Location management system and location management method

Abstract

A location management system and a location management method. The position information of the other competitors is acquired at the time when the first competitor enters the preset area. A position management system (100) is provided with: a first communication device (1) which is attached to a first competitor (U1) and which acquires first position information (PS1) indicating the position of the first competitor (U1) from a GNSS system (5); a second communication device (2) that is attached to a second competitor (U2) and that acquires second position information (PS2) indicating the position of the second competitor (U2) from the GNSS system (5); a server device (3) that receives the first position information (PS1) from the first communication device (1) and receives the second position information (PS2) from the second communication device (2); the fixed communication device (4) communicates with the first communication device (1) and the second communication device (2), and when the first communication device (1) communicates with the fixed communication device (4), the first communication device (1) transmits the first position information (PS1) to the server device (3), and the server device (3) causes the second communication device (2) to transmit the second position information (PS2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a location management system and a location management method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes the following: When it is detected by a GPS receiving device installed in an athlete that the athlete has entered a preset area (transition area), it is determined that the athlete is at a check point where the event changes.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-56634

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the position information from the GPS receiving device is acquired at regular intervals. Therefore, there is the following problem. That is, when the time when an athlete enters a preset area is different from the time when the position information of other athletes is acquired, the position information of other athletes cannot be acquired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a location management system including: a first communication device installed in a first athlete who participates in an event and moves along a route, and acquiring first position information indicating the position of the first athlete from a GNSS system; a second communication device installed in a second athlete different from the first athlete who participates in the event, and acquiring second position information indicating the position of the second athlete from the GNSS system; an information processing device that receives the first position information from the first communication device and receives the second position information from the second communication device; and a fixed communication device arranged at a specific position on the route, communicating with the first communication device and the second communication device, and when the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device transmits the first position information to the information processing device, and the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information when the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a location management method for a location management system, the location management system comprising: a first communication device installed on a first competitor who participates in a competition and moves along a route, obtaining first location information indicating the location of the first competitor from a GNSS system; a second communication device installed on a second competitor different from the first competitor participating in the competition, obtaining second location information indicating the location of the second competitor from the GNSS system; an information processing device receiving the first location information from the first communication device and receiving the second location information from the second communication device; and a fixed communication device configured at a specific location on the route, communicating with the first communication device and the second communication device, the location management method including: when the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device sending the first location information to the information processing device; and when the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing device causing the second communication device to send the second location information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the location management system according to the present embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the first communication device.

[0009] Figure 3 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the second communication device.

[0010] Figure 4 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the server device.

[0011] Figure 5 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the fixed communication device.

[0012] Figure 6 FIG. is an example showing the processing of the location calculation unit and the determination unit of the server device.

[0013] Figure 7 FIG. is an example showing the processing of the location calculation unit and the determination unit of the server device.

[0014] Figure 8 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the location management system.

[0015] Figure 9 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the server device.

[0016] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0017] 1st communication device; 11th control unit; 12 GNSS receiver; 13 RF communicator; 14 1st communication interface; 15 battery; 11A 1st processor; 11B 1st memory; 111 1st acquisition unit; 112 1st transmission unit; 113 1st replenishment unit; 114 1st communication control unit; 115 1st position storage unit; 21 2nd control unit; 21A 2nd processor; 21B 2nd memory; 211 2nd acquisition unit; 212 2nd transmission unit; 213 2nd replenishment unit; 214 2nd communication control unit; 215 2nd position storage unit; 3 server device (information processing device); 31 3rd control unit; 31A 3rd processor; 31B 3rd memory; 311 receiving unit; 312 instruction unit; 313 position calculation unit; 314 determination unit; 315 3rd communication control unit; 316 3rd position storage unit; 317 route storage unit; 4 fixed communication device; 41 4th control unit; 41A 4th processor; 41B 4th memory; 411 4th acquisition unit; 412 4th transmission unit; 413 4th communication control unit; 414 identification information storage unit; CM instruction information; CU route; DT detector; JD1 1st identification information; JD2 2nd identification information; PD1 1st elapsed time information; PG1 1st control program; PG2 2nd control program; PG3 3rd control program; PG4 4th control program; PS position information; PS1 1st position information; PS2, PS2A, PS2B, PS2C 2nd position information; PSF fixed position information; RN ranking; TH1 1st threshold; TH2 2nd threshold; TM1 1st date and time information; TM2 2nd date and time information; TMF fixed date and time information; U competitor; U1 1st competitor; U2, U21, U22, U23 2nd competitor; VA, VB, VC traveling speed; ΔL, ΔL1, ΔLN distance; ΔTA, ΔTB, ΔTC time difference. Detailed implementation mode

[0018] Hereinafter, this implementation mode will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] First, with reference to Figure 1 the structure of the position management system 100 of this implementation mode will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the position management system 100 of this implementation mode. As Figure 1 shown, the position management system 100 includes a 1st communication device 1, a 2nd communication device 2, a server device 3, and a fixed communication device 4.

[0020] The 1st communication device 1 is installed on the 1st competitor U1. The 1st communication device 1 is installed, for example, on the upper arm of the 1st competitor U1.

[0021] The first competitor U1 participates in a competition where the competitor moves along the route CU. The competition is, for example, a marathon. In the following description, the case where the competition is a marathon will be described. In the following description, the first competitor U1 is the competitor who ranks first in the marathon.

[0022] The first communication device 1 obtains the first position information PS1 from the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) system 5. The first position information PS1 represents the position of the first competitor U1.

[0023] The first communication device 1 obtains the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5, for example, at regular intervals. The regular interval is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0024] In addition, when the first communication device 1 obtains the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5, it obtains the first date and time information TM1 representing the date and time corresponding to the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5.

[0025] Furthermore, the first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 to the server device 3 in a corresponding manner. The first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 to the server device 3 at regular intervals. The regular interval is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0026] In addition, the first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 to the server device 3, for example, when communicating with the fixed communication device 4.

[0027] In addition, when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA arranged on the route CU, the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. In the detection area DA, for example, a pressure sensor is arranged to detect the situation where the competitor U enters the detection area DA.

[0028] Refer to Figure 2 The structure of the first communication device 1 will be further described.

[0029] The second communication device 2 is installed on the second competitor U2. The second communication device 2 is installed on, for example, the upper arm of the second competitor U2.

[0030] The second competitor U2 participates in the marathon in the same way as the first competitor U1.

[0031] In the following description, the second competitor U2 is a competitor who runs behind the second place in a marathon. The second competitor U2 includes multiple competitors. For example, the second competitor U2 includes the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23. The second competitor U21 is, for example, the competitor who runs in the second place. The second competitor U22 is, for example, the competitor who is in the third place. The second competitor U23 is, for example, the competitor who is in the fourth place.

[0032] In the following description, without distinguishing the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23, the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 may sometimes be respectively referred to as the second competitor U2.

[0033] A second communication device 2A is installed on the upper arm of the second competitor U21. A second communication device 2B is installed on the upper arm of the second competitor U22. A second communication device 2C is installed on the upper arm of the second competitor U23. That is, the second communication device 2 includes the second communication device 2A, the second communication device 2B, and the second communication device 2C.

[0034] The second communication device 2A, the second communication device 2B, and the second communication device 2C have substantially the same structure as each other. Therefore, in the following description, without distinguishing the second communication device 2A, the second communication device 2B, and the second communication device 2C, the second communication device 2A, the second communication device 2B, and the second communication device 2C may sometimes be respectively referred to as the second communication device 2.

[0035] The second communication device 2 obtains second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5. The second position information PS2 indicates the position of the second competitor U2.

[0036] The second communication device 2 obtains the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5, for example, at predetermined intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0037] In addition, when the second communication device 2 obtains the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5, it obtains second date and time information TM2 indicating the date and time corresponding to the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5.

[0038] In addition, the second communication device 2 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 in correspondence. The second communication device 2 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 at predetermined intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, 100 seconds. Refer to Figure 3 The structure of the second communication device 2 will be further described.

[0039] When the fixed communication device 4 detects that the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA arranged on the route CU, it communicates with the first communication device 1. When the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA, for example, the fixed communication device 4 obtains the identification information for identifying the first communication device 1, that is, the first identification information JD1, from the first communication device 1. In addition, the fixed communication device 4 sends the obtained first identification information JD1, the fixed date and time information TMF, and the fixed position information PSF to the server device 3.

[0040] The fixed date and time information TMF indicates the date and time when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA arranged on the route CU. The fixed position information PSF indicates the position of the detection area DA.

[0041] Refer to Figure 5 Further describe the structure of the fixed communication device 4.

[0042] The fixed communication devices 4 are arranged, for example, at regular distance intervals along the route CU from the start position of the marathon. The regular distance is, for example, 10 km. In addition, the regular distance can also be, for example, 5 km.

[0043] The server device 3 receives the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1 and the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2.

[0044] In addition, when the server device 3 receives the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1, it receives the first date and time information TM1 corresponding to the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1. When the server device 3 receives the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2, it receives the second date and time information TM2 corresponding to the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2.

[0045] In addition, the server device 3 receives the first identification information JD1 from the fixed communication device 4.

[0046] The server device 3 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device".

[0047] Refer to Figure 4 Further describe the structure of the server device 3.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 2 Describe the structure of the first communication device 1. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the first communication device 1. As Figure 2 shown, the first communication device 1 includes a first control unit 11, a GNSS receiver 12, an RF (Radio Frequency) communicator 13, a first communication interface 14, and a battery 15.

[0049] The first control unit 11 controls each part of the first communication device 1. The battery 15 supplies power to each part of the first communication device 1 according to the instruction of the first control unit 11.

[0050] The GNSS receiver 12 receives GNSS signals from the GNSS system 5 according to the instruction of the first control unit 11. The GNSS receiver 12 includes an antenna. The GNSS receiver 12 outputs the GNSS signals received from the GNSS system 5 to the first control unit 11.

[0051] The GNSS signals include a position signal SP and a date-time signal ST. The position signal SP corresponds to position information PS indicating the position of the GNSS receiver 12. The date-time signal ST indicates the date and time corresponding to the position signal SP. That is, the date-time signal ST indicates the date and time when the GNSS receiver 12 receives the position signal SP.

[0052] In addition, the GNSS receiver 12 is turned on / off according to the instruction of the first control unit 11. The GNSS receiver 12 is constituted by an IC (Integrated Circuit), for example.

[0053] When the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA, the RF communicator 13 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. The RF communicator 13 stores the first identification information JD1, for example, and transmits the first identification information JD1 to the fixed communication device 4 when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA. The RF communicator 13 is constituted as a so-called "RF tag", for example.

[0054] The first communication interface 14 includes an antenna, a connector, and an interface circuit, and is connected to the first control unit 11. The first communication interface 14 is an interface for communicating with the server device 3. The first communication interface 14 is an interface for communicating with the server device 3 according to the LTE (registered trademark) (Long Term Evolution) standard, for example.

[0055] The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 11A and a first memory 11B.

[0056] The first memory 11B is a storage device that stores programs and data executed by the first processor 11A in a non-volatile manner. The first memory 11B is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. In addition, the first memory 11B may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that constitutes the working area of the first processor 11A. The first memory 11B stores data processed by the first control unit 11 and the first control program PG1 executed by the first processor 11A, etc.

[0057] The first processor 11A may be composed of a single processor, or may be a structure in which multiple processors function as the first processor 11A. The first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to control each part of the first communication device 1.

[0058] The first processor 11A may also be composed of an SoC (System on Chip) integrated with a part or all of the first memory 11B and other circuits. In addition, the first processor 11A may be composed of a combination of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes programs and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. A structure in which all functions of the first processor 11A are installed in hardware may be adopted, or a programmable device may be used to constitute it.

[0059] In the following description, the case where the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to control each part of the first communication device 1 will be described.

[0060] Next, with reference to Figure 2 The functional structure of the first control unit 11 will be described. The first control unit 11 includes a first acquisition unit 111, a first transmission unit 112, a first supplementation unit 113, a first communication control unit 114, and a first position storage unit 115.

[0061] Specifically, the first processor 11A functions as the first acquisition unit 111, the first transmission unit 112, the first supplementation unit 113, and the first communication control unit 114 by executing the first control program PG1. In addition, by the first processor 11A executing the first control program PG1, the first memory 11B functions as the first position storage unit 115.

[0062] The first position storage unit 115 stores the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 correspondingly. The first position information PS1 corresponds to the position signal SP obtained by the first acquisition unit 111 from the GNSS receiver 12. The first date and time information TM1 corresponds to the date and time signal ST obtained by the first acquisition unit 111 from the GNSS receiver 12. In addition, the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 are stored in the first position storage unit 115 by the first acquisition unit 111.

[0063] The first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 12. The first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the GNSS system 5, for example, at regular intervals. The regular interval is, for example, 10 seconds. In the following description, the case where the regular interval is 10 seconds will be described.

[0064] In addition, when the RF communicator 13 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 12.

[0065] In addition, the first acquisition unit 111 stores the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 acquired from the GNSS system 5 in the first position storage unit 115 correspondingly.

[0066] The first transmission unit 112 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 to the server device 3 correspondingly. The first transmission unit 112 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 to the server device 3, for example, at regular intervals. The regular interval is, for example, 10 seconds. In the following description, the case where the regular interval is 10 seconds will be described.

[0067] In other words, the first transmission unit 112 transmits, for example, 10 first position information PS1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 every 100 seconds, and 10 first date and time information TM1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 corresponding to the 10 first position information PS1 respectively, to the server device 3.

[0068] In addition, when the RF communicator 13 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first transmission unit 112 may also transmit the first position information PS1 and the first elapsed time information PD1 to the server device 3. The first elapsed time information PD1 represents the time from the start time of the marathon to the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1.

[0069] In addition, when the first transmission unit 112 communicates between the RF communicator 13 and the fixed communication device 4, it correspondingly transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 to the server device 3.

[0070] The first supplementation unit 113 calculates the first speed V1 at which the first competitor U1 moves based on the first position information PS1, and supplements the first position information PS1 based on the first speed V1.

[0071] For example, when the position shown in the first position information PS1 moves from the first position PA to the second position PB and the time difference between the date and time of the first position PA and the date and time of the second position PB is 10 seconds, the first supplementation unit 113 calculates the first speed V1 using the following formula (1).

[0072] V1 = ΔL / 10 (1)

[0073] The distance ΔL represents the distance (m) between the first position PA and the second position PB. The unit of the first speed V1 is (m / sec).

[0074] The first supplementation unit 113 calculates the position of the first competitor U1 one second after the first position PA as the distance ΔL1 relative to the first position PA on the line segment connecting the first position PA and the second position PB using the following formula (2).

[0075] ΔL1 = 1 × V1 (2)

[0076] Similarly, the first supplementation unit 113 calculates the position of the first competitor U1 N seconds after the first position PA as the distance ΔLN relative to the first position PA on the line segment connecting the first position PA and the second position PB using the following formula (3). Additionally, the integer N is an integer from "2" to "9".

[0077] ΔLN = N × V1 (3)

[0078] In this way, the first supplementation unit 113 supplements the first position information PS1 between the first position PA and the second position PB.

[0079] The first communication control unit 114 controls the communication between the GNSS receiver 12 and the GNSS system 5. Additionally, the first communication control unit 114 controls the communication between the RF communicator 13 and the fixed communication device 4. Additionally, the first communication control unit 114 controls the communication between the first communication interface 14 and the server device 3.

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the second communication device 2 will be described. Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the second communication device 2. As Figure 3As shown, the second communication device 2 includes a second control unit 21, a GNSS receiver 22, an RF communicator 23, a second communication interface 24, and a battery 25.

[0081] The second control unit 21 controls each part of the second communication device 2. The battery 25 supplies power to each part of the second communication device 2 according to the instructions of the second control unit 21.

[0082] The second control unit 21 corresponds to Figure 2 the first control unit 11 of the first communication device 1 shown. The GNSS receiver 22 corresponds to Figure 2 the RF communicator 13 of the first communication device 1 shown. The second communication interface 24 corresponds to Figure 2 the first communication interface 14 of the first communication device 1 shown. The battery 25 corresponds to Figure 2 the battery 15 of the first communication device 1 shown.

[0083] In the following description, the structures of the parts of the second communication device 2 that are different from the parts of the first communication device 1 will be mainly described, and the descriptions of the structures common to the parts of the first communication device 1 will be omitted.

[0084] When the second competitor U2 enters the detection area DA, the RF communicator 23 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. The RF communicator 23 stores, for example, the second identification information JD2, and when the second competitor U2 enters the detection area DA, sends the second identification information JD2 to the fixed communication device 4.

[0085] The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 21A and a second memory 21B. The second processor 21A corresponds to Figure 2 the first processor 11A of the first control unit 11 shown. The second memory 21B corresponds to Figure 2 the first memory 11B of the first control unit 11 shown.

[0086] Next, with reference to Figure 3 the functional structure of the second control unit 21 will be described. The second control unit 21 includes a second acquisition unit 211, a second transmission unit 212, a second supplement unit 213, a second communication control unit 214, and a second position storage unit 215.

[0087] Specifically, the second processor 21A functions as the second acquisition unit 211, the second transmission unit 212, the second supplement unit 213, and the second communication control unit 214 by executing the second control program PG2. In addition, the second processor 21A causes the second memory 21B to function as the second position storage unit 215 by executing the second control program PG2.

[0088] The second acquisition unit 211 corresponds to Figure 2The first acquisition unit 111 of the first control unit 11 shown. The second transmission unit 212 corresponds to Figure 2 The first transmission unit 112 of the first control unit 11 shown. The second supplementation unit 213 corresponds to Figure 2 The first supplementation unit 113 of the first control unit 11 shown. The second communication control unit 214 corresponds to Figure 2 The first communication control unit 114 of the first control unit 11 shown. The second position storage unit 215 corresponds to Figure 2 The first position storage unit 115 of the first control unit 11 shown.

[0089] This mainly describes the different functions of the units of the second control unit 21 from those of the units of the first control unit 11, and the description of the functions common to the units of the first control unit 11 is omitted.

[0090] The second position storage unit 215 stores the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 correspondingly. The second position information PS2 corresponds to the position signal SP obtained by the second acquisition unit 211 from the GNSS receiver 22. The second date and time information TM2 corresponds to the date and time signal ST obtained by the second acquisition unit 211 from the GNSS receiver 22. In addition, the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 are stored in the first position storage unit 115 by the second acquisition unit 211.

[0091] The second acquisition unit 211 acquires the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 22. The second acquisition unit 211 acquires the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the GNSS system 5, for example, at every predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds. In the following description, the case where the predetermined time is 10 seconds is described.

[0092] In addition, the second acquisition unit 211 stores the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 acquired from the GNSS system 5 in the first position storage unit 115 correspondingly.

[0093] In addition, when the RF communicator 23 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second acquisition unit 211 does not perform the process of acquiring the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 12. In particular, in this regard, the second acquisition unit 211 is different from the first acquisition unit 111.

[0094] The second transmitting unit 212 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 in correspondence with each other. For example, the second transmitting unit 212 transmits the second position information PS2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 at every predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 100 seconds. In the following description, the case where the predetermined time is 100 seconds will be described.

[0095] In other words, for example, every 100 seconds, the second transmitting unit 212 transmits ten pieces of the second position information PS2 stored in the first position storage unit 115 and ten pieces of the second date and time information TM2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 in correspondence with the ten pieces of the second position information PS2 to the server device 3.

[0096] In addition, when the RF communicator 13 of the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second transmitting unit 212 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 obtained by the second obtaining unit 211 to the server device 3 in correspondence with each other according to the instruction information CM from the server device 3.

[0097] In particular, the second transmitting unit 212 is different from the first transmitting unit 112 in that the second transmitting unit 212 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 according to an instruction from the server device 3.

[0098] Refer to Figure 4 Further explain the instruction information CM.

[0099] The second supplementing unit 213 calculates the second speed V2 at which the second competitor U2 moves based on the second position information PS2, and supplements the second position information PS2 based on the second speed V2.

[0100] For example, when the position indicated by the second position information PS2 moves from the first position PC to the second position PD and the time difference between the date and time of the first position PC and the date and time of the second position PD is 10 seconds, the second supplementing unit 213 calculates the second speed V2 by the following formula (4).

[0101] V2 = ΔL / 10 (4)

[0102] The distance ΔL represents the distance (m) between the first position PC and the second position PD. The unit of the second speed V2 is (m / sec).

[0103] The second supplementing unit 213 calculates the position of the second competitor U2 one second after the first position PC as the distance ΔL1 from the first position PC on the line segment connecting the first position PC and the second position PD by the following formula (5).

[0104] ΔL1 = 1 × V2 (5)

[0105] Similarly, the second supplementary unit 213 calculates the position of the second competitor U2 after N seconds from the first position PC as the distance ΔLN from the first position PC on the line segment connecting the first position PC and the second position PD. Additionally, the integer N is an integer from "2" to "9".

[0106] ΔLN = N × ΔL (6)

[0107] In this way, the second supplementary unit 213 supplements the second position information PS2 between the first position PC and the second position PD.

[0108] The second communication control unit 214 controls the communication between the GNSS receiver 22 and the GNSS system 5. Additionally, the second communication control unit 214 controls the communication between the RF communicator 13 and the fixed communication device 4. Additionally, the second communication control unit 214 controls the communication between the second communication interface 24 and the server device 3.

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 4 The structure of the server device 3 will be described. Figure 4 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the server device 3.

[0110] As Figure 4 shown, the server device 3 includes a third control unit 31, a third wireless communication interface 32, and a third wired communication interface 33.

[0111] The third control unit 31 controls each part of the server device 3. In addition, different from the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2, power is supplied to the server device 3 from a commercial power supply.

[0112] The third wireless communication interface 32 includes an antenna, a connector, and an interface circuit, and is connected to the third control unit 31. The third wireless communication interface 32 is an interface for communicating with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. The third wireless communication interface 32 is, for example, an interface for communicating with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 according to the LTE (registered trademark) standard.

[0113] The third wired communication interface 33 includes a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to the third control unit 31. The third wired communication interface 33 is an interface for communicating with the fixed communication device 4. The third wired communication interface 33 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 according to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, for example.

[0114] In addition, the server device 3 and the fixed communication device 4 are connected via at least one of the Internet, WAN (Wide Area Network), and LAN (Local Area Network) in such a manner that communication can be performed in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0115] The third control unit 31 includes a third processor 31A and a third memory 31B.

[0116] The third memory 31B is a storage device that stores programs or data executed by the third processor 31A in a non-volatile manner. The third memory 31B is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. In addition, the third memory 31B may include a RAM that constitutes the working area of the third processor 31A. The third memory 31B stores data processed by the third control unit 31 and the third control program PG3 executed by the third processor 31A, etc.

[0117] The third processor 31A may be composed of a single processor or may be configured as multiple processors that function as the third processor 31A. The third processor 31A executes the third control program PG3 to control each part of the server device 3.

[0118] The third processor 31A may also be composed of an SoC integrated with a part or all of the third memory 31B and other circuits. In addition, the third processor 31A may be composed of a combination of a CPU that executes a program and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. It may be configured such that all the functions of the third processor 31A are installed in hardware, or it may be composed of programmable devices.

[0119] In the following description, the case where the third processor 31A executes the third control program PG3 to control each part of the server device 3 will be described.

[0120] Next, with reference to Figure 4 the functional structure of the third control unit 31 will be described. The third control unit 31 includes a receiving unit 311, an instruction unit 312, a determination unit 314, a position calculation unit 313, a third communication control unit 315, a third position storage unit 316, and a route storage unit 317.

[0121] Specifically, the third processor 31A functions as a receiving unit 311, an instructing unit 312, a determining unit 314, a position calculating unit 313, and a third communication control unit 315 by executing a third control program PG3. In addition, by executing the third control program PG3 by the third processor 31A, the third memory 31B functions as a third position storage unit 316 and a route storage unit 317.

[0122] The third position storage unit 316 stores the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 received from the first communication device 1 in a corresponding manner. In addition, the third position storage unit 316 stores the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 received from the second communication device 2 in a corresponding manner. In addition, the third position storage unit 316 stores the first identification information JD1, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF received from the fixed communication device 4 in a corresponding manner.

[0123] The first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 are received by the receiving unit 311 from the first communication device 1 and stored by the receiving unit 311 in the third position storage unit 316. In addition, the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 are received by the receiving unit 311 from the second communication device 2 and stored by the receiving unit 311 in the third position storage unit 316. In addition, the first identification information JD1 and the first date and time information TM1 are received by the receiving unit 311 from the fixed communication device 4 and stored by the receiving unit 311 in the third position storage unit 316.

[0124] The route storage unit 317 prestores route information JC indicating a route CU. In the case where the competition is a marathon, the route CU corresponds to a road or the like. The road constituting the route CU changes in position not only in the horizontal plane corresponding to so-called latitude and longitude but also in the vertical direction. Therefore, the route storage unit 317 stores three-dimensional information as the route information JC.

[0125] The receiving unit 311 receives the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the first communication device 1. And the receiving unit 311 receives the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the second communication device 2. In addition, the receiving unit 311 receives the first identification information JD1, the fixed date and time information TMF, and the fixed position information PSF from the fixed communication device 4. The fixed date and time information TMF indicates the date and time when the first athlete U1 enters the detection area DA arranged on the route CU. The fixed position information PSF indicates the position of the detection area DA.

[0126] The receiving unit 311 causes the third position storage unit 316 to store the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 received from the first communication device 1. In addition, the receiving unit 311 stores the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 received from the second communication device 2 in the third position storage unit 316. In addition, the receiving unit 311 stores the first identification information JD1 and the first date and time information TM1 received from the fixed communication device 4 in the third position storage unit 316.

[0127] When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instructing unit 312 sends an instruction message CM to the second communication device 2, and the instruction message CM instructs to send the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 in association with each other. When receiving the instruction message CM, the second communication device 2 sends the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 in association with each other.

[0128] In addition, when receiving the instruction message CM, the second position information PS2 sent by the second communication device 2 is the second position information PS2 corresponding to the second position information PS2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 that is closest to the first date and time information TM1. In other words, when receiving the instruction message CM, the second position information PS2 sent by the second communication device 2 is the second position information PS2 acquired by the second communication device 2 during the period from the first date and time information TM1 to 10 seconds before the first date and time information TM1. This is because the second communication device 2 acquires the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5 every 10 seconds.

[0129] In the present embodiment, the case where the instructing unit 312 sends the instruction message CM to the second communication device 2 when the first communication device 1 installed on the first athlete U1 who is in the first place in the race communicates with the fixed communication device 4 is described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0130] Hereinafter, a modified form of the instructing unit 312 will be described.

[0131] (First modified form)

[0132] For example, when the ranking of the first athlete U1 is higher than the ranking of the second athlete U2 and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instructing unit 312 may also send an instruction message CM to the second communication device 2, and the instruction message CM instructs to send the second position information PS2 to the server device 3.

[0133] In this case, before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the ranking of the first competitor U1 needs to be determined based on the number of communication devices that have communicated with the fixed communication device 4. In addition, preferably, the instruction unit 312 sends instruction information CM to the second communication device 2 to instruct the second communication device 2 to send the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3. In this case, in the same manner as the method described with reference to Figures 6 - 7 the ranking of each of the second competitors U21, U22, and U23 can be determined.

[0134] (Second modification)

[0135] In addition, for example, when the ranking of the first competitor U1 is above the winning ranking in the marathon, the ranking of the first competitor U1 is higher than the ranking of the second competitor U2, and the first communication device 1 has communicated with the fixed communication device 4, the instruction unit 312 may also send the instruction information CM. The instruction information CM is information instructing the second communication device 2 to send the second position information PS2 to the server device 3.

[0136] In this case, the difference from the (first modification example) is that the ranking of the first competitor U1 is above the winning ranking in the marathon. In this case, since the ranking of the first competitor U1 is above the winning ranking in the marathon, compared with the (first modification example), the ranking of the second competitor U2, for example, the rankings of each of the second competitors U21, U22, and U23, with a high degree of user concern can be determined.

[0137] (Third modification)

[0138] When the first communication device 1 has communicated with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 has not communicated with the fixed communication device 4, and the distance L2 is equal to or less than the first threshold TH1, the instruction unit 312 may also send the instruction information CM to the second communication device 2. The distance L2 is the distance along the route CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. In addition, the instruction information CM is information instructing the second position information PS2 to be sent to the server device 3.

[0139] In this case, compared with (the first modification example), when the distance L2 along the route CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the indicating unit 312 sends the indication information CM to the second communication device 2. Therefore, by appropriately setting the first threshold value TH1, the second communication device 2 whose ranking is to be determined can be appropriately limited. For example, the first threshold value TH1 is 100 m. In this case, when the distance L2 along the route CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 is 100 m or less, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking of the second competitor U2 equipped with the second communication device 2.

[0140] (Fourth modification method)

[0141] When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the difference in ranking between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 is made to send the second position information PS2.

[0142] In this case, compared with (the first modification example), when the difference in ranking between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the indicating unit 312 sends the indication information CM to the second communication device 2. Therefore, by appropriately setting the second threshold value TH2, the second communication device 2 whose ranking is to be determined can be appropriately limited. For example, the second threshold value TH2 is "6". In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the rankings of six second competitors U2.

[0143] The position calculation unit 313 calculates the second speed V2, which is the speed at which the second competitor U2 moves, based on the second position information PS2. Then, the position calculation unit 313 calculates the position of the second communication device 2 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 based on the second position information PS2, the second speed V2, and the route information JC indicating the route CU.

[0144] The determination unit 314 determines the rankings of the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 in the marathon based on the route information JC, the first position information PS1, the first date and time information TM1, the second position information PS2, and the second date and time information TM2.

[0145] For example, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking of the second competitor U2 in the marathon based on the position of the second communication device 2 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 calculated by the position calculation unit 313.

[0146] Reference Figures 6 - 7 Further illustrate the processing of the position calculation unit 313 and the determination unit 314.

[0147] In this embodiment, the first competitor U1 is the competitor running in the first place. Therefore, the ranking of the first competitor U1 is the first place. In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking of the second competitor U2 in the marathon based on the route information JC, the first position information PS1, the first date and time information TM1, the second position information PS2, and the second date and time information.

[0148] In addition, in this embodiment, the second competitor U2 is composed of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23. That is, the determination unit 314 determines the rankings of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23.

[0149] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the first position information PS1 coincides with the fixed position information PSF, and the first date and time information TM1 coincides with the fixed date and time information TMF, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0150] For example, in the case where the first position information PS1 does not coincide with the fixed position information PSF, it is preferable that the determination unit 314 uses the fixed position information PSF instead of the first position information PS1. In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 and the ranking RN of the second competitor U2 in the marathon based on the route information JC, the fixed position information PSF, the first date and time information TM1, the second position information PS2, and the second date and time information.

[0151] In addition, for example, in the case where the first date and time information TM1 does not coincide with the fixed date and time information TMF, it is preferable that the determination unit 314 uses the fixed date and time information TMF instead of the first date and time information TM1. In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 and the ranking RN of the second competitor U2 in the marathon based on the route information JC, the first position information PS1, the fixed date and time information TMF, the second position information PS2, and the second date and time information.

[0152] In addition, for example, when the first position information PS1 does not match the fixed position information PSF and the first date and time information TM1 does not match the fixed date and time information TMF, it is preferable that the determination unit 314 uses the fixed position information PSF instead of the first position information PS1 and uses the fixed date and time information TMF instead of the first date and time information TM1. In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 and the ranking RN of the second athlete U2 in the marathon based on the route information JC, the fixed position information PSF, the fixed date and time information TMF, the second position information PS2, and the second date and time information.

[0153] The third communication control unit 315 controls the communication between the third wireless communication interface 32 and the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. In addition, the third communication control unit 315 controls the communication between the third wired communication interface 33 and the fixed communication device 4.

[0154] Next, refer to Figure 5 The structure of the fixed communication device 4 will be described. Figure 5 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the fixed communication device 4.

[0155] As Figure 5 shown, the fixed communication device 4 includes a fourth control unit 41, a GNSS receiver 42, a detector DT, an RF communicator 43, and a fourth communication interface 44.

[0156] The fourth control unit 41 controls each part of the fixed communication device 4.

[0157] The GNSS receiver 42 receives a GNSS signal from the GNSS system 5 according to the instruction of the fourth control unit 41. The GNSS receiver 42 includes an antenna. The GNSS receiver 42 outputs the GNSS signal received from the GNSS system 5 to the fourth control unit 41.

[0158] The GNSS signal includes a position signal SP and a date and time signal ST. The position signal SP corresponds to the fixed position information PSF indicating the position of the GNSS receiver 42. The date and time signal ST represents the date and time corresponding to the position of the GNSS receiver 42.

[0159] The GNSS receiver 42 receives the position signal SP from the GNSS system 5 and obtains the fixed position information PSF, for example, before the start of the marathon.

[0160] In addition, the GNSS receiver 42 is turned on / off according to the instruction of the fourth control unit 41. The GNSS receiver 42 is composed of an IC, for example.

[0161] When the RF communicator 43 detects that the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA, it communicates with the first communication device 1. When the RF communicator 43 detects that the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA, it receives, for example, the first identification information JD1 from the first communication device 1.

[0162] The detector DT is arranged in Figure 1 the detection area DA shown in the figure, and detects the situation where the competitor U enters the detection area DA. For example, the detector DT detects the situation where the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA. The detector DT is constituted by, for example, a pressure sensor. The detector DT outputs a detection signal indicating that the competitor U has entered the detection area DA to the fourth control unit 41. For example, the detector DT outputs a detection signal indicating that the first competitor U1 has entered the detection area DA to the fourth control unit 41.

[0163] The fourth communication interface 44 includes a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to the fourth control unit 41. The fourth communication interface 44 is an interface for communicating with the server device 3. The fourth communication interface 44 communicates with the server device 3 according to, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0164] The fourth control unit 41 includes a fourth processor 41A and a fourth memory 41B.

[0165] The fourth memory 41B is a storage device that stores non-volatilely the programs or data executed by the fourth processor 41A. The fourth memory 41B is constituted by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. In addition, the fourth memory 41B may also include a RAM that constitutes the working area of the fourth processor 41A. The fourth memory 41B stores the data processed by the fourth control unit 41 and the fourth control program PG4 executed by the fourth processor 41A, etc.

[0166] The fourth processor 41A may be constituted by a single processor, or may be constituted by a plurality of processors that function as the fourth processor 41A. The fourth processor 41A executes the fourth control program PG4 to control each part of the fixed communication device 4.

[0167] The fourth processor 41A may also be constituted by an SoC integrated with a part or all of the fourth memory 41B and other circuits. In addition, the fourth processor 41A may be constituted by a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP that executes specified arithmetic processing. A structure in which all the functions of the fourth processor 41A are installed in hardware may be adopted, or a programmable device may be used to constitute it.

[0168] In the following description, the situation where the fourth processor 41A executes the fourth control program PG4 to control each part of the fixed communication device 4 will be described.

[0169] Next, with reference to Figure 4 the functional configuration of the fourth control unit 41 will be described. The fourth control unit 41 includes a fourth acquisition unit 411, a fourth transmission unit 412, a fourth communication control unit 413, and an identification information storage unit 414.

[0170] Specifically, the fourth processor 41A functions as the fourth acquisition unit 411, the fourth transmission unit 412, and the fourth communication control unit 413 by executing the fourth control program PG4. In addition, by the fourth processor 41A executing the fourth control program PG4, the fourth memory 41B functions as the identification information storage unit 414.

[0171] The identification information storage unit 414 stores the first identification information JD1 received from the first communication device 1. In addition, the identification information storage unit 414 stores the fixed position information PSF, for example, before the start of the marathon. The fixed position information PSF indicates the position of the GNSS receiver 42. In addition, the identification information storage unit 414 may store the fixed date and time information TMF corresponding to the first identification information JD1. When the first athlete U1 enters the detection area DA, the fixed date and time information TMF is obtained from the GNSS system 5 by the GNSS receiver 42.

[0172] The first identification information JD1 and the fixed date and time information TMF are acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 411 and stored in the identification information storage unit 414 by the fourth acquisition unit 411.

[0173] The fourth acquisition unit 411 acquires the first identification information JD1 from the first communication device 1 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the RF communicator 43. In addition, the fourth acquisition unit 411 acquires the fixed date and time information TMF from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 42 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the RF communicator 43.

[0174] The fourth acquisition unit 411 stores the fixed date and time information TMF in the identification information storage unit 414 in correspondence with the first identification information JD1.

[0175] The fourth transmission unit 412 transmits the first identification information JD1, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 411 to the server device 3.

[0176] The fourth communication control unit 413 controls the communication of the fourth communication interface 44 with the server device 3.

[0177] Next, with reference to Figures 6 - 7 , the processing of the position calculation unit 313 and the determination unit 314 of the server device 3 will be described. Figures 6 - 7Each of them is a diagram showing an example of processing by the position calculation unit 313 and the determination unit 314 of the server device 3.

[0178] Figure 6 The data display graph 500 shown shows data used by the position calculation unit 313 of the server device 3 to calculate the positions of the second competitor U21 , the second competitor U22 , and the second competitor U23 at the first date and time shown in the first date and time information TM1 .

[0179] The data display diagram 500 includes the route CU and position marks P0 to P33. Figure 6 As shown, the route CU is formed in a U-shape when viewed from above. The position mark P0 indicates the position on the route CU where the fixed communication device 4 including the detector DT is arranged.

[0180] The position mark PN (N=1-33) is located on the opposite side of the moving direction of the competitor U relative to the position mark P0, indicating a position that is N (m) away from the position mark P0. For example, the position mark P10 is located on the opposite side of the moving direction of the competitor U relative to the position mark P0, indicating a position that is 10 m away from the position mark P0.

[0181] In addition, the data display diagram 500 shows the second position information PS2 received by the indicator unit 312 from the second communication device 2 at the time when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. That is, the second position information PS2A received by the indicator unit 312 from the second communication device 2A, the second position information PS2B received from the second communication device 2B, and the second position information PS2C received from the second communication device 2C at the time when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 are shown.

[0182] For example, as shown in position mark P12, the position corresponding to the second position information PS2A is a position 12m away from the position mark P0 in the direction of travel of the competitor U. Furthermore, as shown in position mark P23, the position corresponding to the second position information PS2B is a position 23m away from the position mark P0 in the direction of travel of the competitor U. Furthermore, as shown in position mark P27, the position corresponding to the second position information PS2C is a position 27m away from the position mark P0 in the direction of travel of the competitor U.

[0183] The positions corresponding to the second position information PS2A, the second position information PS2B, and the second position information PS2C, namely, the position mark P12, the position mark P23, and the position mark P27 are shaded.

[0184] In addition, as shown in the data display figure 500, the data used by the position calculation unit 313 to calculate the position of the second competitor U21 at the first date and time shown in the first date and time information TM1 are the time difference ΔTA and the traveling speed VA. In addition, the data used by the position calculation unit 313 to calculate the position of the second competitor U22 at the first date and time shown in the first date and time information TM1 are the time difference ΔTB and the traveling speed VB. In addition, the data used by the position calculation unit 313 to calculate the position of the second competitor U23 at the first date and time shown in the first date and time information TM1 are the time difference ΔTC and the traveling speed VC.

[0185] The time difference ΔTA is the difference between the first date and time shown in the first date and time information TM1 and the second date and time shown in the second date and time information TM2 obtained by the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2A corresponding to the second position information PS2A. For example, the time difference ΔTA is 2 seconds.

[0186] The time difference ΔTB is the difference between the first date and time shown in the first date and time information TM1 and the second date and time shown in the second date and time information TM2 obtained by the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2B corresponding to the second position information PS2B. For example, the time difference ΔTB is 4 seconds.

[0187] The time difference ΔTC is the difference between the first date and time shown in the first date and time information TM1 and the second date and time shown in the second date and time information TM2 obtained by the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2C corresponding to the second position information PS2C. For example, the time difference ΔTC is 8 seconds.

[0188] In addition, the time differences ΔTA to ΔTC are less than 10 seconds. This is because the time differences ΔTA to ΔTC are generated due to the time interval of 10 seconds for each of the second communication devices 2A to 2C to send the second position information PS2 to the server device 3.

[0189] The traveling speed VA is the traveling speed of the second competitor U21 when the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2A has acquired the second position information PS2A. For example, the traveling speed VA is 2.5 m / sec.

[0190] The traveling speed VB is the traveling speed of the second competitor U22 when the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2B has acquired the second position information PS2B. For example, the traveling speed VA is 1.5 m / sec.

[0191] The traveling speed VC is the traveling speed of the second competitor U23 when the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2C has acquired the second position information PS2C. For example, the traveling speed VA is 2.0 m / sec.

[0192] In addition, the traveling speeds VA to VC are calculated in the same manner as the method by which the first supplementary unit 113 of the first communication device 1 calculates the first speed V1.

[0193] Next, with reference to Figure 7 The processing of the position calculation unit 313 and the determination unit 314 of the server device 3 will be further described.

[0194] In Figure 7 In the position display diagram 600 shown, in addition to Figure 6 the content described in the data display diagram 500 shown, the positions of the second competitors U21, U22, and U23 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 calculated by the position calculation unit 313 are also described.

[0195] Since the time difference ΔTA is 2 seconds and the traveling speed VA is 2.5 m / sec, the second competitor U21 travels 5 m (= 2 × 2.5) during the time difference ΔTA. As a result, as Figure 7 indicated by the dashed arrow mark in, the second competitor U21 reaches the position of the position mark P7 from the position of the position mark P12 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. That is, at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, the distance between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U21 is 7 m.

[0196] Since the time difference ΔTB is 4 seconds and the traveling speed VB is 1.5 m / sec, the second competitor U22 travels 6 m (= 4 × 1.5) during the time difference ΔTA. As a result, the second competitor U22 reaches the position of the position mark P17 from the position of the position mark P23 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. That is, at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, the distance between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U22 is 17 m.

[0197] Since the time difference ΔTC is 8 seconds and the traveling speed VB is 2.0 m / sec, the second competitor U23 travels 16 m (= 8 × 2.0) during the time difference ΔTA. As a result, the second competitor U23 reaches the position of the position mark P10 from the position of the position mark P27 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. That is, at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, the distance between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U23 is 10 m.

[0198] The positions corresponding to the second position information PS2A, the second position information PS2B, and the second position information PS2C, namely the position marker P7, the position marker P17, and the position marker P10, are given blackening.

[0199] As described above, the position calculation unit 313 calculates the positions of the second competitors U21, U22, and U23 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. Then, the determination unit 314 determines that at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, the second competitor U21 is in the second place, the second competitor U23 is in the third place, and the second competitor U22 is in the fourth place.

[0200] Next, refer to Figure 8 A description will be given of the processing of the position management system 100. Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the position management system 100.

[0201] First, as Figure 5 shown, in step S101, when the first communication device 1 enters the detection area DA of the first competitor U1, it attempts to communicate with the fixed communication device 4.

[0202] Next, in step S103, the fixed communication device 4 establishes communication with the first communication device 1. Then, the fixed communication device 4 obtains the first identification information JD from the first communication device 1. In addition, the fixed communication device 4 obtains the fixed date and time information TMF from the GNSS system 5.

[0203] Next, in step S105, the fixed communication device 4 sends the first identification information JD1, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF to the server device 3.

[0204] Next, in step S107, the server device 3 receives the first identification information JD1, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF from the fixed communication device 4.

[0205] Next, in step S109, the first communication device 1 obtains the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the GNSS system 5, and sends the obtained first position information PS1 and first date and time information TM1 to the server device 3.

[0206] Next, in step S111, the server device 3 receives the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the first communication device 1.

[0207] Next, in step S113, the server device 3 sends the instruction information CM to the second communication device 2. The instruction information CM is information instructing to send the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3.

[0208] Next, in step S115, the second communication device 2 receives the instruction information CM.

[0209] Next, in step S117, the second communication device 2 sends the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3.

[0210] Next, in step S119, the server device 3 receives the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the second communication device 2. Then, the process ends.

[0211] Next, refer to Figure 9 The processing of the server device 3 will be described. Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the server device 3.

[0212] First, as Figure 9 shown, in step S201, the receiving unit 311 receives the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the first communication device 1.

[0213] Next, in step S203, the receiving unit 311 receives the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the second communication device 2.

[0214] Next, in step S205, the position calculation unit 313 calculates the speed at which the second competitor U2 moves, that is, the second speed V2.

[0215] Next, in step S207, the position calculation unit 313 calculates the position of the second communication device 2 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1.

[0216] Next, in step S209, the determination unit 314 calculates the distance between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1.

[0217] Next, in step S211, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking RN of the second competitor U2. Then, the process ends.

[0218] [This Embodiment and Effects]

[0219] As described above, as referred to Figures 1 - 9As described above, the location management system 100 of the present embodiment includes: a first communication device 1 installed on the first athlete U1 participating in a marathon who moves along the route CU, and obtaining first position information PS1 indicating the position of the first athlete U1 from the GNSS system 5; a second communication device 2 installed on a second athlete U2 different from the first athlete U1 participating in the marathon, and obtaining second position information PS2 indicating the position of the second athlete U2 from the GNSS system 5; a server device 3 that receives the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1 and receives the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2; and a fixed communication device 4 disposed at a specific position on the route CU, communicating with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first communication device 1 sends the first position information PS1 to the server device 3. When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to send the second position information PS2.

[0220] That is, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first communication device 1 sends the first position information PS1 to the server device 3. When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to send the second position information PS2.

[0221] Therefore, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 can obtain the first position information PS1 and the second position information PS2. Therefore, the positions of the first athlete U1 and the second athlete U2 can be obtained.

[0222] In addition, in the location management system 100, the first communication device 1 obtains first date and time information TM1 indicating the date and time corresponding to the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5, and sends the first position information PS1 to the server device 3 corresponding to the first date and time information TM1. The second communication device 2 obtains second date and time information TM2 indicating the date and time corresponding to the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5, and sends the second position information PS2 to the server device 3 corresponding to the second date and time information TM2.

[0223] Therefore, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 can obtain the first date and time information TM1, the first position information PS1, the second date and time information TM2, and the second position information PS2. Therefore, the positions of the first athlete U1 and the second athlete U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 can be accurately calculated.

[0224] In addition, in the location management system 100, the server device 3 stores route information JC representing route CU, and determines the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 and the ranking RN of the second athlete U2 in the marathon based on the route information JC, the first location information PS1, the first date and time information TM1, the second location information PS2, and the second date and time information TM2.

[0225] Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 and the ranking RN of the second athlete U2 in the marathon.

[0226] In addition, in the location management system 100, as shown in the first modified mode, when the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is higher than the ranking RN of the second athlete U2 and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second location information PS2.

[0227] In this case, even when the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is not the first place, when the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is higher than the ranking RN of the second athlete U2, and when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, it is possible to obtain the positions of the first athlete U1 and the second athlete U2.

[0228] In addition, in the location management system 100, as shown in the second modified mode, when the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is equal to or higher than the award-winning ranking in the marathon, the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is higher than the ranking RN of the second athlete U2, and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second location information PS2.

[0229] In this case, even when the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is not the first place, when the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is equal to or higher than the award-winning ranking in the marathon and the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is higher than the ranking RN of the second athlete U2, it is possible to obtain the positions of the first athlete U1 and the second athlete U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4.

[0230] In addition, in the location management system 100, when the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 is the first place and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second location information PS2.

[0231] Therefore, when the rank RN of the first competitor U1 is the first place and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the position of the first competitor U1 and the position of the second competitor U2 can be obtained. Therefore, the server device 3 can provide the user with the positions of the competitors that the user watching the marathon is most concerned about.

[0232] In addition, in the position management system 100, as shown in the third modified mode, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the distance along the route CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2.

[0233] In this case, even when the rank RN of the first competitor U1 is not the first place, the server device 3 can obtain the position of the first competitor U1 and the position of the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, provided that the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the distance along the route CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1. Therefore, by appropriately setting the first threshold value TH1, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 whose position is to be obtained can be appropriately limited.

[0234] Furthermore, in the position management system 100, as shown in the fourth modified mode, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the difference in ranks RN between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2.

[0235] In this case, even when the rank RN of the first competitor U1 is not the first place, the server device 3 can obtain the position of the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the difference in the ranks RN between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 is less than or equal to the second threshold TH2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device. Therefore, by appropriately setting the second threshold TH2, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, it is possible to appropriately limit the second communication device 2 that is the object of obtaining the position.

[0236] In addition, in the position management system 100, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, it calculates an elapsed time representing the time from the start of the marathon to the first date and time shown by the first date and time information TM1, and sends the first position information PS1 and the elapsed time information PD1 representing the elapsed time to the server device 3.

[0237] Therefore, the server device 3 can obtain the first elapsed time information PD1. The first elapsed time information PD1 represents the time from the start of the marathon to the first date and time shown by the first date and time information TM1.

[0238] In addition, in the position management system 100, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to send the position information obtained before the first date and time as the second position information PS2.

[0239] Therefore, when the second communication device 2 receives the instruction information CM from the server device 3, it does not need to communicate with the GNSS system 5, but only needs to send the latest second position information PS2 in the second position information PS2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 to the server device 3. Therefore, the processing of the second communication device 2 can be simplified.

[0240] In addition, in the position management system 100, the second communication device 2 calculates the speed V2 at which the second competitor U2 moves based on the second position information PS2, and supplements the second position information PS2 based on the speed V2.

[0241] In this case, the time interval for the second communication device 2 to obtain the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5 can be extended. However, when the route CU bends, the position obtained by supplementation may differ from the correct position, so it is preferably not used for determining the rank RN, etc.

[0242] In addition, in the location management system 100, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to send the second location information PS2 obtained before the first date and time, calculates the speed V2 at which the second competitor U2 moves based on the received second location information PS2, and calculates the location of the second communication device 2 at the first date and time based on the received second location information PS2, the calculated speed V2 at which the second competitor U2 moves, and the route information JC indicating the route CU.

[0243] Therefore, the location of the second communication device 2 at the first date and time can be appropriately calculated. As a result, the server device 3 can appropriately calculate the distance between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. As a result, the server device 3 can appropriately determine the ranking RN of the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4.

[0244] The location management method of the present embodiment is the location management method of the location management system 100. The location management system 100 includes: a first communication device 1 installed on a first competitor U1 participating in a marathon who moves along a route CU, and obtaining first location information PS1 indicating the location of the first competitor U1 from the GNSS system 5; a second communication device 2 installed on a second competitor U2 different from the first competitor U1 participating in the marathon, and obtaining second location information PS2 indicating the location of the second competitor U2 from the GNSS system 5; a server device 3 receiving the first location information PS1 from the first communication device 1 and receiving the second location information PS2 from the second communication device 2; and a fixed communication device 4 disposed at a specific location on the route CU and communicating with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. The location management method includes: when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first communication device 1 sending the first location information PS1 to the server device 3; and when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causing the second communication device 2 to send the second location information PS2.

[0245] Therefore, the same effects as those of the location management system 100 according to the present embodiment can be achieved by the location management method according to the present embodiment.

[0246] [Other Embodiments]

[0247] The above-described present embodiment is a preferred embodiment. However, it is not limited to the above-described present embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist.

[0248] In this embodiment, the case where the "competition" is a marathon is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The "competition" may be, for example, a triathlon. Additionally, the "competition" may be, for example, a half marathon. The "competition" may be, for example, a road bicycle race.

[0249] In this embodiment, the case where the first competitor U1 is the competitor who ranks first in the marathon is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. As long as the first competitor U1 ranks above the award-winning position in the marathon. Additionally, in the marathon, when there are multiple groups of competitors, the first competitor U1 may also be the competitor who ranks first in each group.

[0250] In this embodiment, the case where the "information processing device" is the server device 3 is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The "information processing device" may be any device having a communication function and an information processing function. The "information processing device" may be, for example, a personal computer. Additionally, the "information processing device" may be a tablet device or a smartphone, for example.

[0251] In this embodiment, the case where the second competitor U2 is composed of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The second competitor U2 may also be composed of four or more competitors U.

[0252] In this embodiment, the case where the first communication device 1 obtains the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5 at every predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) and the second communication device 2 obtains the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5 at every predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The predetermined time may be, for example, 1 second. Additionally, the predetermined time may be, for example, from 2 seconds to 9 seconds. Additionally, the predetermined time may be 11 seconds or more.

[0253] The longer the predetermined time, the more the power consumption of the battery 15 and the battery 25 can be reduced. The shorter the predetermined time, the more detailed position information the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 can each send to the server device 3.

[0254] In the present embodiment, a case where the first transmission unit 112 of the first communication device 1 transmits, for example, ten pieces of first position information PS1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 of the first communication device 1 and ten pieces of first date and time information TM1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 corresponding to the ten pieces of first position information PS1 to the server device 3 every 100 seconds is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first transmission unit 112 may also be configured to transmit the latest first position information PS1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 and the first date and time information TM1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 corresponding to the latest first position information PS1 to the server device 3 at predetermined intervals.

[0255] In the present embodiment, a case where the second transmission unit 212 of the second communication device 2 transmits, for example, ten pieces of second position information PS2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 of the second communication device 2 and ten pieces of second date and time information TM2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 corresponding to the ten pieces of second position information PS2 to the server device 3 every 100 seconds is described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the second transmission unit 212 may also be configured to transmit the latest second position information PS2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 and the second date and time information TM2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 corresponding to the latest second position information PS2 to the server device 3 at predetermined intervals.

[0256] In addition, Figures 2 - 5 Each of the functional units shown represents a functional structure, and there is no particular limitation on the specific installation method. That is, it is not necessarily required to install hardware corresponding to each functional unit, and it may also be configured to implement the functions of multiple functional units by executing a program with one processor. In addition, in the above embodiment, a part of the functions implemented by software may be implemented by hardware, or a part of the functions implemented by hardware may be implemented by software. Furthermore, regarding the specific detailed structures of the respective parts of the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, the server device 3, and the fixed communication device 4, they can also be arbitrarily changed within the scope not departing from the gist.

[0257] In addition, Figure 8 The processing units of the flowcharts shown are units divided according to the main processing contents for easy understanding of the processing of the location management system 100. It is not limited to Figure 8 the division method and names of the processing units shown in the flowcharts. Depending on the processing contents, they can be divided into more processing units, or one processing unit can include more processing. In addition, the processing order of the above flowcharts is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0258] In addition, Figure 9The processing units in the shown flowchart are units divided according to the main processing content for easy understanding of the processing of the server device 3. Figure 9 There are no restrictions on the division method and name of the processing units shown in the flowchart. They can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content, or one processing unit can contain more processes. In addition, the processing order in the above flowchart is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0259] In addition, the location management method of the location management system 100 can be implemented by causing the processors respectively provided in the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, the server device 3, and the fixed communication device 4 to execute control programs PG corresponding to the location management method of the location management system 100. The processors correspond to the first processor 11A to the fourth processor 41A. The control programs PG correspond to the first control program PG1 to the fourth control program PG4.

[0260] In addition, the control program PG can also be recorded in a recording medium recorded in a computer-readable manner.

[0261] As the recording medium, magnetic, optical recording media, or semiconductor storage devices can be used. Specifically, removable or fixed recording media such as floppy disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memories), DVDs, Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media can be cited. In addition, the recording medium can also be non-volatile storage devices such as RAM, ROM, and HDDs that are internal storage devices respectively provided in the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, the server device 3, and the fixed communication device 4.

[0262] By pre-storing the control program PG in a server device or the like and downloading the control program PG from the server device to the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, and the fixed communication device 4 respectively, the location management method of the location management system 100 can also be implemented.

Claims

1. A location management system comprising: a first communication device mounted on a first competitor participating in a competition in which the competitor moves along a course, and acquiring first position information indicating the position of the first competitor from a GNSS system; a second communication device, which is mounted on a second competitor different from the first competitor participating in the competition, and which acquires second position information indicating the position of the second competitor from the GNSS system; an information processing device that receives the first location information from the first communication device and receives the second location information from the second communication device; as well as a fixed communication device, which is arranged at a specific position of the route and communicates with the first communication device and the second communication device, When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device transmits the first location information to the information processing device. When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second location information.

2. The location management system according to claim 1, wherein: the first communication device acquires first date and time information indicating a date and time corresponding to the first location information from the GNSS system, and transmits the first location information to the information processing device in correspondence with the first date and time information, The second communication device acquires second date and time information indicating a date and time corresponding to the second location information from the GNSS system, and transmits the second location information to the information processing device in correspondence with the second date and time information.

3. The location management system according to claim 2, wherein: the information processing device storing route information indicating the route, The ranking of the first competitor and the ranking of the second competitor in the competition are determined based on the route information, the first position information and the first date and time information, and the second position information and the second date and time information.

4. The location management system according to claim 3, wherein: When the first competitor's ranking is higher than the second competitor's ranking and the first communication device is communicating with the fixed communication device, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information.

5. The location management system according to claim 4, wherein: The information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second location information when the first competitor's ranking is higher than the winning ranking in the competition, the first competitor's ranking is higher than the second competitor's ranking, and the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device.

6. The location management system according to claim 3, wherein: When the first competitor is ranked first and the first communication device is communicating with the fixed communication device, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information.

7. The location management system according to claim 1, wherein: When the first communication device has communicated with the fixed communication device, the second communication device has not communicated with the fixed communication device, and the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device along the route before the first communication device communicated with the fixed communication device is less than a first threshold, the information processing device causes the second communication device to send the second location information.

8. The location management system according to claim 3, wherein: When the first communication device has communicated with the fixed communication device, the second communication device has not communicated with the fixed communication device, and the difference in ranking between the first competitor and the second competitor before the first communication device communicated with the fixed communication device is below a second threshold, the information processing device causes the second communication device to send the second location information.

9. The location management system according to claim 2, wherein: When communicating with the fixed communication device, the first communication device calculates the elapsed time representing the time from the start of the competition to the first date and time represented by the first date and time information, and transmits the first position information and the elapsed time information representing the elapsed time to the information processing device.

10. The location management system according to claim 9, wherein: The information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the location information acquired before the first date and time as the second location information.

11. The location management system according to claim 10, wherein: The second communication device calculates a moving speed of the second competitor based on the second position information, and supplements the second position information based on the speed.

12. The location management system according to claim 10, wherein: When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing device causing the second communication device to transmit the second location information acquired before the first date and time, calculating the moving speed of the second competitor based on the received second position information, The position of the second communication device at the first date and time is calculated based on the received second position information, the calculated moving speed of the second competitor, and the route information indicating the route.

13. A location management method of a location management system, the location management system comprising: a first communication device mounted on a first competitor participating in a competition in which the competitor moves along a course, and acquiring first position information indicating the position of the first competitor from a GNSS system; a second communication device, which is mounted on a second competitor different from the first competitor participating in the competition, and which acquires second position information indicating the position of the second competitor from the GNSS system; an information processing device that receives the first location information from the first communication device and receives the second location information from the second communication device; as well as a fixed communication device, which is arranged at a specific position of the route and communicates with the first communication device and the second communication device, The location management method comprises: When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device sends the first location information to the information processing device; as well as When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second location information.

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