Management system and management method

Abstract

To easily perform search for an article.SOLUTION: A management system 100 manages a plurality of articles 105. The management system 100 includes a plurality of transmitters 103 held by each of the plurality of articles 105, and a management device 102. Each of the plurality of transmitters 103 has a notification unit which performs notification operation which reports a position of the transmitter 103. The management device 102 holds nearby apparatus information 145 indicating one or more nearby apparatus which are located near a target apparatus included in the plurality of transmitters 103, among the plurality of transmitters 103, and when designation of the target apparatus is received, makes the notification unit of the target apparatus, and the notification units of one or more nearby apparatus perform the notification operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system and a management method for managing a plurality of articles.

Background Art

[0002] As a method for managing the position of an article, Patent Document 1 describes a search system that causes a tag attached to an object to be searched to emit light by electromagnetic waves from an oscillation device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a system, it is desired that the search for articles can be easily performed.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a management system or a management method that can easily search for articles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a management system according to an aspect of the present invention is a management system for managing a plurality of articles, including a plurality of first devices held by each of the plurality of articles and a management device. Each of the plurality of first devices has a notification unit that performs a notification operation of notifying the position of the first device. The management device holds information indicating one or more neighboring devices located in the vicinity of a target device included in the plurality of first devices among the plurality of first devices. When a designation of the target device is received, the management device causes the notification unit of the target device and the notification unit of the one or more neighboring devices to perform the notification operation.

[0007] According to this, in addition to the specified target device, a notification operation is also performed on nearby devices located near the target device. Therefore, the user can easily search for the target item.

[0008] For example, when the specification of the target device is received, the notification unit of the target device and the notification units of the one or more nearby devices may perform the notification operation in different manners.

[0009] According to this, the user can easily distinguish between the target device and the nearby devices.

[0010] For example, each of the one or more nearby devices may be classified into any one of a plurality of groups according to the distance from the target device, and the notification unit of the one or more nearby devices may perform the notification operation step by step from the group closer to the target device.

[0011] According to this, efficient notification becomes possible.

[0012] For example, each of the one or more nearby devices may be classified into any one of a plurality of groups according to the distance from the target device, and the notification unit of the one or more nearby devices may perform the notification operation in a manner corresponding to the group to which each of the one or more nearby devices belongs.

[0013] According to this, notification indicating the distance from the target device becomes possible.

[0014] For example, the notification unit may include a light-emitting unit, and the notification operation may be light emission.

[0015] According to this, in addition to the specified target device, light emission is also performed on nearby devices located near the target device. Therefore, the user can easily search for the target item.

[0016] For example, each of the plurality of first devices wirelessly transmits a signal including the identification information of the first device, and the management system further includes a second device held by a moving body that transports a target article holding the target device among the plurality of articles and receives the signal. When the target article transported by the moving body is installed, the management device may determine the one or more neighboring devices located near the target device based on the signal received by the second device.

[0017] According to this, neighboring devices can be determined with a simple configuration.

[0018] For example, when the second device changes from a state of receiving the signal of the target device to a state of not receiving it, the management device may determine that the transportation of the target article has ended.

[0019] According to this, the end of transportation can be determined with a simple configuration using the radio wave intensity.

[0020] For example, the second device includes an acceleration sensor, and the management device may further use the information obtained by the acceleration sensor of the second device to determine the end of transportation of the target article.

[0021] According to this, the accuracy of determining the end of transportation can be improved.

[0022] For example, each of the plurality of first devices includes an acceleration sensor, and the management device may further use the information obtained by the acceleration sensor of each of the plurality of first devices to determine the end of transportation of the target article.

[0023] According to this, the accuracy of determining the end of transportation can be improved.

[0024] For example, the second device includes an acceleration sensor, and the management device may further use the information obtained by the acceleration sensor of the second device to determine the end of transportation of the target article.

[0025] According to this, the accuracy of determining the end of transportation can be improved.

[0026] For example, when the state in which the second device is receiving the signal of the target device continues for a predetermined time, the management device may determine that the transportation of the target article has started.

[0027] According to this, the start of transportation can be determined with a simple configuration using the radio wave intensity.

[0028] For example, when the management device determines that the transportation of the target article has started, the management device may exclude the target device from the neighboring devices of the devices other than the target device among the plurality of first devices.

[0029] According to this, neighboring devices can be appropriately managed.

[0030] Moreover, a management method according to an aspect of the present invention is a management method in a management system for managing a plurality of articles, the management system including a plurality of first devices held by each of the plurality of articles and a management device for managing the plurality of first devices, each of the plurality of first devices having a notification unit that performs a notification operation for notifying the position of the first device, the management device holding information indicating one or more neighboring devices located in the vicinity of a target device included in the plurality of first devices, and when the management device receives a designation of the target device, causing the notification unit of the target device and the notification unit of the one or more neighboring devices to perform the notification operation.

[0031] According to this, in addition to the designated target device, light emission is also performed in the neighboring devices located in the vicinity of the target device. Therefore, the user can easily search for the target article.

[0032] Note that these general or specific aspects may be implemented in a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be implemented in any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0033] The present invention can provide a management system or management method that can easily search for articles.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest-level concept are described as optional components.

[0037] When managing a plurality of articles, there is a method of managing in advance the positions where the plurality of articles are stored as a method of notifying a user of the position where the target article is stored. For example, a method of arranging a receiver in each of a plurality of regions, attaching a transmitter to each of the plurality of articles, and managing the positions of the plurality of articles based on which receiver receives the signal from the transmitter can be considered. However, such a method has a problem that it is necessary to arrange a plurality of receivers and the introduction is not easy.

[0038] In the present embodiment, a system that can notify a user of the position of a target article without managing specific position information of a plurality of articles will be described. In addition, a system that can perform this notification efficiently will be described.

[0039] [Configuration of Management System] First, the configuration of the management system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management system 100 according to the present embodiment. This management system 100 manages the positions of a plurality of articles and notifies the user of the position of the target article designated by the user.

[0040] The management system 100 includes a management device 102, a plurality of transmitters 103, and a receiver 104. Note that the number of each element shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example and is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1.

[0041] Each of the plurality of transmitters 103 is attached to each of the plurality of articles. The receiver 104 is mounted (attached) on the moving body 101 that transports the articles. Note that the receiver 104 may be held (carried or worn) by an operator (user) who drives the moving body 101. Also, the moving body 101 that transports the articles is not limited to a forklift. For example, the moving body may be a vehicle or a cart, etc. Also, the moving body 101 may be a person (operator). That is, the article 105 may be transported by a person. Here, although one moving body 101 and receiver 104 are shown, the management system 100 may include a plurality of receivers 104 mounted on a plurality of moving bodies 101.

[0042] The management device 102 manages the positions of the plurality of articles 105 (transmitters 103). For example, the article 105 is a part of large equipment. Note that the usage described here is an example, and the method of this embodiment is applicable to any system that manages a plurality of articles.

[0043] [Configuration of Transmitter] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmitter 103. This transmitter 103 includes an ID storage unit 121, a control unit 122, a wireless transmission unit 123, a communication unit 124, a light emitting unit 125, a sound emitting unit 126, an acceleration sensor 127, and a power supply unit 128.

[0044] The ID storage unit 121 stores a transmitter ID (transmitter identifier), which is information for uniquely identifying the transmitter 103.

[0045] The control unit 122 wirelessly transmits a detection signal 151 including the transmitter ID via the wireless transmission unit 123. For example, the detection signal 151 is periodically transmitted at a predetermined transmission interval. Note that this transmission interval is not particularly limited, but is, for example, several seconds or several tens of seconds.

[0046] Also, the control unit 122 generates a notification signal 153 including sensor information based on the information obtained by the acceleration sensor 127. For example, the notification signal 153 includes the transmitter ID of the transmitter 103 and the sensor information. The sensor information indicates, for example, whether the transmitter 103 is moving or stopped at each time. Note that the sensor information may indicate the direction (type) and degree of movement at each time. Alternatively, the sensor information may indicate the time when there is a change in the state (movement or stop) of the transmitter 103. Also, the notification signal 153 may be transmitted periodically at a predetermined time interval, may be transmitted periodically only during the movement of the transmitter 103, or may be transmitted when there is a change in the state (movement or stop) of the transmitter 103.

[0047] The wireless transmission unit 123 transmits the detection signal 151. The detection signal 151 is, for example, a wireless signal compliant with IEEE802.15.4, and is a wireless signal in the 920 MHz band, 950 MHz band, or 2.4 GHz band. Note that an LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area) wireless signal may be used for the detection signal 151. Also, the detection signal 151 may be a wireless signal of any other method.

[0048] The communication unit 124 communicates with the management device 102. Note that the communication method between the transmitter 103 and the management device 102 is not particularly limited, and for example, a public telephone network, an Internet line (including wireless or LAN, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.), or a proprietary wireless network can be used. The communication unit 124 transmits the notification signal 153 to the management device 102. Also, the communication unit 124 receives a light emission control signal 152, which will be described later, from the management device 102.

[0049] The light emission unit 125 includes a light emitting element that emits light. For example, the light emitting element is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The sound emitting unit 126 is a buzzer or a speaker that emits sound.

[0050] The acceleration sensor 127 is a sensor that detects the movement of the transmitter 103, and is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor or a six-axis sensor (a three-axis acceleration and three-axis angular velocity sensor).

[0051] The power supply unit 128 is a power supply that supplies power to the transmitter 103, and is, for example, a battery or a cell, etc.

[0052] Note that the transmitter 103 may be provided with an operation unit such as a button or a touch panel that receives a user's operation.

[0053] [Configuration of Receiver] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the receiver 104. The receiver 104 includes an ID storage unit 131, a control unit 132, a wireless reception unit 133, a communication unit 134, and an acceleration sensor 135.

[0054] The ID storage unit 131 stores a receiver ID (receiver identifier), which is information for uniquely identifying the receiver 104.

[0055] The wireless reception unit 133 receives the detection signal 151 wirelessly transmitted from the transmitter 103.

[0056] The control unit 132 generates a notification signal 154 regarding the detection signal 151 received by the wireless reception unit 133, and transmits it to the management device 102 via the communication unit 134.

[0057] The notification signal 154 includes, for example, the receiver ID of the receiver 104, reception information, and sensor information.

[0058] The reception information indicates the reception status of the detection signal 151. For example, the reception information includes the transmitter ID of the transmitter 103 that is the transmission source of the received detection signal 151 and reception status information.

[0059] The reception status information may be information indicating the received radio wave intensity for each time, or may be information indicating the presence or absence of reception (whether the received radio wave intensity is above a threshold value) for each time, or may be information indicating the degree of the received radio wave intensity (for example, strong, weak, none, etc.) for each time. Alternatively, the reception status information may be information indicating the reception start time (the time when the transition is made from no reception to reception) and the reception end time (the time when the transition is made from reception to no reception).

[0060] The sensor information is generated based on the information obtained by the acceleration sensor 135. For example, the sensor information indicates whether the receiver 104 is moving or stopped for each time. Note that the sensor information may indicate the direction (type) and degree of movement for each time. Alternatively, the sensor information may indicate the time when there is a change in the state (movement or stop) of the receiver 104.

[0061] Also, the notification signal 154 may be transmitted periodically at a predetermined time interval, may be transmitted periodically only during the movement of the receiver 104, may be transmitted when there is a change in the state (movement or stop), or may be transmitted when there is a change in the reception status of the detection signal 151.

[0062] Note that when the radio wave intensity of the detection signal 151 is less than a predetermined threshold value, the receiver 104 may not transmit the notification signal 154 to the management device 102. Also, the receiver 104 may hold the information on the received radio wave intensity of the detection signal 151 and transmit it to the management device 102 collectively after the movement of the receiver 104 occurs.

[0063] Here, an example in which the notification signal 154 includes the reception information and the sensor information is shown, but the reception information and the sensor information may be transmitted to the management device 102 as separate signals.

[0064] The communication unit 134 communicates with the management device 102. Note that the communication method between the receiver 104 and the management device 102 is not particularly limited. For example, the same method as the communication unit 124 included in the transmitter 103 can be used. Note that the communication between the receiver 104 and the management device 102 may be performed via another device such as a repeater. Further, the receiver 104 may relay the light emission control signal 152 transmitted from the management device 102 to the transmitter 103. Further, the receiver 104 may relay the notification signal 153 transmitted from the transmitter 103 to the management device 102.

[0065] [Configuration of Management Device] Next, the configuration of the management device 102 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 102. The management device 102 includes a communication unit 141, a storage unit 142, a management unit 143, and an operation reception unit 144.

[0066] The communication unit 141 receives the notification signal 153 transmitted from the transmitter 103 and the notification signal 154 transmitted from the receiver 104. Further, the communication unit 141 transmits the light emission control signal 152 instructing the transmitter 103 to emit light.

[0067] The storage unit 142 stores the information (received information and sensor information) included in the received notification signal 153 and notification signal 154. Further, the storage unit 142 stores the nearby device information 145 generated by the management unit 143.

[0068] The management unit 143 generates and updates the nearby device information 145 using the information included in the notification signal 153 and notification signal 154, etc.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the nearby device information 145. The nearby device information 145 indicates, for each transmitter 103, one or more nearby devices that are other transmitters 103 located in the vicinity of the transmitter 103 (for example, within a predetermined distance). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the nearby device information 145 shows the correspondence between the transmitter ID of each transmitter 103 and the nearby device ID that is the transmitter ID of one or more nearby devices of the transmitter 103.

[0070] In addition, in FIG. 5, neighboring devices exist for all the transmitters 103, but transmitters 103 without neighboring devices may also be included. Further, depending on the usage situation, a situation may occur where there are no neighboring devices for all the transmitters 103.

[0071] The operation reception unit 144 receives operations by the user. For example, the operation reception unit 144 is a keyboard and a mouse, or a touch panel or the like. Note that the operation reception unit 144 may receive operations via other devices. For example, the operation reception unit 144 may receive operations via a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone held by an operator.

[0072] Note that the management device 102 may include a display unit and a speaker or the like that present information to the user.

[0073] Note that the configuration of the management system 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. For example, the functions of the management device 102 may be realized by a plurality of devices. That is, the management device 102 may include a plurality of devices, or may include a plurality of devices (processing units) included in different devices. In other words, the management device 102 may be any one or more devices included in the management system 100. For example, part of the functions of the management device 102 may be realized by a PC, and another part may be realized by a portable terminal held by an operator.

[0074] Further, the portable terminal held by the operator may have some or all of the functions of the receiver 104. Further, the portable terminal may have all the functions of the management device 102. That is, the management device 102 and the receiver 104 may be included in a single device.

[0075] Also, when the management device 102 and the receiver 104 are realized as a single device, the transmission of signals between the management device 102 and the receiver 104 is performed within the device. In other words, the transmission of the various signals described above includes not only the transmission between devices via a network or the like, but also the transmission of signals within the device.

[0076] Also, here, an example in which different communication methods are used for the notification signal 153, the notification signal 154, and the light emission control signal 152, and the detection signal 151 has been shown, but the same communication method may be used. For example, the same communication method as that of the detection signal 151 described above may be used for the notification signal 153, the notification signal 154, and the light emission control signal 152. Thereby, the configuration of the transmitter 103 can be simplified and power consumption can be reduced.

[0077] In this case, the transmitter 103 becomes a reception state for a certain period immediately after transmitting the detection signal 151, and receives the light emission control signal 152 during that period. In this case, if the light emission control signal 152 is transmitted outside of that period, the transmitter 103 cannot receive the light emission control signal 152. Therefore, the transmitter 103 notifies the management device 102 whether or not the light emission control signal 152 has been received by storing and transmitting a flag or the like indicating whether or not the light emission control signal 152 has been received in the detection signal 151.

[0078] Also, a repeater may be used for transmitting the light emission control signal 152 to the transmitter 103. Similarly, a repeater may be used for transmitting the notification signal 153. Also, the detection signal 151 and the notification signal 153 may be transmitted as one signal.

[0079] [Search Process] Next, the search process when the user searches for a target article from a plurality of articles 105 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the search process in the management system 100. First, the management device 102 receives a designation of a target device that is a transmitter 103 attached to the target article based on a user operation (S101). For example, an operator performs the operation via a portable terminal he or she has. For example, the transmitter ID of the target device is designated. When the relationship between information (name or identifier, etc.) for specifying a plurality of articles and a plurality of transmitter IDs is managed in advance, information for specifying the target article may be designated by the user.

[0080] Next, the management device 102 transmits a light emission control signal 152 to the designated target device. Also, the management device 102 refers to the neighboring device information 145 stored in the storage unit 142, identifies one or more neighboring devices of the target device, and transmits the light emission control signal 152 to the identified one or more neighboring devices. For example, the light emission control signal 152 includes the transmitter ID of the transmitter 103 of the transmission destination and light emission mode information indicating whether the transmitter 103 is a target device or a neighboring device. The target device and the neighboring device that have received the light emission control signal 152 emit light (S102).

[0081] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state of this light emission. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the target device 103A, the neighboring device 103B of the target device 103A, and other transmitters 103C are arranged. For example, the target device 103A and the neighboring device 103B emit light in different modes based on the light emission mode information included in the light emission control signal 152. For example, the different modes may be different colors or different intensities. Or, one of the target device 103A and the neighboring device 103B may continuously light up and the other may blink. Or, the blinking patterns of the target device 103A and the neighboring device 103B may be different. Or, two or more of these may be combined.

[0082] Also, the neighboring devices may be classified into a plurality of groups according to the distance from the target device and managed in the neighboring device information. In this case, the plurality of groups may emit light in different modes.

[0083] That is, each of the one or more neighboring devices may be classified into any of a plurality of groups according to the distance from the target device. And the one or more neighboring devices may emit light in a mode corresponding to the group to which each of the one or more neighboring devices belongs. For example, light emission may be performed with different blinking cycles for each group. According to this, it becomes possible to notify the distance from the target device.

[0084] In addition, the target device may emit sound along with light emission. Also, the target device and the nearby devices may emit sound along with light emission. In this case, the target device and the nearby devices may emit sound in different manners. Note that when sound is not emitted, the transmitter 103 does not have to include the sound-emitting unit 126 shown in FIG. 2.

[0085] As described above, the management system 100 manages a plurality of articles 105. The management system 100 includes a plurality of transmitters 103 (first devices) each held by one of the plurality of articles 105 and having a light-emitting unit 125, and a management device 102. The management device 102 holds proximity device information 145 indicating one or more proximity devices located near the target device among the plurality of transmitters 103. When the management device 102 receives a designation of the target device (that is, when the target device is designated from among the plurality of transmitters 103 as a search target), the management device 102 causes the light-emitting unit 125 of the target device and the light-emitting units 125 of the one or more proximity devices to emit light.

[0086] As a result, in addition to the designated target device, light emission also occurs in the proximity devices located near the target device. Therefore, the user can easily search for the target article. For example, when only the target device emits light, the light-emitting unit 125 may be hidden in another article or the target article itself, and the user may not be able to find the light emission. On the other hand, when the proximity devices also emit light, the user can easily find the target article. Also, even when the area where the plurality of articles 105 are stored is large, the user can easily find the target article located far away.

[0087] Also, when the management device 102 receives a designation of the target device, the light-emitting unit 125 of the target device and the light-emitting units 125 of the one or more proximity devices may emit light in different manners from each other.

[0088] According to this, the user can easily distinguish between the target device and the proximity devices, and thus can easily distinguish the target device from among the plurality of transmitters 103 that are emitting light.

[0089] Here, as an example of a method for notifying the user of the positions of the target device and the nearby devices, the case where light emission by the light emitting unit 125 is used has been described. However, methods other than light emission may also be used. For example, sound emission by the sound emitting unit 126 may be used, or other methods may be used.

[0090] That is, each of the plurality of transmitters 103 may have a notification unit (for example, the light emitting unit 125 or the sound emitting unit 126) that performs a notification operation for notifying the position of the transmitter 103. When the management device 102 receives a designation of a target device, it may cause the notification unit of the target device and the notification units of one or more nearby devices to perform a notification operation.

[0091] Also, when the management device 102 receives a designation of a target device, the notification unit of the target device and the notification units of one or more nearby devices may perform a notification operation in different manners from each other.

[0092] Note that when the management device 102 receives a designation of a target device, it may first cause only the target device to emit light, and then cause the nearby devices to emit light in addition to the target device when the user gives an additional instruction or after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thereby, when the user cannot find the target device, power consumption can be reduced by causing the nearby devices to emit light.

[0093] Also, when the nearby devices are classified into a plurality of groups according to the distance from the target device, the number of groups that emit light step by step from the group closer to the target device may increase according to an additional instruction from the user or the passage of time.

[0094] That is, each of the one or more nearby devices may be classified into any of a plurality of groups according to the distance from the target device. Then, the notification units of the one or more nearby devices may perform a notification operation step by step from the group closer to the target device. Thereby, efficient notification is possible. This operation may be performed when there are a plurality of nearby devices.

[0095] [Update of Nearby Device Information] Next, the update process of the nearby device information 145 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the update process of the nearby device information 145. Note that FIG. 8 shows the process for one transmitter 103 (target device). That is, the process shown in FIG. 8 is performed for each of the plurality of transmitters 103.

[0096] First, the management device 102 determines whether the target device (transmitter 103) has started moving (S111). That is, the management device 102 determines whether the transportation of the article 105 by the moving body 101 has started.

[0097] If the target device has started moving (Yes in S111), the management device 102 excludes the transmitter ID of the target device from the nearby device IDs of all transmitters 103 other than the target device (S112).

[0098] Next, the management device 102 determines whether the target device has stopped (become stationary) (S113). That is, the management device 102 determines whether the transportation of the article 105 by the moving body 101 has ended.

[0099] If the transmitter 103 has stopped (Yes in S113), the management device 102 detects the nearby devices of the target device (S114) and updates the nearby device ID of the target device in the nearby device information 145 (S115). Specifically, the management device 102 registers the transmitter ID of the detected nearby device as the nearby device ID of the target device.

[0100] Note that the process of step S112 is not performed before step S113, but may be performed together with step S114 when Yes in step S113.

[0101] In this way, each of the plurality of transmitters 103 wirelessly transmits a detection signal 151 including the identification information of the transmitter 103. The management system 100 further includes a receiver 104 (second device) that is held by the moving body 101 that transports the target article holding the target device among the plurality of articles 105 and receives the detection signal 151. When the target article transported by the moving body 101 is installed, the management device 102 determines one or more nearby devices located near the target device based on the detection signal 151 received by the receiver 104.

[0102] According to this, nearby devices can be determined with a simple configuration. For example, as another method for determining nearby devices, after managing the positions of the plurality of articles 105 (for example, which area among a plurality of areas each article exists in, etc.), a method of determining the nearby devices of the target device based on the positions of the plurality of articles 105 is also conceivable. In this case, for example, it is necessary to arrange a plurality of receivers in a plurality of areas, and the introduction is not easy. On the other hand, with the method of the present embodiment, the nearby devices can be determined with a simple configuration in which the receiver 104 is attached to the moving body 101 and the transmitter 103 is attached to each of the plurality of articles 105.

[0103] Also, as another method for determining nearby devices, a method of reversing the objects to which the transmitter 103 and the receiver 104 are attached, attaching the transmitter 103 to the moving body 101, and attaching the receiver 104 to each of the plurality of articles 105 is also conceivable. Here, since the transmitter 103 can perform intermittent operation in accordance with signal transmission, the power consumption is low. Also, the power consumption can be reduced by increasing the transmission interval. On the other hand, it is difficult for the receiver 104 to perform intermittent operation, and it is difficult to reduce the power consumption. Therefore, by attaching the transmitter 103 to a larger number of articles 105 than the moving body 101, the power consumption of the entire system can be reduced, and the frequency of operations such as battery replacement or charging can be reduced.

[0104] Next, a specific example of the movement determination process (S111) of the receiver shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of this movement determination process.

[0105] First, the management device 102 determines whether the movement of the target device is indicated by the sensor information of the target device (S121). Also, the management device 102 determines whether the movement of the receiver 104 is indicated by the sensor information of the receiver 104 (S122).

[0106] Further, the management device 102 determines whether the detection signal 151 transmitted from the target device by the receiver 104 has been received continuously for a predetermined period (S123). For example, a threshold value may be set for the received radio wave intensity. Then, the management device 102 may determine whether the detection signal 151 has been received continuously for a predetermined period by determining whether the state in which the reception intensity of the detection signal 151 is equal to or greater than the threshold value continues for a predetermined period.

[0107] If the answer is Yes in all the determinations in steps S121 to S123, the management device 102 determines that the target device has moved (the transportation of the target article has started) (S124).

[0108] Note that the movement or stop of the target device or the receiver 104 may be, for example, that the moving state or the stop state continues for a certain period of time.

[0109] Also, here, three determinations in steps S121 to S123 are used, but it is not always necessary to perform all the determinations, and any one or more of them may be used. For example, the movement can be determined only by the determination in step S121 or only by the determination in step S123. Also, when the determination in step S121 is not performed, the transmitter 103 does not have to be provided with the acceleration sensor 127. Similarly, when the determination in step S122 is not performed, the receiver 104 does not have to be provided with the acceleration sensor 135. Therefore, by performing only step S123 or by performing step S123 and one of steps S121 or S122, the configuration of the management system 100 can be simplified.

[0110] In this way, when the state where the receiver 104 is receiving the detection signal 151 of the target device continues for a predetermined time, the management device 102 may determine that the transportation has started.

[0111] According to this, it is possible to determine the start of transportation with a simple configuration using the radio wave intensity. Here, the detection signal 151 is used for the purpose of detecting nearby devices. That is, by also using the detection signal 151 used for detecting nearby devices for the determination of the start of transportation, it is possible to realize the determination of the start of transportation while suppressing the addition of functions.

[0112] Further, when the management device 102 determines that the transportation of the target device has started, it may exclude the target device from the nearby devices of the devices other than the target device among the plurality of transmitters 103. According to this, it is possible to appropriately manage the nearby devices.

[0113] Next, a specific example of the receiver stop determination process (S113) shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of this stop determination process.

[0114] First, the management device 102 determines whether the stop of the target device is indicated by the sensor information of the target device (S131). Further, the management device 102 determines whether the stop of the receiver 104 is indicated by the sensor information of the receiver 104 and then whether movement is indicated (S132).

[0115] In addition, the management device 102 determines whether the detection signal 151 transmitted from the target device by the receiver 104 has not been received for a predetermined period (S133). For example, a threshold value may be set for the received radio wave intensity. Then, the management device 102 may determine whether the detection signal 151 has not been received for a predetermined period by determining whether the state where the reception intensity of the detection signal 151 is below the threshold value continues for a predetermined period.

[0116] If all the determinations in steps S131 to S133 are Yes, the management device 102 determines that the target device has stopped (the transportation of the target article has ended) (S134).

[0117] Here, three determinations in steps S131 to S133 are used, but it is not always necessary to perform all the determinations, and any one or more of them may be used. For example, the determination can be made to stop only by the determination in step S131 or only by the determination in step S133. Further, when the determination in step S131 is not performed, the transmitter 103 does not necessarily need to include the acceleration sensor 127. Similarly, when the determination in step S132 is not performed, the receiver 104 does not necessarily need to include the acceleration sensor 135. Therefore, by performing only step S133 or by performing step S133 and one of steps S131 or S132, the configuration of the management system 100 can be simplified.

[0118] In this way, when the state of the receiver 104 changes from the state of receiving the detection signal 151 of the target device to the state of not receiving it, the management device 102 determines that the transportation has ended.

[0119] According to this, it is possible to determine the end of transportation with a simple configuration using the radio wave intensity. Specifically, by also using the detection signal 151 used for detecting the nearby device for determining the end of transportation, it is possible to realize the determination of the end of transportation while suppressing the addition of functions.

[0120] Further, each of the plurality of transmitters 103 includes an acceleration sensor 127. The management device 102 further uses the sensor information obtained by the acceleration sensor 127 to determine the end of transportation.

[0121] According to this, by making a determination using the sensor information of the transmitter 103 in addition to the reception status of the detection signal 151, the accuracy of determining the end of transportation can be improved.

[0122] Further, the receiver 104 includes an acceleration sensor 135. The management device 102 further uses the sensor information obtained by the acceleration sensor 135 to determine the end of transportation.

[0123] According to this, in addition to the reception status of the detection signal 151, by making a determination using the sensor information of the receiver 104, the accuracy of determining the end of transportation can be improved.

[0124] Here, an example has been described in which the movement and stop of the target device are determined according to the sensor information and the reception status of the detection signal 151 of the target device. However, at least one of the movement and stop may be determined based on an operation by a user (operator). For example, at the start or end of the transportation of an article, the operator may input information specifying the target article (for example, the transmitter ID of the target device) and information indicating the start or end of the transportation of the article to a portable terminal held by the operator. Note that such an operation is not limited to a portable terminal and may be performed on the transmitter 103, the receiver 104, the management device 102, or other devices.

[0125] Further, such an operation by the user, the sensor information, and the determination according to the reception status of the detection signal 151 of the target device may be combined.

[0126] Next, a specific example of the detection process (S114) of the nearby device shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of this detection process of the nearby device. FIG. 11 shows the time changes in the sensor information of the target device, the sensor information of the receiver 104, the reception status of the detection signal 151 transmitted from the target device in the receiver 104, and the reception status of the detection signal 151 transmitted from transmitters A to D in the receiver 104.

[0127] In the example shown in FIG. 11, during the period until time t1, the target article is being transported, and both the target device and the receiver 104 are moving. At time t1, the transportation of the target article ends, and both the target device and the receiver 104 stop. Thereafter, the target article continues to stop. On the other hand, at time t2, the moving body 101 starts to move, for example, for the transportation of the next article, and thus the receiver 104 also moves.

[0128] Also, during transportation and until the distance between the target device and the receiver 104 increases after transportation (the period before time t3), the receiver 104 continuously receives the detection signal 151 from the target device. On the other hand, at time t3, since the distance between the target device and the receiver 104 increases, the receiver 104 enters a state where it does not receive the detection signal 151 from the target device. For example, the received radio wave intensity of the detection signal 151 becomes a state below the threshold value. As a result, in the determination process shown in FIG. 10, it is determined that the target device has stopped.

[0129] At this time, the management device 102 refers to, for example, the reception status of the detection signal 151 from other transmitters 103 during the determination period T0 shown in FIG. 11 to determine the devices in the vicinity of the target device. Here, the period T0 is a period before time t3 when the receiver 104 does not receive the detection signal 151 from the target device, and is a period during which both the target device and the receiver 104 are stopped. For example, the period T0 is set to be sufficiently longer than the transmission cycle of the detection signal 151.

[0130] Note that this determination period is an example, and the determination period is not limited to this. For example, the determination period may be longer or shorter than the period T0. For example, the determination period may be a period in which at least one of the periods before and after the period T0 is extended or shortened by a predetermined time.

[0131] Also, for example, during the determination period, a transmitter 103 in a state where reception is present, or a transmitter 103 in a state where reception is present for a period equal to or longer than a predetermined period is determined to be a device in the vicinity. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the transmitter A and the transmitter C are determined to be devices in the vicinity.

[0132] Note that when the received radio wave intensity is used as the reception information instead of the presence or absence of reception, the distance between the target device and the devices in the vicinity is determined based on the maximum value or average value, etc. of the received radio wave intensity during the determination period, and the devices in the vicinity may be grouped according to the distance.

[0133] Also, in the determination process shown in FIG. 10, when only step S123 is performed (when sensor information is not used), since the times t1 and t2 cannot be detected, for example, the determination period T1 shown in FIG. 11 may be used. Here, the period T1 is a period of a predetermined length immediately before the state in which the receiver 104 does not receive the detection signal 151 from the target device (time t3). Note that the end time of the period T1 may be set before the time t3. That is, the period T1 may end at a time predetermined before the time t3 when the receiver 104 does not receive the detection signal 151 from the target device.

[0134] Note that the determination period T1 may be determined according to the transmission cycle of the detection signal 151. For example, the longer the transmission cycle, the longer the determination period T1 may be set. Also, the update of the neighboring devices of the target device may be performed not only when the transportation of the target article ends as described above, but also when the transportation of the target article starts (when the target article is mounted on the moving body 101). Also, simultaneously with these processes, a process of excluding the target device from the neighboring devices of other transmitters 103 may be performed.

[0135] As described above, the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0136] For example, each processing unit included in each device included in the management system according to the above embodiment is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually formed into one chip, or may be formed into one chip so as to include some or all of them.

[0137] Also, the integration into an integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and it may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) which can be programmed after manufacturing the LSI, or a reconfigurable processor which can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

[0138] Further, part or all of the functions of each device included in the management system according to the above embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0139] Furthermore, the present invention may be the above program, or a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which the above program is recorded. Needless to say, the above program can be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet.

[0140] In addition, the present invention can be realized not only as a management system, but also as a transmitter, a receiver, or a management device included in the management system. Further, the present invention can be realized as a management method having characteristic means included in such a management system as steps, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such characteristic steps.

[0141] Also, all the numbers used above are for illustrative purposes to specifically describe the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated numbers.

[0142] Also, the division of the functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into a plurality, or part of the functions may be transferred to other functional blocks. Further, the functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions may be processed by a single hardware or software in parallel or time-division.

[0143] Also, the order in which the steps shown in the above flowchart are executed is for illustrative purposes to specifically describe the present invention, and may be an order other than the above. Also, some of the above steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0144] The management system according to one or more aspects has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art applied to these embodiments, or forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects.

Industrial Applicability

[0145] The present invention can be applied to a management system.

Explanation of Signs

[0146] 100 Management system 101 Mobile object 102 Management device 103, 103C Transmitter 103A Target device 103B Proximity device 104 Receiver 105 Article 121, 131 ID storage unit 122, 132 Control unit 123 Wireless transmission unit 124, 134, 141 Communication unit 125 Light emitting unit 126 Sound emitting unit 127, 135 Acceleration sensor 128 Power supply unit 133 Wireless reception unit 142 Storage unit 143 Management unit 144 Operation reception unit 145 Proximity device information 151 Detection signal 152 Light emission control signal 153, 154 Notification signal

Claims

1. A management system for managing a plurality of articles, including a plurality of first devices held by each of the plurality of articles, and a management device, each of the plurality of first devices has a notification unit that performs a notification operation for notifying the position of the first device, the management device holds information indicating one or more neighboring devices located in the vicinity of a target device among the plurality of first devices, when receiving a designation of the target device, causes the notification unit of the target device and the notification units of the one or more neighboring devices to perform the notification operation Management system.

2. When receiving a designation of the target device, the notification unit of the target device and the notification units of the one or more neighboring devices perform the notification operation in different manners from each other The management system according to Claim 1.

3. Each of the one or more neighboring devices is classified into one of a plurality of groups according to the distance from the target device, the notification unit of the one or more neighboring devices performs the notification operation step by step from the group close to the target device The management system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the one or more neighboring devices is classified into one of a plurality of groups according to the distance from the target device, the notification unit of the one or more neighboring devices performs the notification operation in a manner corresponding to the group to which each of the one or more neighboring devices belongs The management system according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The notification unit has a light-emitting unit, the notification operation is light emission The management system according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. Each of the plurality of first devices wirelessly transmits a signal including the identification information of the first device. The management system further includes a second device that is held by a moving body that transports a target article that holds the target device among the plurality of articles and receives the signal. When the target article transported by the moving body is installed, the management device determines the one or more neighboring devices located near the target device based on the signal received by the second device. The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. When the second device changes from a state of receiving the signal of the target device to a state of not receiving it, the management device determines that the transportation of the target article has ended. The management system according to claim 6.

8. The second device includes an acceleration sensor, and the management device further uses the information obtained by the acceleration sensor of the second device to determine the end of the transportation of the target article. The management system according to claim 7.

9. Each of the plurality of first devices includes an acceleration sensor, and the management device further uses the information obtained by the acceleration sensor of each of the plurality of first devices to determine the end of the transportation of the target article. The management system according to claim 6.

10. The second device includes an acceleration sensor, and the management device further uses the information obtained by the acceleration sensor of the second device to determine the end of the transportation of the target article. The management system according to claim 9.

11. When the state in which the second device receives the signal of the target device continues for a predetermined time, the management device determines that the transportation of the target article has started. The management system according to claim 6.

12. When it is determined that the transportation of the target article has started, the management device excludes the target device from the neighboring devices of the devices other than the target device among the plurality of first devices. The management system according to claim 11.

13. A management method in a management system for managing a plurality of articles, The management system includes a plurality of first devices held by each of the plurality of articles, and a management device for managing the plurality of first devices. Each of the plurality of first devices has a notification unit that performs a notification operation for notifying the position of the first device. The management device holds information indicating one or more neighboring devices located in the vicinity of a target device among the plurality of first devices. When the management device receives a designation of the target device, the management device causes the notification unit of the target device and the notification units of the one or more neighboring devices to perform the notification operation. Management method.

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