle, using ear tags 10. The communication terminal devices 100, etc., are equipped with various sensors, and these sensors detect information. The detected information is transmitted from the communication terminal devices 100, etc., to the analysis device 15 via cellular network communication 11, through a base station 12, and the Internet. Alternatively, the detected information is transmitted from the communication terminal devices 100, etc., to the analysis device 15 via short-range wireless communication 13, through a machine 14 installed in the cattle shed, and the Internet. The communication methods of the communication terminal devices 100, etc., and the power supply used in conjunction with them are described in detail in each embodiment. The analysis device 15 analyzes the received information and sends necessary information to relevant personnel. Alternatively, the analysis device 15 itself performs necessary control over the communication terminal devices 100, etc., or other devices.

[0047] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to monitor the surrounding environment or ecological condition of livestock and manage them at any time.

[0048] In the following embodiments, the communication terminal device 100, etc., is installed on livestock, but it can also be installed on other objects. For example, it can also be installed or built into a person or an object held by a person. In addition, it can also be installed or built into a mobile vehicle such as a car, a two-wheeled vehicle, a tram, a ship, an airplane, or an object loaded on such a mobile vehicle.

[0049] 2. Implementation Method 1

[0050] (1) Composition of communication terminal device

[0051] use Figure 2 The configuration of the communication terminal device 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0052] The communication terminal device 100 includes a first power generation unit 101, a second power generation unit 102, a sensor unit 103, a first communication unit 104, a second communication unit 105, a first energy storage unit 106, and a second energy storage unit 107.

[0053] The first power generation unit 101 is a power generation element having a defined power generation principle. Ideally, it should have a power generation principle that utilizes light to generate electricity, such as a solar cell that receives sunlight and converts it into electricity. For example, a solar cell using a pn-junction diode with a structure that combines p-type and n-type semiconductors as its power generation principle can be cited. Specifically, silicon-based or compound-based solar cells can be used. In this embodiment, a silicon-based or compound-based solar cell will be used as an example for explanation.

[0054] The second power generation unit 102 is a power generation unit with a "different power generation principle" from the first power generation unit 101. It is desirable to have a power generation principle other than light, such as at least one of vibration power generation, thermal (thermal difference) power generation, electromagnetic wave power generation including far-field or near-field electromagnetic fields, or bio-power generation. In this embodiment, vibration power generation will be described as an example.

[0055] In addition, dye-sensitized solar cells can also be used as the second power generation unit 102, as will be described in the second embodiment.

[0056] Vibration power generation operates on the principle of converting vibration energy into electricity. Specifically, it includes, but is not limited to, piezoelectric principles utilizing piezoelectric ceramics, magnetically movable principles utilizing electromagnetic induction caused by the movement of a magnet in a coil, and permanent charge principles utilizing the movement of electrode plates with attracted charges. In this embodiment, the second power generation unit 102, based on the vibration power generation principle, converts the movement of a cow's body (a domestic animal) into electricity. Since the voltage output by vibration power generation is typically alternating current (AC), a rectifier circuit converting AC voltage to DC voltage can be provided after the second power generation unit 102.

[0057] Here, "different power generation principles" not only includes situations where the input energy is different, but also situations where, even if the input energy is the same, the process of generating electricity is different. For example, even with the same type of solar power generation, if the materials or crystal structures are different, then it can be said that the power generation principles are different.

[0058] The sensor unit 103 is an element that detects "information". The sensor unit 103 can appropriately select sensors for acquiring the required information. For example, as sensors for monitoring the surrounding environment of livestock, examples include temperature sensors for measuring temperature and humidity sensors for measuring humidity. Furthermore, as sensors for estimating the ecological condition of livestock, examples include temperature sensors for measuring the body temperature of livestock, pulse sensors for measuring pulse, and accelerometer sensors, gyroscope sensors, or geomagnetic sensors for detecting the movement of livestock. Other sensors can be used as needed, such as GPS, gas concentration sensors, human sense sensors, brightness sensors, sweat sensors, metabolic sensors, and heart rate sensors.

[0059] The sensor unit 103 may also receive information from an external sensor without acting as a sensor itself. For example, an interface for receiving information can be cited.

[0060] In addition, in each embodiment, the sensor unit 103 detects information, but when it is emphasized to use numerical detection and information acquisition, it is expressed as information value.

[0061] Here, "information" includes not only the raw information output from the sensor unit, but also the information generated after the raw information has been transformed.

[0062] The first communication unit 104 uses power supplied from the first power generation unit 101 to transmit information detected by the sensor unit 103 from the antenna. It is desirable that the first communication unit 104 communicates using a communication method capable of long-distance communication compared to the second communication unit 105 described later. For example, it can communicate using LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), a communication method that is low power consumption and capable of long-distance communication. Examples of LPWA include eMTC (enhanced Machine Type Communication) promoted by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) optimized for smaller data communication, SIGFOX (registered trademark) developed by Sigfox Corporation, or LoRa (registered trademark) developed by Semtech Corporation, but are not limited to these. Of course, it is also possible to use a repeater for communication between the base station or GW (gateway).

[0063] Other examples of the first communications section 104 include communication methods such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), third-generation mobile communication (3G), fourth-generation mobile communication (4G), and fifth-generation mobile communication (5G).

[0064] The second communication unit 105 uses power supplied from the second power generation unit 102 to transmit information detected by the sensor unit 103 via an antenna. Furthermore, the second communication unit 105 communicates with the first communication unit 104 using a "different communication method." Ideally, the second communication unit 105 uses Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) as a short-range wireless communication method. Other examples of short-range wireless communication include RFID (registered trademark), DSRC, Flex (registered trademark), infrared communication, NFC, specific low-power wireless, weak wireless, UWB, ZigBee, etc.

[0065] Here, "different communication methods" includes not only cases with different specifications, but also cases where, even with the same specifications, the version, mode, or process are different.

[0066] The first energy storage unit 106 stores the electricity generated by the first power generation unit 101.

[0067] The second energy storage unit 107 stores the electricity generated by the second power generation unit 102.

[0068] Both can replenish power when power cannot be supplied separately from the power generation unit, thus stabilizing the operation of the communication terminal device 100.

[0069] The first energy storage unit 106 and the second energy storage unit 107 are not necessarily required in this embodiment.

[0070] The first energy storage unit 106 and the second energy storage unit 107 can be provided by only one of them. For example, if the first power generation unit 101 uses a solar cell with a limited power generation period, only the energy storage unit 106 can be provided. By providing the energy storage unit 106, when moving to the cattle shed during periods of weak sunlight around sunset, communication can continue from the first communication unit 104 through the power supply from the energy storage unit 106 until the communication range of the second communication unit 105 is reached.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first module, consisting of the first power generation unit 101 and the first communication unit 104, and the second module, consisting of the second power generation unit 102 and the second communication unit 105, are independent of each other. That is, the first communication unit 104 does not use the power supplied from the second power generation unit 102. Furthermore, the second communication unit 105 does not use the power supplied from the first power generation unit 101.

[0072] However, the first module and the second module do not necessarily have to be independent of each other. For example, they can be configured to supply power from the first power generation unit 101 to the second communication unit 105, or from the second power generation unit 102 to the first communication unit 104. Alternatively, a common energy storage unit can be provided for the first power generation unit 101 and the second power generation unit 102, from which power can be supplied to the first communication unit 104 and the second communication unit 105.

[0073] In this embodiment, there are two independent modules: a first power generation unit 101 and a first communication unit 104, and a second power generation unit 102 and a second communication unit 105. However, there may also be three or more independent modules. For example, radio wave power generation may be used as the third power generation unit, and active RFID may be used as the third communication unit. If sufficient power cannot be supplied by radio wave power generation alone, power generation units with other power generation principles may also be used.

[0074] Furthermore, as the third module, NFC (Near Field Communication) such as Felicia (registered trademark) can also be used, and the structure powered by the NFC antenna itself is equivalent to the third power generation unit.

[0075] In addition, the third power generation unit can also be equipped with thermal power generation. When mounted on a mobile body, by having modules for solar power generation, vibration power generation, and thermal power generation respectively, long-distance communication can be achieved using sunlight when outdoors, short-distance communication can be achieved using vibration when indoors, and communication using thermal power generation becomes dominant when indoors and vibration disappears as vibration decreases. Afterwards, if the heat stored in the mobile body disappears, the operation mode will switch from thermal power generation to battery-powered operation mode, etc., so that the most suitable communication method can be adopted according to the environment.

[0076] (2) Shape and configuration of communication terminal devices

[0077] use Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first shape and configuration of the communication terminal device 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0078] In addition to displaying the individual identification number as originally intended, the ear tag 10 is also used to hold the communication terminal device 100 and to attach the communication terminal device 100 to animals such as livestock. Figure 3 (a) is a view taken from the surface of ear tag 10. Individual identification numbers are recorded on the surface of ear tag 10. Figure 3 (b) is a view taken from the back of the ear tag 10. In order not to hide the individual identification number of the ear tag 10, the communication terminal device 100 is loosely fixed to the back of the ear tag 10 by a support fitting 110 that passes through the ear tag 10.

[0079] Figure 4 (a) is a front view of the communication terminal device 100 as seen from the back of the ear tag 10. Figure 4 (b) is Figure 4 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the communication terminal device 100 along the dashed line AB. Only the thermistor 103c is shown in a transparent and visible state. The solar cell, serving as the first power generation unit 101, is arranged with its light-receiving panel located on the surface of the communication terminal device 100. By positioning it in this way, it can receive sunlight without being affected by the earpiece 10.

[0080] The vibration generator, serving as the second power generation unit 102, is installed inside the communication terminal device 100 with its long axis extending from near the support member 110 toward the side opposite to the side closest to the support member 110. The vibration generator is shaped or made of a material that increases in weight on the side furthest from the support member 110. By making it in this shape or material, the vibration generator can efficiently collect vibrations from the communication terminal device 100. Furthermore, when livestock move, the communication terminal device 100 vibrates with the support member 110 as a fulcrum; by installing the vibration generator in this direction, the vibration generator can efficiently collect vibrations synchronously with the vibration direction of the communication terminal device 100. Additionally, although not shown, by providing a counterweight on the side opposite to the side closest to the support member 110, the vibration of the communication terminal device 100 can be further increased, resulting in the vibration generator being able to collect even more vibrations.

[0081] exist Figure 4 In this example, the sensor unit 103 includes thermistors 103a, 103b, and 103c. Furthermore, a thermal conductor 103d is provided between thermistors 103a and 103b. Thermistors are resistive elements whose resistance changes significantly with temperature and are used as temperature sensors.

[0082] A thermistor 103a is disposed on the front side of the communication terminal device 100. Since this side is typically located on the side of the animal's body, it is possible to measure the animal's body temperature (Ta).

[0083] Thermistor 103b is disposed on the back side of the communication terminal device 100 and on the surface in contact with the ear tag 10. Furthermore, it is capable of measuring the temperature (Tb) of this portion.

[0084] The thermal conductor 103d is a thermal conductor with a known resistance value (R). Moreover, the heat flux (I) can be calculated using the following formula.

[0085] I = (Tb - Ta) / R

[0086] Furthermore, taking advantage of the fact that heat flux I is proportional to heat Q, the metabolic rate of livestock can be calculated based on heat flux I.

[0087] The thermistor 103c is disposed in a space inside the communication terminal device 100. This space can be a vacuum or filled with a gas such as nitrogen. With this configuration, the thermistor 103c can be used to measure the external air temperature (Tc).

[0088] As described above, by setting three thermistors and one thermal conductor as sensor unit 103, it is possible to obtain the body temperature of livestock, the metabolic rate of livestock, and the external air temperature.

[0089] use Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second shape and configuration of the communication terminal device 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0090] Figure 5 (a) is a diagram observed from the surface of ear tag 10. Figure 5 (b) is a view taken from the back of the ear tag 10. The upper part of the communication terminal device 100 is a strip-shaped clamping part, which is loosely fixed to the back of the ear tag 10 by clamping the neck of the ear tag 10 by the main body of the communication terminal device 100 and the clamping part.

[0091] Figure 6 (a) is a front view of the communication terminal device 100 as seen from the back of the ear tag 10. Figure 6 (b) is Figure 6 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the communication terminal device 100 along the dashed line AB. The solar cell, which serves as the first power generation unit 101, is arranged such that its light-receiving panel is located on the surface of the clamping part of the communication terminal device 100. By positioning it in this way, it can receive sunlight without being affected by the earpiece 10.

[0092] Similar to the first shape and configuration of the communication terminal device 100, in the second shape and configuration, a vibration power generation unit as the second power generation unit 102, a thermistor 103a, a thermistor 103b, a thermistor 103c as the sensor unit 103, and a thermal conductor 103d are also provided. According to this example, as... Figure 5 As shown in (a), the thermistor 103c is provided in the clamping part of the communication terminal device 100 in such a way that it is adjacent to the light-receiving panel of the first power generation unit 101.

[0093] Furthermore, while a thermistor has been used as an example of a temperature sensor, other temperature sensors can also be used, and elements that generate electricity based on thermoelectric differences can be used to monitor their power generation. For example, Seebeck elements or Peltier elements can also be used.

[0094] The shape and configuration of the communication terminal device 100 have been described above, but these can be used not only in this embodiment, but also in any of the other embodiments.

[0095] (3) Operation of the communication terminal device

[0096] use Figure 7 The operation of the communication terminal device 100 in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 It is a graph showing the relationship between the power generation of the first power generation unit 101 and the second power generation unit 102 and time.

[0097] In this embodiment, the communication terminal device 100 has a first module that combines a solar cell and LPWA, and a second module that combines vibration power generation and BLE.

[0098] The first module uses a solar cell as the first power generation unit 101, thus ensuring sufficient power generation during the day and outdoors, while insufficient power generation cannot be ensured at night or indoors. Furthermore, since it uses an LPWA as the first communication unit 104, it can communicate essentially regardless of location, as long as it is within the communication range of the base station 12. Therefore, the first module can transmit information detected by the sensor unit 103 during the day and outdoors.

[0099] The second module uses vibration power generation as the second power generation unit 102, thus generating electricity during the time the cattle are active as livestock. During daytime grazing outdoors, the cattle are active, moving freely and eating pasture, resulting in higher power generation. When housed in a cattle shed, their movement is restricted, and they need to sleep, resulting in lower power generation. However, sufficient power is provided for the operation of the second communication unit 105. Furthermore, because BLE is used as the second communication unit 105, communication with the mother unit located in the cattle shed is possible when the cattle are housed there. In contrast, communication is impossible during daytime grazing outdoors due to the distance from the mother unit.

[0100] In this way, Module 1 and Module 2 generate electricity independently and transmit information. As a result, during the daytime and outdoors, Module 1 generates electricity and transmits information, while Module 2, although generating electricity, cannot transmit information because it cannot communicate with the main unit. Furthermore, at night or indoors, Module 1 cannot generate electricity and therefore cannot transmit information, but Module 2 generates electricity and transmits information. The same applies when livestock are kept indoors during the day due to inclement weather or other reasons.

[0101] In this way, by combining modules corresponding to the characteristics of the object on which the communication terminal device 100 is installed, information can be sent throughout the day. In this embodiment, since modules corresponding to the characteristics of livestock, such as livestock movement patterns, physiological phenomena, and livestock management methods, have been selected, information can be sent regardless of the time of day or whether it is indoors or outdoors.

[0102] (4) The second power generation unit observed from the installation object

[0103] The second power generation unit 102 can select the appropriate power generation principle according to the object to be installed.

[0104] For example, when the object of installation is a person or a domestic animal, vibration power generation, heat (temperature difference) power generation, or both can be used due to physical movement or body temperature.

[0105] In contrast, when the object to be installed is not an animal, a power generation principle corresponding to the characteristics of that object should be selected. For example, in the case of a car, both nighttime use and parking in a garage are considered, so vibration power generation and electromagnetic wave power generation can be combined.

[0106] (5) Summary

[0107] According to this embodiment, by selecting the first module and the second module based on the characteristics of the object on which the communication terminal device 100 is installed, the module switching can be performed in accordance with the characteristics of the object. Furthermore, when the first module and the second module are independent, since there is no need to use a switching circuit such as a CPU or a microcomputer, power consumption can be minimized.

[0108] 3. Implementation Method 2

[0109] (1) Composition of communication terminal device

[0110] In the first embodiment, an example of using vibration-generated electricity as the second power generation unit 102 was described. In this embodiment, an example of using the same solar cell as the first power generation unit 101 in the second power generation unit 102, but with a different power generation principle than the first power generation unit 101, will be described. The configuration of the communication terminal device 200 in this embodiment is basically the same as that of the communication terminal device 100 in the first embodiment, therefore, refer to... Figure 2 Please provide an explanation.

[0111] In this embodiment, the first power generation unit 101 uses a silicon-based or compound-based solar cell.

[0112] The second power generation unit 102 has a power generation principle that utilizes light to generate electricity, and it also has a power generation principle that enables it to generate electricity in a darker ambient environment compared to the first power generation unit 101. For example, a dye-sensitized solar cell, which is an organic type of solar cell that uses an organic compound in its light-absorbing layer, is used.

[0113] Dye-sensitized solar cells, for example, have a structure consisting of a glass plate with a transparent conductive layer of indium / tin on its surface, an electrode with particles such as titanium dioxide fixed on the inside of a transparent plastic sheet and organic pigments such as ruthenium adsorbed on the particles, a counter electrode such as platinum or carbon, and a redox agent filled between them.

[0114] Dye-sensitized solar cells have low internal resistance, allowing current to flow easily and reducing the amount of light required to initiate power generation. Furthermore, dye-sensitized solar cells are more sensitive than amorphous silicon in the visible light (indoor) region, thus exhibiting high conversion efficiency under indoor lighting conditions. Moreover, dye-sensitized solar cells respond sensitively to specific wavelengths of light. For example, matching the wavelength of light emitted by fluorescent lamps or LEDs can improve power generation efficiency.

[0115] Furthermore, dye-sensitized solar cells exhibit low frequency dependence in the visible light region, making them less susceptible to environmental changes and enabling them to generate electricity stably.

[0116] (2) Summary

[0117] Compared to silicon-based solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells can generate electricity in darker environments, enabling them to power indoor lighting. Furthermore, unlike vibration-based power generation, the object to which they are installed does not require physical movement, allowing them to be mounted on objects other than animals or moving bodies.

[0118] 4. Implementation Method 3

[0119] (1) Composition of communication terminal device

[0120] In the first and second embodiments, examples of the second power generation unit 102 using a single power generation principle were described. In this embodiment, examples of the second power generation unit 102 using multiple power generation principles are described.

[0121] use Figure 8 The configuration of the communication terminal device 300 according to this embodiment will be described. Additionally, with... Figure 2 Common module usage and Figure 2 Same drawing number and refer to Figure 2 Explanation.

[0122] In this embodiment, the first power generation unit 101 uses a silicon-based or compound-based solar cell.

[0123] The second power generation unit 102 has multiple power generation units. In this embodiment, it has a vibration power generation unit 301, a thermal power generation unit 302, an electromagnetic wave power generation unit 303, a dye-sensitized solar cell 304, and a bio-power generation unit 305, but it is sufficient to have at least any two of them.

[0124] The vibration power generation unit 301 is the same as that described in Embodiment 1.

[0125] The thermoelectric generator section 302 is a thermoelectric conversion element that converts temperature difference (heat) into electricity. Examples of the thermoelectric generator section 302 include elements that generate electricity using the Seebeck effect or Thomson effect, thermoelectric generator elements, thermomagnetic generator elements, etc. As a method for obtaining the temperature difference, for example, one end of the electrode can be in contact with the surface of a cow's body, while the other end of the electrode is exposed to the air.

[0126] The radio wave power generation unit 303 is a component that uses a power generation principle to convert distant or near electromagnetic fields into electricity. For example, it can generate electricity using electromagnetic waves present in space for broadcasting or communication, or electromagnetic waves generated from lighting or household appliances.

[0127] The dye-sensitized solar cell 304 is the same as that described in Embodiment 2.

[0128] The bio-power generation unit 305, also known as a bio-battery, converts chemical energy into electrical energy using biocatalysts such as enzymes or chlorophyll, or biochemical changes caused by microorganisms. Examples of bio-power generation units 305 include fuel cell-type bio-batteries and electrochemical photobio-batteries. Fuel cell-type bio-batteries, for example, generate electricity by using enzymes or microorganisms to break down sugars such as glucose. Electrochemical photobio-batteries, for example, mimic the principle of photosynthesis, generating electricity by irradiating light.

[0129] Vibration power generation unit 301, thermal power generation unit 302, radio wave power generation unit 303, dye-sensitized solar cell 304, and bio-power generation unit 305 supply power to the second communication unit 105.

[0130] (2) Summary

[0131] Each power generation unit constituting the second power generation unit 102 is a component that can generate less electricity than the first power generation unit, but can generate electricity continuously. By providing multiple power generation units as the second power generation unit 105, the required power can be supplied stably.

[0132] Furthermore, as the object on which the communication terminal device 300 is installed, it is also possible to select objects other than animals or moving bodies.

[0133] 5. Implementation Method 4

[0134] (1) Composition of communication terminal device

[0135] In the configurations of embodiments 1 to 3, when both the first communication unit 104 and the second communication unit 105 are activated, there is a possibility that each transmits information detected by the sensor unit 103. In this case, by assigning a unique identifier to the information, the analysis device 15 can identify that the received information is the same information.

[0136] In contrast, this embodiment performs exclusive control, that is, it controls the transmission by not sending the same information from each transmitting unit.

[0137] use Figure 9 The configuration of the communication terminal device 400 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 The difference between Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 lies in the exclusive control between the first communication unit 404 and the second communication unit 405, and the provision of a storage unit 408. Additionally, with... Figure 2 Common module usage and Figure 2 Same drawing number and refer to Figure 2 Explanation.

[0138] 1st Communications Department 404 Figure 2 In addition to its functions, the first communication unit 404 also has the function of generating a start flag indicating that it has been activated. That is, the first communication unit 404 is activated by power supplied from the first power generation unit 101 or the first energy storage unit 106 and generates a start flag. Furthermore, the first communication unit 404 has the function of accessing the second communication unit 405 and detecting whether the second communication unit 405 has generated a start flag.

[0139] 2nd Communications Department 405 Figure 2 In addition to its functions, the second communication unit 405 also has the function of generating a start-up flag indicating that it has been activated. That is, the second communication unit 405 is activated by power supplied from the second power generation unit 102 or the second energy storage unit 107 and generates a start-up flag. Furthermore, the second communication unit 405 has the function of accessing the first communication unit 404 and detecting whether the first communication unit 404 has generated a start-up flag.

[0140] The storage unit 408 is connected to the first communication unit 404 and the second communication unit 405, and stores a transmission counter that shows the transmission sequence and the accumulated value of the information value detected by the sensor unit 103. In order to retain the stored data even when power is off, the storage unit 408 is expected to be a non-volatile memory.

[0141] (2) Operation of the communication terminal device

[0142] use Figure 10 The operation of the communication terminal device 400 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0143] In addition, the following actions not only illustrate the communication method in the communication terminal device 400, but also illustrate the processing flow of the communication program executed by the communication terminal device 400.

[0144] Moreover, these processes are not limited to Figure 10The order shown is acceptable. That is, the order can be changed as long as there are no restrictions such as using the results of previous steps in a certain step.

[0145] Figure 10 The operation of a first module having a first power generation unit 101, a first energy storage unit 106, and a first communication unit 404, and a second module having a second power generation unit 102, a second energy storage unit 107, and a second communication unit 405 are shown. Since the operation of the two modules is identical, only the operation of the first module will be described. Here, an example is shown where a solar cell is used as the first power generation unit 101 and a vibration power generation unit is used as the second power generation unit.

[0146] The first energy storage unit 106 stores the electricity output by the solar cells of the first power generation unit 101 (S101).

[0147] After the first power storage unit 106 stores the prescribed amount of power, the first communication unit 404 is activated (S102). At this time, the first communication unit 404 generates an activation flag. For example, information can be detected by the sensor unit 103 as a trigger for activating the first communication unit 404.

[0148] The first communication unit 404 checks whether the second communication unit 405 is started (S103). Specifically, it accesses the second communication unit 405 and checks whether the second communication unit 405 has generated a start flag.

[0149] When the second communication unit 405 is activated (S103: Yes), the first communication unit 404 stops transmitting the information value detected by the sensor unit 103 and disconnects its own power supply.

[0150] If the second communication unit 405 is not activated (S103: No), the first communication unit 404 acquires the information value a(n) detected by the sensor unit 103, and reads the accumulated value b(n-1) of the previous information value stored in the storage unit 408, and adds them together to generate a new accumulated value b(n) of the information value (S104). In addition, the first communication unit 404 reads the transmission count value n stored in the storage unit 408 (S105).

[0151] The first communication unit 404 transmits the cumulative value b(n) of the new information value and the transmission count value n (S106).

[0152] The first communication unit 404 writes the accumulated value b(n) of the new information value and the new transmission count value n+1 after incrementing the transmission count value n into the storage unit 408 (S107). Then, the first communication unit 404 disconnects its own power supply.

[0153] The operation of module 2 is the same as that of module 1, therefore the operation of module 1 described above is replaced with the operation of module 2. Specifically, S101 is replaced with the power output from the vibration power generation unit.

[0154] Thus, in this embodiment, exclusive control can be performed to prevent the first communication unit 404 and the second communication unit 405 from sending the same information.

[0155] Figure 11 Show Figure 10 Examples of the transmission count value n, the cumulative value b(n) of the information value, and the information value a(n) when the communication terminal device 400 is operating are shown.

[0156] The transmission count value n is a value that increases sequentially from 1, indicating the order in which the information values ​​are transmitted. Furthermore, the transmission count value n is used interchangeably in all modules that transmit information.

[0157] The accumulated information value b(n) is the value obtained by accumulating the information values ​​detected by the sensor unit 103 at each transmission stage. Figure 11 In the case of the second transmission, the sensor unit 103 detects information value 15. Then, the cumulative value of the information value is obtained by adding the current information value 15 to the cumulative value of the previous information value 20, and the new cumulative value of the information value becomes 35.

[0158] As an advantage of using accumulated values, one can cite the ability to directly utilize the energy stored in the capacitor. Furthermore, it can be cited that sensing is continuous and low-power, without the concept of a sampling period.

[0159] In addition, in this action example, the object to be sent is used as the accumulated value of the information value, but the information value can also be sent.

[0160] Furthermore, the exclusive control based on the method of this embodiment is one example, and other methods can also be used for exclusive control.

[0161] For example, in this embodiment, the first communication unit 404 detects the startup status of the second communication unit 405, and the second communication unit 405 detects the startup status of the first communication unit 404. Alternatively, a control unit (not shown) can detect the startup status of the first communication unit 404 and the second communication unit 405 and control their respective information transmission functions.

[0162] In addition, the startup flag generated by the first communication unit 404 and the second communication unit 405 can be sent to an external server, and the startup status can be queried from the external server.

[0163] (3) Summary

[0164] According to this embodiment, there is no situation where two communication units transmit the same information. Therefore, it is not necessary to assign a unique identifier to the information, and as a result, the increase in the data length of the information can be suppressed. In particular, when the first communication unit uses LPWA, the affinity with LPWA is high because the data length is limited.

[0165] 6. Summary

[0166] The features of the communication terminal device in each embodiment of the present invention have been described above.

[0167] The terminology used in the various embodiments is exemplary and can therefore be replaced with synonymous terms or terms that contain synonymous functions.

[0168] The block diagrams used in the description of the embodiments are block diagrams obtained by classifying and organizing the configuration of the device according to its functions. The modules showing each function are implemented by any combination of hardware or software. Furthermore, since the functions are shown, this block diagram can also be regarded as a disclosure of the invention of the method and the invention of the program for implementing the method.

[0169] The order of the processing, flow, and functional modules described in each implementation method can be changed as long as there are no restrictions such as the relationship between the results of other steps preceding a step and the process of using the results of other steps preceding a step.

[0170] The terms 1, 2, and up to N (where N is an integer) used in the various embodiments and claims are used to distinguish two or more configurations or methods of the same type, and are not intended to limit the order or superiority of any particular type.

[0171] Each embodiment has been described using a communication terminal device installed on livestock as an example, but the present invention also includes dedicated or general-purpose communication terminal devices other than those for livestock, except where specifically defined in the claims.

[0172] Industrial applicability

[0173] In addition to being installed on livestock or objects, the communication terminal device of the present invention can also be used as a device for humans to hold and transmit information required for games.

Claims

1. A communication terminal device (100, 200, 300), characterized in that, have: First Power Generation Department (101); The second power generation unit (102) operates on a different power generation principle than the first power generation unit. Sensor unit (103), detects information; The first communication unit (104) transmits the information using power supplied from the first power generation unit; The second communication unit (105) transmits the information using power supplied from the second power generation unit, communicating in a different communication mode than the first communication unit. When the first communication unit is activated, the second communication unit does not send the information. If the first communication unit is not activated, the second communication unit sends the information.

2. The communication terminal device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first power generation unit operates on the principle of generating electricity using light. The first communication unit communicates using a communication method that enables long-distance communication compared to the second communication unit.

3. The communication terminal device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first power generation unit is a silicon-based or compound-based solar cell that generates electricity using sunlight. The communication method of the first communication unit is LPWA (Low Power Width Area).

4. The communication terminal device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second power generation unit has a power generation principle other than light.

5. The communication terminal device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second power generation unit has a power generation principle that utilizes at least one of vibration, heat, electromagnetic waves, or chemical energy to generate electricity. The communication method of the second communication unit is Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

6. The communication terminal device (200) as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second power generation unit has a power generation principle that utilizes light to generate electricity, and it also has a power generation principle that enables it to generate electricity in a darker surrounding environment compared to the first power generation unit.

7. The communication terminal device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first power generation unit is a silicon-based or compound-based solar cell that generates electricity using sunlight. The second power generation unit is a dye-sensitized solar cell.

8. The communication terminal device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication unit does not use the power supplied from the second power generation unit. The second communication unit does not use the power supplied from the first power generation unit.

9. The communication terminal device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The communication terminal device is held on the back of the ear tag (10) attached to the livestock.

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