Position management system and position management method

Abstract

To acquire positional information on other athletes at timing that a first athlete enters a region set beforehand.SOLUTION: A position management system 100 includes: a first communication device 1 attached to a first athlete U1 for acquiring first positional information PS1 indicating the position of the first athlete U1 from a GNSS system 5; a second communication device 2 attached to a second athlete U2 for acquiring second positional information PS2 indicating the position of the second athlete U2 from the GNSS system 5; a server device 3 for receiving the first positional information PS1 from the first communication device 1 and receiving the second positional information PS2 from the second communication device 2; and a fixed communication device 4 that communicates with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first communication device 1 transmits the first positional information PS1 to the server device 3, and the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second positional information PS2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that when it is detected by a GPS receiver attached to a competitor that the competitor has entered a preset area (transition area), it is determined that the competitor is at a checkpoint where the event the competitor is performing changes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, since the position information from the GPS receiver is obtained at regular intervals, there are the following problems. That is, when the timing at which a competitor enters a preset area is different from the timing of acquiring the position information of other competitors, the position information of other competitors cannot be acquired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a first communication device attached to a first competitor participating in a competition in which competitors move along a course, the first communication device acquiring first position information indicating the position of the first competitor from a GNSS system; a second communication device attached to a second competitor different from the first competitor participating in the competition, the second communication device acquiring second position information indicating the position of the second competitor from the GNSS system; an information processing device that receives the first position information from the first communication device and receives the second position information from the second communication device; and a fixed communication device disposed at a specific position on the course and communicating with the first communication device and the second communication device. When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device transmits the first position information to the information processing device, and when the first communication device and the fixed communication device communicate, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information. This is a position management system.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a first communication device attached to a first competitor participating in a competition in which competitors move along a course, the first communication device acquiring first position information indicating the position of the first competitor from a GNSS system; a second communication device attached to a second competitor different from the first competitor participating in the competition, the second communication device acquiring second position information indicating the position of the second competitor from the GNSS system; an information processing device that receives the first position information from the first communication device and receives the second position information from the second communication device; and a fixed communication device disposed at a specific position on the course and communicating with the first communication device and the second communication device. A position management method for a position management system, including: when the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device transmits the first position information to the information processing device; and when the first communication device and the fixed communication device communicate, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the position management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the position management system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the position management system 100 includes a first communication device 1, a second communication device 2, a server device 3, and a fixed communication device 4.

[0010] The first communication device 1 is attached to the first competitor U1. The first communication device 1 is attached to, for example, the upper arm of the first competitor U1. The first competitor U1 participates in a competition in which the competitor moves along the course CU. The competition is, for example, a marathon. In the following description, the case where the competition is a marathon will be described. In the following description, the first competitor U1 is the competitor who runs at the front in the marathon. The first communication device 1 acquires first position information PS1 from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) system 5. The first position information PS1 indicates the position of the first athlete U1.

[0011] The first communication device 1 acquires the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5, for example, at predetermined intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds. Also, when the first communication device 1 acquires the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5, it acquires first date and time information TM1 indicating the date and time corresponding to the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5. Also, the first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 to the server device 3 in association with the first date and time information TM1. The first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 to the server device 3 at predetermined intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0012] Also, the first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 to the server device 3, for example, when communicating with the fixed communication device 4. When the first athlete U1 enters the detection area DA arranged on the course CU, the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. For example, a pressure sensor is arranged in the detection area DA to detect that the athlete U has entered the detection area DA. The configuration of the first communication device 1 will be further described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0013] The second communication device 2 is attached to the second athlete U2. The second communication device 2 is attached to, for example, the upper arm of the second athlete U2. The second athlete U2 participates in the marathon in the same manner as the first athlete U1. In the following description, the second competitor U2 is a competitor who runs after the second place in a marathon. The second competitor U2 includes a plurality of competitors. For example, the second competitor U2 includes, for example, the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23. The second competitor U21 is, for example, the competitor who runs in the second place. The second competitor U22 is, for example, the competitor who runs in the third place. The second competitor U23 is, for example, the competitor who runs in the fourth place. In the following description, when the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 are not distinguished, each of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 may be described as the second competitor U2.

[0014] A second communication device 2A is attached to the upper arm of the second competitor U21. A second communication device 2B is attached to the upper arm of the second competitor U22. A second communication device 2C is attached to the upper arm of the second competitor U23. That is, the second communication device 2 includes the second communication device 2A, the second communication device 2B, and the second communication device 2C. The second communication device 2A, the second communication device 2B, and the second communication device 2C have substantially the same configuration as each other. Therefore, in the following description, when the second communication device 2A, the second communication device 2B, and the second communication device 2C are not distinguished, each of the second communication device 2A, the second communication device 2B, and the second communication device 2C may be described as the second communication device 2.

[0015] The second communication device 2 acquires second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5. The second position information PS2 indicates the position of the second competitor U2. The second communication device 2 acquires the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5, for example, every predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds. In addition, when the second communication device 2 acquires the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5, the second communication device 2 acquires second date and time information TM2 indicating the date and time corresponding to the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5. Further, the second communication device 2 transmits the second position information PS2 to the server device 3 in association with the second date and time information TM2. The second communication device 2 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 every predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 100 seconds. The configuration of the second communication device 2 will be further described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0016] The fixed communication device 4 communicates with the first communication device 1 when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA arranged in the course CU. When the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA, the fixed communication device 4 acquires, for example, the first identification information JD1 which is the identification information for identifying the first communication device 1 from the first communication device 1. Further, the fixed communication device 4 transmits the acquired first identification information JD1, the fixed date and time information TMF, and the fixed position information PSF to the server device 3. The fixed date and time information TMF indicates the date and time when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA arranged in the course CU. The fixed position information PSF indicates the position of the detection area DA. The configuration of the fixed communication device 4 will be further described with reference to FIG. 5. The fixed communication devices 4 are arranged, for example, along the course CU at predetermined distance intervals from the start position of the marathon. The predetermined distance is, for example, 10 km. Also, the predetermined distance may be, for example, 5 km.

[0017] The server device 3 receives the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1 and receives the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2. Further, when the server device 3 receives the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1, it receives the first date and time information TM1 in association with the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1. When the server device 3 receives the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2, it receives the second date and time information TM2 in association with the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2. Further, the server device 3 receives the first identification information JD1 from the fixed communication device 4. The server device 3 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device". The configuration of the server device 3 will be further described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0018] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the first communication device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first communication device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the first communication device 1 includes a first control unit 11, a GNSS receiver 12, an RF (Radio Frequency) communicator 13, a first communication interface 14, and a battery 15. The first control unit 11 controls each part of the first communication device 1. The battery 15 supplies power to each part of the first communication device 1 according to the instruction of the first control unit 11.

[0019] The GNSS receiver 12 receives GNSS signals from the GNSS system 5 according to the instruction of the first control unit 11. The GNSS receiver 12 includes an antenna. The GNSS receiver 12 outputs the GNSS signals received from the GNSS system 5 to the first control unit 11. The GNSS signals include a position signal SP and a date-time signal ST. The position signal SP corresponds to the position information PS indicating the position of the GNSS receiver 12. The date-time signal ST indicates the date and time corresponding to the position signal SP. That is, the date-time signal ST indicates the date and time when the GNSS receiver 12 received the position signal SP. Also, the GNSS receiver 12 is turned on and off according to the instruction of the first control unit 11. The GNSS receiver 12 is configured by, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit).

[0020] The RF communicator 13 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA. The RF communicator 13 stores, for example, the first identification information JD1, and when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA, transmits the first identification information JD1 to the fixed communication device 4. The RF communicator 13 is configured as, for example, a so-called "RF tag".

[0021] The first communication interface 14 includes an antenna, a connector, and an interface circuit, and is connected to the first control unit 11. The first communication interface 14 is an interface for communicating with the server device 3. The first communication interface 14 is, for example, an interface for communicating with the server device 3 in accordance with the LTE (Registered Trademark) (Long Term Evolution) standard.

[0022] The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 11A and a first memory 11B. The first memory 11B is a storage device that non-volatily stores programs and data executed by the first processor 11A. The first memory 11B is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor memory element such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. Further, the first memory 11B may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that constitutes a work area of the first processor 11A. The first memory 11B stores data processed by the first control unit 11 and the first control program PG1 executed by the first processor 11A.

[0023] The first processor 11A may be composed of a single processor or may be configured such that a plurality of processors function as the first processor 11A. The first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to control each part of the first communication device 1.

[0024] The first processor 11A may be composed of a SoC (System on Chip) integrated with a part or all of the first memory 11B and other circuits. Further, the first processor 11A may be configured by a combination of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. All functions of the first processor 11A may be implemented in hardware or may be configured using a programmable device. In the following description, a case where the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to control each part of the first communication device 1 will be described.

[0025] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the functional configuration of the first control unit 11 will be described. The first control unit 11 includes a first acquisition unit 111, a first transmission unit 112, a first completion unit 113, a first communication control unit 114, and a first position storage unit 115. Specifically, when the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1, it functions as the first acquisition unit 111, the first transmission unit 112, the first completion unit 113, and the first communication control unit 114. Also, when the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1, it causes the first memory 11B to function as the first position storage unit 115.

[0026] The first position storage unit 115 stores the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 in association with each other. The first position information PS1 corresponds to the position signal SP acquired from the GNSS receiver 12 by the first acquisition unit 111. The first date and time information TM1 corresponds to the date and time signal ST acquired from the GNSS receiver 12 by the first acquisition unit 111. Also, the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 are stored in the first position storage unit 115 by the first acquisition unit 111.

[0027] The first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 12. The first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the GNSS system 5, for example, every predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds. In the following description, a case where the predetermined time is 10 seconds will be described. Also, when the RF communicator 13 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 12. In addition, the first acquisition unit 111 associates the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 acquired from the GNSS system 5, and stores them in the first position storage unit 115.

[0028] The first transmission unit 112 transmits the first position information PS1 to the server device 3 in association with the first date and time information TM1. For example, the first transmission unit 112 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 to the server device 3 at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is, for example, 10 seconds. In the following description, the case where the predetermined interval is 10 seconds will be described. In other words, for example, the first transmission unit 112 transmits, every 100 seconds, ten pieces of first position information PS1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 and ten pieces of first date and time information TM1 stored in the first position storage unit 115 in association with each of the ten pieces of first position information PS1 to the server device 3.

[0029] Note that when the RF communicator 13 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first transmission unit 112 may transmit the first position information PS1 and the first elapsed time information PD1 to the server device 3. The first elapsed time information PD1 indicates the time from the start of the marathon to the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1.

[0030] In addition, when the RF communicator 13 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first transmission unit 112 transmits the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 to the server device 3 in association with each other.

[0031] The first complement unit 113 calculates a first speed V1 at which the first competitor U1 moves based on the first position information PS1, and complements the first position information PS1 based on the first speed V1. For example, when the position indicated by the first position information PS1 moves from the first position PA to the second position PB and the difference between the date and time of the first position PA and the date and time of the second position PB is 10 seconds, the first complement unit 113 calculates the first speed V1 by the following formula (1). V1 = ΔL / 10 (1) The distance ΔL indicates the distance (m) between the first position PA and the second position PB. The unit of the first speed V1 is (m / sec).

[0032] The first complementing unit 113 calculates, as the distance ΔL1 from the first position PA to the position of the first athlete U1 one second after the first position PA, on the line segment connecting the first position PA and the second position PB, by the following formula (2). ΔL1 = 1 × V1 (2) Similarly, the first complementing unit 113 calculates, as the distance ΔLN from the first position PA to the position of the first athlete U1 N seconds after the first position PA, on the line segment connecting the first position PA and the second position PB, by the following formula (3). Note that the integer N is an integer from "2" to "9". ΔLN = N × V1 (3) In this way, the first complementing unit 113 complements the first position information PS1 between the first position PA and the second position PB.

[0033] The first communication control unit 114 controls the communication of the GNSS receiver 12 with the GNSS system 5. Also, the first communication control unit 114 controls the communication of the RF communicator 13 with the fixed communication device 4. Also, the first communication control unit 114 controls the communication of the first communication interface 14 with the server device 3.

[0034] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of the second communication device 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the second communication device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the second communication device 2 includes a second control unit 21, a GNSS receiver 22, an RF communicator 23, a second communication interface 24, and a battery 25. The second control unit 21 controls each part of the second communication device 2. The battery 25 supplies power to each part of the second communication device 2 according to the instruction of the second control unit 21.

[0035] The second control unit 21 corresponds to the first control unit 11 of the first communication device 1 shown in FIG. 2. The GNSS receiver 22 corresponds to the RF communicator 13 of the first communication device 1 shown in FIG. 2. The second communication interface 24 corresponds to the first communication interface 14 of the first communication device 1 shown in FIG. 2. The battery 25 corresponds to the battery 15 of the first communication device 1 shown in FIG. 2. In the following description, mainly the configurations in which the respective parts of the second communication device 2 are different from those of the first communication device 1 will be described, and the description of the configurations common to the respective parts of the first communication device 1 will be omitted.

[0036] The RF communicator 23 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 when the second competitor U2 enters the detection area DA. The RF communicator 23 stores, for example, the second identification information JD2, and when the second competitor U2 enters the detection area DA, transmits the second identification information JD2 to the fixed communication device 4.

[0037] The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 21A and a second memory 21B. The second processor 21A corresponds to the first processor 11A of the first control unit 11 shown in FIG. 2. The second memory 21B corresponds to the first memory 11B of the first control unit 11 shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the functional configuration of the second control unit 21 will be described. The second control unit 21 includes a second acquisition unit 211, a second transmission unit 212, a second complement unit 213, a second communication control unit 214, and a second position storage unit 215. Specifically, when the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2, it functions as the second acquisition unit 211, the second transmission unit 212, the second complement unit 213, and the second communication control unit 214. Also, when the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2, it causes the second memory 21B to function as the second position storage unit 215.

[0039] The second acquisition unit 211 corresponds to the first acquisition unit 111 of the first control unit 11 shown in FIG. 2. The second transmission unit 212 corresponds to the first transmission unit 112 of the first control unit 11 shown in FIG. 2. The second complement unit 213 corresponds to the first complement unit 113 of the first control unit 11 shown in FIG. 2. The second communication control unit 214 corresponds to the first communication control unit 114 of the first control unit 11 shown in FIG. 2. The second position storage unit 215 corresponds to the first position storage unit 115 of the first control unit 11 shown in FIG. 2. Mainly, the functions of the respective parts of the second control unit 21 that differ from those of the respective parts of the first control unit 11 will be described, and the description of the functions common to the respective parts of the first control unit 11 will be omitted.

[0040] The second position storage unit 215 stores the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 in association with each other. The second position information PS2 corresponds to the position signal SP acquired from the GNSS receiver 22 by the second acquisition unit 211. The second date and time information TM2 corresponds to the date and time signal ST acquired from the GNSS receiver 22 by the second acquisition unit 211. Also, the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 are stored in the first position storage unit 115 by the second acquisition unit 211.

[0041] The second acquisition unit 211 acquires the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 22. The second acquisition unit 211 acquires the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the GNSS system 5, for example, at every predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds. In the following description, the case where the predetermined time is 10 seconds will be described. Also, the second acquisition unit 211 stores the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 acquired from the GNSS system 5 in the first position storage unit 115 in association with each other.

[0042] Note that when the RF communicator 23 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second acquisition unit 211 does not execute the process of acquiring the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 12. In particular, in this regard, the second acquisition unit 211 is different from the first acquisition unit 111.

[0043] The second transmission unit 212 transmits the second position information PS2 to the server device 3 in association with the second date and time information TM2. The second transmission unit 212 transmits, for example, the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 to the server device 3 at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is, for example, 10 seconds. In the following description, the case where the predetermined interval is 100 seconds will be described. In other words, the second transmission unit 212 transmits, for example, every 100 seconds, the ten pieces of second position information PS2 stored in the first position storage unit 115 and the ten pieces of second date and time information TM2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 in association with each of the ten pieces of second position information PS2 to the server device 3.

[0044] Further, when the RF communicator 13 of the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second transmission unit 212 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 211 to the server device 3 in association with each other according to the instruction information CM from the server device 3. In particular, the second transmission unit 212 is different from the first transmission unit 112 in that the second transmission unit 212 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3 according to an instruction from the server device 3. The instruction information CM will be further described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0045] The second complementing unit 213 calculates a second speed V2 at which the second competitor U2 moves based on the second position information PS2, and complements the second position information PS2 based on the second speed V2. For example, when the position indicated by the second position information PS2 moves from the first position PC to the second position PD and the difference between the date and time of the first position PC and the date and time of the second position PD is 10 seconds, the second complementing unit 213 calculates the second speed V2 by the following formula (4). V2 = ΔL / 10 (4) The distance ΔL indicates the distance (m) between the first position PC and the second position PD. The unit of the second speed V2 is (m / sec).

[0046] The second completion unit 213 calculates the position of the second competitor U2 one second after the first position PC as the distance ΔL1 from the first position PC on the line segment connecting the first position PC and the second position PD by the following formula (5). ΔL1 = 1 × V2 (5) Similarly, the second completion unit 213 calculates the position of the second competitor U2 N seconds after the first position PC as the distance ΔLN from the first position PC on the line segment connecting the first position PC and the second position PD by the following formula (6). Note that the integer N is an integer from "2" to "9". ΔLN = N × ΔL (6) In this way, the second completion unit 213 complements the second position information PS2 between the first position PC and the second position PD.

[0047] The second communication control unit 214 controls the communication of the GNSS receiver 22 with the GNSS system 5. The second communication control unit 214 also controls the communication of the RF communicator 13 with the fixed communication device 4. The second communication control unit 214 also controls the communication of the second communication interface 24 with the server device 3.

[0048] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the server device 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 3 includes a third control unit 31, a third wireless communication interface 32, and a third wired communication interface 33. The third control unit 31 controls each part of the server device 3. Note that, unlike the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2, power is supplied to the server device 3 from a commercial power supply.

[0049] The third wireless communication interface 32 includes an antenna, a connector, and an interface circuit, and is connected to the third control unit 31. The third wireless communication interface 32 is an interface for communicating with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. The third wireless communication interface 32 is an interface for communicating with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 in accordance with, for example, the LTE (registered trademark) standard.

[0050] The third wired communication interface 33 includes a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to the third control unit 31. The third wired communication interface 33 is an interface for communicating with the fixed communication device 4. The third wired communication interface 33 communicates with the fixed communication device 4 in accordance with, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. Note that the server device 3 and the fixed communication device 4 are communicably connected in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard via, for example, at least any one of the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), and a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0051] The third control unit 31 includes a third processor 31A and a third memory 31B. The third memory 31B is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the third processor 31A. The third memory 31B is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor memory element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. Further, the third memory 31B may include a RAM that constitutes a work area of the third processor 31A. The third memory 31B stores data processed by the third control unit 31 and a third control program PG3 executed by the third processor 31A.

[0052] The third processor 31A may be composed of a single processor, or a configuration in which a plurality of processors function as the third processor 31A. The third processor 31A executes the third control program PG3 to control each part of the server device 3.

[0053] The third processor 31A may be composed of a system-on-chip (SoC) integrated with part or all of the third memory 31B and other circuits. Also, the third processor 31A may be composed of a combination of a CPU that executes a program and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. All of the functions of the third processor 31A may be implemented in hardware, or it may be configured using a programmable device. In the following description, a case where the third processor 31A executes the third control program PG3 to control each part of the server device 3 will be described.

[0054] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the third control unit 31 will be described. The third control unit 31 includes a receiving unit 311, an instructing unit 312, a determining unit 314, a position calculating unit 313, a third communication control unit 315, a third position storage unit 316, and a course storage unit 317. Specifically, when the third processor 31A executes the third control program PG3, it functions as the receiving unit 311, the instructing unit 312, the determining unit 314, the position calculating unit 313, and the third communication control unit 315. Also, when the third processor 31A executes the third control program PG3, it causes the third memory 31B to function as the third position storage unit 316 and the course storage unit 317.

[0055] The third position storage unit 316 stores the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 received from the first communication device 1 in association with each other. Also, the third position storage unit 316 stores the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 received from the second communication device 2 in association with each other. Also, the third position storage unit 316 stores the first identification information JD1, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF received from the fixed communication device 4 in association with each other.

[0056] The first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 are received from the first communication device 1 by the receiving unit 311 and stored in the third position storage unit 316 by the receiving unit 311. Also, the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 are received from the second communication device 2 by the receiving unit 311 and stored in the third position storage unit 316 by the receiving unit 311. Also, the first identification information JD1 and the first date and time information TM1 are received from the fixed communication device 4 by the receiving unit 311 and stored in the third position storage unit 316 by the receiving unit 311.

[0057] The course storage unit 317 stores in advance course information JC indicating the course CU. When the competition is a marathon, the course CU corresponds to a road or the like. The road constituting the course CU changes not only the position on the horizontal plane corresponding to the so-called latitude and longitude but also the position in the vertical direction. Therefore, the course storage unit 317 stores three-dimensional information as the course information JC.

[0058] The receiving unit 311 receives the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the first communication device 1. Also, the receiving unit 311 receives the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the second communication device 2. Also, the receiving unit 311 receives the first identification information JD1, the fixed date and time information TMF, and the fixed position information PSF from the fixed communication device 4. The fixed date and time information TMF indicates the date and time when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA arranged on the course CU. The fixed position information PSF indicates the position of the detection area DA.

[0059] The receiving unit 311 causes the third position storage unit 316 to store the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 received from the first communication device 1. Also, the receiving unit 311 causes the third position storage unit 316 to store the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 received from the second communication device 2. Also, the receiving unit 311 causes the third position storage unit 316 to store the first identification information JD1 and the first date and time information TM1 received from the fixed communication device 4.

[0060] When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instruction unit 312 transmits instruction information CM to instruct the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2 to the server device 3 in association with the second date and time information TM2. When receiving the instruction information CM, the second communication device 2 transmits the second position information PS2 to the server device 3 in association with the second date and time information TM2.

[0061] Note that when receiving the instruction information CM, the second position information PS2 transmitted by the second communication device 2 corresponds to the second position information PS2 that is closest to the first date and time information TM1 among the second position information PS2 stored in the second position storage unit 215. In other words, when receiving the instruction information CM, the second position information PS2 transmitted by the second communication device 2 is the second position information PS2 acquired by the second communication device 2 during the period from the first date and time information TM1 to 10 seconds before the first date and time information TM1. This is because the second communication device 2 acquires the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5 every 10 seconds.

[0062] In this embodiment, a case where the instruction unit 312 transmits the instruction information CM to the second communication device 2 when the first communication device 1 attached to the first racer U1 who is the leading racer communicates with the fixed communication device 4 will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The following describes a modified form of the instruction unit 312.

[0063] (First modified form) For example, when the rank of the first racer U1 is higher than the rank of the second racer U2 and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instruction unit 312 may transmit instruction information CM to instruct the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2 to the server device 3. In this case, before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, it is necessary to determine the ranking of the first competitor U1 based on the number of communication devices that have communicated with the fixed communication device 4. Further, it is preferable that the instruction information CM transmits instruction information CM for instructing the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3. In this case, in the same manner as the method described with reference to FIGS. 6-7, the rankings of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 can be determined.

[0064] (Second Modified Form) Also, for example, when the ranking of the first competitor U1 is equal to or higher than the prize-winning ranking in the marathon, the ranking of the first competitor U1 is higher than the ranking of the second competitor U2, and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instruction unit 312 may transmit the instruction information CM. The instruction information CM is information for instructing the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2 to the server device 3. In this case, it is different from (the first modified example) in that the ranking of the first competitor U1 is equal to or higher than the prize-winning ranking in the marathon. In this case, since the ranking of the first competitor U1 is equal to or higher than the prize-winning ranking in the marathon, compared with (the first modified example), the ranking of the second competitor U2, in which the user's interest is high, for example, the rankings of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 can be determined.

[0065] (Third Modified Form) When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the distance L2 is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1, the instruction unit 312 may transmit the instruction information CM to the second communication device 2. The distance L2 is the distance along the course CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. Also, the instruction information CM is information for instructing the second position information PS2 to be transmitted to the server device 3. In this case, compared with (the first modification example), when the distance L2 along the course CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instruction unit 312 transmits the instruction information CM to the second communication device 2. Therefore, by appropriately setting the first threshold value TH1, the second communication device 2 whose rank is to be determined can be appropriately limited. For example, the first threshold value TH1 is 100 m. In this case, when the distance L2 along the course CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 is 100 m or less, the determination unit 314 determines the rank of the second competitor U2 to which the second communication device 2 is attached.

[0066] (Fourth modification) When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the difference in rank between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 is caused to transmit the second position information PS2. In this case, compared with (the first modification example), when the difference in rank between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instruction unit 312 transmits the instruction information CM to the second communication device 2. Therefore, by appropriately setting the second threshold value TH2, the second communication device 2 whose rank is to be determined can be appropriately limited. For example, the second threshold value TH2 is "6". In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranks of the six second competitors U2.

[0067] The position calculation unit 313 calculates a second speed V2, which is the speed at which the second competitor U2 moves, based on the second position information PS2. Then, the position calculation unit 313 calculates the position of the second communication device 2 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 based on the second position information PS2, the second speed V2, and the course information JC indicating the course CU.

[0068] The determination unit 314 determines the rankings of the first athlete U1 and the second athlete U2 in the marathon based on the course information JC, the first position information PS1 and the first date-time information TM1, and the second position information PS2 and the second date-time information TM2. The determination unit 314 determines the ranking of the second athlete U2 in the marathon, for example, based on the position of the second communication device 2 at the first date-time indicated by the first date-time information TM1 calculated by the position calculation unit 313. The processing of the position calculation unit 313 and the determination unit 314 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 6-7.

[0069] In this embodiment, since the first athlete U1 is the athlete running at the front, the ranking of the first athlete U1 is the first place. In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking of the second athlete U2 in the marathon based on the course information JC, the first position information PS1 and the first date-time information TM1, and the second position information PS2 and the second date-time information. Also, in this embodiment, the second athlete U2 is composed of the second athlete U21, the second athlete U22, and the second athlete U23. That is, the determination unit 314 determines the rankings of the second athlete U21, the second athlete U22, and the second athlete U23.

[0070] Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the first position information PS1 coincides with the fixed position information PSF and the first date-time information TM1 coincides with the fixed date-time information TMF, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0071] For example, when the first position information PS1 does not coincide with the fixed position information PSF, it is preferable for the determination unit 314 to use the fixed position information PSF instead of the first position information PS1. In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 and the ranking RN of the second athlete U2 in the marathon based on the course information JC, the fixed position information PSF and the first date-time information TM1, and the second position information PS2 and the second date-time information.

[0072] Further, for example, when the first date and time information TM1 does not match the fixed date and time information TMF, it is preferable that the determination unit 314 uses the fixed date and time information TMF instead of the first date and time information TM1. In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 and the ranking RN of the second athlete U2 in the marathon based on the course information JC, the first position information PS1, and the fixed date and time information TMF, the second position information PS2, and the second date and time information.

[0073] Further, for example, when the first position information PS1 does not match the fixed position information PSF and the first date and time information TM1 does not match the fixed date and time information TMF, it is preferable that the determination unit 314 uses the fixed position information PSF instead of the first position information PS1 and uses the fixed date and time information TMF instead of the first date and time information TM1. In this case, the determination unit 314 determines the ranking RN of the first athlete U1 and the ranking RN of the second athlete U2 in the marathon based on the course information JC, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF, the second position information PS2, and the second date and time information.

[0074] The third communication control unit 315 controls the communication of the third wireless communication interface 32 with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. Further, the third communication control unit 315 controls the communication with the third wired communication interface 33 of the fixed communication device 4.

[0075] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the fixed communication device 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fixed communication device 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the fixed communication device 4 includes a fourth control unit 41, a GNSS receiver 42, a detector DT, an RF communicator 43, and a fourth communication interface 44. The fourth control unit 41 controls each part of the fixed communication device 4.

[0076] The GNSS receiver 42 receives GNSS signals from the GNSS system 5 according to the instructions of the fourth control unit 41. The GNSS receiver 42 includes an antenna. The GNSS receiver 42 outputs the GNSS signals received from the GNSS system 5 to the fourth control unit 41. The GNSS signal includes a position signal SP and a date / time signal ST. The position signal SP corresponds to fixed position information PSF indicating the position of the GNSS receiver 42. The date / time signal ST indicates the date and time corresponding to the position of the GNSS receiver 42. The GNSS receiver 42 receives the position signal SP from the GNSS system 5 and acquires the fixed position information PSF, for example, before the start of a marathon. Also, the GNSS receiver 42 is turned on and off according to the instruction of the fourth control unit 41. The GNSS receiver 42 is composed of, for example, an IC.

[0077] When the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA, the RF communicator 43 communicates with the first communication device 1. The RF communicator 43 receives, for example, the first identification information JD1 from the first communication device 1 when the first competitor U1 enters the detection area DA.

[0078] The detector DT is arranged in the detection area DA shown in FIG. 1 and detects that the competitor U has entered the detection area DA. The detector DT detects, for example, that the first competitor U1 has entered the detection area DA. The detector DT is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor. The detector DT outputs a detection signal indicating that the competitor U has entered the detection area DA to the fourth control unit 41. The detector DT outputs a detection signal indicating that the first competitor U1 has entered the detection area DA to the fourth control unit 41, for example.

[0079] The fourth communication interface 44 includes a connector and an interface circuit and is connected to the fourth control unit 41. The fourth communication interface 44 is an interface for communicating with the server device 3. The fourth communication interface 44 communicates with the server device 3, for example, in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0080] The fourth control unit 41 includes a fourth processor 41A and a fourth memory 41B. The fourth memory 41B is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the fourth processor 41A. The fourth memory 41B is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor memory element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. Further, the fourth memory 41B may include a RAM that constitutes the work area of the fourth processor 41A. The fourth memory 41B stores data processed by the fourth control unit 41 and the fourth control program PG4 executed by the fourth processor 41A, etc.

[0081] The fourth processor 41A may be composed of a single processor or may be configured such that a plurality of processors function as the fourth processor 41A. The fourth processor 41A executes the fourth control program PG4 to control each part of the fixed communication device 4.

[0082] The fourth processor 41A may be composed of a SoC integrated with a part or all of the fourth memory 41B and other circuits. Further, the fourth processor 41A may be configured by a combination of a CPU that executes a program and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. All functions of the fourth processor 41A may be implemented in hardware or may be configured using a programmable device. In the following description, the case where the fourth processor 41A executes the fourth control program PG4 to control each part of the fixed communication device 4 will be described.

[0083] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the fourth control unit 41 will be described. The fourth control unit 41 includes a fourth acquisition unit 411, a fourth transmission unit 412, a fourth communication control unit 413, and an identification information storage unit 414. Specifically, when the fourth processor 41A executes the fourth control program PG4, it functions as the fourth acquisition unit 411, the fourth transmission unit 412, and the fourth communication control unit 413. Further, when the fourth processor 41A executes the fourth control program PG4, it causes the fourth memory 41B to function as the identification information storage unit 414.

[0084] The identification information storage unit 414 stores the first identification information JD1 received from the first communication device 1. Further, the identification information storage unit 414 stores, for example, the fixed position information PSF before the start of the marathon. The fixed position information PSF indicates the position of the GNSS receiver 42. The identification information storage unit 414 may also store the fixed date and time information TMF in association with the first identification information JD1. The fixed date and time information TMF is obtained from the GNSS system 5 by the GNSS receiver 42 when the first athlete U1 enters the detection area DA. The first identification information JD1 and the fixed date and time information TMF are obtained by the fourth acquisition unit 411 and stored in the identification information storage unit 414 by the fourth acquisition unit 411.

[0085] When the first communication device 1 communicates with the RF communicator 43, the fourth acquisition unit 411 acquires the first identification information JD1 from the first communication device 1. Further, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the RF communicator 43, the fourth acquisition unit 411 acquires the fixed date and time information TMF from the GNSS system 5 via the GNSS receiver 42. The fourth acquisition unit 411 causes the identification information storage unit 414 to store the fixed date and time information TMF in association with the first identification information JD1.

[0086] The fourth transmission unit 412 transmits the first identification information JD1, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 411 to the server device 3. The fourth communication control unit 413 controls the communication of the fourth communication interface 44 with the server device 3.

[0087] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6-7, the processing of the position calculation unit 313 and the determination unit 314 of the server device 3 will be described. Each of FIGS. 6-7 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of the position calculation unit 313 and the determination unit 314 of the server device 3. The data display diagram 500 shown in FIG. 6 shows the data used by the position calculation unit 313 of the server device 3 to calculate the positions of the second athlete U21, the second athlete U22, and the second athlete U23 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. The data display diagram 500 includes a course CU and position marks P0 to P33. As shown in FIG. 6, the course CU is formed in a U shape in plan view. The position mark P0 indicates the position on the course CU where the fixed communication device 4 including the detector DT is arranged. The position marks PN (N = 1 to 33) are located on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the competitor U with respect to the position mark P0, and indicate positions at a distance of N (m) from the position mark P0. For example, the position mark P10 is located on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the competitor U with respect to the position mark P0, and indicates a position at a distance of 10 m from the position mark P0.

[0088] In addition, in the data display diagram 500, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instruction unit 312 indicates the second position information PS2 received from the second communication device 2. That is, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the instruction unit 312 indicates the second position information PS2A received from the second communication device 2A, the second position information PS2B received from the second communication device 2B, and the second position information PS2C received from the second communication device 2C. For example, the position corresponding to the second position information PS2A is a position 12 m on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the competitor U with respect to the position mark P0, as shown by the position mark P12. Also, the position corresponding to the second position information PS2B is a position 23 m on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the competitor U with respect to the position mark P0, as shown by the position mark P23. Further, the position corresponding to the second position information PS2C is a position 27 m on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the competitor U with respect to the position mark P0, as shown by the position mark P27. Hatching is applied to the position marks P12, P23, and P27, which are the positions corresponding to the second position information PS2A, the second position information PS2B, and the second position information PS2C, respectively.

[0089] Also, as shown in the data display diagram 500, the data used by the position calculation unit 313 to calculate the position of the second competitor U21 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 is the time difference ΔTA and the traveling speed VA. Further, the data used by the position calculation unit 313 to calculate the position of the second competitor U22 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 is the time difference ΔTB and the traveling speed VB. Also, the data used by the position calculation unit 313 to calculate the position of the second competitor U23 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 is the time difference ΔTC and the traveling speed VC.

[0090] The time difference ΔTA is the difference between the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 and the second date and time indicated by the second date and time information TM2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2A in association with the second position information PS2A. For example, the time difference ΔTA is 2 seconds. The time difference ΔTB is the difference between the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 and the second date and time indicated by the second date and time information TM2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2B in association with the second position information PS2B. For example, the time difference ΔTB is 4 seconds. The time difference ΔTC is the difference between the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 and the second date and time indicated by the second date and time information TM2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2C in association with the second position information PS2C. For example, the time difference ΔTC is 8 seconds. Note that the time differences ΔTA to ΔTC are less than 10 seconds. This is because the time differences ΔTA to ΔTC occur due to the fact that the time interval for each of the second communication devices 2A to 2C to transmit the second position information PS2 to the server device 3 is 10 seconds.

[0091] The traveling speed VA is the traveling speed of the second competitor U21 when the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2A acquires the second position information PS2A. For example, the traveling speed VA is 2.5 m / sec. The traveling speed VB is the traveling speed of the second competitor U22 when the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2B acquires the second position information PS2B. For example, the traveling speed VA is 1.5 m / sec. The traveling speed VC is the traveling speed of the second competitor U23 when the second acquisition unit 211 of the second communication device 2C acquires the second position information PS2C. For example, the traveling speed VA is 2.0 m / sec. Note that each of the traveling speeds VA to VC is calculated in the same manner as the method by which the first complementation unit 113 of the first communication device 1 calculates the first speed V1.

[0092] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the processing of the position calculation unit 313 and the determination unit 314 of the server device 3 will be further described. In the position display diagram 600 shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the content described in the data display diagram 500 shown in FIG. 6, the positions of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1 calculated by the position calculation unit 313 are described.

[0093] Since the time difference ΔTA of the second competitor U21 is 2 seconds and the traveling speed VA is 2.5 m / sec, the second competitor U21 advances 5 m (= 2 × 2.5) during the time difference ΔTA. As a result, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 7, the second competitor U21 reaches the position of the position mark P7 from the position of the position mark P12 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. That is, at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, the distance between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U21 is 7 m. Since the time difference ΔTB of the second competitor U22 is 4 seconds and the traveling speed VB is 1.5 m / sec, the second competitor U22 advances 6 m (= 4 × 1.5) during the time difference ΔTA. As a result, the second competitor U22 reaches the position of the position mark P17 from the position of the position mark P23 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. That is, at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, the distance between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U22 is 17 m. Since the second competitor U23 has a time difference ΔTC of 8 seconds and a running speed VB of 2.0 m / sec, the second competitor U23 advances 16 m (= 8 × 2.0) during the time difference ΔTA. As a result, the second competitor U23 reaches the position of the position mark P10 from the position of the position mark P27 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. That is, at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, the distance between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U23 is 10 m. The position marks P7, P17, and P10, which are the positions corresponding to the second position information PS2A, the second position information PS2B, and the second position information PS2C, respectively, are painted black.

[0094] As described above, the position calculation unit 313 calculates the positions of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. Then, the determination unit 314 determines that at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, the second competitor U21 is in the second place, the second competitor U23 is in the third place, and the second competitor U22 is in the fourth place.

[0095] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the processing of the position management system 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the position management system 100. First, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S101, when the first communication device 1 detects that the first competitor U1 has entered the detection area DA, the first communication device 1 attempts to communicate with the fixed communication device 4. Next, in step S103, the fixed communication device 4 establishes communication with the first communication device 1. Then, the fixed communication device 4 acquires the first identification information JD from the first communication device 1. In addition, the fixed communication device 4 acquires the fixed date and time information TMF from the GNSS system 5. Next, in step S105, the fixed communication device 4 transmits the first identification information JD1, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF to the server device 3.

[0096] Next, in step S107, the server device 3 receives the first identification information JD1, the fixed position information PSF, and the fixed date and time information TMF from the fixed communication device 4. Next, in step S109, the first communication device 1 acquires the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the GNSS system 5, and transmits the acquired first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 to the server device 3. Next, in step S111, the server device 3 receives the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the first communication device 1.

[0097] Next, in step S113, the server device 3 transmits the instruction information CM to the second communication device 2. The instruction information CM is information for instructing the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3. Next, in step S115, the second communication device 2 receives the instruction information CM. Next, in step S117, the second communication device 2 transmits the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 to the server device 3. Next, in step S119, the server device 3 receives the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the second communication device 2. Then, the process ends.

[0098] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the processing of the server device 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the server device 3. First, as shown in FIG. 9, in step S201, the receiving unit 311 receives the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1 from the first communication device 1. Next, in step S203, the receiving unit 311 receives the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2 from the second communication device 2.

[0099] Next, in step S205, the position calculation unit 313 calculates the second speed V2, which is the speed at which the second competitor U2 moves. Next, in step S207, the position calculation unit 313 calculates the position of the second communication device 2 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. Next, in step S209, the determination unit 314 calculates the distance between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 at the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1. Next, in step S211, the determination unit 314 determines the rank RN of the second competitor U2. Then, the process ends.

[0100] [This Embodiment and Operational Effects] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1-9, the position management system 100 according to this embodiment is attached to a first competitor U1 who participates in a marathon in which competitors move along a course CU, and acquires first position information PS1 indicating the position of the first competitor U1 from the GNSS system 5. A first communication device 1, a second communication device 2 attached to a second competitor U2 different from the first competitor U1 who participates in the marathon, and acquiring second position information PS2 indicating the position of the second competitor U2 from the GNSS system 5, a server device 3 that receives the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1 and receives the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2, and a fixed communication device 4 disposed at a specific position on the course CU and communicating with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. When the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 to the server device 3. When the first communication device 1 and the fixed communication device 4 communicate, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2.

[0101] That is, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 to the server device 3. When the first communication device 1 and the fixed communication device 4 communicate, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2. Therefore, when the first communication device 1 and the fixed communication device 4 communicate, the server device 3 can acquire the first position information PS1 and the second position information PS2. Therefore, the positions of the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 can be acquired.

[0102] Also, in the position management system 100, the first communication device 1 acquires first date and time information TM1 indicating the date and time corresponding to the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5, and transmits the first position information PS1 to the server device 3 in association with the first date and time information TM1. The second communication device 2 acquires second date and time information TM2 indicating the date and time corresponding to the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5, and transmits the second position information PS2 to the server device 3 in association with the second date and time information TM2. Therefore, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 can acquire the first date and time information TM1, the first position information PS1, the second date and time information TM2, and the second position information PS2. Accordingly, it becomes possible to accurately calculate the positions of the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4.

[0103] Also, in the position management system 100, the server device 3 stores course information JC indicating the course CU, and determines the ranks RN of the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 in the marathon based on the course information JC, the first position information PS1 and the first date and time information TM1, and the second position information PS2 and the second date and time information TM2. Accordingly, it becomes possible to appropriately determine the ranks RN of the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 in the marathon.

[0104] Also, in the position management system 100, as shown in the first modified form, when the rank RN of the first competitor U1 is higher than the rank RN of the second competitor U2 and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 may cause the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2. In this case, even when the rank RN of the first competitor U1 is not the first place, when the rank RN of the first competitor U1 is higher than the rank RN of the second competitor U2, the positions of the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 can be acquired when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4.

[0105] Also, in the location management system 100, as shown in the second modified form, when the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is equal to or higher than the prize-winning ranking in the marathon, the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is higher than the ranking RN of the second competitor U2, and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second location information PS2. In this case, even when the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is not the first place, when the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is equal to or higher than the prize-winning ranking in the marathon and the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is higher than the ranking RN of the second competitor U2, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the positions of the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 can be obtained.

[0106] Also, in the location management system 100, when the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is the first place and the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second location information PS2. Therefore, when the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is the first place, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the positions of the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 can be obtained. Thus, the server device 3 can provide the user with the positions of the competitors that the user watching the marathon is most interested in.

[0107] Also, in the location management system 100, as shown in the third modified form, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the distance along the course CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second location information PS2. In this case, even when the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is not the first place, the server device 3 can obtain the position of the first competitor U1 and the position of the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the distance along the course CU between the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4. Therefore, by appropriately setting the first threshold value TH1, the second communication device 2 whose position is to be obtained can be appropriately limited when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4.

[0108] Also, in the position management system 100, as shown in the fourth modified form, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the difference in the ranking RN between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device. In this case, even when the ranking RN of the first competitor U1 is not the first place, the server device 3 can obtain the position of the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the second communication device 2 does not communicate with the fixed communication device 4, and the difference in the ranking RN between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 before the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device. Therefore, by appropriately setting the second threshold value TH2, the second communication device 2 whose position is to be obtained can be appropriately limited when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4.

[0109] Also, in the position management system 100, when the first communication device 1 communicates with the fixed communication device 4, it calculates an elapsed time indicating the time from the start of the marathon to the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1, and transmits the first position information PS1 and the first elapsed time information PD1 indicating the elapsed time to the server device 3. Therefore, the server device 3 can acquire the first elapsed time information PD1. The first elapsed time information PD1 indicates the time from the start of the marathon to the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information TM1.

[0110] Also, in the position management system 100, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit, as the second position information PS2, the position information acquired before the first date and time. Thus, when the second communication device 2 receives the instruction information CM from the server device 3, without communicating with the GNSS system 5, it may transmit the latest second position information PS2 among the second position information PS2 stored in the second position storage unit 215 to the server device 3. Therefore, the processing of the second communication device 2 can be simplified.

[0111] Also, in the position management system 100, the second communication device 2 may calculate the speed V2 at which the second competitor U2 moves based on the second position information PS2, and complement the second position information PS2 based on the speed V2. In this case, it becomes possible to increase the time interval at which the second communication device 2 acquires the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5. However, when the course CU is winding, the position obtained by complementing may be different from the correct position, so it is preferably not used for determining the ranking RN or the like.

[0112] Also, in the position management system 100, when the first communication device 1 and the fixed communication device 4 communicate, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2 acquired before the first date and time, calculates the speed V2 at which the second competitor U2 moves based on the received second position information PS2, and based on the received second position information PS2, the calculated speed V2 at which the second competitor U2 moves, and the course information JC indicating the course CU, calculates the position of the second communication device 2 at the first date and time. Therefore, the position of the second communication device 2 at the first time can be appropriately calculated. Thus, the server device 3 can appropriately calculate the distance between the first competitor U1 and the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 and the fixed communication device 4 communicate with each other. As a result, the server device 3 can appropriately determine the ranking RN of the second competitor U2 when the first communication device 1 and the fixed communication device 4 communicate with each other.

[0113] The position management method according to the present embodiment is a position management method of a position management system 100 including a first communication device 1 attached to a first competitor U1 participating in a marathon in which competitors move along a course CU, and acquiring first position information PS1 indicating the position of the first competitor U1 from a GNSS system 5; a second communication device 2 attached to a second competitor U2 different from the first competitor U1 participating in the marathon, and acquiring second position information PS2 indicating the position of the second competitor U2 from the GNSS system 5; a server device 3 that receives the first position information PS1 from the first communication device 1 and receives the second position information PS2 from the second communication device 2; and a fixed communication device 4 disposed at a specific position on the course CU and communicating with the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2. When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device 4, the first communication device 1 transmits the first position information PS1 to the server device 3, and when the first communication device 1 and the fixed communication device 4 communicate with each other, the server device 3 causes the second communication device 2 to transmit the second position information PS2. Therefore, the position management method according to the present embodiment can achieve the same effects as the position management system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0114] [Other Embodiments] The above-described present embodiment is a preferred embodiment. However, it is not limited to the above-described present embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist.

[0115] In this embodiment, the case where the "competition" is a marathon will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "competition" may be, for example, a triathlon. Also, the "competition" may be, for example, a half marathon. The "competition" may be, for example, a cycle road race.

[0116] In this embodiment, the case where the first competitor U1 is the competitor who runs at the front in the marathon will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The first competitor U1 may be at or above the prize-winning rank in the marathon. Also, when competitors form a plurality of groups in the marathon, the first competitor U1 may be the competitor who runs at the front of each group.

[0117] In this embodiment, the case where the "information processing device" is the server device 3 will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "information processing device" may be any device having a communication function and an information processing function. The "information processing device" may be, for example, a personal computer. Also, the "information processing device" may be, for example, a tablet device or a smartphone.

[0118] In this embodiment, the case where the second competitor U2 is composed of the second competitor U21, the second competitor U22, and the second competitor U23 will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The second competitor U2 may be composed of four or more competitors U.

[0119] In this embodiment, the case where the first communication device 1 acquires the first position information PS1 from the GNSS system 5 every predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and the second communication device 2 acquires the second position information PS2 from the GNSS system 5 every predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The predetermined time may be, for example, 1 second. Also, the predetermined time may be, for example, from 2 seconds to 9 seconds. Also, the predetermined time may be, for example, 11 seconds or more. The longer the predetermined time is, the more the power consumption of the battery 15 and the battery 25 can be reduced. The shorter the predetermined time is, each of the first communication device 1 and the second communication device 2 can transmit detailed location information to the server device 3.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first transmission unit 112 of the first communication device 1 transmits, for example, every 100 seconds, the 10 pieces of first location information PS1 stored in the first location storage unit 115 of the first communication device 1 and the 10 pieces of first date and time information TM1 stored in the first location storage unit 115 in association with each of the 10 pieces of first location information PS1 to the server device 3. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first transmission unit 112 may be configured to transmit the latest first location information PS1 stored in the first location storage unit 115 and the first date and time information TM1 stored in the first location storage unit 115 in association with the latest first location information PS1 to the server device 3 at predetermined time intervals. In this embodiment, the second transmission unit 212 of the second communication device 2 transmits, for example, every 100 seconds, the 10 pieces of second location information PS2 stored in the second location storage unit 215 of the second communication device 2 and the 10 pieces of second date and time information TM2 stored in the second location storage unit 215 in association with each of the 10 pieces of second location information PS2 to the server device 3. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second transmission unit 212 may be configured to transmit the latest second location information PS2 stored in the second location storage unit 215 and the second date and time information TM2 stored in the second location storage unit 215 in association with the latest second location information PS2 to the server device 3 at predetermined time intervals.

[0121] In addition, each functional unit shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 shows a functional configuration, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily required to implement hardware corresponding individually to each functional unit, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of a plurality of functional units. Further, a part of the functions realized by software in the above embodiment may be realized by hardware, or a part of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of each part of the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, the server device 3, and the fixed communication device 4 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the gist.

[0122] In addition, the processing units of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the location management system 100. The way of dividing and the names of the processing units shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 are not limited, and according to the processing contents, it can be further divided into more processing units, or one processing unit can be divided so as to include more processes. Also, the processing order of the above flowchart is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0123] In addition, the processing units of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the server device 3. The way of dividing and the names of the processing units shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 are not limited, and according to the processing contents, it can be further divided into more processing units, or one processing unit can be divided so as to include more processes. Also, the processing order of the above flowchart is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0124] Further, the location management method of the location management system 100 can be realized by causing the processors provided in each of the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, the server device 3, and the fixed communication device 4 to execute a control program PG corresponding to the location management method of the location management system 100. The processor corresponds to the first processor 11A to the fourth processor 41A. The control program PG corresponds to the first control program PG1 to the fourth control program PG4. Also, the control program PG can be recorded on a recording medium that can be read by a computer. As the recording medium, a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device can be used. Specifically, portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memories), DVDs, Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media can be mentioned. Further, the recording medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device provided in each of the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, the server device 3, and the fixed communication device 4. The location management method of the location management system 100 can also be realized by storing the control program PG in a server device or the like and downloading the control program PG from the server device to each of the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, and the fixed communication device 4.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0125] 1…First communication device, 11…First control unit, 12…GNSS receiver, 13…RF communicator, 14…First communication interface, 15…Battery, 11A…First processor, 11B…First memory, 111…First acquisition unit, 112…First transmission unit, 113…First complement unit, 114…First communication control unit, 115…First position memory unit, 21…Second control unit, 21A…Second processor, 21B…Second memory, 211…Second acquisition unit, 212…Second transmission unit, 213…Second complement unit, 214…Second communication control unit, 215…Second position memory unit, 3…Server device (information processing device), 31…Third control unit, 31A…Third processor, 31B…Third memory, 311…Reception unit, 312…Instruction unit, 313…Position calculation unit, 314…Judgment unit, 315…Third communication control unit, 316…Third position memory unit, 317…Course memory unit, 4…Fixed communication device, 41…Fourth control unit, 41A…Fourth processor, 41B…Fourth memory, 411…Fourth acquisition unit, 412…Fourth transmission unit, 413…Fourth communication control unit, 414…Identification information memory unit, CM…Instruction information, CU…Course, DT…Detector, JD1…First identification information, JD2…Second identification information, PD1…First elapsed time information, PG1…First control program, PG2…Second control program, PG3…Third control program, PG4…Fourth control program, PS…Position information, PS1…First position information, PS2, PS2A, PS2B, PS2C…Second position information, PSF…Fixed position information, RN…Rank, TH1…First threshold, TH2…Second threshold, TM1…First date and time information, TM2…Second date and time information, TMF…Fixed date and time information, U…Competitor, U1…First competitor, U2, U21, U22, U23…Second competitor, VA, VB, VC…Travel speed, ΔL, ΔL1, ΔLN…Distance, ΔTA, ΔTBΔTC…Time difference.

Claims

1. A first communication device attached to a first competitor participating in a competition in which competitors move along a course, the first communication device acquiring first position information indicating the position of the first competitor from a GNSS system; A second communication device attached to a second competitor different from the first competitor participating in the competition, the second communication device acquiring second position information indicating the position of the second competitor from the GNSS system; An information processing device that receives the first position information from the first communication device and receives the second position information from the second communication device; A fixed communication device disposed at a specific position on the course and communicating with the first communication device and the second communication device; When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device transmits the first position information to the information processing device; When the first communication device and the fixed communication device communicate, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information; A position management system.

2. The first communication device acquires first date and time information indicating the date and time corresponding to the first position information from the GNSS system, and transmits the first position information to the information processing device in association with the first date and time information; The second communication device acquires second date and time information indicating the date and time corresponding to the second position information from the GNSS system, and transmits the second position information to the information processing device in association with the second date and time information; The position management system according to Claim 1.

3. The information processing device: Stores course information indicating the course; Based on the course information, the first position information, the first date and time information, the second position information, and the second date and time information, determines the rank of the first competitor and the rank of the second competitor in the competition; The position management system according to Claim 2.

4. When the rank of the first competitor is higher than the rank of the second competitor and the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information; The position management system according to Claim 3.

5. When the rank of the first competitor is equal to or higher than the winning rank in the competition, the rank of the first competitor is higher than the rank of the second competitor, and the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information; The position management system according to Claim 4.

6. When the rank of the first competitor is the first place and the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing apparatus causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information. The position management system according to claim 3.

7. When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the second communication device does not communicate with the fixed communication device, and the distance along the course between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than or equal to a first threshold value before the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing apparatus causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information. The position management system according to claim 1.

8. When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the second communication device does not communicate with the fixed communication device, and the difference in rank between the first competitor and the second competitor is less than or equal to a second threshold value before the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the information processing apparatus causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information. The position management system according to claim 3.

9. When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device calculates an elapsed time indicating the time from the start of the competition to the first date and time indicated by the first date and time information, and transmits the first position information and the elapsed time information indicating the elapsed time to the information processing apparatus. The position management system according to claim 2.

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

11. The second communication device calculates a speed at which the second competitor moves based on the second position information, and complements the second position information based on the speed. The position management system according to claim 10.

12. The information processing apparatus when the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information acquired before the first date and time, calculates a speed at which the second competitor moves based on the received second position information, and calculates the position of the second communication device at the first date and time based on the received second position information, the calculated speed at which the second competitor moves, and the course information indicating the course. The position management system according to claim 10.

13. A first communication device attached to a first competitor participating in a competition in which competitors move along a course, and acquiring first position information indicating the position of the first competitor from a GNSS system; A second communication device attached to a second competitor different from the first competitor participating in the competition, and acquiring second position information indicating the position of the second competitor from the GNSS system; An information processing device that receives the first position information from the first communication device and receives the second position information from the second communication device; A position management method of a position management system including a fixed communication device disposed at a specific position on the course and communicating with the first communication device and the second communication device, comprising: When the first communication device communicates with the fixed communication device, the first communication device transmits the first position information to the information processing device; When the first communication device and the fixed communication device communicate, the information processing device causes the second communication device to transmit the second position information; A position management method including the above.

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