Position estimation device, position estimation method of position estimation device, and position estimation system

Abstract

To estimate the position of an athlete on a course appropriately.SOLUTION: A server device 2 includes: a first acquisition unit 211 for acquiring position information JPS and speed information JVL each time a predetermined period elapses from a mobile communication device 1 attached to an athlete U participating in a marathon in which the athlete U moves along a course CU; a course storage unit 215 for storing course information JC indicating the course CU; and a position estimation unit 213 for estimating a moving speed VL of the athlete U on the basis of latest position information JPSA which is the latest position information JPS acquired by the first acquisition unit 211, latest speed information JVLA which is the latest speed information JVL, and the course information JC in a period in which the first acquisition unit 211 does not acquire the position information JPS and the speed information JVL from the mobile communication device 1, and estimating the position PS of the athlete U on the course CU using the estimated moving speed VL.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a position estimation device, a position estimation method for a position estimation device, and a position estimation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes that a real-time location information providing system has athletes run the competition course in advance, calculates average speed information for each section, and obtains the athlete's speed coefficient for each section based on the calculated average speed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-176922 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, the speed coefficient obtained in advance may not necessarily be the same as the speed coefficient in the actual race, making it difficult to accurately predict the position of competitors in the actual race using the speed coefficient obtained in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a position estimation device that is attached to an athlete participating in a competition in which the athlete moves along a course, and includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the athlete's position and speed information indicating the athlete's moving speed from a communication device that acquires the position information and the speed information based on signals from a GNSS system, each time a predetermined period has elapsed; a course memory unit that stores course information that indicates the course; and a position estimation unit that, during a period in which the first acquisition unit does not acquire the position information and the speed information from the communication device, estimates the athlete's moving speed based on latest position information, which is the most recent position information, and latest speed information, which is the most recent speed information, acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the course information, and estimates the athlete's position on the course using the estimated moving speed.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a position estimation method for a position estimation device, including: storing in advance course information indicating a course; acquiring, each time a predetermined period has elapsed, from a communication device attached to an athlete participating in a competition in which the athlete moves along the course, the communication device acquiring position information indicating the position of the athlete and speed information indicating the athlete's movement speed based on signals from a GNSS system; estimating, during a period in which the position information and the speed information are not acquired from the communication device, the movement speed of the athlete based on latest position information, which is the most recent position information, and latest speed information, which is the most recent speed information, acquired from the communication device, and the course information, and estimating the position of the athlete on the course using the estimated movement speed.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a position estimation system comprising: a communication device attached to an athlete participating in a competition in which the athlete moves along a course, the communication device acquiring position information indicating the position of the athlete and speed information indicating the athlete's movement speed based on signals from a GNSS system; and a position estimation device communicating with the communication device, wherein the position estimation device comprises: a first acquisition unit acquiring the position information and the speed information from the communication device every time a predetermined period of time elapses; a course memory unit storing course information indicating the course; and a position estimation unit estimating the athlete's movement speed based on latest position information, which is the most recent position information, and latest speed information, which is the most recent speed information, acquired by the first acquisition unit during a period in which the first acquisition unit does not acquire the position information and the speed information from the communication device, and the course information, and estimating the athlete's position on the course using the estimated movement speed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a position estimation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile communication device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of course information. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a course with elevation changes. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a first correction coefficient corresponding to FIG. 5; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a course with twists and turns. [Figure 8] 8 is a table showing an example of second correction coefficients corresponding to FIG. 7; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a course with elevation changes and twists and turns. [Figure 10] 10 is a table showing an example of first correction coefficients and second correction coefficients corresponding to FIG. 9; [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a second control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, the configuration of a position estimation system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a position estimation system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the location estimation system 100 includes a mobile communication device 1 and a server device 2.

[0011] The mobile communication device 1 is attached to each of the athletes U. The mobile communication device 1 is attached to the upper arm of each of the athletes U, for example. Each of the athletes U participates in a competition in which the athletes move along a course CU. The competition is, for example, a marathon. In the following description, a case in which the competition is a marathon will be described. The mobile communication device 1 receives a position signal SP from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) system 3.

[0012] For example, the mobile communication device 1 receives the position signal SP every predetermined time from the GNSS system 3. The predetermined time is, for example, one second. Furthermore, based on the position signal SP from the GNSS system 3, the mobile communication device 1 calculates position information JPS indicating the position PS of the runner U on the course CU and speed information JVL indicating the movement speed VL of the runner U. When receiving the position signal SP from the GNSS system 3, the mobile communication device 1 also receives from the GNSS system 3 a date and time signal ST indicating the date and time TM corresponding to the position signal SP.

[0013] In addition, the mobile communication device 1 transmits position information JPS and speed information JVL in association with date and time information JTM to the server device 2. The position information JPS indicates the position PS of the athlete U on the course CU. The speed information JVL indicates the movement speed VL of the athlete U. The date and time information JTM indicates the date and time TM corresponding to the position signal SP. The mobile communication device 1 transmits the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM to the server device 2 at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval is, for example, 30 seconds. The mobile communication device 1 corresponds to an example of a "communication device." The configuration of the mobile communication device 1 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0014] The server device 2 receives the location information JPS from the mobile communication device 1. Furthermore, when the server device 2 receives the position information JPS from the mobile communication device 1, the server device 2 also receives the speed information JVL and the date and time information JTM from the mobile communication device 1 in association with the position information JPS. The server device 2 corresponds to an example of a "position estimation device." The configuration of the server device 2 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the mobile communication device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobile communication device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the mobile communication device 1 includes a first control unit 11, a GNSS receiver 12, a first communication interface 13, and a battery 14. The first control unit 11 controls each unit of the mobile communication device 1. The battery 14 supplies power to each unit of the mobile communication device 1 in accordance with instructions from the first control unit 11.

[0016] The GNSS receiver 12 receives GNSS signals from the GNSS system 3 in accordance with instructions from 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 3 to the first control unit 11. The GNSS signal includes a position signal SP and a date and time signal ST. The position signal SP indicates the position PS of the GNSS receiver 12. The date and time signal ST indicates the date and time TM corresponding to the position signal SP. In other words, the date and time signal ST indicates the date and time TM when the GNSS receiver 12 received the position signal SP. Furthermore, the GNSS receiver 12 turns on and off according to instructions from the first control unit 11. The GNSS receiver 12 is configured, for example, by an IC (Integrated Circuit).

[0017] The first communication interface 13 includes an antenna and an interface circuit, and is connected to the first control unit 11. The first communication interface 13 is an interface for communicating with the server device 2. The first communication interface 13 is an interface for communicating with the server device 2 in accordance with, for example, the LTE (registered trademark) (Long Term Evolution) standard.

[0018] The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 11A and a first memory 11B. The first memory 11B is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the first processor 11A. The first memory 11B is configured by a semiconductor storage element such as a magnetic storage device or a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of nonvolatile storage device. The first memory 11B may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that configures the work area of the first processor 11A. The first memory 11B stores data processed by the first control unit 11, the first control program PG1 executed by the first processor 11A, and the like.

[0019] The first processor 11A may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured as multiple processors functioning as the first processor 11A. The first processor 11A executes a first control program PG1 to control each part of the mobile communication device 1.

[0020] The first processor 11A may be configured as a SoC (System on Chip) integrated with part or all of the first memory 11B and other circuits. The first processor 11A may also be configured as a combination of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes programs and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. All of the 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 controls each unit of the mobile communication device 1 by executing the first control program PG1 will be described.

[0021] Next, the functional configuration of the first control unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The first control unit 11 includes an acquisition unit 111, a transmission unit 112, a first communication control unit 113, and a first acquired data storage unit 114. Specifically, the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to function as an acquisition unit 111, a transmission unit 112, and a first communication control unit 113. Furthermore, the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to cause the first memory 11B to function as a first acquired data storage unit 114.

[0022] The first acquired data storage unit 114 stores the position information JPS, speed information JVL, and date / time information JTM in association with each other. The position information JPS, speed information JVL, and date / time information JTM are acquired by the acquisition unit 111 based on the signals received from the GNSS system 3 via the GNSS receiver 12. The position information JPS, speed information JVL, and date / time information JTM are also stored in the first acquired data storage unit 114 by the acquisition unit 111.

[0023] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the position signal SP and the date and time signal ST from the GNSS system 3 via the GNSS receiver 12, and calculates the position information JPS and the speed information JVL based on the position signal SP. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the position signal SP and the date and time signal ST from the GNSS system 3, for example, every second. The position information JPS indicates the position of the runner U on the course CU. The speed information JVL indicates the movement speed VL of the runner U on the course CU. The predetermined time is, for example, one second. In the following explanation, a case where the predetermined time is one second will be explained.

[0024] The transmitting unit 112 transmits the position information JPS, speed information JVL, and date and time information JTM stored in the first acquired data storage unit 114 to the server device 2 every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The predetermined period of time is, for example, 30 seconds. In the following explanation, a case where the predetermined period of time is 30 seconds will be explained. Note that the transmitting unit 112 determines that 30 seconds have elapsed based on, for example, the date and time information JTM. Furthermore, the longer the predetermined period of time, the more the power consumption of the battery 14 can be reduced. Meanwhile, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the position signal SP and the date and time signal ST every second from the GNSS system 3 via the GNSS receiver 12, and calculates the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM. Therefore, every time 30 seconds elapses, the transmission unit 112 transmits to the server device 2 30 sets of the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM acquired by the acquisition unit 111 during the 30 seconds.

[0025] The first communication control unit 113 controls the communication of the GNSS receiver 12 with the GNSS system 3. The first communication control unit 113 also controls the communication of the first communication interface 13 with the server device 2.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the server device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 2 includes a second control unit 21 and a second wireless communication interface 22. The second control unit 21 controls each unit of the server device 2.

[0027] The second wireless communication interface 22 includes an antenna and an interface circuit, and is connected to the second control unit 21. The second wireless communication interface 22 is an interface for communicating with the mobile communication device 1. The second wireless communication interface 22 is an interface for communicating with the mobile communication device 1 in accordance with, for example, the LTE (registered trademark) standard.

[0028] The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 21A and a second memory 21B. The second memory 21B is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the second processor 21A. The second memory 21B is configured with a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The second memory 21B may also include RAM that configures the work area of the second processor 21A. The second memory 21B stores data processed by the second control unit 21, the second control program PG2 executed by the second processor 21A, and the like.

[0029] The second processor 21A may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured such that multiple processors function as the second processor 21A. The second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2 to control each part of the server device 2.

[0030] The second processor 21A may be configured as an SoC integrated with part or all of the second memory 21B and other circuits. The second processor 21A may also be configured as a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. All of the functions of the second processor 21A may be implemented in hardware, or may be configured using a programmable device. In the following description, the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2 to control each part of the server device 2.

[0031] Next, the functional configuration of the second control unit 21 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The second control unit 21 includes a first acquisition unit 211, a second acquisition unit 212, a position estimation unit 213, a second communication control unit 214, a course storage unit 215, and a second acquired data storage unit 216. Specifically, the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2 to function as a first acquisition unit 211, a second acquisition unit 212, a position estimation unit 213, and a second communication control unit 214. Furthermore, the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2 to cause the second memory 21B to function as a course storage unit 215 and a second acquired data storage unit 216.

[0032] The course storage unit 215 stores in advance course information JC indicating the course CU. If the race is a marathon, the course CU corresponds to roads, etc. The roads that make up the course CU not only have positions on a horizontal plane corresponding to latitude LT and longitude LG, but also change positions in the elevation direction. Therefore, the course storage unit 215 stores three-dimensional information as the course information JC. In this embodiment, the course storage unit 215 includes latitude information JLT, longitude information JLG, and altitude information JAT as course information JC. The latitude information JLT indicates the latitude LT of the course CU. The longitude information JLG indicates the longitude LG of the course CU. The altitude information JAT indicates the altitude AT corresponding to the latitude LT and longitude LG of the course CU. The latitude information JLT, the longitude information JLG, and the altitude information JAT will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0033] The second acquired data storage unit 216 stores the position information JPS and speed information JVL acquired from the mobile communication device 1 in association with the date and time information JTM. The position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM are acquired from the mobile communication device 1 by the first acquisition unit 211. In addition, the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM are stored in the second acquired data storage unit 216 by the first acquisition unit 211.

[0034] The first acquisition unit 211 acquires the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM from the mobile communication device 1 every time a predetermined period has elapsed. The predetermined period is, for example, 30 seconds. Meanwhile, the mobile communication device 1 acquires, every second, the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM from the GNSS system 3. Therefore, every time 30 seconds elapse, the first acquisition unit 211 acquires 30 sets of the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM acquired by the mobile communication device 1 during the 30 seconds. Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 211 stores the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM acquired from the mobile communication device 1 in the second acquired data storage unit 216.

[0035] The second acquisition unit 212 acquires ranking information JRK indicating the ranking RK of the runner U in the marathon. In this embodiment, the second acquisition unit 212 acquires the ranking information JRK from another server device (not shown). Note that the second control unit 21 may determine the ranking RK of the runner U in the marathon.

[0036] The position estimation unit 213 estimates the movement speed VL of the athlete U during the period when the first acquisition unit 211 does not acquire the position information JPS and the speed information JVL from the mobile communication device 1, and estimates the position of the athlete U on the course CU using the estimated movement speed VL. The first acquisition unit 211 acquires the position information JPS and the speed information JVL every time 30 seconds have elapsed. Therefore, the "period during which the first acquisition unit 211 does not acquire the position information JPS and the speed information JVL from the mobile communication device 1" is the period from the time when the first acquisition unit 211 acquires the position information JPS and the speed information JVL from the mobile communication device 1 until 30 seconds have elapsed.

[0037] The position estimation unit 213 estimates the movement speed VL of the athlete U based on the latest position information JPSA, the latest speed information JVLA, and the course information JC, and estimates the position of the athlete U on the course CU using the estimated movement speed VL. The latest position information JPSA is the latest position information JPS acquired by the first acquisition unit 211. In other words, the latest position information JPSA is the position information JPS included in the set with the latest date and time TM indicated by the date and time information JTM among the 30 sets of position information JPS, speed information JVL, and date and time information JTM acquired by the first acquisition unit 211. The latest speed information JVLA is the latest speed information JVL acquired by the first acquisition unit 211. In other words, the latest position information JPSA is the speed information JVL included in the set with the latest date and time TM indicated by the date and time information JTM among the 30 sets of position information JPS, speed information JVL, and date and time information JTM acquired by the first acquisition unit 211.

[0038] Based on the altitude information JAT, the position estimation unit 213 estimates the movement speed VL of the athlete U. For example, based on the altitude information JAT, the position estimation unit 213 calculates a first correction coefficient CR1 that indicates the effect of a change in altitude on the movement speed VL of the athlete U, and estimates the movement speed VL of the athlete U using the first correction coefficient CR1 and the latest speed information JVLA. The position estimation unit 213 calculates a travel distance ΔL from the position indicated by the latest position information JPSA, for example, based on the latest speed information JVLA and the elapsed time ΔT since the latest speed information JVLA was acquired by the mobile communication device 1. Then, the position estimation unit 213 calculates a first correction coefficient CR1 in accordance with a change in altitude corresponding to the travel distance ΔL. The first correction coefficient CR1 will be further explained with reference to FIGS.

[0039] The position estimation unit 213 estimates the moving speed VL of the runner U based on the latitude information JLT and the longitude information JLG. The position estimation unit 213 calculates a second correction coefficient CR2 that indicates the effect that the twists and turns of the course CU have on the moving speed VL of the runner U, for example, based on the latitude information JLT and the longitude information JLG. Then, the position estimation unit 213 estimates the moving speed VL of the runner U using the second correction coefficient CR2 and the latest speed information JVLA. The position estimation unit 213 calculates the travel distance ΔL from the position indicated by the latest position information JPSA, for example, based on the latest speed information JVLA and the elapsed time ΔT since the latest speed information JVLA was acquired by the mobile communication device 1. Then, the position estimation unit 213 calculates the second correction coefficient CR2 in accordance with changes in the latitude LT and longitude LG corresponding to the travel distance ΔL. The second correction coefficient CR2 will be further explained with reference to FIGS.

[0040] The position estimation unit 213 obtains a third correction coefficient CR3 for correcting the movement speed VL of the athlete U in accordance with the ranking RK of the athlete U acquired by the second acquisition unit 212. Then, the position estimation unit 213 estimates the movement speed VL of the athlete U using the third correction coefficient CR3 and the latest speed information JVLA. For example, if the ranking RK of the athlete U is first, the position estimation unit 213 does not correct the movement speed VL of the athlete U according to the ranking RK of the athlete U. For example, the position estimation unit 213 corrects the movement speed VL of the athlete U so that the movement speed VL of the athlete U becomes slower the lower the ranking RK of the athlete U.

[0041] The position estimation unit 213 calculates, for example, a first correction coefficient CR1, a second correction coefficient CR2, and a third correction coefficient CR3. Then, the position estimation unit 213 estimates the movement speed VL of the runner U using the first correction coefficient CR1, the second correction coefficient CR2, the third correction coefficient CR3 and the latest speed information JVLA, and estimates the position of the runner U on the course CU using the estimated movement speed VL.

[0042] The second communication control unit 214 controls communication with the mobile communication device 1 via the second wireless communication interface 22 .

[0043] Next, the course information JC stored in the course storage unit 215 of the server device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the course information JC. As shown in FIG. 4, the course information JC includes a position number NP, a latitude LT, a longitude LG, and an altitude AT. The position number NP is a number indicating a position on the course CU. For example, the position numbers NP are numbers assigned at 1-meter intervals on the course CU. A position number NP of "0" corresponds to, for example, the starting point of a marathon. The larger the position number NP, the farther the location is from the starting point. In this embodiment, the course CU is set in Japan.

[0044] The latitude LT is the latitude of the position on the course CU corresponding to the position number NP. The longitude LG is the longitude of the position on the course CU corresponding to the position number NP. The altitude AT is the altitude of the position on the course CU corresponding to the position number NP.

[0045] For example, when the athlete U moves from a position corresponding to position number NP "0" to a position corresponding to position number NP "8," the latitude LT increases as shown in FIG. 4. That is, the athlete U faces north in the north-south direction. Also, for example, when the athlete U moves from a position corresponding to position number NP "0" to a position corresponding to position number NP "8," the longitude LG increases as shown in FIG. 4. That is, the athlete U faces east in the east-west direction. In Figure 4, the increase in latitude LT is the same as the increase in longitude LG, so when athlete U moves from a position corresponding to position number NP "0" to a position corresponding to position number NP "8," athlete U heads in a northeasterly direction.

[0046] Furthermore, when moving from a position corresponding to position number NP "1" to a position corresponding to position number NP "5," the altitude AT decreases. That is, the section from the position corresponding to position number NP "1" to the position corresponding to position number NP "5" is a downhill slope. Furthermore, when moving from a position corresponding to position number NP "5" to a position corresponding to position number NP "8," the altitude AT increases. That is, the section from the position corresponding to position number NP "5" to the position corresponding to position number NP "8" is an uphill slope.

[0047] Next, an example of the processing of the position estimation unit 213 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a course CU having an elevation difference. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a first correction coefficient CR1 corresponding to the course CU shown in Fig. 5.

[0048] The vertical axis of Fig. 5 indicates the altitude AT, and the horizontal axis of Fig. 5 indicates the position on the course CU. Each of positions P0 to P23 shown on the horizontal axis of Fig. 5 indicates a position on the course CU corresponding to each of the position numbers NP "0" to "23" shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows the latitude LT, longitude LG, altitude AT, and first correction coefficient CR1 corresponding to each of the position numbers NP from "0" to "23." As shown in Fig. 6, in the course CU shown in Fig. 5, the latitude LT is constant and the longitude LG increases monotonically. In other words, the course CU shown in Fig. 5 extends in a straight line eastward.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the altitude AT increases monotonically from position P1 to position P11. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the altitude AT increases by 0.01 m for every 1 m traveled on the course CU. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the altitude AT increases monotonically from position P11 to position P23. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the altitude AT increases by 0.03 m for every 1 m traveled on the course CU. 5 and 6, the course CU has a constant uphill slope with a constant inclination angle TA between positions P1 and P11. Also, the course CU has a constant uphill slope with a constant inclination angle TA between positions P11 and P23. The inclination angle TA between positions P11 and P23 is greater than the inclination angle TA between positions P1 and P11.

[0050] When the course CU is an uphill slope, the position estimation unit 213 sets the first correction coefficient CR1 to a smaller value as the inclination angle TA increases. Note that the first correction coefficient CR1 is set to be greater than "0" and equal to or less than "1." The position estimation unit 213 corrects the movement speed VL of the runner U so that the movement speed VL becomes slower as the value of the first correction coefficient CR1 decreases. The position estimation unit 213 calculates the first correction coefficient CR1, for example, using the following equation (1). CR1=1-TA×10 (1) Here, the inclination angle TA is the amount (m) by which the altitude AT increases for each 1 m traveled on the course CU. For example, the position estimation unit 213 sets the first correction coefficient CR1 to "0.9" (=1-0.01×10) between positions P1 and P11, and sets the first correction coefficient CR1 to "0.7" (=1-0.03×10) between positions P11 and P23.

[0051] The position estimation unit 213 estimates the running position of the runner U 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA in the following manner. That is, the elapsed time ΔT is 10 seconds. The latest date and time TMA is the date and time TM corresponding to the latest position information JPSA and the latest speed information JVLA. 5, the position AP1 corresponding to the latest position information JPSA is the position P2, and the moving speed VL corresponding to the latest speed information JVLA is, for example, "2 m / sec."

[0052] First, calculate the travel distance ΔL when the athlete's travel speed VL is constant at 2 m / sec for 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA. The travel distance ΔL is 20 m (= 2 × 10). In other words, when the athlete's travel speed VL is 2 m / sec, the athlete will reach the arrival position EQ1 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 5 after 10 seconds have passed since the latest date and time TMA. As shown in Figure 5, the arrival position EQ1 is position P22.

[0053] Next, the moving distance ΔL is corrected using the first correction coefficient CR1. The first correction coefficient CR1 between positions P1 and P11 is 0.9, which is the same as the first correction coefficient CR1 at position P2. Therefore, the position estimation unit 213 estimates that the corrected moving speed VL of the athlete between positions P2 and P11 is 2.0 m / sec. The distance between positions P2 and P11 is 9 m, so the time it takes to travel from position P2 to position P11 is 4.5 seconds (=9 / 2.0).

[0054] Because the first correction coefficient CR1 between positions P11 and P23 is 0.7, the athlete's corrected movement speed VL between positions P11 and P23 is 1.556 m / s (2 × 0.7 / 0.9). Therefore, the distance the athlete will travel 5.5 seconds (= 10-4.5) after reaching position P11 is 8.556 m (1.5556 × 5.5). Therefore, the arrival position EP1, which will be reached 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA, is position P20, which is approximately 9 m from position P11, as shown by the solid line in Figure 5. In this way, by correcting the moving speed VL according to the tilt angle TA, the running position of the athlete U 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA is corrected from the arrival position EQ1 to the arrival position EP1. In other words, by correcting the moving speed VL according to the tilt angle TA, the moving distance ΔL is corrected from "20 m" to "18 m."

[0055] Next, an example of the processing of the position estimation unit 213 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a course CU having a turn. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a second correction coefficient CR2 corresponding to the course CU shown in Fig. 7.

[0056] In FIG. 7, the right direction is east and the up direction is north. As shown in FIG. 7, the course CU is positioned so that the competitor U will travel east between positions P0 and P14. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the course CU is positioned so that the competitor U will travel in a semicircular direction between positions P14 and P19, changing from east to south and then west. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the course CU is positioned so that the competitor U will travel west between positions P19 and P33. Each of the positions P0 to P33 shown in FIG. 7 indicates a position on the course CU corresponding to each of the position numbers NP "0" to "33" shown in FIG.

[0057] Fig. 8 shows the latitude LT, longitude LG, altitude AT, and second correction coefficient CR2 corresponding to each of the position numbers NP from "0" to "33." As shown in Fig. 8, for example, between position P0 and position P14 of the course CU shown in Fig. 7, the latitude LT is constant and the longitude LG increases monotonically. In other words, between position P0 and position P14 of the course CU shown in Fig. 7, the course CU extends in a straight line eastward. As shown in FIG. 8, the altitude AT is constant from position P0 to position P33.

[0058] The second correction coefficient CR2 is set to be greater than 0 and equal to or less than 1. The position estimation unit 213 corrects the movement speed VL of the athlete U so that the smaller the value of the second correction coefficient CR2, the slower the movement speed VL becomes. The position estimation unit 213 calculates the second correction coefficient CR2 so that, for example, the larger the angle Δθ at which the direction of travel of the runner U changes, the smaller the second correction coefficient CR2 becomes.

[0059] For example, when the angle Δθ is 15 degrees, the position estimation unit 213 sets the second correction coefficient CR2 to "0.9." When the angle Δθ is 45 degrees, the position estimation unit 213 sets the second correction coefficient CR2 to "0.8." When the angle Δθ is 75 degrees, the position estimation unit 213 sets the second correction coefficient CR2 to "0.7." As shown in Figure 7, the course CU curves in a semicircle from position P14 to position P19, and the direction of travel of the runner U changes from east to west. If we assume that the angle Δθ is constant from position P14 to position P19, the angle Δθ is 30 degrees (= 180 / 6). Therefore, the position estimation unit 213 sets the second correction coefficient CR2 to, for example, "0.85" (= (0.8 + 0.9) / 2).

[0060] The position estimation unit 213 estimates the running position of the runner U 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA in the following manner. That is, the elapsed time ΔT is 10 seconds. The latest date and time TMA is the date and time TM corresponding to the latest position information JPSA and the latest speed information JVLA. 7, the position AP2 corresponding to the latest position information JPSA is a position P10. The moving speed VL corresponding to the latest speed information JVLA is, for example, "2 m / sec."

[0061] First, calculate the travel distance ΔL when the athlete's travel speed VL is constant at 2 m / sec from the latest date and time TMA until 10 seconds have elapsed. The travel distance ΔL is 20 m (= 2 × 10). In other words, when the athlete's travel speed VL is 2 m / sec, the athlete will reach the arrival position EQ2 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7 after 10 seconds have elapsed from the latest date and time TMA. As shown in Figure 7, the arrival position EQ2 is position P30.

[0062] Next, the moving distance ΔL is corrected using the second correction coefficient CR2. The second correction coefficient CR2 between positions P10 and P13 is 1.0, which is the same as the second correction coefficient CR2 at position P10, so the corrected moving speed VL of the athlete between positions P10 and P13 is 2.0 m / s. The distance between positions P10 and P13 is 3 m, so the time it takes to travel from position P10 to position P13 is 1.5 seconds (=3 / 2.0).

[0063] Because the second correction coefficient CR2 between positions P14 and P19 is 0.85, the athlete's corrected movement speed VL between positions P14 and P19 is 1.7 m / s (= 2 × 0.85). Therefore, the time from reaching position P13 to reaching position P19 is 3.5294 seconds (= 6 / 1.7). In other words, the time from reaching position P10 to reaching position P19 is 5.0294 seconds (= 1.5 + 3.5294). Thereafter, the athlete's movement speed VL is 2.0 m / s, so the distance traveled by the athlete in the remaining time of 4.9706 seconds (= 10 - 5.0294) is 9.9411 m (2.0 × 5.0294). Therefore, the arrival position EP2 that is reached after 10 seconds have elapsed from the latest date and time TMA is position P29, which is approximately 10 m ahead of position P19, as shown by the solid line in FIG. In this way, by correcting the moving speed VL in accordance with the angle Δθ, the running position of the athlete U 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA is corrected from the arrival position EQ2 to the arrival position EP2. In other words, by correcting the moving speed VL in accordance with the angle Δθ, the moving distance ΔL is corrected from "20 m" to "19 m."

[0064] Next, an example of the processing of the position estimation unit 213 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a course CU having elevation differences and twists and turns. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first correction coefficient CR1 and a second correction coefficient CR2 corresponding to the course CU shown in Fig. 9.

[0065] The upper diagram in Figure 9 is a plan view of course CU, with north to the right and east to the bottom. The lower diagram in Figure 9 is a graph showing changes in elevation AT of course CU. The vertical axis in the lower diagram in Figure 9 is elevation AT, and the horizontal axis in the lower diagram in Figure 9 is position on course CU. As shown in the upper diagram of Figure 9, the course CU is positioned so that the competitor U travels in an eastward direction between positions P0 and P14. Also, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 9, the course CU bends in an arc between positions P14 and P17, and is positioned so that the competitor U's direction of travel changes from east to north and then northwest. Also, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 9, the course CU is positioned so that the competitor U travels in a northwestward direction between positions P18 and P30. Each of the positions P0 to P30 shown in FIG. 9 indicates a position on the course CU corresponding to each of the position numbers NP "0" to "30" shown in FIG.

[0066] Fig. 10 shows the latitude LT, longitude LG, altitude AT, first correction coefficient CR1, and second correction coefficient CR2 corresponding to each of the position numbers NP from "0" to "30." As shown in Fig. 10, for example, between position P0 and position P14 of the course CU shown in Fig. 9, the latitude LT is constant and the longitude LG increases monotonically. In other words, between position P0 and position P14 of the course CU shown in Fig. 9, the course CU extends in a straight line eastward.

[0067] 9 and 10, the altitude AT is constant from position P1 to position P16. Also, as shown in Fig. 9 and 10, the altitude AT increases monotonically from position P17 to position P30. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, from position P17 to position P30, the altitude AT increases by 0.03 m for every 1 m traveled on the course CU. 9 and 10 is flat between positions P1 and P16, and is an uphill slope with a constant inclination angle TA between positions P17 and P30.

[0068] When the course CU is uphill, the position estimation unit 213 sets the first correction coefficient CR1 to a smaller value as the slope increases. Note that the first correction coefficient CR1 is set to be greater than "0" and equal to or less than "1." The position estimation unit 213 corrects the movement speed VL of the athlete U so that the movement speed VL becomes slower as the value of the first correction coefficient CR1 becomes smaller. The position estimation unit 213 calculates the first correction coefficient CR1, for example, using the following equation (2). CR1=1-TA×10 (2) Here, the inclination angle TA is the amount by which the altitude AT increases for each 1 m traveled on the course CU. For example, the position estimation unit 213 sets the first correction coefficient CR1 to "0.7" (=1-0.03×10) between the positions P17 and P30.

[0069] The second correction coefficient CR2 is set to be greater than 0 and equal to or less than 1. The position estimation unit 213 corrects the movement speed VL of the athlete U so that the smaller the value of the second correction coefficient CR2, the slower the movement speed VL becomes. The position estimation unit 213 calculates the second correction coefficient CR2 so that, for example, the larger the angle Δθ at which the direction of travel of the runner U changes, the smaller the second correction coefficient CR2 becomes.

[0070] For example, when the angle Δθ is 15 degrees, the position estimation unit 213 sets the second correction coefficient CR2 to "0.9." When the angle Δθ is 45 degrees, the position estimation unit 213 sets the second correction coefficient CR2 to "0.8." When the angle Δθ is 75 degrees, the position estimation unit 213 sets the second correction coefficient CR2 to "0.7." As shown in Figure 7, the course CU curves in an arc from position P14 to position P17, and the direction of travel of the runner U changes from east to northwest. If we assume that the angle Δθ is constant from position P14 to position P17, the angle Δθ is 33.75 degrees (= 135 / 4). Therefore, the position estimation unit 213 sets the second correction coefficient CR2 to, for example, "0.85" (= (0.8 + 0.9) / 2).

[0071] The position estimation unit 213 estimates the running position of the runner U 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA in the following manner. That is, the elapsed time ΔT is 10 seconds. The latest date and time TMA is the date and time TM corresponding to the latest position information JPSA and the latest speed information JVLA. 9, the position AP3 corresponding to the latest position information JPSA is a position P10. The moving speed VL corresponding to the latest speed information JVLA is, for example, "2 m / sec."

[0072] First, calculate the travel distance ΔL when the athlete's travel speed VL is constant at 2 m / s for 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA. The travel distance ΔL is 20 m (= 10 × 2). In other words, if the athlete's travel speed VL is 2 m / s, the athlete will reach the arrival position EQ3 as shown by the dashed line in the upper diagram of Figure 9 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA. As shown in Figure 9, the arrival position EQ3 is position P30.

[0073] Next, the moving distance ΔL is corrected using the first correction coefficient CR1 and the second correction coefficient CR2. The first correction coefficient CR1 and the second correction coefficient CR2 between positions P10 and P13 are 1.0, which is the same as the first correction coefficient CR1 and the second correction coefficient CR2 at position P10. Therefore, the corrected moving speed VL of the athlete between positions P10 and P13 is 2.0 m / s. Because the distance between positions P10 and P13 is 3 m, the time it takes to travel from position P10 to position P13 is 1.5 seconds (=3 / 2.0).

[0074] Because the first correction coefficient CR1 between positions P14 and P16 is "1" and the second correction coefficient CR2 is "0.85," the athlete's corrected movement speed VL between positions P14 and P16 is "1.7 m / s" (2 x 0.85). Therefore, the time from when the athlete reaches position P13 to when the athlete reaches position P16 is "1.7647 seconds" (= 3 / 1.7). In other words, the time from when the athlete reaches position P10 to when the athlete reaches position P16 is "3.2647 seconds" (= 1.5 + 1.7647).

[0075] At position P17, the first correction coefficient CR1 is 0.7, and the second correction coefficient CR2 is 0.85. Here, since the value of the first correction coefficient CR1 is smaller than the value of the second correction coefficient CR2, the position estimation unit 213 calculates the moving speed VL using, for example, the first correction coefficient CR1. Furthermore, since the first correction coefficient CR1 between positions P18 and P30 is "0.7" and the second correction coefficient CR2 is "1," the corrected movement speed VL of the athlete between positions P18 and P30 is "1.4 m / s" (2 x 0.7). Similarly, the corrected movement speed VL of the athlete at position P17 is "1.4 m / s." In other words, the corrected movement speed VL of the athlete between positions P17 and P30 is "1.4 m / s."

[0076] Therefore, the distance the competitor will travel during the remaining time at position P16, which is 6.7353 seconds (=10-3.2647), is 9.4294 m (=1.4 x 6.7353). Therefore, the destination position EP3 that the competitor will reach after 10 seconds have elapsed from the latest date and time TMA is position P25, which is approximately 9 m from position P16, as shown by the solid line in the upper diagram of Figure 9. In this way, by correcting the moving speed VL using the first correction coefficient CR1 and the second correction coefficient CR2, the running position of the athlete U 10 seconds after the latest date and time TMA is corrected from the arrival position EQ3 to the arrival position EP3. In other words, by correcting the moving speed VL using the first correction coefficient CR1 and the second correction coefficient CR2, the moving distance ΔL is corrected from "20 m" to "15 m".

[0077] Next, the processing of the second control unit 21 of the server device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the second control unit 21. 11 illustrates a case where the first acquisition unit 211 acquires location information JPS, speed information JVL, and date and time information JTM from the mobile communication device 1, and the acquired location information JPS, speed information JVL, and date and time information JTM are stored in the second acquired data storage unit 216. The location information JPS includes the latest location information JPSA, the speed information JVL includes the latest speed information JVLA, and the date and time information JTM includes the latest date and time information JTMA. The latest location information JPSA indicates the latest position PSA. The latest speed information JVLA indicates the latest speed VLA. The latest date and time information JTMA indicates the latest date and time TMA. In addition, the process shown in Figure 11 is a process of estimating the movement speed VL of the athlete U during a period when position information JPS and speed information JVL are not obtained from the mobile communication device 1, and estimating the position of the athlete U on the course CU using the estimated movement speed VL.

[0078] 11, in step S101, the position estimation unit 213 reads the latest speed information JVLA from the second obtained data storage unit 216. The latest speed information JVLA indicates the latest speed VLA. Next, in step S103, the position estimation unit 213 reads the latest date and time information JTMA from the second obtained data storage unit 216, and sets the elapsed time ΔT from the latest date and time TMA to the latest date and time information JTMA. The elapsed time ΔT is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0079] Next, in step S105, the position estimation unit 213 estimates the arrival position EQ, which is the position that the runner U will reach after the elapse of the elapsed time ΔT from the latest date and time TMA, if the latest speed information JVLA is maintained. Next, in step S107, the position estimation unit 213 sets a speed-corrected position PV between the latest position PSA and the arrival position EQ. The speed-corrected position PV is a position on the course CU at which the moving speed VL of the runner U is corrected. The speed-corrected position PV corresponds, for example, to positions P3 to P19 in FIG. 5. The speed-corrected positions PV are set at intervals of 1 m, for example.

[0080] Next, in step S109, the position estimation unit 213 calculates a first correction coefficient CR1 based on the change in the altitude AT of the course CU at the speed-corrected position PV. Next, in step S111, the position estimation unit 213 calculates a second correction coefficient CR2 based on the bends in the course CU at the speed-corrected position PV. The bends in the course CU at the speed-corrected position PV correspond to, for example, an angle Δθ at which the traveling direction of the racer U changes at the speed-corrected position PV. The angle Δθ is calculated based on the latitude LT and longitude LG of the course CU.

[0081] Next, in step S113, the second acquisition unit 212 acquires the ranking information JRK at the speed-corrected position PV. The ranking information JRK indicates the ranking RK of the runner U in the marathon. Next, in step S115, the position estimation unit 213 calculates the third correction coefficient CR3 based on the rank RK of the runner U in the marathon at the speed-corrected position PV.

[0082] Next, in step S117, the position estimation unit 213 corrects the moving speed VL of the runner U at the speed-corrected position PV based on the first correction coefficient CR1, the second correction coefficient CR2, and the third correction coefficient CR3. Next, in step S119, the position estimation unit 213 estimates a corrected arrival position EP using the corrected moving speed VL, after which the processing ends.

[0083] Step S117 and step S119 correspond to an example of "estimating a position."

[0084] [Embodiment and Effects] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 11, the server device 2 of this embodiment is attached to a competitor U participating in a marathon in which the competitor U moves along a course CU, and is equipped with: a first acquisition unit 211 that acquires position information JPS indicating the position PS of the competitor U and speed information JVL indicating the movement speed VL of the competitor U from the mobile communication device 1 based on signals from the GNSS system 3, and acquires position information JPS and speed information JVL from the mobile communication device 1 every time a predetermined period has elapsed; a course memory unit 215 that stores course information JC indicating the course CU; and a position estimation unit 213 that, during a period in which the first acquisition unit 211 does not acquire position information JPS and speed information JVL from the mobile communication device 1, estimates the movement speed VL of the competitor U based on latest position information JPSA, which is the latest position information JPS, and latest speed information JVLA, which is the latest speed information JVL, acquired by the first acquisition unit 211, and the course information JC, and uses the estimated movement speed VL to estimate the position PS of the competitor U on the course CU.

[0085] That is, the moving speed VL of the runner U is estimated based on the latest position information JPSA, the latest speed information JVLA, and the course information JC. In addition, the estimated moving speed VL is used to estimate the position PS of the runner U on the course CU. Therefore, since the travel speed VL of the runner U is estimated based on the latest position information JPSA, the latest speed information JVLA, and the course information JC, the travel speed VL can be estimated appropriately. Furthermore, since the estimated travel speed VL is used to estimate the position PS of the runner U on the course CU, the position PS of the runner U on the course CU can be estimated appropriately.

[0086] In addition, in the server device 2, the course information JC includes latitude information JLT indicating the latitude LT on the course CU, longitude information JLG indicating the longitude LG on the course CU, and altitude information JAT indicating the altitude AT corresponding to the latitude LT and longitude LG on the course CU, and the position estimation unit 213 estimates the movement speed VL of the athlete U based on the altitude information JAT. Therefore, since the movement speed VL of the athlete U is estimated based on the altitude information JAT, the movement speed VL of the athlete U can be estimated by reflecting the effect that changes in the altitude AT have on the movement speed VL of the athlete U. Therefore, the movement speed VL of the athlete U can be estimated appropriately.

[0087] In addition, in the server device 2, the position estimation unit 213 calculates a first correction coefficient CR1 that indicates the effect of changes in the altitude AT on the movement speed VL of the athlete U based on the altitude information JAT, and estimates the movement speed VL of the athlete U using the first correction coefficient CR1 and the latest speed information JVLA. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the movement speed VL of the athlete U can be estimated by reflecting the effect that a change in altitude AT has on the movement speed VL of the athlete U. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the movement speed VL of the athlete U can be estimated appropriately.

[0088] In addition, in the server device 2, the position estimation unit 213 calculates the travel distance ΔL from the position indicated by the latest position information JPSA based on the latest speed information JVLA and the elapsed time ΔT from the time the mobile communication device 1 acquired the latest speed information JVLA, and the position estimation unit 213 calculates a first correction coefficient CR1 in accordance with the change in altitude AT corresponding to the travel distance ΔL. That is, the travel distance ΔL from the most recent position PSA is calculated based on the elapsed time ΔT from the time when the most recent speed information JVLA was acquired, and the first correction coefficient CR1 is calculated according to the change in altitude AT corresponding to the travel distance ΔL. Therefore, the first correction coefficient CR1 within the appropriate range of the course CU can be calculated.

[0089] In addition, in the server device 2, the position estimation unit 213 calculates a second correction coefficient CR2 that indicates the effect that the twists and turns of the course CU have on the movement speed VL of the runner U based on the latitude information JLT and the longitude information JLG, and estimates the movement speed VL of the runner U using the second correction coefficient CR2 and the latest speed information JVLA. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the movement speed VL of the runner U can be estimated by reflecting the effect that the twists and turns of the course CU have on the movement speed VL of the runner U. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the movement speed VL of the runner U can be estimated appropriately.

[0090] In addition, in the server device 2, the position estimation unit 213 calculates the travel distance ΔL from the position indicated by the latest position information JPSA based on the latest speed information JVLA and the elapsed time ΔT from the time when the mobile communication device 1 acquired the latest speed information JVLA, and the position estimation unit 213 calculates a second correction coefficient CR2 in accordance with changes in the latitude LT and longitude LG corresponding to the travel distance ΔL. That is, the travel distance ΔL from the position indicated by the latest position information JPSA is calculated based on the elapsed time ΔT since the mobile communication device 1 acquired the latest speed information JVLA, and the second correction coefficient CR2 is calculated according to the changes in the latitude LT and longitude LG corresponding to the travel distance ΔL. Therefore, the second correction coefficient CR2 within the appropriate range of the course CU can be calculated.

[0091] The server device 2 also includes a second acquisition unit 212 that acquires ranking information JRK indicating the ranking RK of the athlete U in the marathon, and a position estimation unit 213 that calculates a third correction coefficient CR3 for correcting the movement speed VL of the athlete U according to the ranking RK, and estimates the movement speed VL of the athlete U using the third correction coefficient CR3 and the latest speed information JVLA. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the movement speed VL of the athlete U can be estimated by reflecting the influence of the ranking RK of the athlete U on the movement speed VL of the athlete U. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the movement speed VL of the athlete U can be estimated appropriately.

[0092] The position correction method of the server device 2 in this embodiment includes pre-storing course information JC indicating the course CU, acquiring position information JPS and speed information JVL from a mobile communication device 1 that is attached to an athlete U participating in a marathon in which the athlete U moves along the course CU and that acquires position information JPS indicating the athlete U's position PS and speed information JVL indicating the athlete U's movement speed VL based on signals from a GNSS system 3, and estimating the athlete U's movement speed VL based on the course information JC and latest position information JPSA, which is the latest position information JPS, and latest speed information JVLA, which is the latest speed information JVL, acquired from the mobile communication device 1 during a period in which the position information JPS and speed information JVL are not acquired from the mobile communication device 1, and estimating the athlete U's movement speed VL based on the course information JC and the estimated movement speed VL.

[0093] Therefore, the position correction method according to this embodiment has the same effects as the server device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0094] The position estimation system 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a mobile communication device 1 attached to an athlete U participating in a marathon in which the athlete U moves along a course CU, and which acquires position information JPS indicating the position PS of the athlete U and speed information JVL indicating the moving speed VL of the athlete U based on signals from a GNSS system 3, and a server device 2 which communicates with the mobile communication device 1, and the server device 2 has a first acquisition unit 211 which acquires the position information JPS and speed information JVL from the mobile communication device 1 every time a predetermined period of time elapses; The device is equipped with a course memory unit 215 that stores course information JC indicating the course CU, and a position estimation unit 213 that, during a period when the first acquisition unit 211 does not acquire position information JPS and speed information JVL from the mobile communication device 1, estimates the movement speed VL of the runner U based on the latest position information JPSA, which is the latest position information JPS, and latest speed information JVLA, which is the latest speed information JVL, acquired by the first acquisition unit 211, and the course information JC, and estimates the position PS of the runner U on the course CU using the estimated movement speed VL.

[0095] Therefore, the position estimation system 100 according to this embodiment has the same effects as the server device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0096] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment, but is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0097] In this embodiment, the "competition" is a marathon, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "competition" may be, for example, a half marathon. The "competition" may be, for example, a cycle road race.

[0098] In this embodiment, the "position estimation device" is a server device 2, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "position estimation device" may be any device that has a communication function and an information processing function. The "position estimation device" may be, for example, a personal computer. Furthermore, the "position estimation device" may be, for example, a tablet device or a smartphone.

[0099] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the position estimation unit 213 estimates the moving speed VL of the runner U using the first correction coefficient CR1, the second correction coefficient CR2, the third correction coefficient CR3, and the latest speed information JVLA, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The position estimation unit 213 may estimate the moving speed VL of the runner U using at least the first correction coefficient CR1 and the latest speed information JVLA. For example, the position estimation unit 213 may estimate the moving speed VL of the runner U using the first correction coefficient CR1, the second correction coefficient CR2, and the latest speed information JVLA.

[0100] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the first acquisition unit 211 acquires the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM from the mobile communication device 1 every time 30 seconds have elapsed, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The first acquisition unit 211 may acquire the position information JPS, the speed information JVL, and the date and time information JTM from the mobile communication device 1 every time a predetermined period has elapsed. The predetermined period may be, for example, 60 seconds. The longer the predetermined period, the more power consumption of the battery 14 of the mobile communication device 1 can be reduced.

[0101] 2 and 3 show functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of each unit of the mobile communication device 1 and the server device 2 may also be changed as desired within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

[0102] 11 are divided according to the main processing content to make it easier to understand the processing of the server device 2. There is no limitation to the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, and the processing can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content, or one processing unit can be divided to include more processes. Furthermore, the processing order of the above flowchart is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0103] The method for estimating the location of the server device 2 can be realized by causing the second processor 21A included in each server device 2 to execute a second control program PG2 corresponding to the method for estimating the location of the server device 2. The second control program PG2 can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples include portable or fixed recording media such as a flexible disk, HDD, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD, Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, and card-type recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device provided in each server device 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...mobile communication device (communication device), 11...first control unit, 14...battery, 2...server device (position estimation device), 21...second control unit, 22...second communication interface, 21A...second processor, 21B...second memory, 211...first acquisition unit, 212...second acquisition unit, 213...position estimation unit, 214...second communication control unit, 215...course memory unit, 216...second acquired data memory unit, AT...altitude, CR1...first correction coefficient, CR2...second correction coefficient, CR3...third correction coefficient, C U...course, JAT...altitude information, JC...course information, JLG...longitude information, JLT...latitude information, JPS...position information, PSA...latest position information, JRK...ranking information, JTM...date and time information, JTMA...latest date and time information, JVL...speed information, JVLA...latest speed information, LG...longitude, LT...latitude, NP...position number, PG2...second control program, RK...ranking, TM...date and time, TMA...latest date and time, U...competitor, VL...traveling speed, VLA...latest speed, ΔL...traveling distance, ΔT...elapsed time.

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that is attached to an athlete participating in a competition in which the athlete moves along a course, and acquires position information indicating the position of the athlete and speed information indicating the athlete's moving speed based on signals from a GNSS system, and acquires the position information and the speed information from the communication device every time a predetermined period of time has passed; a course storage unit that stores course information indicating the course; a position estimation unit that estimates a moving speed of the athlete based on latest position information, which is the latest position information, and latest speed information, which is the latest speed information, which are the latest information acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the course information during a period when the first acquisition unit does not acquire the position information and the speed information from the communication device, and estimates a position of the athlete on the course using the estimated moving speed; A position estimation device comprising:

2. the course information includes latitude information indicating a latitude on the course, longitude information indicating a longitude on the course, and altitude information indicating an altitude on the course corresponding to the latitude and longitude, the position estimation unit estimates a moving speed of the athlete based on the altitude information; The position estimation device according to claim 1 .

3. the position estimation unit calculates a first correction coefficient indicating an effect of a change in altitude on a moving speed of the athlete based on the altitude information, and estimates the moving speed of the athlete using the first correction coefficient and the latest speed information. The position estimation device according to claim 2 .

4. the location estimation unit calculates a travel distance from the location indicated by the latest location information based on the latest speed information and an elapsed time since the communication device acquired the latest speed information; the position estimation unit calculates the first correction coefficient in accordance with a change in the altitude corresponding to the movement distance; The position estimation device according to claim 3 .

5. the position estimation unit calculates a second correction coefficient indicating an effect of twists and turns in the course on the moving speed of the athlete based on the latitude information and the longitude information, and estimates the moving speed of the athlete using the second correction coefficient and the latest speed information. The position estimation device according to claim 2 .

6. the location estimation unit calculates a travel distance from the location indicated by the latest location information based on the latest speed information and an elapsed time since the communication device acquired the latest speed information; the position estimation unit calculates the second correction coefficient in accordance with a change in the latitude and the longitude corresponding to the movement distance. The position estimation device according to claim 5 .

7. a second acquisition unit that acquires ranking information indicating the ranking of the competitor in the competition; the position estimation unit calculates a third correction coefficient for correcting the moving speed of the athlete according to the ranking, and estimates the moving speed of the athlete using the third correction coefficient and the latest speed information. The position estimation device according to claim 1 .

8. storing course information indicating a course in advance; Acquiring the position information and speed information from a communication device attached to each competitor participating in the competition in which the competitor moves along the course, the communication device acquiring position information indicating the position of the competitor and speed information indicating the moving speed of the competitor based on signals from a GNSS system, every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed; During a period when the position information and the speed information are not being acquired from the communication device, estimating a moving speed of the athlete based on latest position information, which is the most recent position information, and latest speed information, which is the most recent speed information, which are the most recent speed information acquired from the communication device, and the course information, and estimating a position of the athlete on the course using the estimated moving speed; A method for estimating a position of a position estimation device, comprising:

9. a communication device attached to an athlete participating in a competition in which the athlete moves along a course, the communication device acquiring position information indicating the position of the athlete and speed information indicating the athlete's moving speed based on signals from a GNSS system, and a position estimation device communicating with the communication device; the position estimation device, a first acquisition unit that acquires the location information and the speed information from the communication device every time a predetermined period of time elapses; a course storage unit that stores course information indicating the course; a position estimation unit that estimates a moving speed of the athlete based on latest position information, which is the latest position information, and latest speed information, which is the latest speed information, which are the latest information acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the course information during a period when the first acquisition unit does not acquire the position information and the speed information from the communication device, and estimates a position of the athlete on the course using the estimated moving speed; A location estimation system comprising:

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