System for detecting moisture content in container

Abstract

To provide a system capable of measuring a moisture content in a container to transmit a result to a computer device, or a system capable of transmitting information indicating that the moisture content in the container satisfies a predetermined condition to the computer device.SOLUTION: A system includes moisture content measurement means that measures a moisture content in a container owned by a person to be managed, or moisture content detection means that detects that the moisture content satisfies a predetermined condition, and transmission means that transmits the measured moisture content or a signal indicating that the moisture content satisfies the predetermined condition to a computer device. The computer device is a manager terminal included in a vehicle on which the person to be managed can ride, or operated by a manager who manages the person to be managed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the risk of developing heatstroke, heat stroke, sunstroke, etc. has increased due to the effects of global warming. To prevent heatstroke, etc., it is necessary to hydrate frequently. Therefore, if the water level in a container such as a water bottle decreases, it is necessary to replenish it with water. Also, if the person does not proactively hydrate themselves, someone other than the person themselves needs to encourage them to hydrate.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drinking water refill support device that supports the refilling of drinking water into a water bottle or the like at the appropriate time. The drinking water refill support device includes a water level information acquisition unit, a remaining amount calculation unit, a refill determination unit, and a refill support information generation unit. The water level information acquisition unit acquires detection data from a water level sensor that detects a physical quantity that can identify the level of drinking water contained in the water bottle. The remaining amount calculation unit calculates the remaining amount of drinking water contained in the water bottle using the detection data acquired by the water level information acquisition unit. The refill determination unit determines whether or not the water bottle should be refilled with drinking water using the calculation result of the remaining amount calculation unit. If the refill determination unit determines that drinking water should be refilled, the refill support information generation unit generates refill support information to support the refilling of drinking water into the water bottle. The generated refill support information is displayed on the drinking water refill support device carried by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-141464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a system that can measure the amount of moisture in a container and transmit the result to a computer device, or a system that can transmit to a computer device that the amount of moisture in a container satisfies a predetermined condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to [1] A system comprising a moisture amount measuring means for measuring the moisture amount in a container held by a person under management, or a moisture amount detecting means for detecting whether the moisture amount satisfies a predetermined condition, and a transmitting means for transmitting the measured moisture amount or a signal indicating that the moisture amount satisfies the predetermined condition to a computer device, wherein the computer device is provided in a vehicle in which the person under management can ride, or is an administrator terminal operated by an administrator who manages the person under management; [2] The system according to [1], wherein the computer device includes an output unit that outputs information indicating that the moisture content has satisfied a predetermined condition when the moisture content has satisfied the predetermined condition; [3] The system according to [2], wherein the output means outputs information about the location of the person under management together with information indicating that the moisture content satisfies a predetermined condition; [4] The system according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a second device carried or worn by each of the plurality of persons under management, and a transmission means transmitting, via ad hoc communication between the plurality of second devices, to a computer device, the amount of water in a container carried by the person under management corresponding to one second device, or a signal indicating that the amount of water satisfies a predetermined condition; [5] The system according to any one of [1] to [4] above, comprising a plurality of first devices and a second device carried or worn by the person under management, a first distance calculation means for calculating a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device based on the propagation time of information or signals between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device, and a first position determination means for determining the position of the second device based on the calculated distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device; [6] The system according to [5], further comprising a first display control means for controlling the display of the location of the second device identified by the first location identification means on a display screen provided in a vehicle in which the managed person can board, or on a display screen provided in an administrator terminal operated by an administrator who manages the managed person; [7] The system according to [5] or [6], wherein the first distance calculation means calculates the distance based on the time difference between the clock of the first device and the clock of the second device; [8] A first time difference calculation means for calculating a time difference between the first device and the second device by performing communication between the first device and the second device; a first time correction means for correcting the time in the second device based on the calculated time difference; The system according to any one of [5] to [7] above, [9] A first phase shift calculation means for calculating a phase shift between the clocks of the first device and the second device by performing communication between the first device and the second device; a first phase correction means for correcting the phase in the second device based on the calculated phase shift; The system according to any one of [5] to [8] above, comprising:

[10] A system according to any one of [1] to [9], comprising a plurality of first devices and a third device provided in a vehicle in which the managed person can ride or in an administrator terminal operated by an administrator who manages the managed person, and comprising a second distance calculation means for calculating a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device, and a second position determination means for determining a position of the third device based on the calculated distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device;

[11] The system according to

[10] , wherein the second distance calculation means calculates the distance based on the time difference between the clock of the first device and the clock of the third device;

[12] The system according to

[10] or

[11] , further comprising: a second time difference calculation means for calculating a time difference between the first device and the third device by performing communication between the first device and the third device; and a second time correction means for correcting the time on the third device based on the calculated time difference;

[13] A second phase shift calculation means for calculating a phase shift between the clocks of the first device and the third device by performing communication between the first device and the third device; and a second phase correction means for correcting the phase of the third device based on the calculated phase shift. The system according to any one of

[10] to

[12] above,

[14] A method comprising a moisture amount measuring step of measuring the moisture amount in a container held by a person under supervision, or a moisture amount detecting step of detecting whether the moisture amount satisfies a predetermined condition, and a transmission step of transmitting the measured moisture amount or a signal indicating that the moisture amount satisfies the predetermined condition to a computer device; This can be achieved by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system that can measure the amount of moisture in a container and transmit the result to a computer device, or a system that can transmit to a computer device that the amount of moisture in a container satisfies a predetermined condition. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a first device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a second device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an administrator terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a distance calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a location specification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an output process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a moisture content storage table according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the effects of the present invention is one aspect of the effects of the embodiments of the present invention and is not limited to those described herein. The order of the processes constituting the flowcharts described below is random as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the process content. Furthermore, it is also possible to omit some of the processes constituting the flowcharts or add new processes to the processes constituting the flowcharts as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the process content. Furthermore, the device that executes each process constituting the flowcharts can be changed to another device as long as this does not violate the spirit of the present invention. In this case, the process content can be changed so as not to cause contradictions or inconsistencies in the process content.

[0010] [System Configuration] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system 10 includes at least one computer device. The system 10 may include a plurality of first devices 1 (1a to 1z) and a second device 2. The system 10 may include a third device 3 provided in a vehicle (not shown) or an administrator terminal 3A, a sensor 4, and a server device 5. The system 10 may include a vehicle and an administrator terminal 3A.

[0011] The system 10 may include a plurality of second devices 2 (2a to 2z), a plurality of vehicles (not shown), a plurality of administrator terminals 3A (not shown), or a plurality of sensors 4 (4a to 4z). The vehicles are equipped with a computer device. In the embodiment of the present invention, the administrator terminal 3A, the computer device equipped in the vehicle, or the server device 5 are examples of the computer device.

[0012] The first device 1, the second device 2, and the third device 3 can be directly connected for communication with each other. Furthermore, a plurality of first devices 1, a plurality of second devices 2, or a plurality of third devices 3 can be directly connected for communication with each other. Direct communication between the devices may be performed using ad hoc communication. Furthermore, the second device 2 and the sensor 4 can be directly connected for communication with each other. The first device 1, the second device 2, the third device 3, the computer device provided in the vehicle, or the administrator terminal 3A can be directly connected for communication with the server device 5 via a communication network 6.

[0013] A first device 1 is a reference device for synchronizing the clocks of second devices 2 or third devices 3. One first device 1 may function as a reference device for synchronizing the clocks of multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3. Furthermore, a first device 1 may function as a reference device for synchronizing the clocks of other first devices 1. A pyramidal relationship may be formed in which multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3 exist for one first device 1, and each of these multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3 functions as a reference device for synchronizing the clocks of multiple other second devices 2 or multiple other third devices 3.

[0014] In the system 10, the time of the second device 2 or the third device 3 is synchronized based on the time clocked by the first device 1, and the phase of the signal generated by the oscillator in the second device 2 or the transmitter in the third device 3 is synchronized based on the phase of the signal generated by the oscillator in the first device 1. Furthermore, the time of another second device 2 or the time of another third device 3 may be synchronized based on the time clocked by the second device 2 or the third device 3, and the phase of the signal generated by the oscillator in the other second device or the oscillator in the other third device 3 may be synchronized based on the phase of the signal generated by the oscillator in the second device 2 or the oscillator in the third device 3.

[0015] [1st device] The first device 1 of the present invention will be described. The first device 1 is installed at a fixed location. The installation location of the first device 1 is not limited, and may be indoors or outdoors. For example, the first device 1 may be installed on a transmission tower supporting a power transmission line. In the system 10, multiple first devices 1 are installed. The multiple first devices 1 may be arranged in a grid pattern to cover the area of ​​the second device 2 or the third device 3 whose location can be identified by the first device 1.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a first device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first device 1 includes a control unit 11, an RF chip 12, and an oscillator 13, which are connected to each other via an internal bus. The RF chip 12 includes a clock 12a and a phase detector 12b. The first device 1 may include other components as necessary.

[0017] The control unit 11 is not particularly limited, but for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller) can be used. The control unit 11 performs program execution processing based on the program and data. The RF chip 12 performs processing for receiving and transmitting wireless signals. The data received by the RF chip 12 is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control unit 11.

[0018] Oscillator 13 oscillates at a predetermined frequency and outputs a signal that provides operational timing for each component of the device. Oscillator 13 may be, for example, an atomic oscillator or a crystal oscillator. Clock 12a uses the output signal from oscillator 13 as a source of oscillation to clock and output the time. The control unit 11 controls clock 12a to transmit the time to second device 2 or third device 3 via RF chip 12. Phase detector 12b detects the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information received from second device 2 or third device 3, and detects the phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 13.

[0019] [Second device] The second device 2 of the present invention will now be described. The second device 2 is carried by or worn by a person under supervision. A person under supervision is someone who is under the supervision of a supervisor, and includes not only children under 18 years of age, such as preschoolers and elementary school students, but also adults aged 18 or over. For example, if the supervisor is a parent or guardian, the person under supervision is the guardian's child; if the supervisor is a childcare worker at a facility such as a nursery school, the person under supervision is a child; and if the supervisor is an employer or manager at a company, the person under supervision is an employee. In an embodiment of the present invention, the person under supervision carries a container.

[0020] The container held by the person under management is a container that can hold liquids containing moisture that can be consumed by humans, such as water, tea, soft drinks, etc. The type of liquid that can be held is not particularly limited. The container may be a water bottle or a plastic bottle. The container may also be a disposable container. The material of the container body is not particularly limited. The container is equipped with a sensor 4 that can measure the amount of moisture or detect whether the amount of moisture meets a predetermined condition. The sensor 4 will be described later.

[0021] Each second device 2 is assigned identification information (second device ID), and the identification information is stored in the third device 3, the administrator terminal 3A, the vehicle's computer device, or the server device 5 in association with the name of the person under management or an ID that can identify the person under management. The ID may be associated with an affiliation ID that can identify the facility, class, club, department, etc. to which the person under management belongs. Each person under management carries or wears one second device 2. For example, a first person under management carries second device 2a, and a second person under management carries second device 2b. Therefore, by identifying the location of the second device 2, it is possible to identify the location of the person under management that corresponds to the identification information of the second device 2.

[0022] The second device 2 may have the same hardware configuration as the first device 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the second device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The second device 2 includes, for example, a control unit 21, an RF chip 22, and an oscillator 23, which are connected to each other via an internal bus. The RF chip 22 includes a clock 22a and a phase detector 22b. The second device 2 may include other components as necessary.

[0023] The control unit 21 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 21 performs program execution processing based on the program and data. The RF chip 22 receives and transmits radio signals. The data received by the RF chip 22 is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control unit 21. The oscillator 23 oscillates at a predetermined frequency and outputs a signal that provides operation timing for each part of the device. The clock 22a uses the output signal of the oscillator 23 as a source oscillation and outputs the time. The control unit 21 controls the time clocked by the clock 22a to be transmitted to the first device 1 via the RF chip 22. The phase detector 22b detects the phase of the carrier wave that constitutes the information received from the first device 1, and detects the phase of the signal oscillated by the oscillator 23 of the second device 2.

[0024] When the second device 2 is carried by a person under supervision, the second device 2 may be attached to a container. When the second device is attached to a container, the sensor 4 attached to the container and the second device may be configured as separate entities or as an integrated entity.

[0025] When the second device 2 is worn by the person under supervision, the sensor 4 and the second device are configured as separate entities. When the second device 2 is worn by the person under supervision, the second device 2 may be attached to the clothes worn by the person under supervision, or may be attached to a name tag, student handbook, employee ID card, or the like attached to the clothes worn by the person under supervision. The second device 2 may also be stored in a bag or the like carried by the person under supervision.

[0026] When the second device 2 is configured separately from the sensor 4, information indicating that the moisture amount or the moisture amount measured by the sensor 4 satisfies a predetermined condition is transmitted from the sensor 4 to the second device via wireless communication. Thereafter, information indicating that the moisture amount or the moisture amount measured by the sensor 4 satisfies a predetermined condition is transmitted from the RF chip 22 to the computer device. When the second device 2 is configured integrally with the sensor 4, information indicating that the moisture amount or the moisture amount measured by the sensor 4 satisfies a predetermined condition is transmitted to the computer device via the RF chip 22.

[0027] [Sensor] The sensor 4 is attached to a container carried by a person under supervision. The sensor 4 is capable of measuring the amount of moisture or detecting whether the amount of moisture satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0028] The amount of moisture detected by sensor 4 is the amount of moisture in the container. The amount of moisture in a container is a concept that includes not only the amount of moisture present in the container but also the level of moisture present in the container. The level of moisture present in a container is the water level when the container is left standing with its longitudinal direction aligned vertically. The amount of moisture may be expressed as the volume of moisture in the container (e.g., liters), a percentage (%) per volume of the container, the water level, or a range of these.

[0029] Known methods can be used to measure the moisture content using the sensor 4 or to detect whether the moisture content satisfies the predetermined condition. Whether the moisture content satisfies the predetermined condition may be determined by the administrator terminal 3A, a computer device provided in the vehicle, or the server device 5 based on the moisture content measured by the sensor 4.

[0030] The phrase "the moisture content satisfies a predetermined condition" includes not only the case where the moisture content value satisfies the predetermined condition, but also the case where the value obtained by calculating the moisture content using a predetermined method satisfies the predetermined condition. If the value obtained by calculating the moisture content using a predetermined method satisfies the predetermined condition, it also includes the case where the change in moisture content over time satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0031] Examples of cases where the moisture content value satisfies a predetermined condition include when the moisture content value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (or greater than the threshold), when the moisture content value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (or less than the threshold), when the moisture content value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold but less than a predetermined threshold, etc. When the moisture content value satisfies a predetermined condition, for example, when the moisture content value in the container is equal to or less than a threshold, warning information indicating that the predetermined condition has been met can be output from the computer device to notify the administrator that the moisture content in the container is insufficient.

[0032] An example of a case where the value obtained by calculating the amount of moisture using a predetermined method satisfies a predetermined condition is when the amount of change in the amount of moisture in the container over time (for example, the amount of change per unit time) is equal to or less than a threshold value (or is smaller than the threshold value). In this case, a warning indicating that the predetermined condition has been met can be output from the computer device to notify the manager that the pace of moisture consumption of the person under management is slow.

[0033] An example of a case where the value obtained by calculating the amount of moisture using a predetermined method satisfies a predetermined condition is when the amount of change in the amount of moisture in the container over time (for example, the amount of change per unit time) is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In this case, the computer device can output warning information indicating that the predetermined condition has been met, thereby notifying the manager that the person under management is consuming moisture at a fast pace.

[0034] A predetermined threshold value may be set for the moisture content value or the amount of change in moisture content under a predetermined condition in association with a predetermined time. For example, when the moisture content value satisfies the predetermined condition, if the moisture content value in the container at a predetermined time is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a warning indicating that the predetermined condition has been met can be output from the computer device to notify the manager that the person under management is not consuming enough moisture.

[0035] The predetermined conditions and the thresholds for the predetermined conditions can be set as appropriate according to the capacity and longitudinal length of the container, the administrator's requests, etc. The set predetermined conditions are stored in the sensor 4, the administrator terminal 3A, the computer device installed in the vehicle, or the server device 5. Information related to the moisture content, such as the moisture content value of the container, the amount of change in the moisture content over time, and whether the moisture content satisfies the predetermined conditions, is also referred to as moisture information.

[0036] Measurement or detection by the sensor 4 is performed at predetermined time intervals. For example, the sensor 4 can measure the amount of water by incorporating a sensor that measures the weight of water and the container containing the water into the housing of the water bottle. Alternatively, for example, the sensor 4 may have an electrode installed on the inner side surface of the container containing the liquid and detect whether the liquid is in contact with the electrode. By providing multiple electrodes at multiple different heights on the inner side surface, the sensor 4 can detect whether the amount of water is above a predetermined threshold or below a predetermined threshold.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the sensor 4 can detect whether the amount of moisture in the container is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value by placing two electrodes on the outer side of the container containing the liquid so that the longitudinal direction of the electrodes is parallel to the horizontal direction and measuring the change in capacitance. Furthermore, for example, the sensor 4 can detect that the amount of moisture change is smaller than a predetermined value by detecting that the moisture amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value and less than the predetermined threshold value a predetermined number of times or more.

[0038] [Third device and administrator terminal] The third device 3 and the manager terminal 3A of the present invention will now be described. The manager terminal 3A is a terminal operated by a manager who manages a person under management. On the manager terminal 3A, the manager can use a browser or a dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated app) to check the location of the person under management, moisture information regarding the moisture content of the container, the location of the manager, and / or the location of the vehicle.

[0039] The third device 3 may be provided in the administrator terminal 3A, and is connected to the administrator terminal 3A via a wired or wireless connection so that they can communicate with each other. "The third device 3 is provided in the administrator terminal 3A" includes both the third device 3 being built into the administrator terminal 3A and being attached to the outside of the administrator terminal 3A. Furthermore, "The third device 3 is provided in the administrator terminal 3A" also includes the case where the third device 3 and the administrator terminal 3A share the same control unit and are controlled by the control unit. The location information of the third device 3 may be stored in the server device 5 or the like in association with identification information that can identify the third device 3 or identification information that can identify the administrator terminal 3A that is provided with the third device 3.

[0040] Since the administrator terminal 3A is equipped with the third device 3, the location of the administrator terminal 3A can be identified by identifying the location of the third device 3. The location of the third device 3 can be identified by the first device 1, the third device, or the server device 5. When the location of the second device 2 or the location of the third device 3 is identified by the first device 1, the identified location of the second device 2 or the third device 3 is transmitted to the third device 3 or the server device 5. The third device 3 transmits the identified locations of the second device 2 and the third device 3 to the server device 5.

[0041] Next, the configurations of the third device 3 and the administrator terminal 3A will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the administrator terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The administrator terminal 3A is not particularly limited as long as it has the functions of a computer device, but is preferably a portable terminal. The administrator terminal 3A includes, for example, the third device 3, RAM 34, a storage unit 35, an input unit 36, and a display unit 37, which are connected to each other via an internal bus. The third device 3 also includes a control unit 31, an RF chip 32, and an oscillator 33, which are connected to each other via an internal bus. The administrator terminal 3A and the third device 3 may have other configurations as necessary.

[0042] The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU and a ROM, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 35 to control the third device 3 and the administrator terminal 3A. The RAM 34 is a work area for the control unit 31. The storage unit 35 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 31 performs arithmetic processing based on the programs and data read from the RAM 34 and data input via the input unit 36.

[0043] The RF chip 32 is equipped with a clock 32a and a phase detector 32b. The RF chip 32 is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from other computer devices. Data received by the RF chip 32 is loaded into RAM 34 and subjected to arithmetic processing by the control unit 31. The administrator terminal 3A may have a communication interface different from that of the RF chip 32. Note that the third device 3 and the administrator terminal 3A may each have a different control unit. The communication interface of the administrator terminal 3A may be the same as the communication interface of the third device 3.

[0044] Oscillator 33, clock 32a, and phase detector 32b have the same functions as oscillator 23, clock 22a, and phase detector 22b. Phase detector 32b detects the phase of the carrier wave that constitutes the information received from first device 1, and detects the phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 33.

[0045] The display unit 37 has a display screen. The control unit 31 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Here, the display screen of the display unit 37 may be a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as the input unit 36. The touch panel can be used to perform operations such as turning the power of the third device 3 and the administrator terminal 3A on and off, and starting or ending the output processing described below.

[0046] The moisture information corresponding to the persons under management is displayed in a list on the display unit 37 or on the display screen of a computer device provided in the vehicle (described later) (e.g., step S49). Furthermore, the locations of the second device 2 and the third device 3 are superimposed on a map on the display unit 37 or on the display screen of a computer device provided in the vehicle (described later). The locations of multiple second devices 2 can be displayed on the display screen of one administrator terminal 3A or one vehicle. That is, the locations of multiple persons under management can be displayed on the display screen of one administrator terminal 3A or one vehicle. On the display screen, the name of the corresponding person under management may be displayed near a point indicating the location of the second device 2 so that it is clear which person under management the location of each second device 2 corresponds to. Furthermore, on the display screen, the name of the corresponding person under management and the corresponding moisture information may be displayed near a point indicating the location of the second device 2 so that it is clear which person under management the moisture information corresponds to.

[0047] [vehicle] The vehicle of the present invention will be described. In an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is a vehicle that can accommodate a person under care. The vehicle may be equipped with a third device. The vehicle has wheels and can move by rotating the wheels. The vehicle is not particularly limited, but may be a walking cart if the person under care is a preschool child. In this case, the vehicle has a basket-shaped area. The vehicle can accommodate multiple people under care in the basket-shaped area. The vehicle may be a conventional walking cart that is pushed by a caregiver, or may be an automatically driven walking cart. The vehicle is operated, for example, by a caregiver accompanying the person under care during off-site childcare.

[0048] The third device 3 is provided in the vehicle and is connected to the vehicle via wired or wireless communication so that they can communicate with each other. "The third device 3 is provided in the vehicle" has the same meaning as "The third device 3 is provided in the administrator terminal 3A." The location information of the third device 3 may be stored in the server device 5 or the like in association with identification information that can identify the vehicle equipped with the third device 3. Because the third device 3 is provided in the vehicle, the location of the vehicle can be identified by identifying the location of the third device 3.

[0049] Next, the configuration of the vehicle will be described. The vehicle is equipped with a third device 3 and a computer device. The computer device includes, for example, a control unit, RAM, a storage unit, an input unit, and a display unit, which are connected to each other via an internal bus. The configurations of the computer device and third device 3 provided in the vehicle are the same as those of the administrator terminal 3A and the third device 3 provided in the administrator terminal 3A. The vehicle may have other configurations as necessary. Note that if the vehicle has an automatic driving function, the control unit controls the driving of the vehicle. Note that the third device 3 and the vehicle may have different control units or may share the same communication interface.

[0050] In addition, when the system 10 includes an administrator terminal 3A that includes the third device 3, the vehicle does not need to include the third device. In this case, it is preferable that the administrator who operates the administrator terminal 3A is located near the vehicle. By carrying the administrator terminal 3A, the administrator can check the location of the person under administration on the administrator terminal 3A while checking the safety of the person under administration near the vehicle. Alternatively, when the system 10 includes a vehicle that includes the third device 3, the administrator terminal 3A does not need to include the third device 3.

[0051] Note that even if the system 10 includes a plurality of second devices 2, it is not necessary to display the locations of all of the second devices 2 (i.e., the locations of all managed persons). For example, by inputting the name or managed person ID of the managed person to be displayed on the administrator terminal 3A or in the vehicle, or by registering it in advance in the server device 5, the display unit of the administrator terminal 3A or in the vehicle can display only the location of the managed person corresponding to the administrator.

[0052] [Server device] Next, the server device of the present invention will be described. Server device 5 acquires the positions of second device 2 and third device 3 from third device 3. Server device 5 may also acquire the position of second device 2 from second device 2. The position of second device 2 is transmitted in association with the second device ID and the time when the position information was identified. Similarly, the position of third device 3 is transmitted in association with the third device ID and the time when the position information was identified. Server device 5 stores the received information regarding the positions of second device 2 and third device 3 in chronological order.

[0053] The communication between the third device 3 and the server device 5 may be via a smart meter installed in a nearby building. The communication between the third device 3 and the server device 5 may be via an optical fiber installed on a transmission tower.

[0054] 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server device 5 includes at least a control unit 51, a RAM 52, a storage unit 53, and a communication interface 54, which are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0055] The control unit 51 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 51 executes programs stored in the storage unit 53 and controls the server device 5. The control unit 51 also has a timer for measuring time. The RAM 52 is a work area for the control unit 51. The storage unit 53 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The storage unit 53 functions as a recording medium that stores programs. The control unit 51 reads out programs and data from the RAM 52 and performs program execution processing based on information received from the first device 1, the second device 2, or the third device 3. The communication interface 54 can be connected to the communication network 6 wirelessly or via a wire, and can send and receive data to and from other computer devices via the communication network 6. Data received via the communication interface 54 is loaded into the RAM 52, and the control unit 51 performs arithmetic processing.

[0056] [Distance calculation process] Next, a distance calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the distance calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The distance calculation process is a process of calculating the distance between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the second device 2 based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the second device 2. The distance calculation process is also a process of calculating the distance between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the third device 3 based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the third device 3. Note that the following description will be given of a case where the distance calculation process is executed between the first device 1 and the second device 2.

[0057] The distance calculation process can be executed, for example, at predetermined time intervals or whenever a predetermined condition is met. For example, the distance calculation process of steps S1 to S20 can be set to start once a day at a predetermined time.

[0058] First, information or a signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 (step S1). There are no particular restrictions on the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2. The first device 1 clocks the time when the information or signal was transmitted in step S1 and measures the phase at the time of transmission (step S2). Then, the clocked time and the measured phase are stored in the memory of the control unit 11 (step S3).

[0059] Next, second device 2 receives the information or signal from first device 1 (step S4). Second device 2 clocks the time when the information or signal was received in step S4 and measures the phase at the time of reception (step S5). Then, the clocked time and the measured phase are stored in memory within control unit 21 (step S6).

[0060] Next, second device 2 transmits information or a signal to first device 1 (step S7). There are no particular limitations on the information or signal transmitted from second device 2 to first device 1. Second device 2 clocks the time when the information or signal was transmitted in step S7 and measures the phase at the time of transmission (step S8). Then, the clocked time and the measured phase are stored in memory within control unit 21 (step S9).

[0061] The first device 1 receives the information or signal transmitted in step S7 (step S10). The first device 1 clocks the time when the information or signal was received in step S10 and measures the phase at the time of reception (step S11). The clocked time and the measured phase are then stored in the memory of the control unit 11 (step S12). When step S12 is completed, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0062] The first device 1 transmits, via the RF chip 12, the information stored in step S3 relating to the time and phase at which the signal was transmitted in step S1, and the information stored in step S12 relating to the time and phase at which the signal was received in step S10, to the second device 2 (step S13).Then, the second device 2 receives the information relating to the time and phase at which the first device 1 transmitted the information or signal in step S1, and the information relating to the time and phase at which the first device 1 received the information or signal in step S10 (step S14).

[0063] Next, control unit 21 calculates the phase shift between the phase of the signal generated by oscillator 13 and the phase of the signal generated by oscillator 23 (step S15). The phase shift can be calculated based on the phase difference between the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from first device 1 to second device 2 and the phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 23 when second device 2 receives the information or signal, and the phase difference between the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from second device 2 to first device 1 and the phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 13 of first device 1 when first device 1 receives the information or signal. In other words, in step S15, second device 2 can calculate the phase shift between the clocks of first device 1 and second device 2 by performing communication between first device 1 and second device 2.

[0064] The phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is the phase of the information or signal transmitted in step S1. Information about the phase is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13. The phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 23 when the second device 2 receives the information or signal is the phase of the information or signal received in step S4. The information about the phase is measured by the second device 2 in step S5 and stored in step S6. The phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 is, for example, the phase of the information or signal transmitted in step S7. The information about the phase is stored by the second device 2 in step S9. The phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 13 of the first device 1 when the first device 1 receives the information or signal is, for example, the phase of the information or signal received in step S10. The information about the phase is measured in step S11 and transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13.

[0065] Here, the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is a concept that includes not only the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2, but also the phase of the carrier wave constituting the signal obtained by mixing down this information or signal. Similarly, the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 is a concept that includes not only the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1, but also the phase of the carrier wave constituting the signal obtained by mixing down this information or signal.

[0066] The phase difference between the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 and the phase of the signal oscillated by the oscillator 23 when the information or signal is received by the second device 2 is defined as ΔΦ S and the phase difference between the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 and the phase of the signal oscillated by the oscillator 13 of the first device 1 when the information or signal is received by the first device 1 is defined as ΔΦ MThen, the phase difference ΔΦ S and phase difference ΔΦ M From the arithmetic mean of P That is, equation (1): ΔΦ P =1 / 2×(ΔΦ S +ΔΦ M ) the phase difference ΔΦ P can be calculated.

[0067] The phase difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is ΔΦ C Then, Equation (2): ΔΦ M =ΔΦ P +(-ΔΦ C ) holds, so the phase shift ΔΦ C is the phase difference ΔΦ P from the phase difference ΔΦ M That is, it can be calculated by subtracting ΔΦ C =1 / 2×(ΔΦ S -ΔΦ M ) causes a phase shift ΔΦ C In step S15, the phase shift between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is calculated using equation (3).

[0068] Here, the phase shift ΔΦ C The phase shift ΔΦ is calculated using equation (3). C However, it may be further subtracted by 2π or 4π, i.e., 2nπ. n can be 0 or a positive integer. Therefore, the propagation time T P Based on the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, it is possible to determine whether n is 0, 1, or 2 (i.e., the phase difference ΔΦ obtained from equation (3)). C It is also possible to determine whether the value obtained by further subtracting 2nπ from the phase shift is the original phase shift, or whether the value without the subtraction is the original phase shift.

[0069] The signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 and the signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 may start with an output value other than 0 at the start of transmission, but with an arbitrary value. In such a case, the phase and transmission time at the start of transmission are measured, and the phase shift ΔΦ C It is necessary to correct ΔΦ by always keeping the phase constant at the start of transmission and transmitting at a predetermined time, and then measuring the phase at the start of transmission and the transmission time. C This makes it possible to omit processing such as correcting the

[0070] In the second device 2, the calculated phase shift ΔΦ C Based on this, the phase of the signal generated by oscillator 23 is corrected so as to be synchronized with the signal generated by oscillator 13 of first device 1 (step S16). The phase correction in step S16 is controlled and executed by control unit 21. The phase shift of oscillator 23 of second device 2 occurs due to the influence of the environment surrounding second device 2. By periodically performing synchronization processing in this manner, clock 22a of second device 2 can be made to keep time with high accuracy.

[0071] Next, the first device 1 calculates the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 based on the time when the first device 1 transmitted information or a signal to the second device 2, the time when the second device 2 transmitted information or a signal to the first device 1, the time when the information or signal was transmitted from the first device 1 and received and clocked by the second device 2, and the time when the information or signal was transmitted from the second device 2 and received and clocked by the first device 1 (step S17).

[0072] The time when information or a signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is the time when the information is transmitted in step S1. Information about this time is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13. The time when information or a signal is transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 is the time when the information or signal is transmitted in step S7. The information about this time is stored by the second device 2 in step S9. Next, the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the first device 1 and received and clocked by the second device 2 is the time when the information is received in step S4. The information about this time is clocked by the second device 2 in step S5 and stored in step S6. The time when the information or signal is transmitted from the second device 2 and received and clocked by the first device 1 is the time when the information or signal is received in step S10. The information about this time is clocked in step S11 and transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13.

[0073] The time when the information or signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is T M and the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 is defined as T S The time when the information or signal is received by the second device 2 and clocked by the first device 1 is defined as T MS Furthermore, the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the second device 2 and received by the first device 1 is defined as T SM Then, the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is expressed by the following equation (4): L =1 / 2×((T SM -T S )-(T MS -T M )) In step S17, the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is calculated using equation (4). That is, in step S17, the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is calculated by performing communication between the first device 1 and the second device 2.

[0074] The second device 2 corrects the time on the second device 2 based on the calculated time difference so as to synchronize with the time on the first device 1 (step S18). Next, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is calculated (step S19). In step S19, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 can be calculated by calculating the propagation time of the information or signal between the first device 1 and the second device 2 based on the substantial difference between the time when the first device 1 transmits the information or signal and the time when the second device 2 receives the information or signal, and multiplying this propagation time by the propagation speed of the information or signal (e.g., the speed of light). The difference between the time when the information or signal is transmitted by the first device 1 and the time when the information or signal is received by the second device 2 is, for example, the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S1 (the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13) and the time when the information or signal is received from the first device 1 at the second device 2 in step S4. This can be calculated based on the time stored in the memory in the control unit 21 in step S6 and the time difference calculated in step S17.

[0075] In step S19, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 can be calculated by calculating the propagation time of the information or signal between the first device 1 and the second device 2 based on the substantial difference between the time when the information or signal is transmitted by the second device 2 and the time when the information or signal is received by the first device 1, and multiplying this propagation time by the propagation speed of the information or signal (e.g., the speed of light). The difference between the time when the information or signal is transmitted by the second device 2 and the time when the information or signal is received by the first device 1 is, for example, the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 in step S7. This can be calculated based on the time stored in the memory of the control unit 21 in step S9, the time when the information or signal is received by the first device 1 in step S10 (transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13), and the time difference calculated in step S17. That is, in step S19, the second device 2 can calculate the distance based on the difference in time between the clock of the first device 1 and the clock of the second device 2.

[0076] The distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 calculated in step S19 is stored in the memory of the control unit 21 in association with, for example, time information relating to the calculated time and the like, and identification information for identifying the first device 1 (or position information of the first device 1) (step S20). By executing step S20, the distance calculation process is completed.

[0077] When the distance calculation process is executed between the first device 1 and the third device 3, the processes of steps S4 to S9 and S14 to S20 are executed by the third device 3. In steps S6, S9, and S20, various information such as the clocked time, the measured phase, and the calculated distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is stored in the storage unit 35, not in the memory of the control unit 31.

[0078] By performing the processes of steps S1 to S20, it is possible not only to correct the time difference and phase difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the time difference and phase difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, but also to calculate the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3. Note that although step S18 corrects the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the time difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, it is not necessary to correct the time difference. It is also possible to calculate the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3, based on the time difference calculated in step S17, without correcting the time difference. Furthermore, in step S16, the phase shift between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the phase shift between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is corrected, but it is not necessarily necessary to correct the phase shift, and the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3, can also be calculated without correcting the phase shift.

[0079] Furthermore, by executing the processing from steps S1 to S20, the time difference and phase difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the time difference and phase difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, are corrected, and the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3, is calculated. However, it is also possible to execute the processing for correcting the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, the processing for correcting the time difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, the processing for correcting the phase difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, the processing for correcting the phase difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, the processing for calculating the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, and the processing for calculating the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 individually.

[0080] The above-described process of calculating the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 can calculate the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of multiple first devices 1. When identifying the position of the second device 2 or the third device 3, as described below, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is identified for four first devices 1. However, even when calculating the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of multiple first devices 1, the time offset correction process and the phase offset correction process can be performed only with one first device 1, and the time offset correction process and the phase offset correction process can be omitted when communicating with other first devices 1.

[0081] Here, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is calculated in the second device 2 or the third device 3. However, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 may be calculated by the first device 1 using a process similar to step S19, instead of the second device 2 or the third device 3. When the distance is calculated in the first device 1, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is stored in the memory of the control unit 11 in association with time information regarding the calculated time, etc., and identification information capable of identifying the second device 2 or the third device 3.

[0082] Alternatively, the server device 5 may calculate the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 by processing similar to step S19, instead of the second device 2 or the third device 3. When the server device 5 calculates the distance, the information necessary for the calculation is received from the first device 1, the second device 2, or the third device 3. When the server device 5 calculates the distance, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is stored in the storage unit 53 of the server device 5 in association with time information regarding the calculated time, etc., identification information capable of identifying the first device 1 (or location information of the first device 1), and identification information capable of identifying the second device 2 or the third device 3.

[0083] Here, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is calculated, but if there are multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3, the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and a different second device 2 or third device 3 can also be calculated. In this case, the propagation time for the information or signal to propagate between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and a different second device 2 or third device 3 can be calculated by calculating the substantial difference between the time when the information or signal is transmitted by one second device 2 or one third device 3 and the time when the information or signal is received by the different second device 2 or third device 3, and then multiplying this propagation time by the propagation speed of the information or signal (e.g., the speed of light), thereby calculating the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and a different second device 2 or third device 3.

[0084] Note that communication between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the third device 3 is performed as appropriate. That is, the first device 1 is capable of communicating with the second device 2 and the third device 3.

[0085] [Location identification processing] Next, a description will be given of a position determination process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The position determination process is a process for determining the position of the second device 2 or the third device 3 based on the distance between each of the first devices 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between each of the first devices 1 and the third device 3 calculated by the distance calculation process.

[0086] To identify the position of the second device 2 or the third device 3, it is assumed that the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of the multiple first devices 1 has been calculated in the distance calculation process. For example, if the heights of one second device 2 or one third device 3 and at least one of the multiple first devices 1 are different and do not exist on the same plane, the position of the second device 2 or the third device 3 (e.g., the XYZ coordinates or latitude and longitude of the second device 2 or the third device 3) can be identified based on the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of the four first devices 1 and the positions of the four first devices 1. Therefore, if the heights of one second device 2 or one third device 3 and at least one of the multiple first devices 1 are different and do not exist on the same plane, the number of data points for the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 required to identify the position is four. In this case, it is preferable that the four first devices 1 are not on the same plane. For example, it is preferable that the height at which at least one first device 1 is installed is different from the height at which the other three first devices 1 are installed. In this way, no matter where the second device 2 is located, it is possible to identify its position in three dimensions.

[0087] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a position specifying process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The position specifying process shown in Fig. 7 can be executed by, for example, any of the first device 1, the second device 2, the third device 3, or the server device 5. When the position specifying process is executed by the first device 1 or the server device 5, information on the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2 or the third device 3 (the distance calculated in step S19) is associated with time information on the calculated time, identification information of the first device 1 (or the position information of the first device 1), and identification information of the second device 2 or the third device 3, and is transmitted to the first device 1 or the server device 5 for use.

[0088] In the position identification process, the position of the second device 2 or the position of the third device 3 is identified based on the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the third device 3, and the positions of these first devices 1 (step S31). The position of the first device may be stored in advance in any of the first device 1, second device 2, third device 3, or server device 5 that executes the position identification process. The calculation process for identifying the position of the second device 2 or the position of the third device 3 is not particularly limited.

[0089] The identified position of second device 2 or third device 3 is stored in memory in control unit 11, memory in control unit 21, storage unit 35, or storage unit 53 of server device 5 in association with time information on the calculated time (time information on the time when the distance was calculated or time information on the time when the position was identified), identification information of first device 1 (or position information of first device 1), and identification information of second device 2 or third device 3 (step S32). Steps S31 and S32 complete the position identification process.

[0090] When the position of the second device 2 is identified by the first device 1 or the second device 2, the identified position of the second device 2 is transmitted from the first device 1 or the second device 2 to the third device 3 or the server device 5. When the position of the third device 3 is identified by the first device 1 or the third device 3, the identified position of the third device 3 is transmitted from the first device 1 or the third device 3 to the server device 5.

[0091] Note that the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the third device 3, which is used to identify the position of the second device 2 or the position of the third device 3 in step S31, is preferably calculated at the same time or a similar time (for example, calculated when the propagation time of information or signals between each of the multiple first devices and the second device 2 or the third device 3 is measured at the same time or a similar time). Here, the "similar time" is not particularly limited, but is preferably a time within a predetermined time range from the first time. By using the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the third device 3 calculated at the same time or a similar time, a more accurate position at that time can be identified.

[0092] Here, the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the third device 3, is calculated, and the position of the second device 2 or the third device 3 is identified based on the calculated distance. However, if there are multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3, the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of multiple different second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3 can be calculated, and the position of one second device 2 or one third device 3 can be identified based on the calculated distance.

[0093] In the above-described location identification process, the location of the second device 2 or the third device 3 is identified based on the distance from the first device 1, but it may also be identified by other known methods. For example, the location of the second device 2 or the third device 3 may also be identified using GPS.

[0094] [Output Processing] Next, the output process according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the output process according to the embodiment of the present invention. Below, the identification process will be described in the case where the position of the second device 2 is identified by the second device 2, and the position of the third device 3 is identified by the third device 3. In addition, the case where the sensor 4 is configured separately from the second device 2, and the third device 3 is provided in the administrator terminal 3A will be described.

[0095] The output process is executed periodically at predetermined time intervals. For example, the output process may be executed while the person under management is active outdoors or indoors. For example, the output process may be executed in response to an input to the manager terminal, or may be executed at a predetermined time, at predetermined intervals (for example, every minute), or in response to the second device 2 being located in a predetermined area or moving out of the predetermined area.

[0096] Before executing the output process, the administrator terminal 3A receives input of the name or ID of the managed person who is active outdoors or indoors through operation on the input unit of the administrator terminal 3A. The received input name or ID of the managed person is stored in the storage unit 35. When inputting the name or ID of the managed person, the affiliation ID may be entered, and only the name or ID of the managed person associated with the affiliation ID may be displayed on the display unit 37. The administrator can select the name or ID of the managed person who is active outdoors from the displayed names or IDs of the managed people.

[0097] First, the second device 2 identifies the position of the second device 2 (step S41). The process of step S41 is the process of step S31 in the position identification process. Furthermore, the sensor 4 measures the amount of moisture in the container (step S42). In step S42, the sensor 4 may detect that the amount of moisture in the container satisfies a predetermined condition. The sensor 4 may also detect that the amount of moisture in the container does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0098] The moisture content measured in step S42, or moisture information regarding whether the moisture content satisfies a predetermined condition, is transmitted from the sensor 4 to the second device 2 corresponding to the sensor 4 (step S43), and is received by the second device 2 (step S44).

[0099] Steps S41 and S42 are preferably executed at the same time or at similar times. The similar times are not particularly limited, but are preferably within a predetermined time range from time 1. By executing steps S41 and S42 at the same time or at similar times, the position of the person under management and the amount of water in the container at that time can be determined more accurately.

[0100] Information relating to the position of the second device 2 and the moisture content of the container is transmitted as position information and moisture information from the second device 2 to the manager terminal 3A (step S45) and received by the manager terminal 3A (step S46). In step S45, the time information when the position information or moisture information was acquired and the identification information of the second device 2 are transmitted in association with the position information and moisture information.

[0101] Next, the third device 3 identifies its position (step S47). The process of step S47 is the process of step S31 in the position identification process. When the position information and moisture information are received in step S46, the control unit 31 determines whether the moisture content included in the moisture information received in step S46 satisfies a predetermined condition (step S48).

[0102] The processing of step S48 will be described. The administrator terminal 3A identifies information related to the predetermined condition stored in the storage unit 35. If the predetermined condition relates to a moisture content value, in step S48 the control unit 31 determines whether the moisture content value included in the moisture information received in step S46 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold set in the predetermined condition, or is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0103] If the predetermined condition relates to a value obtained by calculation using a predetermined method based on the moisture content, in step S48, the control unit 31 identifies a moisture content storage table, which will be described later. Next, the control unit 31 calculates the amount of change in moisture content per unit time from the moisture content and time information stored in the identified moisture content storage table and the moisture content and time information included in the moisture information received in step S46. The control unit 31 then determines whether the calculated amount of change is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold set in the predetermined condition, or less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.

[0104] In response to the moisture content satisfying the predetermined condition (YES in step S48), warning information is output in the administrator terminal 3A (step S49). The warning information is information indicating that the moisture content in the container has satisfied the predetermined condition. The warning information includes information for notifying the administrator that the moisture content in the container has satisfied the predetermined condition. The warning information may be output by voice, displayed on a display screen, vibrated, or the like.

[0105] In step S49, information regarding the location of the person under supervision may be output along with information indicating that the amount of moisture has met the predetermined condition. Specifically, when the warning information is output by displaying it on a display screen, the location of the second device 2 may be displayed along with the information indicating that the amount of moisture has met the predetermined condition. At this time, the display screen may also display the location of the third device 3 along with the information indicating that the amount of moisture has met the predetermined condition and the location of the second device 2. This allows the supervisor to confirm that there is a person under supervision who is carrying a container whose moisture content meets the predetermined condition and the location of that person under supervision. The supervisor can also confirm his or her own location and the location of the person under supervision, and carefully observe the person under supervision who is carrying a container whose moisture content meets the predetermined condition. The supervisor may also encourage a person under supervision who is not consuming enough moisture to drink more moisture, or encourage a person under supervision whose container contains a low amount of moisture to replenish moisture.

[0106] If the moisture content does not satisfy the predetermined condition (NO in step S48), or after the warning information is output in step S49, the location information and moisture information are transmitted from the administrator terminal 3A to the server device 5 (step S50). The location information transmitted in step S50 may include not only the location of the second device 2 but also the location of the third device 3. In step S50, the location information and moisture information are associated with each other and transmitted with time information at which the location information or moisture information was acquired. When the location information and moisture information are received by the server device 5 (step S51), the location information and moisture information are associated with each other and stored in the moisture content storage table in the storage unit 43 (step S52). The output process ends with the processing of steps S41 to S52.

[0107] The moisture content storage table will now be described. The moisture content storage table may be stored in the storage unit 35. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a moisture content storage table according to an embodiment of the present invention. The moisture content storage table 100 stores a managed person ID 101, a moisture content 102, location information 103, and time information 104, each associated with the other. It can also be said that the moisture content storage table 100 stores the location identified in step S41, the moisture content identified in step S42, and the time when step S41 or S42 was performed, all associated with each other. The moisture content storage table 100 may store information indicating that the moisture content has satisfied a predetermined condition, instead of or in addition to the moisture content 102.

[0108] For example, in Figure 9, it is stored that at the time "13:00", the person under management corresponding to the managed person ID "0001" was located at the location indicated by the coordinates (X1, Y1, Z1), and the moisture content in the container was "90"%.

[0109] In FIG. 9, it is stored that the managed person corresponding to the managed ID "0001" had a moisture content of "90"% at the times "13:00," "14:00," "14:30," and "14:45," and that the moisture content was "60"% at the time "14:55." In other words, it can be seen that the moisture content did not change from 13:00 to 14:45, and that the moisture content in the container had decreased by 30% by 14:55. The manager can see that the managed person corresponding to the managed ID "0001" did not consume any moisture from 13:00 to 14:45, but did consume moisture by 14:55.

[0110] The system 10 can execute output processing at predetermined time intervals for the sensors 4 and second devices 2 corresponding to the name or ID of the person under management whose input has been accepted. Furthermore, among the sensors 4 and second devices 2 corresponding to the name or ID of the person under management whose input has been accepted, the output processing may be executed at intervals shorter than the predetermined time for the sensors 4 and second devices 2 corresponding to the person under management whose input satisfies a predetermined second condition. The interval may be shortened each time the predetermined second condition is satisfied.

[0111] For example, the output process may be set to be executed every hour for the target sensor 4 and second device 2. For a first sensor 4, if there is no change in the moisture content between the first time and the second time, or if the change in moisture content is less than a predetermined value, the output process may be executed for the first sensor 4 and the second device 2 corresponding to the first sensor before a preset time (for example, 30 minutes after the second time).

[0112] The process of measuring the moisture content in step S42 and the process of identifying the position of the second device 2 in step S41 may be performed at different frequencies. For example, step S42 may be performed every hour, and step S41 may be performed every minute.

[0113] The system 10 may change the level of output of the warning information depending on the identified moisture information. Specifically, in the process of outputting the warning information in step S49, the administrator terminal 3A or the computer device provided in the vehicle may change the level of output of the warning information depending on the amount of change in moisture content over a predetermined period of time. For example, if the administrator terminal 3A or the computer device provided in the vehicle identifies a person under management whose moisture content has changed by 5% or less over a predetermined period of time, the system 10 may output a louder sound, display a display in a more conspicuous color scheme on the display screen, or output a stronger vibration than for a person under management whose moisture content has changed by more than 5% but less than 10%.

[0114] If the second device 2 has an output unit that outputs sound, light, or the like, the warning information may be output by the second device 2. In this case, if it is determined in step S43 that the predetermined condition is met, the administrator terminal 3A may transmit the warning information to the second device 2 corresponding to the sensor 4 that detected the moisture amount that meets the predetermined condition.

[0115] Although the output process when the third device 3 is provided in the administrator terminal 3A has been described above, the output process when the third device 3 is provided in a vehicle will now be described. When the third device 3 is provided in a vehicle, the processes of steps S46 to S50 are executed by the computer device of the vehicle or the third device 3. In this case, the administrator terminal 3A does not need to be provided with the third device 3. Also, if the answer is YES in step S48, warning information may be output by the administrator terminal 3A. The warning information is transmitted from the computer device of the vehicle or the third device 3 to the administrator terminal 3A via the server device 5.

[0116] The process of step S43, S45, or S50 is a process of transmitting the measured moisture content or a signal indicating that the moisture content satisfies a predetermined condition to a computer device. That is, the computer device may be a device provided in a vehicle in which the person under management can board, the administrator terminal 3A, the third device 3, the second device 2, or the server device 5.

[0117] In addition, in the processing of step S45, the amount of moisture in a container held by a person under management corresponding to one second device 2, or a signal indicating that the moisture amount satisfies a predetermined condition, may be transmitted to one manager terminal 3A, one third device 3, or one computer device installed in a vehicle via ad hoc communication between multiple first devices 1, multiple second devices 2, or multiple third devices 3.

[0118] The timing of execution of the process of step S47 is not particularly limited as long as it is executed before the process of step S49. The process of step S47 may be omitted. When the process of step S47 is executed, it is preferable that the process of step S47 is executed at the same time as or close to the time when the process of step S41 or S42 is executed.

[0119] The processing of step S48 may be omitted. In this case, the processing of step S49 is executed after the processing of step S47. In step S49, the location information and moisture information received in step S46 are displayed instead of the warning information. Also, in step S49, the display screen of the administrator terminal 3A or the display screen of the vehicle may display a list of the persons under management, time information, and moisture information stored in the moisture storage table. The administrator may check the displayed moisture information and encourage those under management who are not consuming moisture to drink more moisture, or encourage those under management who have a low moisture content in their containers to refill their containers with moisture.

[0120] [Moisture content display processing] The moisture content display process includes a process of displaying the person under management, their location, time information, or moisture information stored in the moisture content storage table on the display screen of the manager terminal 3A or the display screen of the vehicle. The moisture content display process may be executed by input to the input unit 36 ​​or the input unit of the computer device of the vehicle. The moisture content display process includes a process of displaying the location of the second device 2 and the moisture content of a container owned by the person under management that corresponds to the second device 2 on the display screen of the manager terminal 3A or the display screen of the vehicle.

[0121] The flow of the moisture content display process will be described below. First, the administrator logs in to the system 10 by launching a dedicated app from the administrator terminal 3A or the computer device in the vehicle, or by accessing the server device 5 via a web browser.

[0122] Next, a display request for displaying the moisture content and location information in the containers owned by the managed person is sent to the server device 5 by inputting information into the input unit 36 ​​or the input unit of the vehicle's computer device. The display request may be input by selecting "moisture content status" displayed on the display unit 37 or the vehicle's display screen. At this time, one or more managed persons to be displayed may be selected. The selection of managed persons may be made by a group unit such as an affiliation or an active managed person. The display request may include the managed person's managed ID to be displayed.

[0123] When the display request is received by the server device 5, the moisture content storage table 100 is identified by the server device 5. The location of the third device 3 stored in the server device 5 may also be identified. The server device 5 identifies the location, moisture information, and time information of the second device 2 corresponding to the person under management. The identified moisture information is preferably moisture information at one or more times stored before the display request is received. The identified moisture information may be the most recent moisture information stored in the storage unit 53.

[0124] The location, moisture information, and time information of the identified second device 2 are transmitted from the server device 5 to the administrator terminal 3A or the vehicle's computer device, and are displayed on the display unit 37 or the vehicle's display screen. The location of the second device 2 and the location of the third device 3 may be displayed superimposed on a map on the display unit 37 or the vehicle's display screen.

[0125] These steps complete the moisture content display process. After the display request is sent, the location of the second device 2 or the third device 3 may be displayed in real time on the administrator terminal 3A or the on-vehicle computer until an end command is entered on the input unit 36 ​​or the input unit of the on-vehicle computer.

[0126] In addition, step S49 or the above-mentioned moisture content display process is a process of controlling the position of the second device 2 identified by the process of step S31 or S41 to be displayed on a display screen provided in a vehicle in which the person under management can board, or on a display screen provided in an administrator terminal 3A operated by the administrator who manages the person under management.

[0127] According to the present invention, the measured amount of moisture in a container held by the person under management, or a signal indicating that the amount of moisture meets a specified condition, is sent to a computer device installed in a vehicle in which the person under management can ride, or to an administrator terminal operated by the administrator who manages the person under management, so that the administrator can know that the amount of moisture in the container held by the person under management, or the amount of moisture meets a specified condition.

[0128] According to the present invention, when the moisture content satisfies a predetermined condition, the computer device outputs information indicating that the moisture content has satisfied the predetermined condition, allowing the administrator to understand that the moisture content in a container held by a person under management has satisfied the predetermined condition. According to the present invention, information indicating that the moisture content has satisfied the predetermined condition is output along with information regarding the location of the person under management, making it possible to understand and find the location of the person under management corresponding to the container whose moisture content has satisfied the predetermined condition. According to the present invention, a second device is provided that is held or worn by each of the multiple persons under management, and the moisture content in a container held by the person under management corresponding to one of the second devices, or a signal indicating that the moisture content has satisfied the predetermined condition, is transmitted to the computer device via ad hoc communication between the multiple second devices, making it possible to transmit the signal even in a poor communication environment.

[0129] According to the present invention, the position of the second device is identified based on the calculated distances between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device, so that the position of the person under management can be identified with high accuracy. According to the present invention, a third device is provided in a vehicle in which the person under management can board, or in an administrator terminal operated by an administrator who manages the person under management, and the position of the third device is identified based on the calculated distances between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device, so that the position of the vehicle or the position of the administrator can be identified with high accuracy.

[0130] Furthermore, for the purpose of accurately identifying the location of the person under management, the administrator terminal, or the vehicle, it is preferable to calculate the distance based on the time difference between the clock of the first device and the clock of the second device and / or the third device. It is also preferable to correct the time in the second device and / or the third device based on the calculated time difference. It is also preferable to correct the phase in the second device and / or the third device based on the calculated phase difference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1 First device 2 Second device 3 Third device 3A Administrator terminal 4 Sensor 5 Server device 10 System 11 control unit 12 RF chip 12a Clock 12b Phase detector 13 Oscillator 21 control unit 22 RF chip 22a Clock 22b Phase detector 23 Oscillator 31 control unit 32 RF chip 32a clock 32b phase detector 33 Oscillator 34 RAM 35 Storage section 36 Input section 37 Display section 51 control unit 52 RAM 53 storage unit 54 Communication Interface 100 Moisture storage table 101 Administrator ID 102 Moisture content 103 Location information 104 Time information

Claims

1. a moisture amount measuring means for measuring the amount of moisture in a container held by the person under management, or a moisture amount detecting means for detecting whether the moisture amount satisfies a predetermined condition; a transmitting means for transmitting the measured moisture content or a signal indicating that the moisture content satisfies a predetermined condition to a computer device; Equipped with A system in which the computer device is provided in a vehicle in which the person under management can ride, or is an administrator terminal operated by an administrator who manages the person under management.

2. an output means for outputting information indicating that the moisture content has satisfied a predetermined condition when the moisture content has satisfied the predetermined condition by the computer device; The system of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the output means outputs information about the location of the person under management together with information indicating that the moisture content has satisfied a predetermined condition.

4. a second device carried or worn by each of the plurality of persons under management; A system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmitting means transmits to a computer device, via ad hoc communication between multiple second devices, the amount of moisture in a container held by the person under management corresponding to one second device, or a signal indicating that the moisture amount meets a predetermined condition.

5. a plurality of first devices; a second device possessed or worn by the person under management; Equipped with a first distance calculation means for calculating a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device; a first position specifying means for specifying a position of the second device based on the calculated distances between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device; The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

6. a first display control means for controlling the display of the location of the second device identified by the first location identification means on a display screen provided in a vehicle in which the person under management can board, or on a display screen provided in an administrator terminal operated by an administrator who manages the person under management; The system of claim 5 , comprising:

7. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first distance calculation means calculates the distance based on a time difference between a clock of the first device and a clock of the second device.

8. a first time difference calculation means for calculating a time difference between one first device and one second device by performing communication between the first device and the second device; a first time correction means for correcting the time in the second device based on the calculated time difference; The system of claim 5 , comprising:

9. a first phase shift calculation means for calculating a phase shift between clocks of one first device and one second device by performing communication between the first device and the second device; a first phase correction means for correcting the phase in the second device based on the calculated phase shift; The system of claim 5 , comprising:

10. a plurality of first devices; a third device provided in a vehicle in which the person under management can board or in an administrator terminal operated by an administrator who manages the person under management; Equipped with a second distance calculation means for calculating a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device; a second position specifying means for specifying a position of the third device based on the calculated distances between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device; The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

11. 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the second distance calculation means calculates the distance based on a time difference between a clock of the first device and a clock of the third device.

12. a second time difference calculation means for calculating a time difference between the first device and the third device by performing communication between the first device and the third device; a second time correction means for correcting the time in the third device based on the calculated time difference; The system of claim 10, comprising:

13. a second phase shift calculation means for calculating a phase shift between the clocks of the first device and the third device by performing communication between the first device and the third device; a second phase correction means for correcting the phase in the third device based on the calculated phase shift; The system of claim 10, comprising:

14. a moisture amount measuring step of measuring the moisture amount in a container held by the person under management, or a moisture amount detecting step of detecting that the moisture amount satisfies a predetermined condition; a transmitting step of transmitting the measured moisture amount or a signal indicating that the moisture amount satisfies a predetermined condition to a computer device; A method comprising:

Images