Mobile information provision system

Abstract

A mobile body information providing system (100) comprises a mobile body (10), a transmitter (20), a receiver (30) and a server (40). The transmitter (20) is mounted on the mobile body (10). The receiver (20) is installed at a predetermined location and performs short-range wireless communication with the transmitter (20) located at the predetermined location. The transmitter (20) is configured to operate and transmit a signal when the mobile body (10) is not in use, and to stop operating when the mobile body (10) is in use. When the receiver (30) receives a signal from the transmitter (20), it transmits information including the reception time of the signal and identification information of the receiver (30) to the server (40). The server (40) generates location information of the unused mobile body (10) at the current time based on the information from the receiver (30), and notifies the terminal device (50) of the location information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile object information providing system. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-136910 (Patent Document 1) discloses a management system for shopping carts used in supermarkets and other stores. In Patent Document 1, an electronic tag storing shopping cart ID information is installed on each shopping cart. A detector is set at the storage place of the shopping cart, and is configured to read the shopping cart ID information from the electronic tag to detect the entry of the shopping cart.

[0003] In addition, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-54358 (Patent Document 2) discloses a shopping cart system in which a wireless communication unit is provided on the shopping cart, and a shopping cart detection unit is provided. The shopping cart detection unit communicates with the wireless communication units of shopping carts in a parking lot attached to a store, thereby detecting the number of shopping carts in the parking lot.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-136910

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-54358 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] According to the above system, although the entry and exit of the shopping cart to the shopping cart storage place or the parking lot can be detected, it is not possible to determine whether the shopping cart is in use or not based on the result of wireless communication. Therefore, a shopper who wants to use the shopping cart must go to the storage place to find an unused shopping cart, which may be time-consuming and laborious.

[0010] Furthermore, when a wireless communication unit mounted on a shopping cart requires a power source such as a battery, it is required to suppress the power consumption of the wireless communication unit in order to reduce the work of a facility manager required for replacing the power source.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile object information providing system capable of providing position information of an unused mobile object to a user with low power consumption.

[0012] Means used to solve problems

[0013] A mobile body information providing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mobile body, a transmitter, a receiver, and a server. The transmitter is mounted on the mobile body. The receiver is arranged at a predetermined location and performs short-range wireless communication with the transmitter present at the predetermined location. The server is communicatively connected to the receiver. The transmitter is configured to operate and transmit a signal when the mobile body is not in use, and to stop operating when the mobile body is in use. When the receiver receives a signal from the transmitter, it sends information including the reception time of the signal and the identification information of the receiver to the server. The server is capable of communicating with a terminal device, generating location information of an unused mobile body at the current time based on the information from the receiver, and notifying the terminal device of the location information.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a moving object information providing system capable of providing a user with position information of an unused moving object with low power consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile object information providing system according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a first structural example of a shopping cart.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a first structural example of a shopping cart.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a second structural example of a shopping cart.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a receiver.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of installation of multiple receivers within a facility.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the receiver setting location database stored in the server.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining reception log information.

[0024] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server.

[0025] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining an empty shopping cart information database.

[0026] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the screen data generation process of the server.

[0027] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining the screen data generation process of the server.

[0028] Fig.13 A diagram showing an example of a display screen of a terminal device.

[0029] Fig.14 This is a functional block diagram for explaining the functional structure of the mobile object information providing system.

[0030] Fig.15 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of processing executed by the mobile object information providing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated in principle.

[0032] <Application example of mobile object information provision system>

[0033] The mobile object information providing system of this embodiment is a system for providing location information of unused mobile objects existing in a facility to users of the facility (hereinafter referred to as "users"). A shopping mall will be described below as an example of a facility to which the mobile object information providing system of this embodiment is applied.

[0034] In shopping malls, shopping carts are used as mobile objects for carrying goods purchased by shoppers. A shopping cart is a so-called handcart, and is composed of a basket for carrying goods, wheels, and handles. In order to facilitate shoppers who bring children with them to shop, some shopping carts have seats for children to sit on. In this embodiment, a shopping cart dedicated to a child-friendly seat is described.

[0035] Unused shopping carts are usually collected at a plurality of pre-set locations within a facility. Shoppers with children can go to the locations to use unused shopping carts. However, if there are no unused shopping carts at the locations, the shoppers must go to several locations to look for unused shopping carts, which takes time and effort. Alternatively, the facility manager who receives inquiries from the shoppers must look for unused shopping carts, which may increase the workload of the manager.

[0036] In this embodiment, the mobile object information providing system is configured to provide shoppers with location information of unused shopping carts scattered in a shopping mall, thereby reducing the trouble of shoppers and improving their convenience, and reducing the workload of facility management personnel.

[0037] <Structure of mobile object information providing system>

[0038] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile object information providing system according to an embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the mobile information providing system 100 includes a plurality of shopping carts 10, a plurality of transmitters 20, a plurality of receivers 30, a server 40, and a terminal device 50. The transmitter 20, the receiver 30, the server 40, and the terminal device 50 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. The communication between the transmitter 20 and the receiver 30, the communication between the receiver 30 and the server 40, and the communication between the server 40 and the terminal device 50 are performed wirelessly. The communication between the receiver 30 and the server 40 may be wired or wireless. The communication between the server 40 and the terminal device 50 is performed via a communication network NW (typically, the Internet).

[0040] (1) Shopping cart 10 and transmitter 20

[0041] As described above, the shopping cart 10 has a child seat. The transmitter 20 is mounted on the shopping cart.

[0042] The transmitter 20 communicates with the receiver 30 via a short-range wireless communication method. In the short-range wireless communication method, a communication method in accordance with the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard or a communication method in accordance with the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard can be used. The transmitter 20 is, for example, a beacon of the BLE specification, configured to transmit a signal within a radius of several meters. The signal transmitted by the transmitter 20 includes the identification information of the transmitter. The identification information is, for example, an identifier inherent to each transmitter 20 (hereinafter referred to as a "beacon ID").

[0043] Specifically, the transmitter 20 receives a power supply voltage from a power supply circuit (not shown) to operate and transmit a signal. The power supply voltage from the power supply circuit to the transmitter 20 is supplied when the corresponding shopping cart 10 is not in use, and is not supplied when the shopping cart 10 is in use. Figure 1 In the example, in the shopping cart 10 in use, the transmitter 20 (beacon ID = 1) stops supplying power supply voltage, so the transmitter 20 stops working and does not transmit signals. On the other hand, in the shopping cart 10 not in use, the transmitter 20 (beacon ID = 2) receives the supply of power supply voltage and transmits signals.

[0044] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3A first configuration example of the shopping cart 10 is shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a child seat portion of the shopping cart 10 .

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the seat surface 12 of the seat is supported by an elastic member 14. The first end of the elastic member 14 is connected to the back of the seat surface 12, and the second end of the elastic member 14 is connected to the support member 16. The elastic member 14 can be composed of an elastic member such as a spring or rubber. When a child sits on the seat surface 12 and presses the seat surface 12 toward the support member 16, the elastic member 14 is deformed. When the child leaves the seat surface 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the elastic member 14 applies force to the seat surface 12 in the direction opposite to the support member 16, and the seat surface 12 is lifted and restored to its original state. The seat surface 12 corresponds to an example of a "load member" that receives a load from the outside when the moving body is used.

[0046] A switch circuit 24 is provided below the seat surface 12. The switch circuit 24 includes a first contact 25, a second contact 26, and a conductive member 27 disposed between the first contact 25 and the second contact 26. The conductive member 27 is fixed to the back surface of the seat surface 12. The first end of the conductive member 27 is mounted on the back surface of the seat surface 12 via the first insulating member 17, and the second end of the conductive member 27 is mounted on the back surface of the seat surface 12 via the second insulating member 18.

[0047] The support member 16 contains a transmitter 20 and a power supply circuit 22. The power supply circuit 22 has a DC power supply such as a battery. The first terminal of the power supply circuit 22 is connected to the first contact 25 of the switch circuit 24. The first terminal of the transmitter 20 is connected to the second contact 26 of the switch circuit 24. The second terminal of the power supply circuit 22 is connected to the second terminal of the transmitter 20 through the power supply line 21.

[0048] The switch circuit 24 is configured to switch the connection / disconnection between the power supply circuit 22 and the transmitter 20. Specifically, Figure 2 As shown, when a child sits on the seat 12, that is, when the shopping cart 10 is used, the conductive member 27 is pressed down together with the seat 12, and the first contact 25 and the second contact 26 of the switch circuit 24 are out of contact with the conductive member 27 (the switch circuit 24 is disconnected). Therefore, the circuit between the first contact 25 and the second contact 26 is opened, and the power supply circuit 22 and the transmitter 20 are electrically disconnected. As a result, the supply of the power supply voltage from the power supply circuit 22 to the transmitter 20 is stopped, so that the transmitter 20 stops working and does not transmit a signal.

[0049] In contrast, Figure 3As shown, when the child leaves the seat 12, that is, when the shopping cart 10 is not in use, the conductive member 27 is lifted up together with the seat 12, and the first contact 25 and the second contact 26 of the switch circuit 24 contact the conductive member 27 (the switch circuit 24 is turned on). Therefore, the first contact 25 and the second contact 26 are electrically connected, and the power supply circuit 22 and the transmitter 20 are electrically connected. As a result, the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply circuit 22 to the transmitter 20, and the transmitter 20 operates and transmits a signal.

[0050] Figure 4 A second configuration example of the shopping cart 10 is shown. Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a child seat portion of the shopping cart 10 .

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the detection unit 28 is connected to the seat surface 12 of the seat. The detection unit 28 detects whether the child is sitting on the seat surface 12 or leaving the seat surface 12, that is, whether the shopping cart 10 is in use or not. For example, the detection unit 28 includes a load sensor, which is configured to detect the load applied to the seat surface 12 when the child is sitting. When the load sensor detects the load, the detection unit 28 determines that the child is sitting on the seat surface 12, that is, the shopping cart 10 is in use.

[0052] In addition, the detection unit 28 is not limited to the load sensor, and may also be an infrared sensor, etc. For example, the infrared sensor is provided in the child seat portion. When the infrared sensor detects infrared rays emitted from the child, the detection unit 28 determines that the shopping cart is in use.

[0053] The detection result of the detection unit 28 is output to the switch circuit 24. The switch circuit 24 is configured to switch the connection / disconnection between the power circuit 22 and the transmitter 20 according to the output of the detection unit 28. Specifically, when the detection unit 28 detects that the shopping cart 10 is in use, the switch circuit 24 is turned off to electrically disconnect the power circuit 22 from the transmitter 20. As a result, the supply of the power supply voltage from the power circuit 22 to the transmitter 20 is stopped, and therefore, the transmitter 20 does not transmit a signal.

[0054] On the other hand, when the detection unit 28 detects that the shopping cart 10 is not in use, the switch circuit 24 is turned on to electrically connect the power circuit 22 to the transmitter 20. Thus, the power supply voltage is supplied from the power circuit 22 to the transmitter 20, and the transmitter 20 transmits a signal.

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the transmitter 20 is operated to transmit a signal when the shopping cart 10 is not in use, and the transmitter 20 is stopped when the shopping cart 10 is in use, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the transmitter 20.

[0056] (2) Receiver 30

[0057] return Figure 1 , the receiver 30 receives the signal transmitted by the transmitter 20 of the unused shopping cart 10. The receiver 30 is installed in a manner corresponding to the installation location of the shopping cart 10. The signal transmission range of the receiver 30 is adjusted to cover the installation location of the corresponding shopping cart 10. Therefore, when the installation location of the shopping cart 10 is included in the signal transmission range of the transmitter 20 of the unused shopping cart 10, the signal can be received by the receiver 30 installed at the installation location.

[0058] Thus, when there is an unused shopping cart 10 at the location where the shopping cart 10 is installed, the receiver 30 installed at the location receives the signal transmitted by the transmitter 20 of the shopping cart 10 , thereby acquiring the location information of the unused shopping cart 10 .

[0059] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the receiver 30. Figure 5 As shown, the receiver 30 includes a processor 31 for executing a program, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 for storing data in a non-volatile manner, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 for storing data generated by the processor 31 executing the program or data input via an input device in a volatile manner, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 34 for storing data in a non-volatile manner, and a communication interface 35 as main structural elements. The structural elements are connected to each other through a data bus. In addition, the communication interface 35 is an interface for communicating between the transmitter 20 and the server 40. The HDD 34 corresponds to an embodiment of a "non-volatile storage device". The receiver 30 may also be provided with other non-volatile storage devices instead of the HDD 34, or may be provided with the HDD 34 and other non-volatile storage devices.

[0060] The processing of the receiver 30 is implemented by software executed by each hardware and processor. Such software is sometimes stored in advance in HDD 34. In addition, the software is sometimes stored in other storage media and circulated as a program product. Alternatively, the software is sometimes provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to an external communication network. Such software is temporarily stored in HDD after being read from its storage medium by a reading device or downloaded via communication interface 35, etc. The software is read from HDD 34 by processor 31 and stored in RAM 33 in the form of an executable program. Processor 31 executes the program.

[0061] In addition, Figure 1 In the figure, only one receiver 30 is shown, but the number of receivers 30 installed in the facility is not limited thereto. Figure 6 As shown, when a plurality of installation locations for the shopping cart 10 are provided in a facility, a plurality of receivers 30 are provided so as to correspond to the plurality of installation locations, respectively.

[0062] Figure 6 The figure shows an example of installation of a plurality of receivers 30 in a facility. Figure 6 Schematically shows a top view of the facility viewed from the ceiling.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, for shoppers to enter and exit the facility, multiple entrances and exits (front entrance ENTa, east entrance ENTb, parking entrance ENTc, west entrance ENTd) are set in the facility. A setting place 60 for shopping carts 10 is set near each entrance and exit to collect unused shopping carts 10.

[0064] The receiver 30 is installed at each installation location 60. Figure 6 In the example, four receivers 30a to 30b are provided corresponding to the four entrances ENTa to ENTd, respectively. Each receiver 30 is assigned identification information (hereinafter referred to as "receiver ID") unique to each receiver 30. For example, "a" is assigned as the receiver ID to the receiver 30a provided at the front entrance ENTa, "b" is assigned as the receiver ID to the receiver 30b provided at the east entrance ENTb, "c" is assigned as the receiver ID to the receiver 30c provided at the parking lot entrance ENTc, and "d" is assigned as the receiver ID to the receiver 30d provided at the west entrance ENTd.

[0065] In addition, the receiver ID assigned to each receiver 30 is associated with the installation location of the receiver 30 and stored in the server 40 . Figure 7 4 is a diagram for explaining the receiver installation location database stored in the server 40. Figure 7 As shown, the receiver ID and the installation location are associated and registered in the receiver installation location database for each receiver 30. The receiver installation location database corresponds to an embodiment of the "first database".

[0066] The receiver 30 is configured to receive a signal transmitted by the transmitter 20 within a receiving range. The region RGN in the figure schematically shows the receiving range of the receiver 30. The receiving range corresponds to the signal transmission range of the transmitter 20 and has a circular shape with a radius of several meters.

[0067] The size of the receiving range of the receiver 30 is determined by the strength of the signal transmitted from the transmitter 20. In the present embodiment, the signal strength of the transmitter 20 is adjusted so that the receiving range of the receiver 30 includes the installation location 60 of the corresponding shopping cart 10. By adopting such a configuration, when an unused shopping cart 10 is stored in the installation location 60 of the shopping cart 10, the receiver 30 installed in the installation location 60 can receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter 20 mounted on the shopping cart 10.

[0068] When receiving a signal, the receiver 30 associates the reception time of the signal with the identification information (beacon ID) of the transmitter 20 included in the signal and stores them in the HDD 34. The HDD 34 of the receiver 30 generates reception log information showing the reception history of the signal. Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining receiving log information. Figure 8 , the reception log information of the receiver 30a is shown as an example. The reception log information records the reception time of the signal and the beacon ID of the transmitter 20 which is the source of the signal.

[0069] The receiver 30a samples the received signal according to a predetermined sampling period (for example, 30 seconds). Figure 8 In the example, the receiver 30a samples every 30 seconds the signal transmitted from the transmitter 20 (beacon ID=2) mounted on the unused shopping cart 10. The reception time of the signal and the beacon ID "2" of the transmitter 20 are recorded in the reception log information of the receiver 30a.

[0070] The receiver 30 transmits its identification information (receiver ID) to the server 40 together with the reception log information stored in the HDD 34 at a predetermined period (e.g., 3 minutes). At this time, by deleting part of the reception log information already stored in the HDD 34, the memory capacity of the HDD 34 used for storing the reception history can be suppressed.

[0071] The receiver 30 is not limited to the structure of regularly sending the reception log information to the server according to the above-mentioned prescribed cycle, but may also adopt a structure of sending the reception log information of the most recent prescribed time (for example, 3 minutes) in response to a sending request from the server 40.

[0072] (3) Server 40

[0073] The server 40 has a function for managing the shopping cart 10 existing in the facility. As an example, the server 40 is installed in an operating company that operates the facility. A management person who is entrusted with the facility management by the operating company can use the server 40.

[0074] Fig. 940 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 40. Fig. 9 As shown, the server 40 includes a processor 41 for executing a program, a ROM 42 for storing data in a non-volatile manner, a RAM 43 for storing data generated by the processor 41 executing the program or data input via an input device in a volatile manner, an HDD 44 for storing data in a non-volatile manner, and a communication interface 45 as main structural elements. The structural elements are connected to each other via a data bus. In addition, the communication interface 45 is an interface for communicating between the receiver 30 and the terminal device 50. The HDD 45 corresponds to an embodiment of a "non-volatile storage device". The server 40 may also be equipped with other non-volatile storage devices instead of the HDD 44, or may be equipped with the HDD 44 and other non-volatile storage devices.

[0075] The processing of the server 40 is implemented by software executed by various hardware and processors. Such software is sometimes stored in advance in HDD45. In addition, the software is sometimes stored in other storage media and circulated as a program product. Alternatively, the software is sometimes provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to an external communication network. Such software is temporarily stored in HDD45 after being read from its storage medium by a reading device or downloaded via communication interface 45, etc. The software is read from HDD45 by processor 41 and stored in RAM43 in the form of an executable program. Processor 41 executes the program.

[0076] return Figure 1 When receiving the reception log information from the receiver 30, the server 40 registers the reception log information in a database for managing unused shopping carts 10 (hereinafter referred to as an "empty shopping cart information database") stored in the HDD 45. When a plurality of receivers 30 are installed in the facility, the reception log information of each receiver 30 is registered in the empty shopping cart information database. The empty shopping cart information database corresponds to an embodiment of the "second database".

[0077] Fig.10 is a diagram for explaining an empty shopping cart information database. Fig.10 shown in the Figure 6 The reception log information of the four receivers 30a to 30d is shown as being registered in the empty shopping cart information database.

[0078] like Fig.10 As shown, each of the four receivers 30a to 30d transmits reception log information together with its own receiver ID to the server 40 at a predetermined period (eg, 3 minutes). As described above, the reception log information includes the reception time of the signal and the beacon ID of the transmitter 20 included in the signal.

[0079] When receiving reception log information from each of the four receivers 30a to 30d, the server 40 registers the reception log information in the empty shopping cart information database. Specifically, the server 40 sorts all the reception log information of the four receivers 30a to 30d according to the reception time of the signal. At this time, the server 40 associates the receiver ID of the receiver 30 as the transmission source with each reception log information. The empty shopping cart information database is composed of a table having a signal reception time column, a receiver ID column, and a beacon ID column.

[0080] The server 40 can understand which receiver 30 corresponding to which installation location 60 received the signal from which transmitter 20 and when based on the content registered in the empty shopping cart information database. In addition, by sorting the reception log information according to the reception time of the signal, the latest position information of the unused shopping cart can be easily obtained.

[0081] The server 40 generates location information showing the current location of the unused shopping cart 10 based on the information registered in the empty shopping cart information database. For example, the server 40 generates screen data (typically a web screen) showing the location information of the unused shopping cart 10. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The screen data generation process in the server 40 will be described.

[0082] like Fig.11 As shown, first, the server 40 generates display data for generating screen data (WEB screen) using the empty shopping cart information database and the receiver setting location database stored in the HDD 45.

[0083] Specifically, the server 40 extracts the most recent reception log information (e.g., 1 minute) from the reception log information registered in the empty shopping cart information database. The server 40 uses the receiver installation location database to aggregate the extracted most recent reception log information of the specified time for each installation location of the receiver 30 and generates data for WEB screen display.

[0084] The web screen display data is composed of the beacon ID of the transmitter 20 that is the source of the signal received within the most recent predetermined time (1 minute), the receiver ID of the receiver 30 that received the signal, and information on the number of unused shopping carts 10 (hereinafter referred to as "the number of empty shopping carts") for each installation location 60 of the receiver 30. The number of empty shopping carts corresponds to the total number of beacon IDs shown in the beacon ID column.

[0085] exist Fig.11In the example, the web screen display data when the installation location 60 of the receiver 30 is the front entrance ENTa includes: the receiver ID "a" of the receiver 30a installed at the front entrance ENTa; and the beacon ID "2" of the transmitter 20 that is the transmission source of the signal received within the most recent specified time. The total number of beacon IDs is 1, so the number of empty shopping carts is "1".

[0086] The web screen display data when the installation location 60 of the receiver 30 is the east entrance ENTb includes: the receiver ID "b" of the receiver 30b installed at the east entrance ENTb; and the beacon ID "5" of the transmitter 20 that is the source of the signal received within the most recent specified time. The total number of beacon IDs is 1, so the number of empty shopping carts is "1".

[0087] The web screen display data when the installation location 60 of the receiver 30 is the west entrance ENTd includes: the receiver ID "d" of the receiver 30d installed at the west entrance ENTd; and the beacon IDs "9" and "14" of the transmitter 20 that is the source of the signal received within the most recent specified time. The total number of beacon IDs is 2, so the number of empty shopping carts is "2".

[0088] The web screen display data when the installation location 60 of the receiver 30 is the parking entrance ENTc has the receiver ID "c" of the receiver 30c installed at the parking entrance ENTc, and does not have a beacon ID. Therefore, the number of empty shopping carts is "0".

[0089] Thus, the web screen display data is generated based on the reception log information within the most recent predetermined time and includes information on the number of empty shopping carts in each installation location 60 of the receiver 30. The server 40 generates a web screen using the generated web screen display data.

[0090] Specifically, if Fig.12 As shown, the server 40 generates an image showing a bird's-eye view of the facility. The server 40 places an object 70 indicating the number of empty shopping carts on the bird's-eye view. Fig.12 In the example, an object 70 indicating the number of empty shopping carts is arranged for each of the four shopping cart installation locations 60. An object 70 indicating the number of empty shopping carts "1" is arranged at the front entrance ENTa and the west entrance ENTd, and an object 70 indicating the number of empty shopping carts "2" is arranged at the east entrance ENTb. As for the parking lot entrance ENTc, since the number of empty shopping carts is "0", no object 70 is arranged. Alternatively, an object 70 indicating the number of empty shopping carts "0" may be arranged.

[0091] The server 40 transmits the generated screen data to the terminal device 50 as a transmission source, based on the request signal transmitted from the terminal device 50 .

[0092] (4) Terminal device 50

[0093] return Figure 1 The terminal device 50 is connected to the server 40 via a communication network NW (typically the Internet) in a communicable manner. The terminal device 50 is an information processing device having a communication function and a display function, and is typically a smart phone or a tablet. The terminal device 50 is used by a user U (shopping customer) in the facility. In addition, the terminal device 50 is not limited to a portable terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet, and may also be a PC (Personal Computer) etc. installed in the facility.

[0094] The terminal device 50 is typically a web browser. The terminal device 50 accesses the server 40 and displays screen data (WEB screen) on the terminal device. In addition, the terminal device 50 may need to log in to the server 40 in order to display the screen data.

[0095] Fig.13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the terminal device 50. Fig.13 As shown, by accessing the server 40 according to the user operation on the terminal device 50, the terminal device 50 displays the WEB screen on the display. Fig.12 As described in , the web screen includes an image showing the number of unused shopping carts 10 (the number of empty shopping carts) for each installation location 60 of the shopping cart 10. The terminal device 50 can let the user U of the terminal device 50 know in which installation location 60 there is an unused shopping cart 10.

[0096] <Functional structure of mobile information providing system>

[0097] Fig.14 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functional structure of the mobile object information providing system 100. Fig.14 2 shows the functional configuration of the shopping cart 10, the receiver 30, the server 40 and the terminal device 50.

[0098] like Fig.14 As shown, the shopping cart 10 includes a detection unit 28, a transmitter 20, a power circuit 22, and a switch circuit 24. The detection unit 28 detects whether the shopping cart 10 is in a used state or an unused state.

[0099] The switch circuit 24 is configured to switch the connection / disconnection between the power circuit 22 and the transmitter 20 according to the output of the detection unit 28. When the detection unit 28 detects that the shopping cart 10 is in use, the switch circuit 24 electrically disconnects the power circuit from the transmitter 20. Therefore, when the shopping cart 10 is in use, the supply of the power supply voltage from the power circuit 22 to the transmitter 20 is stopped, so the transmitter 20 does not transmit a signal. On the other hand, when the detection unit 28 detects that the shopping cart 10 is not in use, the switch circuit 24 electrically connects the power circuit to the transmitter 20. Therefore, when the shopping cart 10 is not in use, the power supply voltage is supplied from the power circuit 22 to the transmitter 20, and the transmitter 20 transmits a signal.

[0100] The receiver 30 is installed in a manner corresponding to the installation location 60 of the shopping cart 10. The receiver 30 includes a receiving unit 302, a storage unit 304, a reception log generating unit 306, and a transmitting unit 308. The receiving unit 302 can communicate with the transmitter 20 through short-range wireless communication. The receiving unit 302 receives the signal transmitted by the transmitter 20 of the unused shopping cart 10 existing in the receiving range according to a predetermined sampling period (for example, 30 seconds).

[0101] The reception log generation unit 306 generates reception log information indicating the reception history of the signal (see Figure 8 ) and stores it in the storage unit 304. The reception time of the signal and the beacon ID of the transmitter 20 as the signal transmission source are associated and recorded in the reception log information.

[0102] The transmission unit 308 transmits the receiver ID of the transmitter together with the reception log information stored in the storage unit 304 to the server 40 at a predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes).

[0103] The server 40 includes a receiving unit 402, a storage unit 404, a screen data generating unit 406, and a sending unit 408. The receiving unit 402 is communicatively connected to the sending unit 308 of the receiver 30. When the receiving unit 402 receives the reception log information from the receiver 30, it registers the reception log information in the empty shopping cart information database stored in the storage unit 404.

[0104] The storage unit 404 stores an empty shopping cart information database (see Fig.10 ) and the receiver location database (refer to Figure 7 The screen data generation unit 406 generates screen data (typically a web screen) indicating the location information of a shopping cart that is not currently used, based on the information registered in the empty shopping cart information database.

[0105] The screen data generating unit 406 generates web screen display data for generating screen data (see Fig.11 The web screen display data is composed of the beacon ID of the transmitter 20 that is the source of the signal received within the most recent specified time (for example, 1 minute), the receiver ID of the receiver 30 that received the signal, and the number of empty shopping carts for each installation location 60 of the receiver 30. The screen data generation unit 406 generates screen data using the generated web screen display data (see Fig.12 ). The transmission unit 408 transmits the generated screen data to the terminal device 50 as the transmission source based on the request signal transmitted from the terminal device 50.

[0106] The terminal device 50 includes a control unit 502, a storage unit 504, a communication unit 506, a display unit 508, and an input unit 510. The control unit 502 controls each unit of the terminal device 50 according to the program stored in the storage unit 504. The storage unit 504 stores a predetermined program and various data. The application program of the mobile body information providing system 100 is downloaded from the server 40 and installed in the storage unit 504. The application program includes address information (for example, an IP address) for accessing the server 40.

[0107] The communication unit 506 accesses the server 40 based on the address information and communicates with the server 40. In the terminal device 50, by communicating with the server 40 via the communication network NW, data transmitted from the server 40 can be stored in the storage unit 504 at any time.

[0108] The display unit 508 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The input unit 510 has operation buttons. Alternatively, when the display unit 508 is formed of a touch panel, at least a part of the input unit 510 can also be formed using the touch panel.

[0109] The communication unit 506 accesses the server 40 according to the user operation on the terminal device 50, thereby receiving the screen data (WEB screen) from the server 40 and storing it in the storage unit 504. The control unit 502 reads the screen data (WEB screen) stored in the storage unit 504 from the storage unit 504, and displays the read screen data (WEB screen) on the display unit 508.

[0110] <Flow of mobile object information provision processing>

[0111] Fig.15 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of processing executed by the mobile object information providing system 100.

[0112] like Fig.15As shown, in the shopping cart 10, when it is detected in the process P1 that the shopping cart 10 is not in use, a power supply voltage is supplied to the transmitter 20 mounted on the shopping cart in the process P2, so that the transmitter 20 is operated. The transmitter 20 transmits a signal in the process P3. In the process P4, the transmitter 20 transmits a signal to the receiver 30 installed in the installation place 60 of the shopping cart 10 through short-range wireless communication.

[0113] When receiving the signal, the receiver 30 generates reception log information through process P5 and sends the generated reception log information to the server 40 through process P6.

[0114] The server 40 generates a transmitter arrangement location database in process P7 before communicating with the receiver 30. The arrangement location of the receiver 30 installed in the facility is associated with the receiver ID and registered in the receiver arrangement location database.

[0115] When receiving the reception log information sent in process P6, the server 40 generates an empty shopping cart information database in process P8. The server 40 generates screen data (WEB screen) in process P9 based on the transmitter configuration location database generated in process P7 and the empty shopping cart information database generated in process P8.

[0116] The terminal device 50 accesses the server 40 in accordance with the user operation on the terminal device 50 through processing P10, and sends a request to send screen data. When the server 40 receives the request to send screen data from the terminal device 50, it sends the screen data (WEB screen) generated through processing P9 to the terminal device 50 that is the source of the transmission request through processing P11. The terminal device 50 receives the screen data and displays the screen (WEB screen) based on the screen data on the display unit 508 through processing P12.

[0117] As described above, according to the mobile object information providing system of this embodiment, the transmitter 20 is mounted on the shopping cart 10 (mobile object), and the transmitter 20 is operated to transmit a signal when the shopping cart is not in use, thereby being able to obtain the position information of the unused shopping cart 10 using the signal.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the mobile object information providing system of this embodiment, it is not necessary to obtain position information, and the operation of the transmitter 20 is stopped when the shopping cart 10 is used, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the transmitter 20. As a result, the position information of the mobile object not in use can be provided to the user with low power consumption.

[0119] In addition, according to the mobile object information providing system of this embodiment, by setting the receiver 30 for receiving the signal from the transmitter 20 in a manner corresponding to the predetermined installation location 60 of the shopping cart 10, the location information of the unused shopping cart 10 can be efficiently obtained without increasing the number of installations of the receiver 30.

[0120] <Other application examples of the mobile object information providing system>

[0121] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure of a system for providing location information of unused shopping carts to shoppers in a shopping mall is illustrated, but the application example of the mobile body information providing system of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the mobile body information providing system of the present invention can be applied to a system for providing location information of unused wheelchairs to users of facilities in medical facilities or nursing facilities. In this case, when the wheelchair is not in use, a transmitter mounted on the wheelchair transmits a signal. The receiver receives the signal and sends reception log information to the server, whereby the server can provide the location information of the unused wheelchair to the user. Alternatively, the mobile body information providing system of the present invention can also be applied to a system for providing location information of unused cars to users in facilities such as golf courses or amusement parks.

[0122] The embodiments disclosed this time are merely illustrative in all aspects and should not be construed as limiting. The present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0123] Description of Reference Numerals

[0124] 10 shopping cart, 12 seat, 14 elastic member, 16 supporting member, 17 first insulating member, 18 second insulating member, 20 transmitter, 21 power line, 22 power circuit, 24 switch circuit, 25 first contact, 26 second contact, 27 conductive member, 28 detection unit, 30, 30a to 30d receiver, 31, 41 processor, 32, 42 ROM, 33, 43 RAM, 34, 44 HDD, 35, 45 communication interface, 40 server, 50 terminal device, 60 installation place, 70 object, 100 mobile body information providing system, 302, 402 receiving unit, 304, 404, 504 storage unit, 306 receiving log generating unit, 308, 408 sending unit, 406 screen data generating unit, 502 control unit, 506 communication unit, 508 display unit, 510 input unit, ENTa to ENTd entrance and exit, NW communication network.

Claims

1. A mobile body information providing system, wherein: The mobile body information providing system comprises: Mobile body; a transmitter mounted on the mobile object; a receiver installed at a predetermined location and performing short-range wireless communication with the transmitter existing at the predetermined location, wherein the predetermined location is set to correspond to a predetermined location where the mobile body is installed; as well as a server communicatively connected to the receiver, The transmitter is configured to operate to transmit a signal when the mobile body is not in use, and to stop operating when the mobile body is in use. When the receiver receives the signal from the transmitter, the receiver sends information including the reception time of the signal and the identification information of the receiver to the server, The server is capable of communicating with the terminal device, generating the unused position information of the moving object at the current moment based on the information from the receiver, and notifying the terminal device of the position information.

2. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile body comprises: Power supply circuit; as well as a switch circuit, which is arranged between the power supply circuit and the transmitter, The switch circuit is turned on when the moving body is not in use to supply a power supply voltage from the power supply circuit to the transmitter, and is turned off when the moving body is in use to stop supplying the power supply voltage to the transmitter.

3. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 2, wherein: The mobile body further includes a detection unit, which is used to detect whether the mobile body is in a used state or an unused state. The detection unit turns on the switch circuit when detecting that the movable body is in an unused state.

4. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 3, wherein: The mobile body further includes a load-bearing component, which bears a load from the outside when the mobile body is in use. The detection unit opens the switch circuit when detecting the load acting on the load member.

5. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 2, wherein: The switch circuit comprises: a first contact connected to the power circuit; a second contact connected to the transmitter; and Conductive parts, The conductive member is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected when the conductive member is located at the first position, and the first contact and the second contact are open when the conductive member is located at the second position. The conductive member is located at the first position when the movable body is not in use, and moves from the first position to the second position when the movable body is in use.

6. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 5, wherein: The mobile body further includes a load-bearing component, which bears a load from the outside when the mobile body is in use. The conductive member is connected to the load member, and moves from the first position to the second position by receiving the load.

7. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 1, wherein: The server includes a storage unit storing a first database in which the predetermined place and the identification information of the receiver are associated with each other. The server generates the position information based on the information from the receiver using the first database.

8. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 7, wherein: The server generates a second database by sorting the information from the receiver according to the reception time of the signal and stores the second database in the storage unit. When the server receives a request from the terminal device, the server generates the location information based on the information within the most recent specified time stored in the second database and notifies the terminal device of the location information.

9. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile object is used in a facility, The predetermined location is set to correspond to a location where the moving object is installed that is predetermined in the facility.

10. The mobile object information providing system according to claim 9, wherein: The position information includes the number of the unused moving bodies existing at the installation location.

Images