Commodity tracking program, commodity tracking device, commodity positional information output program, and commodity tracking system

Abstract

To provide a commodity tracking system that can grasp positional information of a commodity in real time without performing work of reading a commodity identifier, thereby reducing workloads required for tracking the commodity.SOLUTION: A commodity tracking system comprises a beacon tag attached to an asset to be tracked, a mobile terminal carried by a user, and an asset management server for managing a position of the asset. The beacon tag has beacon signal transmittance means for transmitting a beacon signal including asset identification information. The mobile terminal has commodity positional information transmittance means for generating and transmitting asset positional information from positional information and the asset identification information, and background execution means for receiving an asset positional information request notification via a push notification server and executing the commodity positional information transmittance means in backgrounds. The asset management server has asset positional information acquisition means for acquiring the asset positional information, and asset positional information output means for outputting the asset positional information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an item tracking program, an item tracking device, an item position information output program, and an item tracking system, and more particularly to an item tracking program, an item tracking device, an item position information output program, and an item tracking system that utilize a beacon signal. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an item tracking system capable of grasping the location of an item in real time has been used. For example, by applying the item tracking system to a logistics system, the location of transported items can be grasped in real time, and the efficiency of the logistics system has been improved. In addition, by applying the item tracking system to a company's asset management system, the burden of asset management on the company has been reduced.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an item delivery confirmation system that includes an item identifier such as a wireless tag attached to the transported item, a smartphone carried by the delivery person, and a management server. When the delivery person arrives at the delivery destination, he operates the smartphone to read the item identifier of the wireless tag, receives a GPS signal, acquires current location information, and transmits it to the management server. The management server identifies the transported item based on the item identifier, and can determine that the transportation was performed properly by comparing the delivery destination recorded in the slip management information with the current location information of the smartphone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-13923 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The item delivery confirmation system described in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to confirm the delivery of transported items. However, after arriving at the delivery destination, the delivery person must operate a smartphone to read the item identifier and transmit it together with the location information to a management server, and there is a risk that the delivery person may forget to do this and be unable to confirm the delivery of the item.

[0006] Furthermore, if it is necessary to read item identifiers associated with assets in order to manage the locations of assets (fixed assets, equipment, etc.) owned by a company, the workload of reading item identifiers becomes a problem as the number of assets owned by the company increases. In particular, for assets that are portable and used, the workload increases because it is necessary to read the item identifiers every time the assets are transported.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an item tracking program, an item tracking device, an item position information output program, and an item tracking system that can grasp the location of an item in real time without reading an item identifier, thereby reducing the workload required to track items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the item tracking program of the present invention, the above problem is solved by having a computer of an item tracking device that manages the location of an item based on item location information that is included in a beacon signal transmitted by a beacon signal oscillator attached to the item to be tracked and that associates item identification information capable of identifying the item with location information of the item, function as: item location information request notification means that notifies a mobile terminal carried by a user transporting the item of a request for the item location information via an external push notification server that provides a push notification service; item location information acquisition means that acquires the item location information from the mobile terminal that has been notified of the request for the item location information and updates an item tracking information memory unit that stores the item location information; and item location information output means that reads out and outputs the item location information from the item tracking information memory unit.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the item tracking program causes the computer to function to acquire item location information consisting of item identification information acquired from a beacon signal output by a beacon signal oscillator attached to the item to be tracked and location information, and to store and accumulate the information in a tracking item storage medium. Therefore, the person managing the item can grasp the item to be tracked in real time based on the item location information without reading the item identifier, and it is possible to reduce the workload required for tracking the item. In addition, the item tracking program notifies a request for item location information via a push notification server to a mobile terminal carried by a user who transports the item, so that the item tracking program can obtain item location information at an appropriate time.

[0010] In addition, the item location information request notification means notifies the mobile terminal of a request for item location information at a notification timing predetermined for each item or at the timing of a user's operation on the item tracking device, and the notification timing may be selected from a first timing having a predetermined period and a second timing having a period different from the predetermined period. According to the above configuration, the item tracking program can notify the mobile terminal of a request for item location information at a first timing having a predetermined cycle, a second timing having a cycle different from the predetermined cycle, and a user operation timing. Therefore, the item tracking program can obtain item location information at an appropriate timing for each item.

[0011] In addition, the item position information acquisition means may acquire the item position information that corresponds to the position information, the item identification information, and transportation means identification information that is included in the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon signal oscillator attached to the transportation means transporting the item and that can identify the transportation means. According to the above configuration, since the item location information is associated with the location information, the item identification information, and the transportation means identification information, it is possible to identify the item and the transportation means that transports the item. This makes it possible to confirm that the item is not mistakenly loaded onto a transportation means different from the one that should transport the item, and makes it possible to prevent erroneous delivery.

[0012] In addition, the item location information output means may accept input of extraction conditions for the item location information, read out the item location information from the item tracking information storage unit based on the extraction conditions, and display the item location information by superimposing it on a map image. According to the above configuration, item location information read out based on the extraction conditions entered by the item manager is displayed superimposed on a map image, making it possible to narrow down the items to be tracked and to easily track the locations of the items to be tracked.

[0013] In addition, the item location information acquisition means acquires the item location information that corresponds to the location information, the item identification information, and mobile terminal identification information that can identify the mobile terminal, and the item location information output means acquires setting information regarding whether or not to output information that can identify the person transporting the item, and outputs the item location information based on the setting information. According to the above configuration, in addition to outputting the item location information, it is possible to set whether or not to output information that can identify the person transporting the item. Therefore, by setting the setting so that information that can identify the person transporting the item is not output, it is possible to protect the privacy of the transporter.

[0014] Also, the item tracking device may include a computer, and the computer may be caused to execute the item tracking program. According to the above configuration, the task of reading the item identifier is eliminated, and the workload required for tracking the item can be reduced.

[0015] In addition, according to the item location information output program of the present invention, the above problem is solved by having a computer of a portable terminal carried by a user transporting the item to be tracked function as: a location information acquisition means for receiving a satellite positioning signal and acquiring location information based on the satellite positioning signal; an item identification information acquisition means for receiving a beacon signal transmitted by a beacon signal oscillator attached to the item and acquiring item identification information contained in the beacon signal and capable of identifying the item; an item location information transmission means for generating and transmitting item location information that corresponds to the location information and the item identification information; and a background execution means for receiving an item location information request notification requesting the transmission of the item location information via an external push notification server that provides a push notification service, and executing the location information acquisition means, the item identification information acquisition means, and the item location information transmission means in the background.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the item location information output program causes the computer to function so as to output, as item location information, item identification information obtained from a beacon signal transmitted by a beacon signal oscillator attached to the item to be tracked and location information obtained based on the satellite positioning signal. Therefore, the item to be tracked can be grasped in real time based on the beacon signal and the satellite positioning signal, the task of reading the item identifier is unnecessary, and the workload required for tracking the item can be reduced. In addition, the product location information output program receives a product location information request notification via the push notification server, and generates and transmits product location information by background processing. Therefore, the user does not need to operate the mobile terminal to transmit the product location information, and it is possible to reduce the workload required for tracking products.

[0017] In addition, the item location information transmitting means may transmit the item location information in which the location information, the item identification information, and mobile terminal identification information capable of identifying the mobile terminal are associated with each other. According to the above configuration, the item location information is associated with the location information, the item identification information, and the mobile terminal identification information, so that the user who transports the tracked item can be identified, and it becomes easy to contact the user of the tracked item.

[0018] In addition, the computer may function as a means of transportation identification information acquisition means that receives the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon signal oscillator attached to the means of transportation transporting the item, and acquires means of transportation identification information contained in the beacon signal that can identify the means of transportation, and the item position information transmission means may transmit the item position information that corresponds to the position information, the item identification information, and the means of transportation identification information. According to the above configuration, since the item location information is associated with the location information, the item identification information, and the transportation means identification information, it is possible to identify the item and the transportation means that transports the item. Therefore, it is possible to confirm that the item is not mistakenly loaded onto a transportation means different from the one that should transport the item, and it is possible to prevent erroneous delivery.

[0019] The problem is solved by the item tracking system of the present invention, which includes a beacon signal oscillator attached to an item to be tracked, a portable terminal carried by a user who transports the item, and an item tracking device that manages the location of the item based on item location information that associates location information of the item with item identification information that can identify the item, wherein the beacon signal oscillator has a beacon signal transmitting means for transmitting a beacon signal including the item identification information, and the portable terminal has a location information acquiring means for receiving a satellite positioning signal and acquiring the location information based on the satellite positioning signal, an item identification information acquiring means for receiving the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon signal oscillator and acquiring the item identification information included in the beacon signal, and a device that generates the item location information that associates the location information with the item identification information. and a background execution means for receiving an item location information request notification requesting the transmission of the item location information via an external push notification server providing a push notification service, and executing the location information acquisition means, the item identification information acquisition means, and the item location information transmission means in the background, wherein the item tracking device has an item location information request notifying means for notifying the mobile terminal of the request for item location information via the push notification server, an item location information acquisition means for acquiring the item location information from the mobile terminal that has been notified of the request for item location information, and updating an item tracking information storage unit that stores the item location information, and an item location information output means for reading out and outputting the item location information stored in the item tracking information storage unit.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the item tracking device outputs, as item position information, item identification information obtained from a beacon signal transmitted by a beacon signal oscillator attached to the item to be tracked and location information obtained based on the satellite positioning signal. Therefore, the item to be tracked can be grasped in real time based on the beacon signal and the satellite positioning signal, and the task of reading the item identifier is unnecessary, making it possible to reduce the workload required for tracking the item. In addition, the item tracking device notifies a request for item location information via a push notification server to a mobile terminal carried by a user who transports the item, so that the item tracking program can obtain item location information at an appropriate time. In addition, the mobile device receives a request notification for the item location information via the push notification server, and generates and transmits the item location information through background processing. Therefore, the user does not need to operate the mobile device to transmit the item location information, and it is possible to reduce the workload required for tracking the item. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the item tracking program, item tracking device, item location information output program, and item tracking system of the present invention, the location information of the item to be tracked can be grasped in real time without reading the item identifier, thereby making it possible to reduce the workload required for tracking items. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an item tracking system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a beacon tag. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operating state of a beacon tag and a frequency map of a beacon signal; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an asset tracking server. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data structure of a beacon tag DB. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data structure of a mobile terminal DB. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a vehicle DB. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data structure of an asset information DB. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a push notification table. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an input screen for asset extraction conditions. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an asset map screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the sequence of an asset tracking process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] An item tracking system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0024] The item tracking system 1 according to this embodiment is used to manage assets AS owned by a corporation together with their location information. The item tracking system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to grasp the location of the assets AS in real time without reading the identification information of the assets AS, thereby reducing the workload required for tracking the assets AS.

[0025] In the following explanation, "asset" refers to tangible assets that have economic value and are held by a corporation or individual, excluding current assets. Examples of assets include equipment and tangible fixed assets that are used for a long period (more than one year). In the following description, a "beacon signal" refers to a wireless communication signal (positioning signal) used to identify a location, regardless of the communication frequency or communication method. Mobile wireless communication signals used primarily for telephone calls are not included in the "beacon signal." In the following description, "real time" means that the detected signal or data is processed and output as needed without being stored for a long period of time. The timing at which the signal or data is detected and the timing at which it is output do not need to strictly match.

[0026] <<Overview of Item Tracking System 1>> First, an overview of an item tracking system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an item tracking system 1. The item tracking system 1 includes a beacon tag 10, a mobile terminal 20, an asset management server 30, a push notification server 40, and an asset management terminal 50 as its main components.

[0027] The beacon tag 10 is a beacon oscillator that is attached to an asset AS and a vehicle VH and transmits a beacon signal. More specifically, the beacon tag 10 is attached to the asset AS to be tracked in order to enable tracking of the asset AS during transportation. The beacon tag 10 is also attached to the vehicle VH in order to identify the means of transportation on which the asset AS is loaded. The vehicle VH is a four-wheeled vehicle having a loading platform capable of loading the asset AS. The beacon signal output by the beacon tag 10 includes oscillator identification information that can identify the beacon tag 10. Therefore, the asset management server 30 described later can identify the asset AS and the vehicle VH, which is a means of transportation, based on the oscillator identification information. The asset AS corresponds to an item, and the oscillator identification information corresponds to item identification information and means of transportation identification information.

[0028] The asset AS is a fixed asset owned by a corporation such as a company, but is not limited to this. The asset AS may also be equipment. As an example, the asset AS is a laptop computer. As another example, the asset AS is a projector. The asset AS is also carried from one office of a corporation to another office for use. In FIG. 1, the asset AS is shown as being carried loaded onto a vehicle VH, but is not limited to this. An employee may transport the asset AS as baggage without using a means of transportation such as a vehicle VH.

[0029] The mobile terminal 20 is a mobile communication terminal carried by an employee who transports the asset AS. As one example, the mobile terminal 20 is a smartphone. As another example, the mobile terminal 20 is a tablet PC. The mobile terminal 20 can acquire location information based on a GPS signal (satellite positioning signal) transmitted by a GPS satellite ST. The mobile terminal 20 can also receive beacon signals transmitted by the beacon tags 10 attached to the asset AS and the beacon signals transmitted by the beacon tags 10 attached to the vehicle VH, and acquire the respective oscillator identification information. The mobile terminal 20 then generates asset location information consisting of location information, oscillator identification information as asset identification information capable of identifying the asset AS, and oscillator identification information as transportation means identification information capable of identifying the vehicle VH. The asset location information corresponds to item location information.

[0030] The mobile terminal 20 has a wireless communication interface and transmits asset location information to the asset management server 30. As an example, the wireless communication interface is a wireless communication interface that complies with LTE (Long-Term Evolution) or 5G. In this case, the mobile terminal 20 transmits the asset location information to the asset management server 30 via a mobile phone base station BS. However, without being limited thereto, the wireless communication interface may be a wireless communication interface that complies with Wi-Fi defined in IEEE802.11.

[0031] The mobile terminal 20 executes the above-mentioned acquisition of location information, acquisition of oscillator identification information, and transmission of asset location information in background processing. More specifically, the mobile terminal 20 acquires location information and oscillator identification information based on an asset location information request notification transmitted by the asset management server 30 (described later) via the push notification server 40, generates asset location information, and transmits it to the asset management server 30. The background processing is processing that is started and executed by the processor of the mobile terminal 20 without input such as startup or operation by the user. In addition, the mobile terminal 20 may be pre-programmed to acquire location information and oscillator identification information at a predetermined timing, generate asset location information, and transmit it to the asset management server 30.

[0032] The asset management server 30 is a server device that manages the asset AS together with its location information to assist the asset manager in tracking the asset AS. The asset management server 30 receives and stores the asset location information transmitted by the mobile terminal 20, and displays and outputs the asset location information by superimposing it on a map image. The asset management server 30 corresponds to an item tracking device.

[0033] The asset management server 30 transmits an asset location information request notification to the push notification server 40 in order to obtain asset location information from the mobile terminal 20. When the push notification server 40 receives the asset location information request notification from the asset management server 30, it sends a push notification to the mobile terminal 20. When the mobile terminal 20 receives the push notification, it generates asset location information as described above and sends it to the asset management server 30. This allows the manager of the asset AS (hereinafter referred to as the asset manager) to grasp the location of the asset AS in real time using the beacon signal without reading the item identifier, thereby reducing the workload required for tracking the items. Furthermore, by using the push notification, the asset management server 30 can obtain asset location information at an appropriate time.

[0034] The push notification server 40 is an external server device that provides a service of sending messages to the mobile terminal 20. The messages are called push notifications, and the service of sending messages is called a push notification service. One example of the push notification service is APNs (Apple Push Notification service). Another example of the push notification service is FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging). In this embodiment, the message sent from the push notification server 40 to the mobile terminal 20 is a background execution command that causes the mobile terminal 20 to execute an asset location information output program, which will be described later, in the background. The push notification server 40 may be a single server device, or may be composed of multiple server devices.

[0035] The asset management terminal 50 is an information and communication device operated by an asset manager who is a user of the item tracking system 1. By operating the asset management terminal 50, the asset manager can display an asset map screen 34 (described later) and check information related to the acquisition, use, and disposal of the asset AS, as well as grasp the location of the asset AS in real time.

[0036] The network NW is a publicly available telecommunication line, such as an Internet line, or may be a wireless LAN line or a telecommunication line formed by connecting multiple types of telecommunication lines via a gateway device.

[0037] Conventionally, in order to manage the storage location of the asset AS, an asset manager would read the non-contact IC tag attached to the asset AS with an IC tag reader before and after carrying the asset AS. In contrast, according to the item tracking system 1 of this embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 acquires the identification information of the beacon tag 10 attached to the asset AS, and acquires location information based on a GPS signal and transmits it to the asset management server 30. This makes it possible to grasp the location information of the asset AS in real time, including while moving. In addition, the asset manager does not need to read the identification information of the non-contact IC tag, which reduces the workload required for asset management.

[0038] <<Beacon tag 10>> Next, the beacon tag 10 will be described. The beacon tag 10 is a beacon signal oscillator that transmits a beacon signal. The beacon tag 10 is a portable electronic medium that has dimensions of 40 mm in length, 25 mm in width, and 5 mm in height, weighs 4 g, and stores the oscillator identification information described above. However, the dimensions and weight of the beacon tag 10 are not limited to these.

[0039] The beacon tag 10 is attached to the asset AS via a storage case capable of storing the beacon tag 10. The beacon tag 10 may also be attached by directly sticking it to the asset AS. By attaching the beacon tag 10 to the asset AS, it becomes possible to identify the asset AS based on the oscillator identification information. The beacon tag 10 is attached to a vehicle VH, which is a means of transportation. This makes it possible to identify the means of transportation (transport means) of the asset AS based on the oscillator identification information.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the beacon tag 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the beacon tag 10 has a beacon communication circuit 11, an antenna 12, and a power supply circuit 13 as main components. The beacon communication circuit 11 is a communication control circuit of the beacon tag 10. The beacon communication circuit 11 has, as its main components, a communication unit 111 and a communication control unit 112. The communication unit 111 corresponds to a beacon signal transmitting means.

[0041] The communication unit 111 is a wireless communication circuit that outputs a beacon signal to the antenna 12. The communication unit 111 includes a modulation / demodulation circuit, a frequency conversion circuit, a filter circuit, an amplifier circuit, etc. Specifically, the communication unit 111 is a communication unit that complies with the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)) communication standard.

[0042] The communication control unit 112 mainly includes a clock section 112a, a setting reception section 112b, and a communication control section 112c. The timer unit 112a includes a clock oscillator and a counter that counts the output of the clock oscillator. The clock oscillator may be, for example, a crystal oscillator or a ceramic oscillator. The timer unit 112a measures a communication period and a sleep period, which will be described later. The timer unit 112a also measures a transmission timing for outputting a beacon signal. The timer unit 112a may also have a pseudo-random number generator for generating a transmission timing having a random transmission interval.

[0043] The setting reception unit 112b receives input of setting information related to the sleep period of the beacon tag 10 by performing wireless communication with an external terminal. This reduces the number of times that the beacon tag 10 attached to the asset AS, which is relatively rarely carried, outputs a beacon signal, thereby improving power saving. In addition, it is possible to reduce the effort required to replace the battery of the power supply circuit 13, which will be described later. The setting information that the setting reception unit 112b receives as input is not limited to the sleep period. The setting reception unit 112b may receive as input setting information related to the transmission timing of a beacon signal, which will be described later. The setting reception unit 112b may also receive as input setting information related to the transmission power of a beacon signal.

[0044] The communication control unit 112c controls the beacon tag 10 to transition between a normal operation state and a power saving operation state. The beacon tag 10 transmits a beacon signal in the normal operation state and does not transmit a beacon signal in the power saving operation state. The period during which the beacon tag 10 transmits a beacon signal (period during which the beacon tag 10 transitions to the normal operation state) is called a communication period. On the other hand, the period during which the beacon tag 10 does not transmit a beacon signal (period during which the beacon tag 10 transitions to the power saving operation state) is called a sleep period.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the communication state of the beacon tag 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the beacon tag 10 alternates between a communication period and a sleep period periodically. In the sleep period, power supply to the communication unit 111 of the beacon tag 10 is stopped. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption by an amplifier or the like, and to improve power saving. By controlling the communication period and the sleep period alternately, it is possible to suppress power consumption while securing communication opportunities between the beacon tag 10 and the mobile terminal 20, and to reduce the workload associated with replacing a primary battery of the power supply circuit 13, which will be described later. The communication period is, for example, 1 second. The sleep period is, for example, 5 seconds, but is not limited thereto. The sleep period may be 10 minutes or 1 hour.

[0046] The beacon tag 10 transmits a beacon signal multiple times during a communication period. More specifically, the beacon tag 10 selects a transmission frequency F1, a transmission frequency F2, and a transmission frequency F3 in this order, and transmits a beacon signal at the selected transmission frequency at time T11, time T12, and time T13, respectively. By selecting a plurality of transmission frequencies in a predetermined order in this way and transmitting a beacon signal, it is possible to suppress congestion with other wireless communication signals using the same frequency band.

[0047] The beacon tag 10 also transmits a beacon signal at a transmission timing having a randomly determined transmission interval. In detail, the beacon tag 10 transmits a beacon signal again at transmission frequencies F1, F2, and F3 at times T21, T22, and T23, which are separated by a randomly determined transmission interval from times T11, T12, and T13. Similarly, the beacon tag 10 transmits beacon signals again at the transmission frequencies F1, F2, and F3 at times T31, T32, and T33, which are separated by randomly determined transmission intervals from times T21, T22, and T23. In this way, by transmitting beacon signals at transmission timings having randomly determined transmission intervals, it is possible to prevent congestion from occurring again at the retransmission timing after congestion of the beacon signal has occurred. The randomly determined transmission intervals are generated, for example, by a pseudo-random number generator based on oscillator identification information that can identify the beacon tag 10 .

[0048] During the communication period, the beacon tag 10 transmits beacon signals ten times each at the transmission frequencies F1, F2, and F3. However, the number of transmissions is not limited to ten. By setting the number of transmissions to less than ten, it is possible to improve power saving. Also, by setting the number of transmissions to more than ten, it is possible to improve the reliability of communication between the beacon tag 10 and the mobile terminal 20.

[0049] Returning to Fig. 2, the antenna 12 is a chip antenna that transmits a beacon signal. By using the antenna 12 as a chip antenna, it is possible to reduce the overall size of the beacon tag 10. However, the antenna 12 is not limited to a chip antenna. The antenna 12 may be a patch antenna as long as it has a size and shape that allows it to be mounted on a board on which the beacon communication circuit 11 is mounted.

[0050] The power supply circuit 13 has a primary battery that supplies the electrical energy required by the beacon communication circuit 11. The primary battery is a coin-type lithium battery, but is not limited to this. The primary battery may be an alkaline button battery. The power supply circuit 13 may also have a secondary battery or a solar power generation film. It is preferable that the power supply circuit 13 has a power supply capacity capable of supplying the electric energy required by the beacon tag 10 for a period longer than the useful life of the asset AS. Therefore, as described above, the beacon tag 10 is controlled to periodically transition between the transmission period and the sleep period, thereby improving power saving.

[0051] <<Mobile terminal 20>> Next, the mobile terminal 20 will be described. The mobile terminal 20 is a mobile communication terminal and is a known smartphone, although the mobile terminal 20 may also be a tablet terminal. Fig. 4 shows the configuration of the mobile terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the mobile terminal 20 mainly includes a mobile communication circuit 21, a beacon antenna 22, a GPS receiver 23, a mobile communication antenna 24, an input / output device 25, and a power supply circuit 26.

[0052] The beacon antenna 22 is an aerial capable of receiving a beacon signal transmitted by the beacon tag 10. In other words, the beacon antenna 22 is an aerial compatible with wireless communication signals in the 2.4 GHz band, which is called the ISM (Industry, Science and Medical) band. The beacon antenna 22 is a chip antenna, but is not limited thereto. The beacon antenna 22 may be a patch antenna.

[0053] The GPS receiver 23 can receive GPS signals (satellite positioning signals) transmitted by the GPS satellites ST. Although not shown in Fig. 4, the GPS receiver 23 is equipped with a GPS antenna capable of receiving GPS signals. A known GPS receiving unit can be adopted as the GPS receiver 23.

[0054] The mobile communication antenna 24 is an aerial capable of wireless communication with the asset management server 30 and the push notification server 40 via the mobile phone base station BS. The mobile communication antenna 24 may be composed of multiple antenna elements. As described below, the mobile terminal 20 receives a push notification transmitted by the asset management server 30 via the mobile communication antenna 24. In addition, the mobile terminal 20 transmits asset location information to the asset management server 30 via the mobile communication antenna 24.

[0055] The input / output device 25 is a touch panel type display device, and is an interface device operated by a user carrying the mobile terminal 20. The input / output device 25 is a touch panel type organic EL display, but is not limited to this. The input / output device 25 may be a liquid crystal display. The input / output device 25 is provided with a touch sensor that detects an operation input using a user's finger or a stylus.

[0056] The power supply circuit 26 has a secondary battery capable of supplying the electrical energy required by the mobile terminal 20. The secondary battery is a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The secondary battery may be a lithium polymer battery as long as it has a power supply capacity capable of supplying the electrical energy required by the mobile terminal 20.

[0057] The mobile communication circuit 21 is a communication control circuit of the mobile terminal 20. The mobile communication circuit 21 has a beacon communication unit 211, a mobile communication unit 212, and a communication control unit 213 as main components. The beacon communication unit 211 is a wireless communication circuit that receives a beacon signal via the beacon antenna 22. The beacon communication unit 211 has an amplifier circuit, a filter circuit, a frequency conversion circuit, a modulation / demodulation circuit, etc. Specifically, the beacon communication unit 211 is a communication unit that complies with the BLE communication standard.

[0058] The mobile communication unit 212 is a wireless communication circuit that transmits and receives mobile communication signals via the mobile communication antenna 24. The mobile communication unit 212 has a modulation / demodulation circuit, a frequency conversion circuit, a filter circuit, an amplifier circuit, etc. Specifically, the mobile communication unit 212 is a communication unit that complies with the LTE or 5G communication standard.

[0059] The communication control unit 213 is a control circuit having a processor that executes a program, a volatile memory, and a non-volatile memory. The communication control unit 213 loads the asset position information output program stored in the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory and executes it sequentially. In this way, the communication control unit 213 functions as a push notification acquisition unit 213a, a position information acquisition unit 213b, an oscillator identification information acquisition unit 213c, a mobile terminal identification information acquisition unit 213d, and an asset position information transmission unit 213e. The communication control unit 213 corresponds to a computer, and the asset position information output program corresponds to an item position information output program.

[0060] The push notification acquisition unit 213a acquires a push notification transmitted by the push notification server 40. The push notification is a notification signal that requests the asset management server 30 to execute an asset position acquisition program, which will be described later, in order to acquire asset position information. Upon receiving the push notification, the mobile terminal 20 acquires the position information and oscillator identification information by background processing, generates asset position information including the position information and the oscillator identification information, and transmits the information to the asset management server 30. The push notification acquisition unit 213a corresponds to a background execution means.

[0061] The location information acquisition unit 213b acquires location information based on a GPS signal (satellite positioning signal) received by the GPS receiver 23. Here, the location information includes information of latitude, longitude, and altitude. The location information acquisition unit 213b may acquire location information from a navigation device mounted on the vehicle VH that transports the asset AS. The location information acquisition unit 213b corresponds to an article location information acquisition means.

[0062] The oscillator identification information acquisition unit 213c receives a beacon signal transmitted by the beacon tag 10 via the beacon antenna 22, and acquires oscillator identification information contained in the beacon signal. When the beacon tag 10 is attached to an asset AS, the oscillator identification information corresponds to asset identification information capable of identifying the asset AS. When the beacon tag 10 is attached to a vehicle VH, the oscillator identification information corresponds to transportation means identification information capable of identifying the vehicle VH (transport means). The oscillator identification information acquisition unit 213c compares the RSSI (received signal strength) of the beacon signal with a predetermined threshold, and acquires oscillator identification information contained in the beacon signal whose RSSI is determined to be greater than the threshold. The asset management server 30 described later can identify the asset AS and the vehicle VH to which the beacon oscillator is attached based on the oscillator identification information. The oscillator identification information acquisition unit 213c corresponds to an item identification information acquisition means and a transportation means identification information acquisition means.

[0063] The mobile terminal identification information acquisition unit 213d reads and acquires the mobile terminal identification information stored in the non-volatile memory. The mobile terminal identification information is a mobile terminal ID capable of identifying the mobile terminal 20, but is not limited thereto. The mobile terminal identification information may be an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) ​​or the telephone number of the mobile terminal 20.

[0064] The asset location information transmitting unit 213e generates and outputs asset location information in which location information and asset identification information are associated. The asset identification information is oscillator identification information of the beacon tag 10 attached to the asset AS. The asset location information transmitting unit 213e may also generate and output asset location information in which location information, asset identification information, and mobile terminal identification information are associated. The asset location information transmitting unit 213e may also generate and output asset location information in which location information, asset identification information, and transportation means identification information are associated. The transportation means identification information is oscillator identification information of the beacon tag 10 attached to the vehicle VH. The asset location information transmitting unit 213e corresponds to an item location information transmitting means.

[0065] 4, the communication control unit 213 may have a background execution unit that executes background processing at a predetermined timing, regardless of the timing at which the push notification acquisition unit 213a acquires a push notification. The background execution unit acquires location information and asset identification information at a timing different from that of the push notification acquisition unit 213a, generates asset location information including the location information and the asset identification information, and transmits the information to the asset management server 30. This makes it possible to increase the opportunities to transmit asset location information to the asset management server 30.

[0066] <<Asset management server 30>> Next, the asset management server 30 will be described. The asset management server 30 is a server device that provides management information of the asset AS to an asset manager and enables tracking of the asset AS. Fig. 5 shows the configuration of the asset management server 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the asset management server 30 mainly includes a server control unit 31 that controls the asset management server 30, and a storage unit 32.

[0067] The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 32 includes a beacon tag DB 321 , a mobile terminal DB 322 , a vehicle DB 323 , an asset information DB 324 , a push notification table 325 , and a map image DB 326 .

[0068] Fig. 6 shows an example of the data structure of the beacon tag DB 321. As shown in Fig. 6, the beacon tag DB 321 stores records having items such as "beacon ID", "name", and "identification information". The "beacon ID" is oscillator identification information capable of identifying the beacon tag 10, and is a string of letters or numbers.

[0069] "Name" and "identification information" are identification information that can identify the asset AS or the means of transportation to which the beacon tag 10 is attached. "Name" is the name of the asset AS or the vehicle VH that can identify the asset AS or the vehicle VH. "Identification information" is identification information of the asset AS or the vehicle VH, and is a string of letters or numbers. The beacon tag DB 321 is registered and updated by an asset manager who operates the asset management terminal 50 .

[0070] Fig. 7 shows an example of the data structure of the mobile terminal DB 322. As shown in Fig. 7, the mobile terminal DB 322 stores records having items of "mobile terminal ID", "telephone number", "token", and "employee ID". The "mobile terminal ID" and "phone number" are identification information capable of identifying the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal ID is a character string made up of letters and / or numbers, and the "phone number" is the phone number of the mobile terminal 20.

[0071] A "token" is identification information that is issued by the push notification server 40 and is capable of identifying the mobile terminal 20. The token is used to specify the mobile terminal 20 that is the target of the push notification. "Employee ID" is an employee number that can identify an employee who carries the mobile terminal 20. However, the employee's name may be stored in the mobile terminal DB 322 instead of the employee number. The mobile terminal DB 322 is updated by an asset manager who operates the asset management terminal 50 .

[0072] Fig. 8 shows an example of a data structure of the vehicle DB 323. As shown in Fig. 8, the vehicle DB 323 stores records having items of "vehicle ID", "employee ID", and "travel schedule". The "vehicle ID" is identification information capable of identifying the vehicle VH, and is a string of letters or numbers.

[0073] "Employee ID" is identification information that can identify an employee who rides in the vehicle VH. The "travel schedule" is travel schedule information including the departure point, scheduled departure time, destination, and arrival time at the destination of the vehicle VH. However, without being limited to this, information regarding the asset AS to be loaded on the vehicle VH may be stored. The vehicle DB 323 is updated by an asset manager who operates the asset management terminal 50 or by a person who rides in the vehicle VH.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows an example of the data structure of the asset information DB 324. As shown in Fig. 9, the asset information DB 324 stores records having items such as "asset ID", "asset name", "purchase date", "removal date", "beacon ID", "mobile terminal ID", "location information", and "vehicle ID".

[0075] The "asset ID" and "asset name" are identification information that can identify an asset AS. The "asset ID" is a character string that is assigned when an asset is registered by an asset manager, and the "asset name" is a name that can identify an asset AS.

[0076] The "Purchase Date" is the date on which the asset AS was purchased. The asset manager can determine the depreciation cost and usable period of the asset AS based on the "Purchase Date" information. The "retirement date" is the date on which the useful life of the asset AS expires. The asset AS will no longer have any asset value for accounting purposes once the retirement date has passed. Therefore, the asset manager will remove the asset AS that has passed its retirement date from the fixed asset management.

[0077] "Beacon ID" is the beacon ID given to the beacon tag 10 attached to the asset AS identified by the asset ID. "Portable terminal ID" is the portable terminal ID of the portable terminal 20 carried by the user who transports the asset AS identified by the asset ID.

[0078] The "location information" is location information acquired by the mobile terminal 20 identified by the "mobile terminal ID" based on the satellite positioning signal. The "location information" includes latitude (Lat), longitude (Lon), and altitude (H). The "location information" is updated by the asset location information acquisition unit 313. "Vehicle ID" is the vehicle ID of the vehicle VH carrying and transporting the asset AS identified by the asset ID, and is the oscillator identification information of the beacon tag 10 attached to the vehicle transporting the asset AS and the identification information stored in the beacon tag DB321.

[0079] The "beacon ID", "mobile terminal ID", and "location information" are updated when the asset location information acquisition unit 313 acquires asset location information. In Fig. 9, the latest asset location information is shown stored for each asset, but the asset information DB may also accumulate and store past asset location information of an asset AS identified by an asset ID. The asset information DB corresponds to an item tracking information storage unit.

[0080] Fig. 10 shows an example of the data structure of the push notification table 325. As shown in Fig. 10, the push notification table DB stores records having items of "asset ID", "notification cycle", "last notification time", and "token".

[0081] "Asset ID" is the asset ID of the asset AS related to the push notification. "Notification cycle" and "last notification time" indicate the notification cycle of push notification and the time of the last (most recent) push notification. The asset location information request notification unit 312, which will be described later, determines whether the push notification timing has arrived by comparing the current time with the time obtained by adding the notification cycle to the last notification time. The asset location information request notification unit 312 transmits an asset location information request notification when it is determined that the push notification timing has arrived.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 10, different notification intervals can be set for each of a plurality of asset ASes. In other words, the push notification table 325 stores a first timing having a predetermined cycle and a second timing having a cycle different from the predetermined cycle. Therefore, it is possible to select an appropriate timing according to the nature of the asset AS for each asset AS, transmit a push notification, and obtain asset location information.

[0083] The "token" is identification information that identifies the mobile terminal 20 to which the push notification is to be sent. The "token" is issued in advance by the push notification server 40. The asset management server 30 refers to the push notification table 325, and when it determines that the push notification timing has arrived, it transmits an asset location information request notification including a token to the push notification server 40. This enables the push notification server 40 to identify the mobile terminal 20 that transmits the push notification.

[0084] 5, the map image DB 326 stores a map image 343b. The map image 343b is used to display the position of the asset AS on an asset map screen 34, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 32 also stores an asset tracking program (corresponding to an item tracking program) executed by the server control unit 31, which will be described later.

[0085] The server control unit 31 is a control circuit having a processor that executes a program, a non-volatile storage medium, and a volatile storage medium. The processor loads and executes an asset tracking program stored in the storage unit 32, thereby functioning as a registration acceptance unit 311, an asset location information request notification unit 312, an asset location information acquisition unit 313, and an asset information output unit 314. The server control unit 31 corresponds to a computer.

[0086] The registration reception unit 311 receives input from an asset manager operating the asset management terminal 50, and registers records in the beacon tag DB 321, mobile terminal DB 322, vehicle DB 323, asset information DB 324, and push notification table 325 described above.

[0087] The asset location information request notification unit 312 determines whether or not the push notification timing has arrived for each asset AS, based on the push notification table 325 described with reference to Fig. 10 or the operation of the asset manager. If it is determined that the push notification timing has arrived, the asset location information request notification unit 312 transmits an asset location information request notification to the push notification server 40. By transmitting an asset location information request signal to the push notification server 40, a push notification is performed from the push notification server 40 to the mobile terminal 20, and the asset management server 30 becomes able to obtain the asset location information transmitted by the mobile terminal 20. The asset location information request notification unit 312 corresponds to an item location information request notification means.

[0088] The asset location information acquisition unit 313 acquires asset location information transmitted by the mobile terminal 20 and updates the asset information DB. More specifically, the asset location information acquisition unit 313 updates the "location information", "beacon ID", "mobile terminal ID", and "vehicle ID" of the asset information DB 324 with the location information, asset identification information, mobile terminal identification information, and transportation means identification information included in the acquired asset location information. This makes it possible to grasp the latest asset location information.

[0089] The asset information output unit 314 reads out and outputs asset position information stored in the asset information DB. More specifically, the asset information output unit 314 accepts input of extraction conditions for asset position information, and reads out asset position information from the asset information DB based on the input extraction conditions. The asset information output unit 314 then displays the read out asset position information superimposed on the map image 343b read out from the map image DB. This makes it possible to narrow down the assets AS to be tracked, and to easily track the position of the assets AS to be tracked. The asset information output unit 314 corresponds to an item position information output means.

[0090] 11 shows the extraction condition input screen 33. The extraction condition input screen 33 is a display screen that is output to the display device of the asset management terminal 50 in response to an operation by an asset manager who operates the asset management terminal 50. The extraction condition input screen 33 has a base selection area 331, an asset group selection area 332, an individual asset selection area 333, and a search term input area 334. The asset manager can read asset location information of a specific asset AS from the asset information DB 324 by operating and inputting information in the base selection area 331, the asset group selection area 332, the individual asset selection area 333, and the search term input area 334.

[0091] The location selection area 331 is an area where a list of locations consisting of corporate offices, sales offices, etc. is displayed and the selection of a location is accepted. By selecting a location displayed in the location selection area 331, the asset manager can display in the asset group selection area 332 the asset group to which the asset AS located at that location belongs.

[0092] The asset group selection area 332 is an area where a list of asset groups corresponding to the base selected in the base selection area 331 is displayed and the selection of an asset group is accepted. Note that an asset group is a collection of asset AS that is made up of multiple asset AS and is classified according to the type of asset AS, as shown in Fig. 11. By selecting an asset group displayed in the asset group selection area 332, the asset manager can display the asset AS belonging to that asset group in the individual asset selection area 333.

[0093] The individual asset selection area 333 is an area in which a list of asset AS belonging to the asset group selected in the asset group selection area 332 is displayed and the selection of an asset AS is accepted. The asset manager can display an asset map screen 34, which will be described later, by selecting an asset AS displayed in the individual asset selection area 333.

[0094] The search term input area 334 is an area for inputting a search term, and is an area used for selecting an asset AS based on the search term without selecting a base and an asset group. By inputting a search term in the search term input area 334, an asset AS corresponding to the search term is extracted and displayed in a list in the individual asset selection area 333. In the search term input area 334, the asset name or asset group name of the asset AS can be input as a search term. Also, in the search term input area 334, an employee ID or a vehicle ID can be input as a search term.

[0095] 12 shows the asset map screen 34. The asset map screen 34 is a display screen that is output to the display device of the asset management terminal 50 in response to an operation by an asset manager who operates the asset management terminal 50. The asset map screen 34 has an asset summary display area 341 , an asset detail display area 342 , and an asset position display area 343 . In the asset summary display area 341, information regarding a photographed image of the asset AS, the name of the asset AS, the asset group, and the storage location is displayed.

[0096] The asset details display area 342 displays that the asset AS is currently being transported, as well as the name and department of the employee transporting the asset AS, and the email address and telephone number of the mobile terminal 20 carried by the employee. By visually checking the asset details display area 342, the asset manager can identify the employee carrying the asset AS and easily contact that employee. Moreover, information about the vehicle VH that transports the asset AS may be displayed in place of information about the employee in the asset detail display area 342. This makes it possible to confirm that the asset AS has not been delivered by mistake.

[0097] Furthermore, in order to protect the privacy of employees, information about employees may be concealed based on predetermined conditions from the asset details display area 342. As one example, the asset information output unit 314 may obtain setting information regarding whether or not to display information about employees, and display or conceal the information about employees in the asset details display area 342 based on the setting information.

[0098] An asset location identification icon 343a indicating the location of the asset AS is displayed together with a map image 343b in the asset location display area 343. More specifically, asset location information read from the asset information DB 324 is displayed superimposed on the map image 343b. This allows the asset manager to easily grasp the location of the asset AS that is the target of tracking. A plurality of asset location identification icons 343a may be displayed in the asset location display area 343. In this case, the asset manager can grasp the locations of a plurality of assets AS from an overview in the asset location display area 343.

[0099] <<Asset location information acquisition process sequence>> Next, the sequence of the asset tracking process executed by the item tracking system 1 will be described. FIG. 13 shows the sequence of the asset tracking process. First, the beacon tag 10 attached to the asset AS transmits a beacon signal (step S10). The beacon tag 10 repeatedly transmits the beacon signal at a predetermined timing. The beacon signal includes asset identification information that can identify the asset AS to which the beacon tag 10 is attached. Although only one beacon tag 10 is shown in FIG. 13, a beacon signal is transmitted from each of the multiple beacon tags 10. The beacon tag 10 attached to the vehicle VH also transmits a beacon signal. The beacon signal includes transportation means identification information that can identify the vehicle VH. As described below, the beacon signal is received by the mobile terminal 20 that has received the push notification.

[0100] Meanwhile, the asset management server 30 determines whether or not the push notification timing has arrived (step S11). In particular, the asset management server 30 refers to the push notification table 325 and determines whether or not the push notification timing defined in the push notification table 325 has arrived for each of the multiple asset ASes. The asset management server 30 may also determine whether or not the operation timing has arrived by monitoring whether or not an operation to instruct a push notification has been performed by the asset manager. If it is determined that the push notification timing has not arrived (step S11: No), the asset management server 30 waits until the push notification timing arrives.

[0101] If it is determined that the push notification timing has arrived (step S11: Yes), the asset management server 30 transmits an asset location information request notification to the push notification server 40 (step S12). More specifically, the asset management server 30 generates and transmits an asset location information request notification that includes a token capable of identifying the mobile terminal 20 and an execution command that instructs the mobile terminal 20 to obtain location information and asset identification information by background processing and generate asset location information.

[0102] When the push notification server 40 receives the asset location information request signal transmitted by the asset management server 30, it sends a push notification to the mobile terminal 20 (step S13). Specifically, the push notification server 40 sends the above-mentioned execution command to the mobile terminal 20 identified by the token included in the asset location information request signal transmitted from the asset management server 30.

[0103] When the mobile terminal 20 receives the push notification, the mobile terminal 20 executes a process of generating and transmitting asset position information in the background. Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 first acquires position information (step S14). That is, the mobile terminal 20 receives a GPS signal and acquires current position information based on the GPS signal.

[0104] Next, the mobile terminal 20 acquires asset identification information (step S15). In detail, the mobile terminal 20 receives a beacon signal transmitted by the beacon tag 10 attached to the asset AS to be tracked, and acquires oscillator identification information included in the beacon signal as asset identification information.

[0105] Next, the mobile terminal 20 acquires mobile terminal identification information (step S16). In detail, the mobile terminal 20 reads the mobile terminal ID stored in the non-volatile memory of the mobile terminal 20.

[0106] Next, the mobile terminal 20 acquires the transportation means identification information (step S17). In detail, the mobile terminal 20 receives a beacon signal transmitted by the beacon tag 10 attached to the vehicle VH, and acquires the oscillator identification information included in the beacon signal as the transportation means identification information.

[0107] Next, the mobile terminal 20 generates asset location information and transmits it to the asset management server 30 (step S18). More specifically, the mobile terminal 20 generates asset location information in which the location information acquired in steps S14 to S17, asset identification information, mobile terminal identification information, and transportation means identification information are associated with each other, and transmits this asset location information. The processes described in steps S14 to S18 are executed in the background without user operation. Therefore, the asset location information of the asset AS can be obtained without bothering the user who transports the asset AS, and the workload required for tracking the item can be reduced.

[0108] The asset management server 30 acquires the asset location information transmitted by the mobile terminal 20 and updates the asset information DB 324. Then, the asset management server 30 outputs the asset location information to the asset map screen 34 in response to an operation by the asset manager using the asset management terminal 50 (step S19). The asset map screen 34 has been described above with reference to Figs. 11 and 12, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] The configuration of the item tracking system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above-mentioned embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the article tracking system 1 is used by an asset manager of fixed assets owned by a corporation to track the location of the asset AS, but is not limited to this. The article tracking system 1 can be used by a logistics company to track the location of transported articles.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the vehicle VH as the means of transportation is described as a four-wheeled automobile capable of carrying and transporting the asset AS, but is not limited thereto. The means of transportation may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a public transportation means.

[0112] 1. Item Tracking System 10 Beacon Tag (Beacon Signal Oscillator) 11 Beacon communication circuit 111 Communication unit 112 Communication control unit 112a Timing section 112b Settings reception section 112c Communication control unit 12 Antenna 13 Power circuit 20 Mobile Devices 21 Mobile communication circuits 211 Beacon communication unit 212 Mobile communication unit 213 Communication Control Unit 213a Push notification acquisition unit 213b Location information acquisition unit 213c Oscillator identification information acquisition unit (item identification information acquisition means, moving means identification information acquisition means) 213d Mobile terminal identification information acquisition unit 213e Asset location information transmission unit 22 Beacon Antenna 23 GPS receiver 24 Mobile communication antenna 25 Input / Output Devices 26 Power circuit 30 Asset management server (item tracking device) 31 Server control unit (computer) 311 Registration Reception Department 312 Asset location information request notification unit 313 Asset location information acquisition unit 314 Asset information output section 32 Storage section 321 Beacon Tag DB 322 Mobile Terminal DB 323 Vehicle DB 324 Asset Information DB 325 Push Notification Table 326 Map Image DB 33 Extraction condition input screen 331 Base Selection Area 332 Asset Group Selection Area 333 Individual Asset Selection Area 334 Search term input area 34 Asset Map Screen 341 Asset Overview Display Area 342 Asset details display area 343 Asset location display area 343a Asset Location Icon 343b Map image 40 Push Notification Server 50 Asset management terminal NW Network AS Assets ST GPS satellite VH Vehicle

Claims

1. A computer of an item tracking device that manages the location of an item based on item location information that associates item identification information that can identify the item and location information of the item, the item identification information being included in a beacon signal transmitted by a beacon signal oscillator attached to the item to be tracked, an item location information request notifying means for notifying a request for the item location information to a mobile terminal carried by a user who transports the item via an external push notification server that provides a push notification service; an item location information acquisition means for acquiring the item location information from the mobile terminal that has been notified of the request for the item location information, and updating an item tracking information storage unit that stores the item location information; An item tracking program that functions as an item location information output unit that reads out the item location information from the item tracking information storage unit and outputs it.

2. The item location information request notification means notifies the portable terminal of a request for the item location information at a notification timing that is predetermined for each item or at a timing of a user's operation on the item tracking device, 2. The item tracking program according to claim 1, wherein the notification timing is selected from a first timing having a predetermined cycle and a second timing having a cycle different from the predetermined cycle.

3. The item tracking program according to claim 1, characterized in that the item location information acquisition means acquires the item location information in association with the location information, the item identification information, and transportation means identification information that is included in the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon signal oscillator attached to the transportation means transporting the item and that can identify the transportation means.

4. The item tracking program according to claim 1, characterized in that the item location information output means accepts input of extraction conditions for the item location information, reads out the item location information from the item tracking information storage unit based on the extraction conditions, and displays the item location information superimposed on a map image.

5. The item location information acquisition means acquires the item location information in which the location information, the item identification information, and mobile terminal identification information capable of identifying the mobile terminal are associated with each other, The item tracking program according to claim 1, characterized in that the item location information output means acquires setting information for determining whether or not to output information that can identify the person transporting the item, and outputs the item location information based on the setting information.

6. 6. An item tracking device comprising the computer according to claim 1, wherein the item tracking device causes the computer to execute the item tracking program.

7. A computer of a portable terminal carried by a user who transports an item to be tracked, a position information acquisition means for receiving a satellite positioning signal and acquiring position information based on the satellite positioning signal; an article identification information acquiring means for receiving a beacon signal transmitted by a beacon signal oscillator attached to the article and acquiring article identification information capable of identifying the article, the article identification information being included in the beacon signal; an article position information transmitting means for generating article position information in which the position information and the article identification information are associated with each other and transmitting the article position information; a background execution means for receiving an item location information request notification requesting transmission of the item location information via an external push notification server providing a push notification service, and executing the location information acquisition means, the item identification information acquisition means, and the item location information transmission means in the background; The object position information output program is characterized by causing the object position information output program to function as follows.

8. The item position information output program according to claim 7, characterized in that the item position information transmission means transmits the item position information in which the position information, the item identification information, and mobile terminal identification information capable of identifying the mobile terminal are associated with each other.

9. The computer, receiving the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon signal oscillator attached to the moving means transporting the article, and functioning as a moving means identification information acquisition means for acquiring moving means identification information included in the beacon signal and capable of identifying the moving means; 8. The article position information output program according to claim 7, wherein the article position information transmitting means transmits the article position information in which the position information, the article identification information, and the transportation means identification information are associated with each other.

10. An item tracking system comprising: a beacon signal oscillator attached to an item to be tracked; a portable terminal carried by a user who transports the item; and an item tracking device that manages the location of the item based on item location information that associates location information of the item with item identification information that can identify the item, The beacon signal oscillator includes: a beacon signal transmitting means for transmitting a beacon signal including the item identification information; The mobile terminal includes: a position information acquisition means for receiving a satellite positioning signal and acquiring the position information based on the satellite positioning signal; an item identification information acquiring means for receiving the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon signal oscillator and acquiring the item identification information included in the beacon signal; an item location information transmitting means for generating and transmitting the item location information in which the location information and the item identification information are associated with each other; a background execution means for receiving an item location information request notification that requests transmission of the item location information via an external push notification server that provides a push notification service, and executing the location information acquisition means, the item identification information acquisition means, and the item location information transmission means in the background; The item tracking device includes: an item location information request notifying means for notifying the mobile terminal of a request for the item location information via the push notification server; an item location information acquisition means for acquiring the item location information from the portable terminal that has been notified of the request for the item location information, and updating an item tracking information storage unit that stores the item location information; and an item location information output unit that reads out and outputs the item location information stored in the item tracking information storage unit.

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