Contact program, contact system, shelf label information collection program, and information communication tag

Abstract

To be applied to an application in which a contacted person needs to be immediately driven to a position of an RFID tag.SOLUTION: A contact system 1 of the present invention includes an information communication tag 2 in which wearing target information related to a wearing target 101 and contact information indicating a contact destination is stored, and a mobile terminal 3. The information communication tag 2 is attached to the wearing target 101. The mobile terminal 3 is carried by a rescuer 102. The mobile terminal 3 includes: a short-range communication part 32 capable of performing a short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag 2; a position information acquisition part 31 for acquiring position information indicating a current position; and a long-range communication part 33 connectable to a long-range communication network. When receiving the wearing target information and contact destination information from the information communication tag 2 by the short-range wireless communication, the mobile terminal 3 transmits the wearing target information together with the position information of the mobile terminal 3 to the contact destination terminal 4 as a contact destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication program, a communication system, a shelf label information collection program, and an information communication tag. [Background technology]

[0002] Regarding technology for transmitting information from a data communication tag to a mobile terminal through short-range wireless communication between the mobile terminal and the data communication tag, Patent Document 1 discloses a delivery terminal device that provides a map guide to the delivery destination of a delivery item when the RFID tag on the delivery item is read, and that includes a current location detection means such as a GPS device and a display means for displaying its own location information. Specifically, the RFID tag attached to the delivery item is read by an RFID antenna, and based on the read delivery destination telephone number, a call is automatically made to the recipient's telephone number, which is the delivery destination telephone number. Furthermore, a map is displayed on the display unit of the delivery terminal device, and the delivery destination to be delivered to is displayed using a location indicator mark, and the current location of the delivery item is displayed using an indicator mark obtained from a GPS satellite and a GPS antenna, which constitutes a current location detection means using GPS. This allows even temporary delivery personnel who are unfamiliar with the roads in the delivery area to perform efficient delivery work without anxiety. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-37417 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology in Patent Document 1 is configured to display the current location and delivery destination on the delivery business terminal device to notify the delivery person, and then call the recipient's telephone, but the recipient who receives the call does not know where the delivery person is calling from. This makes it difficult to apply the technology to situations where the contacted person needs to rush to the location of the RFID tag immediately, such as when picking up a wandering person or a person requiring care, and leaves room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a communication program and communication system that can be used in applications where the person receiving the communication needs to rush to the location of the RFID tag immediately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of intensive research into solving the above-mentioned problems, the inventors have found that the above-mentioned object can be achieved by storing target information about a target and contact information indicating contact information in an information communication tag, and when the target information and contact information are received by a mobile terminal from the information communication tag via short-range wireless communication, transmitting the target information to the contact information along with location information of the mobile terminal.The inventors have then completed the present invention.Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

[0007] The present invention provides a computer built into a mobile terminal having a short-distance communication unit capable of short-distance wireless communication with an information communication tag that stores information about a target to be attached and contact information indicating a contact point, a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a current location, and a long-distance communication unit that can be connected to a long-distance communication network, a tag information receiving process for receiving the attachment target information and the contact information from the information communication tag when the short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag becomes possible; a contact point sending process of sending the attachment target information received in the tag information receiving process and the location information acquired by the location information acquiring unit to the device of the contact indicated by the contact point information by the long-distance communication unit; It is a communication program that executes the above.

[0008] According to the present invention, when a mobile terminal is brought close to an information communication tag attached to a target, short-range wireless communication is enabled between the mobile terminal and the information communication tag, and the target information and contact information stored in the information communication tag are transferred to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal then transmits the target information and location information of the mobile terminal to a device associated with the contact in the contact information. The device associated with the contact can check the target information and simultaneously confirm the location of the target based on the location information of the mobile terminal. This makes the system applicable to applications where the contacted person needs to immediately rush to the location of the information communication tag, such as when picking up a wandering person or a person requiring care. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention can be applied to applications where a contacted person needs to rush to the location of the information communication tag immediately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the communication program. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the communication range of the medium-range wireless communication in the communication system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication range of a predetermined distance in a communication system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the communication program. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the second notification process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the third notification process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a shelf label information collection system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage state of the product data table. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the shelf label information collection program. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the information communication tag and the wearable terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a user interface on a smartphone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (Communication System 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes an information communication tag 2 that stores information about a target 101 and contact information indicating the contact information, and a mobile terminal 3. The information communication tag 2 is attached to the target 101. The mobile terminal 3 is carried by a rescuer 102. The mobile terminal 3 includes a short-range communication unit 32 that is capable of short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag 2, a location information acquisition unit 31 that acquires location information indicating the current location, and a long-distance communication unit 33 that is connectable to a long-distance communication network. When the mobile terminal 3 receives the target information and the contact information from the information communication tag 2 via short-range wireless communication, it transmits the target information together with the location information of the mobile terminal 3 to a contact terminal 4 that is the contact.

[0012] Here, the "wearing target 101" refers to anything other than real property fixed to the ground, i.e., movable property. Therefore, the wearing target 101 includes people, livestock, pets, wild animals, agricultural products, marine products, forestry products, clothing, furniture, home appliances, automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, and the like. Furthermore, if the wearing target 101 is a person, by wearing the information communication tag 2, the person can receive prompt and appropriate rescue in the event of going missing or being involved in an accident or disaster. Therefore, if the wearing target 101 is a person, the person may be a healthy individual or a person prone to accidents or disasters. Specifically, the wearing target 101 may be a dementia patient, a child, an elderly person, a person with a disability, a person working away from home, a night shift worker, an athlete, or an event participant. Note that if the wearing target 101 is a person requiring assistance, it is preferable that the person wears clothing bearing a logo or the like indicating that the information communication tag 2 is attached. Furthermore, the information communication tag 2 may be attached by attaching it to clothing or by wrapping it around the arm as a wristband.

[0013] If the wearable subject 101 is a person, examples of the "wearable subject information regarding the wearable subject 101" include the name, date of birth, sex, contact information, clothing, chronic illnesses, medications, and behavioral characteristics. If the wearable subject 101 is something other than a person, the information is information necessary to identify and manage the object or animal. For example, if the wearable subject 101 is a car, the information includes the vehicle number, model, color, maintenance history, etc. If the wearable subject 101 is livestock, the information includes the individual identification number, breed, sex, date of birth, and owner information.

[0014] The "contact information indicating contact points" is information indicating the contact points of the contact terminal 4 to which the mobile terminal 3, which has received the information on the target 101 from the information communication tag 2 via short-range wireless communication, can send the information on the target 101 via long-range wireless communication using a long-range communication network. The transmission may be automatic or manual. For the owner of the contact terminal 4, this information is contact information for people and organizations that should be contacted quickly in the event of the target 101 going missing or in an emergency. For example, this information may be contact information for the target 101's family, relatives, and associates, emergency contact information for responding to an accident or sudden illness, contact information for the target's doctor or medical institution, contact information for a care manager or support organization, or contact information for the target's home or residence.

[0015] The "information communication tag 2" is a tag that uses short-range wireless communication technology such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication). Specifically, the information communication tag 2 is configured to include an IC chip for short-range wireless communication. The IC chip of the information communication tag 2 includes a memory 27 that stores various information including unique identification information, information about the tag's target, and contact information; a CPU 26 that performs control operations such as analyzing received signals and transmitting various information; a modulation / demodulation circuit 25 that modulates transmission data such as the tag's target information and demodulates received data; an antenna 23 that transmits transmission data and receives received data; and a power supply control circuit 24 that supplies power generated by electromagnetic induction of the antenna 23 as a driving power source.

[0016] A "long-distance communication network" refers to a communication network with a long communication distance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, examples include a telephone network 52 and an Internet network 51. The telephone network 52 is a communication network used to transmit voice and data, and includes both analog and digital lines. The Internet network 51 is a computer network that spans the globe, and compared to the telephone network 52, it enables the transmission and reception of information at high speed, large capacity, and low cost. The "long-distance communication unit 33" is an electronic circuit unit that has the function of enabling connection to the telephone network 52 and the Internet network 51. Specifically, it has the function of converting between the different communication protocols and standards of the telephone network 52 and the Internet network 51.

[0017] The "mobile terminal 3" is a device that reads information from the information communication tag 2 and transmits it to a contact. Examples of the mobile terminal 3 include a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal. "Short-range wireless communication" refers to wireless communication within a communication distance of several meters. The "short-range communication unit 32" is an electronic circuit unit with RFID and NFC functions. "Location information indicating the current location" is the location information of the mobile terminal 3. Examples of location information include GPS (Global Positioning System) location information, Wi-Fi-based location information that identifies the approximate location of the device based on the locations of nearby Wi-Fi access points, and cellular network-based location information that estimates the location of the device using signals from mobile phone base stations. The "location information acquisition unit 31" is an electronic circuit unit with functions such as GPS that acquires location information.

[0018] A communication program is installed in the mobile terminal 3 so that, when the mobile terminal 3 receives the attachment target information and contact information from the information communication tag 2 via short-range wireless communication, it transmits the attachment target information to the contact along with the location information of the mobile terminal 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication program causes a computer built into the mobile terminal 3 to execute a tag information reception process S1 for receiving the attachment target information and the contact information from the information communication tag 2 when short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag 2 becomes possible, and a contact sending process S2 for sending, via the long-distance communication unit 33, the attachment target information received in the tag information reception process S1 and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 31 to the contact terminal 4 (device) of the contact indicated by the contact information.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the communication system 1 includes a mobile terminal that stores attachment target information regarding the attachment target 101 and contact information indicating the contact, and is capable of short-distance wireless communication, a short-distance communication unit 32 (terminal side communication unit) that enables data communication with the information communication tag 2, a location information acquisition unit 31 that acquires location information indicating the current location, a long-distance communication unit 33 that can be connected to a long-distance communication network, and a control unit that executes a tag information reception process S1 that receives the attachment target information and contact information from the information communication tag 2 when short-distance wireless communication with the information communication tag 2 becomes possible, and a contact sending process S2 that sends the attachment target information received in the tag information reception process S1 and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 31 to the contact terminal 4, which is the device of the contact indicated by the contact information, by the long-distance communication unit 33.

[0020] According to the above configuration, when the rescuer 102 brings the portable terminal 3 close to the information communication tag 2 worn by the target 101, short-range wireless communication becomes possible between the portable terminal 3 and the information communication tag 2, and the target information and contact information stored in the information communication tag 2 are transferred to the portable terminal 3. Then, the portable terminal 3 transmits the target information and location information to the contact terminal 4, which is the device of the contact in the contact information. Therefore, at the contact terminal 4, the operator of the contact terminal 4 can check the target information and the location information of the target 101 at the same time. This makes it possible to apply the information communication tag 2 to applications where the contacted person needs to rush immediately to the location of the information communication tag 2, such as when the contacted person goes to pick up a wanderer or a person requiring care.

[0021] (Variation) 4, the portable terminal 3 has a medium-range communication unit 35 that enables direct communication between the portable terminals 3, and may have installed thereon a communication program having the following processes. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the communication program causes the computer of the portable terminal 3 to execute a medium-range transmission process S3 that transmits, via the medium-range communication unit 35, the attachment target information received in the tag information reception process S1 and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 31, and a first notification process S4 that outputs rescue information including the attachment target information and the location information when the medium-range communication unit 35 receives the attachment target information and the location information from another portable terminal 3.

[0022] Here, the "medium-range communication unit 35" enables medium-range wireless communication, which has a longer distance than short-range wireless communication, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). Bluetooth uses the 2.4 GHz band and has a communication distance of about 100 m. Wi-Fi is a wireless LAN technology that uses the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band and has a communication distance of about 500 m. Wi-Fi is advantageous in that it has a faster communication speed than Bluetooth, is capable of large-capacity data communication, and can be connected to multiple mobile terminals 3 simultaneously. Wi-Fi Direct is a type of Wi-Fi standard and is a technology for direct communication using a Wi-Fi connection.

[0023] The "output of rescue information" is not particularly limited as long as the rescue information can be notified through the mobile terminal 3. For example, examples of the notifying method include a method of displaying a rescue information window 301 on the display screen of the mobile terminal 3, a method of outputting the rescue information as audio from the speaker of the mobile terminal 3, and a method of vibrating the mobile terminal 3, and combining one or more of these methods.

[0024] According to the above configuration, in addition to communicating the attachment target information and location information to the contact portable terminal 3, rescue information can be output and notified to the holder of the portable terminal 3 within the communication range of the medium-distance wireless communication, thereby increasing the number of rescuers 102.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 5, a communication program having the following processing may be installed in the mobile terminal 3. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the communication program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 3 to execute a second notification processing S5 that, when receiving attachment target information and location information from the long-distance communication unit 33, calculates a distance based on the location information of the sender and its own location information, and outputs rescue information including the attachment target information and the location information if the distance is within a predetermined distance.

[0026] This makes it possible to notify rescue information to owners of portable terminals 3 within a predetermined distance where rescue is estimated to be possible in a short time. For example, if the predetermined distance is set outside the communication range of long-range wireless communication, rescue information can be notified to owners of portable terminals 3 located outside the communication range of long-range wireless communication. It is also possible to request rescue from owners of portable terminals 3 that do not have long-range wireless communication capabilities.

[0027] Note that a priority order may be set between the first notification process S4 for notifying portable terminals 3 within the range of the medium-range wireless communication and the second notification process S5 for notifying portable terminals 3 within the processing distance. For example, if the first notification process S4 is executed with priority over the second notification process S5, rescue information can be preferentially notified to portable terminals 3 located close within the communication range of the medium-range wireless communication.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, a contact program having the following processing may be installed in the mobile terminal 3. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the contact program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 3 to output consent information inquiring about consent to the execution of the contact sending processing S2 after executing the tag information receiving processing, and only if consent is granted, causes the computer to execute consent processing S8 to execute the contact sending processing S2.

[0029] Specifically, an acceptance display window 34 is generated on the display panel of the mobile terminal 3, and an "Accept report?" display section 343, an acceptance button 341 for accepting the report, and a rejection button 342 for not accepting the report are formed in the acceptance display window 34. Acceptance or rejection of the report can be selected by touching the acceptance button 341 and the rejection button 342. This enables the mobile terminal 3 to prevent erroneous reporting of rescue information.

[0030] (contact program) An example of a communication program executed by the computer of the mobile terminal 3 of the communication system 1 configured as above will now be described in detail.

[0031] 6, when the communication program is executed in the computer of the portable terminal 3, first, it is determined whether or not short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag 2 has been established (S11). For example, the target 101 approaches the rescuer 102 who appears to be walking unsteadily, but the portable terminal 3 of the rescuer 102 is far from the information communication tag 2. If the amount of power supplied by electromagnetic induction in the information communication tag 2 is insufficient, the information communication tag 2 will not operate. Therefore, short-range wireless communication between the portable terminal 3 and the information communication tag 2 is not established, and it is determined that short-range wireless communication has not been established (S11: NO). After the second notification process S5 and the third notification process S6 are executed, the process is terminated, and S11 is executed again. The second notification process S5 and the third notification process S6 will be described later.

[0032] On the other hand, when the attachment target 101 approaches the rescuer 102 and the portable terminal 3 approaches the information communication tag 2, if the amount of power supplied by electromagnetic induction in the information communication tag 2 becomes sufficient, the information communication tag 2 is activated and short-range wireless communication is established between the portable terminal 3 and the information communication tag 2. As a result, it is determined that short-range wireless communication has been established (S11: YES), and the attachment target information and contact information stored in the information communication tag 2 are acquired by short-range wireless communication and notified to the rescuer 102 by display or sound (S12).

[0033] Next, consent information is displayed (S13), and it is determined whether or not the transmission of the wearable target information is consented to (S14). If the rescuer 102 determines that the contact is not necessary as a result of checking whether or not it is necessary to contact the wearable target 101, the reject button 342 is touched. In this case, it is determined that the transmission of the wearable target information is not consented to (S14: NO), and the second notification process S5 and the third notification process S6 are executed, and then the process is terminated, and S11 is executed again. On the other hand, if the rescuer 102 determines that contact is necessary, the consent button 341 is touched. In this case, it is determined that the transmission of the wearable target information is consented to (S14: YES), and the location information acquisition unit 31 provided in the mobile terminal 3 acquires its own location information (S15). Then, the wearable target information received from the information communication tag 2 and the location information of the mobile terminal 3 are transmitted to the destination contact terminal 4 via long-distance wireless communication (S16).

[0034] After that, it is determined whether or not a response has been received from the contact terminal 4 of the contact (S17). It is determined whether or not a response waiting time has elapsed (S18). If not (S18: NO2), S17 is executed again. On the other hand, if the waiting time has elapsed (S18: YES), long-range wireless communication is executed (S19), and it is determined whether or not long-range wireless communication has been established with another portable terminal 3 (S20). As shown in FIG. 4, if it is determined that no portable terminal 3 exists within the communication range of long-range wireless communication and long-range wireless communication has not been established with the other portable terminal 3 (S20: NO), this process is terminated, and S11 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that a portable terminal 3 exists within the communication range of long-range wireless communication and long-range wireless communication has been established with the other portable terminal 3 (S20: YES), the attachment target information and the position information are transmitted to the other portable terminal 3 by long-range wireless communication (S21). As a result, it is possible for the other portable terminal 3 to also be notified that some kind of malfunction has occurred in the attachment target 101 at the location indicated by the position information. After this, the process ends and is restarted from S11.

[0035] Next, when the second notification process S5 is executed, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, it is determined whether or not long-distance wireless communication has been established with another portable terminal 3 (S51). If long-distance wireless communication has not been established (S51: NO), the third notification process S6 is executed, and the process is terminated and re-executed from S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that long-distance wireless communication has been established with the other portable terminal 3 (S51: YES), the attachment target information and the location information of the sender are received (S52). Then, the device's own location information is acquired (S53), and the separation distance is calculated based on the location information of the sender and the device's own location information (S54). It is determined whether or not the separation distance is within a predetermined distance (S55). If it is within the predetermined distance (S55: YES), the attachment target information and the location information of the sender are output (S56), and then this process is terminated, and the third notification process S6 of FIG. 6 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the separation distance is not within the predetermined distance (S55: NO), this process is ended, and the third notification process S6 in FIG. 6 is executed.

[0036] When the third notification process S6 is executed, as shown in Fig. 8, it is determined whether or not long-range wireless communication has been established with another portable terminal 3 (S61). If it is determined that long-range wireless communication has been established (S61: YES), the attachment target information and the location information of the sender are received. Then, after being output by display or sound (S62), this process is terminated, and S11 in Fig. 6 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that long-range wireless communication has not been established (S61: NO), this process is terminated, and S11 in Fig. 6 is executed again.

[0037] Note that some or all of the steps in the above communication program may be implemented by hardware. The communication program may be distributed in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or USB memory, or may be distributed via a two-way communication network or communication line such as the Internet or a one-way communication network such as a television broadcast.

[0038] (Contact control method) The communication system 1 executes a communication control method in which, when it receives attachment target information and contact information from the information communication tag 2 via short-range wireless communication, it transmits the attachment target information along with the location information of the mobile terminal 3 to the contact terminal 4, which is the contact.

[0039] Specifically, the contact control method causes a computer built into the mobile terminal 3 to execute a tag information receiving process S1 to receive attachment target information and contact information from the information communication tag 2 when short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag 2 becomes possible, and a contact sending process S2 to send the attachment target information received in the tag information receiving process S1 and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 31 to the contact terminal 4 (device) of the contact indicated by the contact information via the long-distance communication unit 33.

[0040] In addition, the contact control method causes the computer of the mobile terminal 3 to execute a medium-range transmission process S3 that transmits the attachment target information received in the tag information receiving process S1 and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 31 via the medium-range communication unit 35, and a first notification process S4 that outputs rescue information including the attachment target information and the location information when the attachment target information and the location information are received from another mobile terminal 3 via the medium-range communication unit 35.

[0041] In addition, the contact control method is configured to cause the computer of the mobile terminal 3 to execute a second notification process S5, which, when receiving the attachment target information and location information from the long-distance communication unit 33, calculates the distance based on the location information of the sender and its own location information, and outputs rescue information including the attachment target information and location information if the distance is within a predetermined distance.

[0042] In addition, the contact control method causes the computer of the mobile terminal 3 to output consent information inquiring about consent to the execution of the contact sending process S2 after executing the tag information receiving process, and only if consent is granted, causes the computer to execute consent process S8 to execute the contact sending process S2.

[0043] (Shelf tag information collection system 1A) Next, a case where an information communication tag using short-range wireless communication technology is applied to a shelf label will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, the shelf label information collection system 1A has an information communication tag 6 that stores product information about a product 8, and a wearable terminal 7 that has a terminal IC chip 71 (short-range communication unit) that can communicate with the information communication tag 6 by short-range wireless communication.

[0044] Here, "product 8" refers to any type of product sold at retail stores or mass merchandisers, such as bags, food, clothing, electronic devices, books, and furniture. "Product information about product 8" refers to detailed data and characteristics related to a specific product. Specific examples include the product name, price, size, ingredients, materials, usage, handling precautions, storage methods, product images, and customer reviews.

[0045] (Information and Communication Tag 6) The information communication tag 6 is a tag that uses short-range wireless communication technology such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication), and can be used as a shelf tag for a product 8. Specifically, the information communication tag 6 has a tag body 60 that is the size and shape of a business card (rectangular in plan view), a display unit 61 provided on the surface of the tag body 60, a photovoltaic panel 63 provided on the surface of the tag body 60 and that generates electricity using light irradiated from outside, and a tag IC chip 62 for short-range wireless communication provided on the back surface or inside the tag body 60.

[0046] The tag IC chip 62 comprises a memory 627 storing various information including product information, a CPU 626 that performs control operations such as analyzing received signals and transmitting various information, a modulation / demodulation circuit 625 that modulates transmission data such as product information and demodulates received data, an antenna 623 that transmits transmission data and receives received data, a power supply control circuit 624 that supplies power generated by electromagnetic induction of the antenna 623 and power stored in a secondary battery 621 as a driving power source, the secondary battery 621 that stores power generated by a photovoltaic panel 63, and a display control circuit 622 that controls the display of the display unit 61.

[0047] The memory 627 stores product information about the product 8 to be explained. For example, the memory 627 stores product information such as the product name "Bag A," the product description "A tote bag with a simple design that is easy to use. It can also store A4-sized documents and a computer," the product price "5,000 yen," and the product seller "Fashion brand A." The "near-field wireless communication" between the information communication tag 6 and the wearable terminal 7 is preferably wireless communication with a communication distance of within a few centimeters. This is to avoid receiving information from the information communication tags 6 of adjacent products 8 when multiple products 8 are displayed.

[0048] As described above, the information communication tag 6 has a memory 627 (storage unit) in which product information about the product is stored, a short-range communication unit (modulation / demodulation circuit 625 and antenna 623) that enables data communication using power obtained by resonance with electromagnetic waves of a specific resonance frequency, and a display unit 61 that displays at least part of the product information. Note that the display unit 61 is preferably a reflective display, as this allows the power consumption of the display unit 61 to be reduced.

[0049] According to the above configuration, the information communication tag 6 can be used as a shelf tag by displaying product information on the display unit 61. Furthermore, when the wearable terminal 7 is brought close to the information communication tag 6, short-range wireless communication becomes possible between the wearable terminal 7 and the information communication tag 6, and the product information stored in the information communication tag 6 is transferred to and stored in the wearable terminal 7. As a result, even if the product information cannot be checked immediately, the product information stored in the wearable terminal 7 can be played back and checked at another time or place.

[0050] The information communication tag 6 also has a photovoltaic panel 63 that generates electricity using light irradiated from outside, a secondary battery 621 that stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic panel 63, a CPU 626 (controller) that controls the display unit 61, and a power supply control circuit 624 (power supply unit) that supplies the electricity of the secondary battery 621 to the display unit 61 and the CPU 626. According to the above configuration, the electricity generated by the photovoltaic panel 63 is stored in the secondary battery 621 and used as driving power for each unit, so that even processing operations with a heavy load, such as video of product information, can be performed under the control of the CPU 626.

[0051] The information communication tag 6 may have a medium-range wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth, and may wirelessly transmit data to the display unit 61 for display, or may remotely update product information.

[0052] (Wearable Device 7) Examples of the wearable terminal 7 that performs short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag 6 include a smart watch and a smart ring. The wearable terminal 7 includes a terminal IC chip 71 as a short-range communication unit. The terminal IC chip 71 includes a memory 712 that stores various information including product information, a CPU 711 that performs control operations such as analyzing received signals and transmitting various information, a modulation / demodulation circuit 713 that modulates transmission data such as product information and demodulates received data, an antenna 714 that transmits transmission data and receives received data, an externally rechargeable secondary battery 716, and a power supply control circuit 715 that supplies power stored in the secondary battery 716 as a driving power source.

[0053] Memory 712 stores multiple pieces of product information in the form of a product data table. Specifically, referring to FIG. 10 , the product data table has a first row with a product name, a product description, a product price, and a product vendor, and each row stores data on the product name, product description, product price, and product vendor in association with each other. For example, for a product named "Bag A," the product information stored includes the product description "This tote bag has a simple design and is easy to use. It can hold A4-sized documents and a laptop." The product price is "5,000 yen." The product vendor is "Fashion Brand A." Similarly, for a product named "Bag B," the product information stored includes the product description "This elegant handbag is made of high-quality leather. It exudes a luxurious feel despite its simple design." The product price is "100,000 yen." The product vendor is "Fashion Brand B."

[0054] 11, a computer built into the wearable terminal 7 is executing a shelf label information collection program. The shelf label information collection program causes the computer built into the wearable terminal 7 to execute a tag information reception process (S102) for receiving product information from the information communication tag 6 when short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag 6 is enabled (S101), and a storage process (S103) for storing the product information received in the tag information reception process (S102). As a result, each time the storage process of S103 is executed, the product information received from the information communication tag 6 is stored in order in the product data table in the memory 712.

[0055] The shelf label information collection program also causes the computer built into the wearable terminal 7 to execute a process (S105) of transmitting all stored product information to a terminal device such as the smartphone 9 carried by the user 103 when short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 9 becomes possible (S104).

[0056] According to the above configuration, for example, even if a user 103 is holding a purchased product 8 in one hand and is therefore unable to take out the smartphone 9 from his / her bag and is therefore unable to immediately check product information about the product 8 displayed on a shelf, as shown in FIG. 12 , the user 103 can bring the wearable device 7 close to the information communication tag 6, thereby enabling short-range wireless communication between the wearable device 7 and the information communication tag 6. The product information stored in the information communication tag 6 is then transferred to and stored in the wearable device 7. As a result, after returning home, the user can bring the wearable device 7 and the smartphone 9 close to each other, transfer the product information stored in the wearable device 7 to the smartphone 9 via short-range wireless communication, and display the product information on the smartphone 9, thereby checking the details of the product 8. Note that product information may be displayed on an ordinary personal computer such as a laptop computer or a desktop computer instead of the smartphone 9.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 13, the smartphone 9 displaying the product information preferably displays a list of products corresponding to the product data table in a table format, and also has a purchase field, allowing the user to indicate whether or not to purchase the product by touching or clicking the purchase field corresponding to the product information. In this case, after checking the information on multiple products and deciding whether or not to purchase them, the user can purchase the desired products 8 all at once. In Fig. 13, bag B and eye shadow C are permitted for purchase.

[0058] Furthermore, the smartphone 9 preferably has a user interface in which, by touching or clicking on the product name display area, a product image corresponding to the product name is superimposed on the product list display screen. In this case, the product image also makes it possible to decide whether to purchase the product. Furthermore, the user interface may be configured to display detailed product descriptions on the website of the seller or manufacturer by touching or clicking on the product description display area.

[0059] It should be noted that some or all of the steps in the shelf label information collection program described above may be configured by hardware. Also, the shelf label information collection program may be distributed in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or USB memory, or may be distributed via a two-way communication network or communication line such as the Internet or a one-way communication network such as television broadcasting.

[0060] (Shelf tag information collection method) The shelf label information collection system 1A realizes a shelf label information collection method. Specifically, the shelf label information collection method causes a computer built into the wearable terminal 7 to execute a tag information reception process (S102) for receiving product information from the information communication tag 6 when short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag 6 becomes possible (S101), and a storage process (S103) for storing the product information received in the tag information reception process (S102).

[0061] Furthermore, the shelf label information collection method is configured to cause the computer built into the wearable terminal 7 to execute a process (S105) of transmitting all stored product information to the smartphone 9 when short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 9 becomes possible (S104).

[0062] It should be noted that within the scope of the concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations. Therefore, it is understood that such modifications and alterations fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components of the above-described embodiment, or adds, omits, or modifies the conditions of a process, such modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the essence of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Contact System 1A Shelf tag information collection system 2. Information and communication tags 3. Mobile devices 4 Contacts Device 6. Information and communication tags 7. Wearable devices 8 items 9. Smartphones 31 Location information acquisition unit 32 Near Field Communication Department 33 Long-distance Communications Department 34 Consent display window 35 Medium-Range Communications Department 51 Internet Network 52 Telephone Network 62 IC chip for tag 63 Photovoltaic Panel 101 Mounting target 102 Rescuer

Claims

1. A computer is built into a mobile terminal having a short-distance communication unit capable of short-distance wireless communication with an information communication tag that stores information about a target to be attached and contact information indicating the contact point, a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a current location, and a long-distance communication unit that can be connected to a long-distance communication network, a tag information receiving process for receiving the attachment target information and the contact information from the information communication tag when the short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag becomes possible; a contact point sending process of sending the attachment target information received in the tag information receiving process and the location information acquired by the location information acquiring unit to the device of the contact indicated by the contact point information by the long-distance communication unit; A communication program that executes the following.

2. the mobile terminal has a medium-range communication unit that enables direct communication between the mobile terminals; The computer, a medium-distance transmission process of transmitting, by the medium-distance communication unit, the attachment target information received in the tag information reception process and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit; a first notification process of outputting rescue information including the attachment target information and the location information when the attachment target information and the location information are received from another portable terminal by the medium-range communication unit; 2. The communication program according to claim 1, wherein the program executes the following:

3. The computer, The communication program of claim 1 executes a second notification process that, when the attachment target information and the location information are received from the long-distance communication unit, calculates the distance based on the location information of the sender and the device's own location information, and outputs rescue information including the attachment target information and the location information if the distance is within a predetermined distance.

4. The computer, The communication program according to claim 1, wherein after the tag information receiving process is executed, consent information is output to inquire about consent to the execution of the contact information sending process, and only if consent is given, consent processing is executed to execute the contact information sending process.

5. an information communication tag that stores information about a target to be attached and contact information indicating a contact point, and that is capable of short-distance wireless communication; a terminal-side communication unit that enables data communication with the information communication tag; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a current location; a long-distance communication unit connectable to a long-distance communication network; a tag information receiving process for receiving the attachment target information and the contact information from the information communication tag when the short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag becomes possible; a control unit that executes a contact point transmission process of transmitting the attachment target information received in the tag information reception process and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit to a device of the contact indicated by the contact point information by the long-distance communication unit; and a mobile terminal having the control unit; A communication system that includes:

6. A computer is built into a wearable terminal having a short-range communication unit capable of short-range wireless communication with an information communication tag storing product information about the product. a tag information receiving process for receiving the product information from the information communication tag when the short-range wireless communication with the information communication tag is enabled; a storage process for storing the product information received in the tag information receiving process; A shelf label information collection program that executes the above.

7. a storage unit that stores product information related to the product; a short-range communication unit that enables data communication using power obtained by resonance with electromagnetic waves at a specific resonance frequency; a display unit that displays at least a part of the product information; An information communication tag having the above structure.

8. a photovoltaic panel that generates electricity using light irradiated from outside; a secondary battery that stores the electricity generated by the photovoltaic panel; a control unit that controls the display unit; a power supply unit that supplies power from the secondary battery to the display unit and the control unit; The information communication tag according to claim 7, comprising:

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