Terminal, search system, and search method

Abstract

To provide a terminal capable of appropriately searching for mountain survivors.SOLUTION: A terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used to search for mountain survivors includes a public wireless communication unit that communicates with a server via a public wireless network, a satellite receiving unit that receives satellite signals from a satellite, and a control unit that transmits, to the server, the location information of the terminal obtained on the basis of the satellite signals and an identifier of the terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal, a search system, and a search method.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a search support system for disaster victims used for rescuing disaster victims is proposed. This search support system for disaster victims causes a climber to carry a transmitter that transmits radio waves selected from the frequency range of VHF to UHF bands and radio waves selected from the frequency range of MF bands, and searches for disaster victims using these multiple radio waves in case of disaster.

[0003] For example, in the search support system for disaster victims of Patent Document 1, when a climber is in distress, the transmitter is searched from the air (helicopter) using radio waves selected from the frequency range of VHF to UHF bands. After searching for the transmitter from the air, a land search team searches for the transmitter using radio waves selected from the frequency range of MF bands.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, for example, when a climbing report has not been submitted and the mountain climbed by the disaster victim is unknown, it may be impossible to search for the disaster victim from the air.

[0006] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a terminal, a search system, and a search method that can appropriately search for mountain disaster victims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used for searching for mountain disaster victims, and includes a public wireless communication unit that communicates with a server via a public wireless network, a satellite reception unit that receives a satellite signal from a satellite, and a control unit that transmits the position information of the terminal obtained based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal to the server.

[0008] A search system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a search system including a terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used for searching for mountain disaster victims and a server. The terminal includes a public wireless communication unit that communicates with the server via a public wireless network, a satellite reception unit that receives a satellite signal from a satellite, and a control unit that transmits the position information of the terminal obtained based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal to the server. The server includes a control unit, a position information DB (database) that stores the position information transmitted from the terminal and the identifier in association with each other, and a user information DB that stores user information and the identifier of the terminal in association with each other. The control unit of the server, when user information is input, refers to the user information DB to obtain the identifier corresponding to the user information, and obtains the position information corresponding to the obtained identifier by referring to the position information DB.

[0009] A search method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is such that a terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used for searching for mountain disaster victims communicates with a server via a public wireless network, receives a satellite signal from a satellite, and transmits the position information of the terminal obtained based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal to the server.

[0010] In the search method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used for searching for a mountain disaster victim communicates with a server via a public wireless network, receives a satellite signal from a satellite, and transmits the position information of the terminal obtained based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal to the server. The server associates the position information transmitted from the terminal with the identifier and stores them in a position information DB (database). When user information is input, the server refers to a user information DB that stores the user information in association with the identifier of the terminal, obtains the identifier corresponding to the user information, and obtains the position information corresponding to the obtained identifier by referring to the position information DB.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mountain disaster victim can be appropriately searched.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a search system 1 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the search system 1 includes a terminal 11, a server 12, and a search device 13. In addition to the search system 1, FIG. 1 shows a satellite 14, a base station 15, and a network 16.

[0014] The three terminals 11 shown in FIG. 1 are the same terminal, and show the state where the same terminal 11 is moving. For example, the terminal 11 shown by the arrow A1a in FIG. 1 indicates the terminal located at the home of user X (the user who holds the terminal 11). The terminal 11 shown by the arrow A1b in FIG. 1 indicates, for example, the terminal that has moved from home to the mountain entrance of Mount Z. The terminal 11 shown by the arrow A1c in FIG. 1 indicates, for example, the terminal that has moved from the mountain entrance of Mount Z into the mountain of Mount Z.

[0015] The terminal 11 has a direct communication unit (not shown) that directly wirelessly communicates with the search device 13, a satellite reception unit (not shown) that receives GPS (Global Positioning System) signals from the satellite 14, and a public wireless communication unit (not shown) that wirelessly communicates with the base station 15.

[0016] The direct communication unit has a function of directly wirelessly communicating with the search device 13, and has a function of transmitting and receiving radio waves of specific low-power wireless such as the 920 MHz band. The public wireless communication unit has a public wireless communication function compliant with the specifications of 3GPP (registered trademark) such as 4G or 5G capable of two-way communication in both the uplink and downlink directions.

[0017] Terminal 11 does not have a power switch. Terminal 11 is provided with a charging terminal such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, for example, and when the built-in battery is charged via the charging terminal, it enters an operating state. Therefore, user X charges Terminal 11 before going hiking and sets Terminal 11 to the operating state.

[0018] In the operating state, the direct communication unit of Terminal 11 continues to operate. In other words, Terminal 11 is in a state where it can be searched by the search device 13 (a state where it can communicate wirelessly with the search device 13) in the operating state. The power consumption of the direct communication unit is small, and even if the direct communication unit continues to operate, the battery consumption of Terminal 11 is small.

[0019] Server 12 is connected to network 16 such as the Internet, for example. Terminal 11 communicates with Server 12 via a wireless access network (public wireless network) including base station 15 and network 16.

[0020] Search device 13 is used for searching for mountain disaster victims and is used by a search team that searches for mountain disaster victims. Search device 13 is, for example, carried into a helicopter or mounted on a drone, and communicates wirelessly with Terminal 11 from above. Search device 13 identifies the position of Terminal 11 based on the wireless communication with Terminal 11.

[0021] For example, the communication area of a public wireless network compliant with 3GPP specifications covers places where there are people to a certain extent or places where people come and go to a certain extent. On the other hand, from the mountain entrance towards the mountain top, it is generally assumed that there are few people, and there are places not covered by the communication area of the public wireless network. Also, in the mountains, there are places that become out-of-sight areas due to various obstacles such as the undulations of the mountains, trees, and rocks.

[0022] Hereinafter, it is assumed that the home of user X who possesses Terminal 11 is within the communication area of the public wireless network. It is assumed that there are places not covered by the communication area of the public wireless network from the mountain entrance towards the mountain top.

[0023] Also, in the following, the public wireless network will be described as a 3GPP network. Assume that the terminal 11 is equipped with a public wireless communication unit compliant with the specifications of 3GPP after 3G, 4G, or 5G.

[0024] Also, in the above, the search device 13 was assumed to be carried into a helicopter and wirelessly communicate with the terminal 11 from above, but it is not limited to this. The search device 13 may be carried by a land search team and wirelessly communicate with the terminal 11 from land as well. In the following, the search device 13 will be described as being carried into a helicopter and wirelessly communicating with the terminal 11 from above.

[0025] <Operation of the Search System> · Operation when the terminal 11 is within the communication area of the 3GPP network Assume that user X who holds the terminal 11 goes on a mountain climbing trip to Mount Z. When user X leaves home, the terminal is within the communication area of the 3GPP network.

[0026] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the search system 1 when the terminal 11 is within the communication area of the 3GPP network. As described above, when the terminal 11 is in an operating state, it is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the search device 13.

[0027] The terminal 11 receives a GPS signal from the satellite 14 (S1).

[0028] The terminal 11 uses the GPS signal from the satellite 14 to obtain the position information of the terminal 11 (S2). The position information may be, for example, latitude and longitude.

[0029] The terminal 11 transmits the acquired position information and the identifier for identifying the terminal 11 to the server 12 via the base station 15 (3GPP network) and the network 16 (not shown in Figure 2) (S3a, S3b). Note that the identifier of the terminal 11 is pre-stored in a non-volatile storage unit such as a ROM (Read only memory) at the time of manufacture or shipment, for example.

[0030] Server 12 stores the location information transmitted from terminal 11, the identifier of terminal 11, and the reception time in the storage unit (S4).

[0031] While terminal 11 is within the communication area of the 3GPP network, it repeats the processes of S1, S2, and S3a, S3b at regular intervals. For example, while user X moves through urban areas etc. from home towards the mountain entrance of Mountain Z, terminal 11 repeats the processes of S1, S2, and S3a, S3b at regular intervals. Therefore, in server 12, the location information of user X moving from home towards the mountain entrance of Mountain Z and the identifier of terminal 11 possessed by user X are stored in the storage unit.

[0032] Note that terminal 11 does not transmit the location information and the identifier to server 12, for example, when it enters a tunnel and cannot receive GPS signals, or when it is located outside the communication area of the 3GPP network.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the location information DB (database) of server 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the location information DB stores the identifier, the reception time, and the location information. The location information DB is constructed in the storage unit of server 12.

[0034] As described in S4 of FIG. 2, server 12 stores the location information transmitted from terminal 11, the identifier, and the reception time in the storage unit. Server 12 associates the identifier, the reception time, and the location information as shown in FIG. 3 and stores them in the location information DB of the storage unit.

[0035] Note that FIG. 3 only shows the identifier, the reception time, and the location information of terminal 11, but the location information DB of server 12 also stores the identifiers, reception times, and location information of other terminals (terminals of users other than user X).

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the user information DB of the server 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the user information DB stores an identifier and user information. The user information DB is constructed in the storage unit of the server 12.

[0037] For example, in the user information DB, the identifier of the terminal 11 is associated with and stored together with user information such as the name and address of user X who owns the terminal 11.

[0038] The information shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the user information DB of the server 12, for example, when user X subscribes to the mountain disaster service. The terminal 11 is assigned to user X, for example, when user X subscribes to the mountain disaster service.

[0039] Note that FIG. 4 only shows the identifier of the terminal 11 and the user information of user X to whom the terminal 11 is assigned, but the user information DB of the server 12 also stores the identifiers of other terminals (terminals of users other than user X) and the user information of the users to whom the other terminals are assigned.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the movement route of the terminal 11. As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the location information of the terminal 11 is stored in the storage unit (location information DB) of the server 12. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when the location information of the terminal 11 stored in the location information DB of the server 12 is plotted on a map, the movement route of the terminal 11 can be understood.

[0041] For example, A shown in FIG. 5 indicates the location of the home of user X who owns the terminal 11. For example, B shown in FIG. 5 indicates the middle of mountain Z. The plurality of black arrowheads shown in FIG. 5 indicate the points where the terminal 11 acquired location information.

[0042] Note that even in the mountains, if the communication area of the 3GPP network covers, the location information of user X in the mountains is stored in the server 12.

[0043] · Operations when the terminal 11 is outside the communication area of the 3GPP network FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the terminal 11 when the terminal 11 is outside the communication area of the 3GPP network. As described above, when the terminal 11 is in an operating state, it is in a state where it can wirelessly communicate with the search device 13.

[0044] The terminal 11 turns off the satellite reception unit and stops receiving the GPS signal (S11).

[0045] The terminal 11 determines whether the terminal 11 is located within the communication area of the 3GPP network (S12).

[0046] If the terminal 11 determines that the terminal 11 is not located within the communication area of the 3GPP network (No in S12), the process of S12 is repeated.

[0047] On the other hand, if the terminal 11 determines that the terminal 11 is located within the communication area of the 3GPP network (Yes in S12), it turns on the satellite reception unit and starts (resumes) receiving the GPS signal (S13). Then, the terminal 11 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0048] Note that when the terminal 11 ends the processing of this flowchart, it executes (resumes) the processes of S1, S2, and S3a, S3b described in FIG. 2. That is, the terminal 11 acquires the position information of the terminal 11 from the GPS signal and transmits it to the server 12.

[0049] Here, for example, it is assumed that a distress report is sent from the family of user X. The search team accesses the server 12 and acquires the movement route of user X.

[0050] For example, the search team inputs user information such as the name and address of user X who has submitted a distress report into server 12. Based on the input user information, server 12 refers to the user information DB shown in FIG. 4 and acquires the identifier of terminal 11 possessed by user X. Based on the acquired identifier of terminal 11, server 12 refers to the position information DB shown in FIG. 3 and acquires the position information of terminal 11. Based on the acquired position information, server 12 displays the movement route of terminal 11 (user X) on the display (for example, refer to FIG. 5).

[0051] Thereby, the search team can estimate or narrow down the distress location of user X based on, for example, the movement route and / or the last position information of user X, and can limit the search range from above using search device 13. In particular, when the communication area of the 3GPP network is also covered in the mountains, the search range from above using search device 13 may be more limited.

[0052] Also, for example, even when the family of user X does not know the mountain that user X climbed or when user X forgot to submit a mountain climbing report, the search team can estimate the mountain (or mountain area) that user X climbed from the movement route and / or the last position information of terminal 11 stored in server 12. Then, the search team can limit the search range from above using search device 13.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of search device 13. As described above, when terminal 11 is in an operating state, it is in a state where it can perform wireless communication with search device 13.

[0054] Search device 13 determines whether wireless communication with terminal 11 has been established (S21). Note that search device 13 is, for example, carried into a helicopter and attempts to establish wireless communication with terminal 11 from above.

[0055] When search device 13 has not established wireless communication with terminal 11 (No in S21), the process of S21 is repeated.

[0056] When the exploration device 13 establishes wireless communication with the terminal 11 (Yes in S21), it calculates position information such as the distance and direction to the terminal 11 based on the signal transmitted from the terminal 11 (S22).

[0057] The exploration device 13 displays the calculated position information on the display (S23).

[0058] Through the operations described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, the search system 1 can appropriately search for the user X who has been in distress in the mountains.

[0059] <Block Configuration> FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the terminal 11. As shown in FIG. 8, the terminal 11 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a public wireless communication unit 23, a satellite reception unit 24, a direct communication unit 25, a battery 26, and a terminal 27.

[0060] The control unit 21 controls the entire terminal 11. The control unit 21 may be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0061] In the storage unit 22, an OS (Operating System) program, an application program, data, and an identifier for identifying the terminal 11 for the operation of the control unit 21 are stored. The storage unit 22 may be configured by, for example, a ROM and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0062] The public wireless communication unit 23 performs wireless communication with the base station 15 via, for example, a 3GPP public wireless network. The public wireless communication unit 23 may be configured by, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip.

[0063] The satellite reception unit 24 receives satellite signals such as GPS signals transmitted from the satellite 14. The satellite reception unit 24 may be configured by, for example, an IC chip.

[0064] The direct communication unit 25 performs direct wireless communication with the search device 13 in the specific low-power wireless. The direct communication unit 25 may be composed of, for example, an IC chip. When the battery 26 is charged and in an operating state, the direct communication unit 25 becomes capable of wireless communication with the search device 13.

[0065] The battery 26 is, for example, a secondary battery. The battery 26 is charged via a terminal 27 such as a USB terminal, for example. The battery 26 supplies power to each part.

[0066] The control unit 21 realizes the following functions, for example, by executing an application program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0067] The control unit 21 transmits the position information of the terminal 11 acquired based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal 11 to the server 12 via the public wireless network.

[0068] When the terminal 11 is present within the communication area of the public wireless network, the control unit 21 turns on the satellite reception unit 24. For example, the control unit 21 supplies the power of the battery 26 to the satellite reception unit 24 to turn on the satellite reception unit 24.

[0069] When the terminal 11 is present outside the communication area of the public wireless network, the control unit 21 turns off the satellite reception unit 24. For example, the control unit 21 stops supplying the power of the battery 26 to the satellite reception unit 24 to turn off the satellite reception unit 24.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the voltage of the battery 26 and time. User X charges the battery 26 of the terminal 11 at home, for example, and goes hiking on Mount Z while carrying the terminal 11.

[0071] When the terminal 11 is within the communication area of the public wireless network as shown by the double-headed arrow A9a in FIG. 9, it turns on the satellite reception unit 24 and acquires the position information of the terminal 11 based on the GPS signal received by the satellite reception unit 24. The terminal 11 transmits the acquired position information and the identification information of the terminal 11 to the server 12. The terminal 11 is in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with the search device 13.

[0072] When the terminal 11 is outside the communication area of the public wireless network as shown by the double-headed arrow A9b in FIG. 9, it turns off the satellite reception unit 24. The terminal 11 does not transmit the acquired position information and the identification information of the terminal 11 to the server 12. The terminal 11 is in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with the search device 13.

[0073] Therefore, the voltage drop of the battery 26 when the terminal 11 is outside the communication area of the public wireless network (see waveform A9c in FIG. 9) is slower than the voltage drop when the terminal 11 is within the communication area of the public wireless network (see waveform A9d in FIG. 9). Thereby, the terminal 11 can extend the battery life and can maintain the state where it can communicate wirelessly with the search device 13 for a longer time.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the server 12. As shown in FIG. 10, the server 12 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a display unit 34.

[0075] The control unit 31 controls the entire server 12. The control unit 31 may be composed of, for example, a CPU.

[0076] The storage unit 32 stores an OS program, an application program, and data for the operation of the control unit 31. The storage unit 32 may be composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a ROM, and a RAM.

[0077] A position information DB 32a and a user information DB 32b are constructed in the storage unit 32. For example, the information shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the position information DB 32a. For example, the information shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the user information DB 32b.

[0078] The communication unit 33 communicates with the terminal 11 via the network 16 and the public wireless network.

[0079] The display unit 34 displays an image on a display (not shown) based on the control of the control unit 31.

[0080] The control unit 31 realizes the following functions, for example, by processing an application program stored in the storage unit 32.

[0081] When user information is input, the control unit 31 refers to the user information DB 32b and acquires an identifier corresponding to the input user information. The control unit 31 acquires the position information corresponding to the acquired identifier by referring to the position information DB 32a.

[0082] The control unit 31 controls the display unit 34 to display the acquired position information on the display.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the search device 13. As shown in FIG. 11, the search device 13 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, and a display unit 44.

[0084] The control unit 41 controls the entire search device 13. The control unit 41 may be configured by, for example, a CPU.

[0085] The storage unit 42 stores an OS program, an application program, and data for the operation of the control unit 41. The storage unit 42 may be configured by, for example, a ROM and a RAM.

[0086] The communication unit 43 directly wirelessly communicates with the terminal 11 in specific low-power wireless.

[0087] The display unit 44 displays an image on a display (not shown) based on the control of the control unit 41.

[0088] The control unit 41 realizes the following functions by, for example, the processing of the application program stored in the storage unit 42.

[0089] When the communication unit 43 establishes wireless communication with the terminal 11, the control unit 41 calculates position information such as the distance and direction of the terminal 11 based on the signal transmitted from the terminal 11. The control unit 41 controls the display unit 44 to display the calculated position information and the identified identifier on the display.

[0090] <Summary of the First Embodiment> As described above, the terminal 11 wirelessly communicates with the search device 13 used for searching for mountain disaster victims. The terminal 11 communicates with the server 12 via the public wireless network. The terminal 11 receives satellite signals from the satellite 14. The terminal 11 transmits the position information of the terminal 11 obtained based on the satellite signals and the identifier of the terminal 11 to the server 12 via the public wireless network.

[0091] The server 12 associates the position information transmitted from the terminal 11 with the identifier and stores it in the position information DB 32a. The server 12 includes a user information DB 32b that stores the user information in association with the identifier of the terminal. When the user information is input, the server 12 refers to the user information DB 32b, acquires the identifier corresponding to the user information, and acquires the position information corresponding to the acquired identifier by referring to the position information DB 32a.

[0092] By this operation, the search team can appropriately search for mountain disaster victims. For example, the terminal 11 transmits the position information of the terminal 11 to the server 12 via the public wireless network, and the server 12 stores the position information of the terminal 11. The server 12 acquires the position information (the position information of the disaster victim) in the user information of the disaster victim input by the search team. The search team estimates (narrows down) the disaster location of the disaster victim based on the position information acquired by the server 12 and can appropriately search for the disaster victim using the search device 13.

[0093] <Modification Example 1> In the above description, when the terminal 11 is in an operating state, it was assumed that the direct communication unit 25 is in a state where it can perform wireless communication with the search device 13, but this is not restrictive. The direct communication unit 25 may stop the state where it can perform wireless communication with the search device 13 while the position information of the terminal 11 is being acquired using a satellite signal. For example, the power supply from the battery 26 to the direct communication unit 25 may be stopped. Thereby, the terminal 11 can further reduce power consumption.

[0094] <Modification Example 2> When the search device 13 transmits a search signal (call signal) including an identifier and the terminal 11 receives a search signal including its own identifier, the terminal 11 may transmit a response signal including its own identifier. When the search device 13 receives a response signal from the terminal 11, the search device 13 may transmit a response confirmation signal to the terminal 11. The terminal 11 and the search device 13 may repeat the exchange of the response signal and the confirmation signal, and the search device 13 may calculate the position of the terminal 11 based on the response signal transmitted from the terminal 11.

[0095] <Modification Example 3> The terminal 11 acquires the position information of the terminal 11 based on a GPS signal, but this is not restrictive. For example, the terminal 11 may acquire the identifier of the base station 15 (acquire the area information of the 3GPP network) and transmit it to the server 12. The server 12 may acquire position information such as the range where the terminal 11 exists based on the area information transmitted from the terminal 11. When the terminal 11 transmits the area information to the server 12, it may not be equipped with the satellite reception unit 24.

[0096] <Modification Example 4> When the server 12 receives position information from the terminal 11, the server 12 may transmit a response signal to the terminal 11. For example, when the terminal 11 does not receive a response signal from the server 12 within a predetermined time after transmitting the position information, the terminal 11 may retransmit the position information.

[0097] <Modification Example 5> Although the terminal 11 was described as repeatedly acquiring location information and transmitting the location information to the server 12 at regular intervals, this is not the only way. The terminal 11 may acquire the location information of the terminal 11 in response to an instruction from the server 12 and transmit it to the server 12.

[0098] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a public wireless network compliant with 3GPP specifications was used as an example for explanation. In the second embodiment, a one-way public wireless network such as ELTRES (registered trademark) that only supports uplink will be used as an example for explanation. In the second embodiment, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. The base station 15 shown in FIG. 1 is a base station of ELTRES. The terminal 11 has a public wireless communication function compliant with the specifications of ELTRES.

[0099] <Operation of the Search System> FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the search system 1 according to the second embodiment. The terminal 11 repeats the processing of the sequence shown in FIG. 12 at regular intervals. Similar to the first embodiment, when the terminal 11 is in an operating state, it is in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with the search device 13.

[0100] The terminal 11 determines whether the remaining battery level of the battery 26 is equal to or less than a threshold value (S31). The remaining battery level may be read as the battery voltage.

[0101] When the terminal 11 determines that the remaining battery level is not less than the threshold value (No in S31), it receives a GPS signal from the satellite 14 (S32).

[0102] The terminal 11 acquires the location information of the terminal 11 using the GPS signal from the satellite 14 (S33).

[0103] The terminal 11 transmits the acquired location information and an identifier for identifying the terminal 11 to the server 12 via the base station 15 (a network compliant with the specifications of ELTRES) and the network 16 (not shown in FIG. 12) (S34a, S34b).

[0104] Server 12 stores the location information transmitted from terminal 11, the identifier of terminal 11, and the reception time in the storage unit (S35).

[0105] When terminal 11 determines in S31 that the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the threshold (Yes in S31), it ends the processing of the sequence.

[0106] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the voltage of battery 26 and time. User X, for example, charges battery 26 of terminal 11 at home and goes hiking to mountain Z while carrying terminal 11.

[0107] As shown by double-headed arrow A13a in FIG. 13, when the voltage of battery 26 exceeds the threshold, terminal 11 turns on satellite reception unit 24 and acquires the location information of terminal 11 based on the GPS signal received by satellite reception unit 24. Terminal 11 transmits the acquired location information and the identification information of terminal 11 to server 12. Terminal 11 is in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with search device 13.

[0108] As shown by double-headed arrow A13b in FIG. 13, when the voltage of battery 26 is equal to or less than the threshold, terminal 11 turns off satellite reception unit 24. Terminal 11 does not transmit the location information of terminal 11 and the identification information of terminal 11 to server 12. Terminal 11 is in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with search device 13.

[0109] Therefore, the voltage drop of battery 26 when the voltage of battery 26 is equal to or less than the threshold (see waveform A13c in FIG. 13) is slower than the voltage drop of battery 26 when the voltage of battery 26 exceeds the threshold (see waveform A13d in FIG. 13). Thereby, terminal 11 can extend the battery life and can maintain the state where it can communicate wirelessly with search device 13 for a longer time.

[0110] <Block Configuration> The blocks of terminal 11 are the same as the blocks shown in FIG. 8. However, public wireless communication unit 23 has the public wireless communication function of ELTRES.

[0111] The control unit 21 realizes the following functions, for example, by executing an application program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0112] When the remaining amount of the battery 26 exceeds the threshold, the control unit 21 turns on the satellite reception unit 24. For example, the control unit 21 supplies the power of the battery 26 to the satellite reception unit 24 to turn on the satellite reception unit 24.

[0113] When the remaining amount of the battery 26 is below the threshold, the control unit 21 turns off the satellite reception unit 24. For example, the control unit 21 stops supplying the power of the battery 26 to the satellite reception unit 24 to turn off the satellite reception unit 24.

[0114] The blocks of the server 12 are the same as the blocks shown in FIG. 10. The blocks of the search device 13 are the same as the blocks shown in FIG. 11.

[0115] <Summary of the Second Embodiment> Even if the public wireless network is the ELTRES network, the search team can estimate (narrow down) the location where the victim is in distress based on the location information acquired by the server 12 and appropriately search for the victim using the search device 13.

[0116] Note that ELTRES has a long communication distance, and there is a high possibility that the location information of user X in the mountains is stored in the server 12. Therefore, when using the ELTRES network as the public wireless network, the search team can narrow down the location where the victim is in distress more and search for the victim using the search device 13.

[0117] <Modification Example 1> The search device 13 may have the base station function of ELTRES. The search device 13 having the base station function of ELTRES may directly receive the location information based on the GPS signal from the terminal 11 and display the received location information on the display. In this case, for example, the location information such as the latitude and longitude based on the GPS signal is displayed on the display of the search device 13, and the search team on board the helicopter can search for the victim at an early stage.

[0118] <Modification Example 2> The first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined. The public wireless communication unit 23 of the terminal 11 may have a public wireless communication function of 3GPP and a public wireless communication function of ELTRES.

[0119] When the terminal 11 is outside the 3GPP communication area, the public wireless communication unit 23 of the terminal 11 may turn off the public wireless communication function of 3GPP and turn on the public wireless communication function of ELTRES, and transmit the position information via the ELTRES network.

Industrial Applicability

[0120] The terminal and the server of the present disclosure are useful for searching for mountain disaster victims.

Explanation of Signs

[0121] 1 Search System 11 Terminal 12 Server 13 Search Device 14 Satellite 15 Base Station 16 Network 21, 31, 41 Control Unit 22, 32, 42 Storage Unit 23 Public Wireless Communication Unit 24 Satellite Receiver 25 Direct Communication Unit 26 Battery 27 Terminal 32a Position Information DB 32b User Information DB 33, 43 Communication Unit 34, 44 Display Unit

Claims

1. A terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used for searching for mountain disaster victims, A public wireless communication unit that communicates with a server via a public wireless network, A satellite reception unit that receives satellite signals from satellites, A control unit that transmits the position information of the terminal obtained based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal to the server, A terminal having the above.

2. The control unit, When the terminal is within the communication area of the public wireless network, turns on the satellite reception unit, When the terminal is outside the communication area of the public wireless network, turns off the satellite reception unit, The terminal according to Claim 1.

3. The signal for wireless communication with the search device is a signal of specific low-power radio, The public wireless network is a network compliant with the specifications of 3GPP (registered trademark), The terminal according to Claim 2.

4. The control unit, When the remaining battery level of the terminal exceeds the threshold, turns on the satellite reception unit, When the remaining battery level of the terminal is below the threshold, turns off the satellite reception unit, The terminal according to Claim 1.

5. The signal for wireless communication with the search device is a signal of specific low-power radio, The public wireless network is a network compliant with the specifications of ELTRES (registered trademark), The terminal according to Claim 4.

6. A search system including a terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used for searching for mountain disaster victims and a server, The terminal is, A public wireless communication unit that communicates with a server via a public wireless network, A satellite receiving unit that receives satellite signals from satellites, A control unit that transmits the position information of the terminal obtained based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal to the server, and comprises, The server has a control unit, a position information DB (database) that stores the position information and the identifier transmitted from the terminal in association with each other, a user information DB that stores user information and the identifier of the terminal in association with each other, and comprises, The control unit of the server when user information is input, refers to the user information DB, obtains the identifier corresponding to the user information, and obtains the position information corresponding to the obtained identifier by referring to the position information DB. A search system.

7. A terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used for searching for mountain disaster victims communicates with a server via a public wireless network, receives satellite signals from satellites, and transmits the position information of the terminal obtained based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal to the server. A search method.

8. A terminal that wirelessly communicates with a search device used for searching for mountain disaster victims communicates with a server via a public wireless network, receives satellite signals from satellites, transmits the position information of the terminal obtained based on the satellite signal and the identifier of the terminal to the server, and the server stores the position information and the identifier transmitted from the terminal in association with each other in a position information DB (database). When user information is input, refer to a user information DB that stores the user information in association with the identifier of the terminal, obtain the identifier corresponding to the user information, and obtain the location information corresponding to the obtained identifier by referring to the location information DB. Search method.

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