System having a facility and state detection method

Abstract

To easily and quickly confirm the state of distributed facilities.SOLUTION: The system 100 includes a moving body 5 and equipment 3 arranged in a distributed manner in a target area A. The equipment 3 has a detection part 35 for detecting the state of the equipment 3, and a first communication part 36 for transmitting state information on the state of the equipment 3 detected by the detection part 35 by radio communication. Further, the moving body 5 includes a second communication unit 57 that receives the state information transmitted from the facility 3 by wireless communication when the moving body 5 moves to the vicinity of the facility 3 and reaches the vicinity of the facility 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system having equipment distributed over a predetermined area, and a status detection method for detecting the status of the equipment included in the system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a system in which equipment is installed in a dispersed manner in a predetermined area to provide predetermined services to the area. The equipment is installed by, for example, a local government that has jurisdiction over the area, a private company, or the like, and is operated by these entities. One example of such a system is a disaster prevention system installed by a local government. The disaster prevention system includes equipment such as speakers that are dispersedly installed within the area under the jurisdiction of the local government, and in the event of various emergencies such as disasters, broadcasts evacuation guidance and disaster-related information to residents in the area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-207155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned system, the equipment is distributed so that the service can be provided to a predetermined area without any omissions. Therefore, if any of the equipment included in the system is unable to provide service due to an abnormality or the like, there will be areas within the predetermined area that cannot provide service properly, and the system will not be able to fully function. Therefore, in the above-mentioned system, it is important to check whether or not an abnormality has occurred in all of the equipment included in the system and to determine which equipment has the abnormality.

[0005] In conventional systems, in order to check whether an abnormality has occurred in equipment, it was necessary to dispatch a worker or the like to the location of the equipment and have the worker or the like check the equipment. Therefore, in conventional systems, checking whether an abnormality has occurred in all equipment requires the worker or the like to travel a long distance and check many pieces of equipment. As a result, checking whether an abnormality has occurred in all equipment is a heavy burden for the worker or the like. In addition, it takes a long time to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in all equipment.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to easily and quickly check the operating status of equipment distributed within a predetermined area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a mobile object and facilities distributed in a target area. In this system, the facilities have a detection unit that detects a state of the facilities and a first communication unit that transmits status information related to the state of the facilities detected by the detection unit via wireless communication. The mobile object also has a second communication unit that moves near the facilities and, when it arrives near the facilities, receives the status information transmitted from the facilities via wireless communication.

[0008] A status detection method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for detecting a status of equipment in a system including a mobile object and equipment distributed in a target area. The status detection method includes the following steps. (a) A step in which the equipment detects the state of the equipment. (b) The equipment transmits status information regarding the detected equipment status via wireless communication. (c) A step in which the mobile object moves to the vicinity of the facility. (d) When the mobile object reaches the vicinity of the facility, the mobile object receives status information transmitted from the facility via wireless communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the present disclosure, in a system including a mobile body and equipment distributed in a target area, the equipment detects its own status and transmits status information related to the detected equipment status via wireless communication. Meanwhile, the mobile body moves near the target equipment and, when it arrives near the equipment, receives status information transmitted from the equipment via wireless communication. In this way, the equipment detects its own status and transmits the detected status as status information via wireless communication, while the mobile body moves near the equipment and receives the status information via wireless communication. This eliminates the need to dispatch a worker or the like to the location of the equipment to check whether an abnormality has occurred in the equipment and for the worker or the like to inspect the equipment. By eliminating the need for a worker or the like to inspect the equipment, the operating status of equipment distributed in a specified area can be easily and quickly checked.

[0010] Furthermore, since the equipment transmits the above-mentioned status information wirelessly and the mobile body can receive the status information wirelessly, the status information detected by the equipment can be passed to the mobile body simply by moving the mobile body near the equipment. Furthermore, the device that detects the status of the equipment (detection unit) and the devices that transmit and receive the status information wirelessly (first communication unit, second communication unit) can be easily installed in an existing system, so that the existing system can be easily expanded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a target area. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the equipment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the front appearance of the moving body. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a moving body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the equipment in the operation of detecting the state of the equipment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile body in the operation of detecting the state of the equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0013] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Overview An outline of the system 100 will be described below. The system 100 is a system for providing a predetermined service to a target area A. In order to provide the predetermined service, the system 100 includes equipment 3 for providing the service. In order to provide the service to the target area A without omission, the equipment 3 is distributed throughout the target area A.

[0014] In the following, the first embodiment will be described by taking a system that amplifies audio containing evacuation information, warnings, and the like in a target area A as an example of the system 100. An example of such a system 100 is a disaster prevention administrative radio system. In the system 100, audio amplification is performed by equipment 3. As will be described later, a plurality of pieces of equipment 3 are installed dispersedly in the target area A so that audio is amplified evenly throughout the target area A. However, if any of the plurality of pieces of equipment 3 cannot amplify audio normally due to a malfunction or the like, an area will be created within the target area A where audio is not properly amplified. As a result, important notifications cannot be sent to people in that area.

[0015] To prevent this, in system 100 of this embodiment, the equipment 3 detects its own status (i.e., whether or not the equipment 3 can properly amplify sound) and transmits information (referred to as status information) relating to the status detected by the equipment 3 via wireless communication. The status information transmitted from the equipment 3 via wireless communication is received via wireless communication by a mobile object 5 that has moved close to the equipment 3. In this way, in system 100, the status information detected by the equipment 3 can be easily passed on to the mobile object 5.

[0016] 1-2.Configuration 1-2-1. Target area The configuration of the system 100 will be described below. First, a target area A in which sound is amplified by the system 100 will be described using Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the target area A. As shown in Fig. 1, a master station 1 and equipment 3 are provided in the target area A.

[0017] The master station 1 is installed, for example, in an organization (such as a city or town hall) that has jurisdiction over the target area A. A plurality of pieces of equipment 3 are installed in a distributed manner in the target area A so that sound can be amplified evenly throughout the target area A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of pieces of equipment 3 are arranged so that the target area A can be covered by the amplification range R of each piece of equipment 3.

[0018] The above-mentioned "amplification range R" refers to the range in which sound from the equipment 3 can be amplified in the target area A. The amplification range R does not simply refer to the range in which sound can be heard, but also refers to the range in which a person can generally clearly hear the sound.

[0019] It is also preferable to arrange the equipment 3 so that multiple amplification ranges R do not overlap, or if they do overlap, the overlap is minimized. This prevents congestion caused by sounds from multiple equipment 3, allowing sounds to be heard more clearly throughout the target area A. Note that although the amplification range R is shown as a circle in Figure 1, the shape of the amplification range R can be any shape depending on the characteristics of the equipment 3.

[0020] The sound amplification range R of the facility 3 may be determined, for example, by actually collecting the sound being amplified from the facility 3 around the facility 3 and analyzing the collected sound, or by simulation. Alternatively, the sound amplification range R of the facility 3 may be determined, for example, by moving a mobile object 5 to the location of the facility 3 that is being amplified, having the mobile object 5 collect the sound being amplified from the facility 3, and then based on the analysis of the collected sound.

[0021] A relay station 10 is installed in the target area A. The relay station 10 relays the voice data transmitted from the master station 1 and transmits it from the master station 1 to a facility 3 located far away.

[0022] 1-2-2. System configuration Next, the configuration of the system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system 100. The system 100 includes a master station 1, equipment 3, a mobile object 5, and a control device 7.

[0023] The master station 1 uses a plurality of facilities 3 installed in the target area A to amplify audio in the target area A. The master station 1 is connected to a microphone, and for example, picks up audio uttered by a person in charge of the organization using the microphone or the like, converts the audio data, and transmits the audio data to the facilities 3. The audio data is transmitted to the facilities 3 and stored in the master station 1.

[0024] Furthermore, the master station 1 stores predetermined audio data, and when it receives an external command, it selects audio data in accordance with the command and transmits the selected audio data to the equipment 3. The predetermined audio data is, for example, audio data related to audio for scheduled broadcasts that are to be amplified at predetermined times, or audio data related to audio corresponding to messages created for each event such as an earthquake or a ballistic missile attack, calling for attention.

[0025] An external command is a command issued from an external source (for example, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency) in response to the above-mentioned event. An example of an external command is a signal from the nationwide sequential warning system (J-Alert) issued by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

[0026] In addition, the master station 1 may transmit the stored audio data via a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, wired LAN, 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, millimeter wave wireless communication, etc.) to a server (organization management server) managed by the organization that has jurisdiction over the target area A, and store the audio data in the organization management server.

[0027] The equipment 3 is connected to the base station 1 wirelessly and / or wired. The equipment 3 receives audio data from the base station 1, converts the received audio data into an audio signal, and outputs it. The equipment 3 detects its own status and transmits the status detection result (called status information) to the outside via wireless communication. The status detected by the equipment 3 is whether or not the equipment 3 can properly amplify sound. In other words, the status information, which is the status detection result, indicates whether or not the equipment 3 can properly amplify sound.

[0028] The mobile body 5 is capable of moving within the target area A. The mobile body 5 is, for example, an air vehicle such as a drone. By using the mobile body 5 as an air vehicle, it can move to the vicinity of facilities 3 located in areas where vehicles and the like cannot pass. In accordance with commands from the control device 7, the mobile body 5 moves to the vicinity of each facility 3 within the target area A and receives status information transmitted from the facilities 3 via wireless communication. The mobile body 5 grasps the status of the facilities 3 based on the received status information.

[0029] A plurality of mobile objects 5 are arranged in the system 100. The control device 7 commands one of the plurality of mobile objects 5 to acquire status information transmitted from the equipment 3. Note that the mobile objects 5 that have not been commanded to acquire status information of the equipment 3 are arranged in a stopping area arranged at a predetermined position.

[0030] The control device 7 is a computer system configured with various processors or electronic circuits such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, ASIC, etc., storage devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc.), various interfaces (input / output interface, network interface, etc.), etc. The control device 7 performs various controls related to the system 100. The control device 7 can realize the controls by executing programs stored in the storage device. Furthermore, some of the controls performed by the control device 7 may be realized by hardware.

[0031] The control device 7 may be configured with one or more processors. The storage device of the control device 7 may include any computer-readable recording medium, such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or an SD card.

[0032] 1-2-3. Equipment configuration The configuration of the facility 3 included in the system 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the facility 3. The facility 3 has an audio data receiving device 31, an amplifier 32, a speaker 33, a first power supply 34, a detection unit 35, a first communication unit 36, a first information processing device 37, and a second power supply 38.

[0033] The audio data receiving device 31 is a device that receives audio data transmitted from the master station 1, converts the received audio data into an audio signal, and transmits it to the amplifier 32. The audio data receiving device 31 has, for example, a communication circuit that communicates with the master station 1 wirelessly and / or via a cable, and a conversion circuit that converts the audio data into an audio signal. The audio data receiving device 31 and the master station 1 can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet, a wireless LAN, a wired LAN, 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, or millimeter wave wireless communication.

[0034] The amplifier 32 amplifies the audio signal received from the audio data receiving device 31 and outputs it to the speaker 33. The amplifier 32 has, for example, an amplifier circuit that amplifies the audio signal. The speaker 33 converts the audio signal output from the amplifier 32 into audio. That is, the speaker 33 amplifies the voice of the person in charge picked up by a microphone or the like in the master station 1 and the audio based on audio data selected in accordance with an external command.

[0035] The first power source 34 supplies power to drive the voice data receiving device 31 and the amplifier 32. The first power source 34 obtains power, for example, from a power line installed near the facility 3, converts the obtained power to power of an appropriate magnitude, and supplies it to the voice data receiving device 31 and the amplifier 32. Alternatively, the first power source 34 may be a battery.

[0036] The detection unit 35 detects the state of the equipment 3 and transmits the detection result to the first information processing device 37. Specifically, the detection unit 35 is connected to the input side and output side of the amplifier 32. The detection unit 35 is a device that, for example, causes the voice data receiving device 31 to output a test signal and detects whether or not the signal is being output to the input side of the amplifier 32 (i.e., from the voice data receiving device 31) and whether or not an amplified signal is being output to the output side of the amplifier 32 (i.e., from the amplifier 32).

[0037] Additionally, the detection unit 35 may be, for example, a device that measures the impedance (input impedance, output impedance) of the amplifier 32, a device that measures the ratio (amplification factor) between the signal level on the input side of the amplifier 32 and the signal level on the output side, a device that measures the S / N ratio on the input side of the amplifier 32 and / or the S / N ratio on the output side of the amplifier 32, or a device that measures the impedance of the speaker 33.

[0038] The first communication unit 36 ​​is a device for communicating with the outside via wireless communication. The first communication unit 36 ​​transmits status information relating to the status of the facility 3 to the outside via wireless communication. The first communication unit 36 ​​also receives first identification information (described later) transmitted from the mobile object 5.

[0039] The first communication unit 36 ​​is a device capable of communicating with the outside world via short-range wireless communication. Specifically, the first communication unit 36 ​​is a device that performs short-range communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark). By configuring the first communication unit 36 ​​as a device capable of communicating with the outside world via short-range wireless communication, a large amount of power for wireless communication is not required. As a result, the life of the second power source 38 can be extended.

[0040] The first information processing device 37 is a computer system configured with various processors or electronic circuits such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, ASIC, etc., storage devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc.), various interfaces (input / output interface, network interface, etc.), etc. The first information processing device 37 has a first information processing unit 37a and a first storage unit 37b.

[0041] The first information processing unit 37a is configured by a processor of the first information processing device 37 and executes various information processing related to the detection of the state of the equipment 3. The various information processing by the first information processing unit 37a described below is realized by executing a program stored in the first storage unit 37b and the like. Furthermore, part of the various information processing by the first information processing unit 37a may be realized by hardware.

[0042] When the detection unit 35 detects / measures the state of the equipment 3, the first information processing unit 37a receives the state detection / measurement results from the detection unit 35 and transmits the received detection / measurement results as state information to the outside via the first communication unit 36.

[0043] Furthermore, when the first communication unit 36 ​​receives first identification information from the mobile object 5, the first information processing unit 37a compares the received first identification information with the second identification information INF2 stored in the first storage unit 37b. If the comparison shows that the first identification information and the second identification information INF2 match, the first information processing unit 37a transmits the status information to the outside via the first communication unit 36.

[0044] The second identification information INF2 stores identification information of multiple mobile units 5 belonging to the system 100. The second identification information INF2 is, for example, information for identifying the mobile unit 5 called a "remote ID." The second identification information INF2, which is a remote ID, includes, for example, the registration number and / or serial number of the mobile unit 5, authentication information of the mobile unit 5, etc. The remote ID is obtained, for example, by registering the mobile unit 5 in a government agency system.

[0045] Since the second identification information INF2 identifies the moving object 5 belonging to the system 100, a match between the first identification information and the second identification information INF2 means that the second identification information INF2 contains identification information of the moving object 5 that matches the first identification information. In other words, this means that the moving object 5 belonging to the system 100 has arrived near the facility 3.

[0046] In this way, when the first identification information and the second identification information INF2 match, the status information is transmitted to the outside via the first communication unit 36, so that the status information can be transmitted only to the mobile object 5 that belongs to the system 100. As a result, it is possible to prevent other mobile objects that do not belong to the system 100 from receiving the status information, thereby ensuring the security of the system 100.

[0047] Furthermore, by transmitting the status information to the outside when the first identification information is received, the status information can be reliably transmitted to the mobile object 5 within the communication range of the first communication unit 36. This eliminates the need to constantly transmit the status information to the outside, for example, and can reduce the power consumption of the first communication unit 36. As a result, the life of the second power source 38 can be extended.

[0048] The first storage unit 37b is configured by a storage device of the first information processing device 37, and stores programs executed by the first information processing unit 37a, various parameters, etc. The first storage unit 37b stores the second identification information INF2.

[0049] The second power source 38 supplies power to drive the detection unit 35, the first communication unit 36, and the first information processing device 37. The second power source 38 is, for example, a battery. The second power source 38, which is a battery, may be rechargeable by power supplied to a power line laid near the facility 3. Alternatively, the second power source 38 may obtain power from a power line laid near the facility 3, convert the obtained power to power of an appropriate magnitude, and supply the power.

[0050] In this way, by providing a power supply (second power supply 38) that supplies power to the elements that detect / transmit the status of the equipment 3 (detection unit 35, first communication unit 36, first information processing device 37) separately from the power supply (first power supply 34) that supplies power to the elements that amplify sound in the equipment 3 (audio data receiving device 31, amplifier 32, etc.), it is possible to detect the status of the equipment 3 and transmit the detection results to the outside as status information even when power cannot be supplied from the first power supply 34.

[0051] 1-2-4.Configuration of moving objects The configuration of the moving body 5 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the front appearance of the moving body 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the moving body 5. The moving body 5 is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can be remotely controlled or automatically piloted, and performs flight operations such as ascending, moving forward, rotating, and descending in response to flight instructions from a control device 7.

[0052] The moving body 5 has a main body 50a, multiple arms 50b extending horizontally and radially from the main body 50a, multiple legs 50c extending downward, and rotors 55 attached to the upper tip of each leg 50c. The moving body 5 flies using lift generated by rotating the rotors 55 using the rotation of a motor 56. The moving body 5 generates a reaction by changing the rotation direction of some of the rotors 55, preventing the main body 50a itself from rotating.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile object 5 includes a second information processing unit 51, a second storage unit 52, a sensor group 53, a GPS receiver 54, a second communication unit 57, and a battery 58.

[0054] The second information processing unit 51 is configured with a CPU and the like, and performs various arithmetic processing related to the moving body 5. The second information processing unit 51 performs various arithmetic processing according to various programs to execute functions described below. The second storage unit 52 is a memory such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory. The second storage unit 52 stores programs, calculation parameters, calculation results, etc. used by the second information processing unit 51.

[0055] The second storage unit 52 stores first identification information for identifying the moving object 5. The first identification information is, for example, information for identifying the moving object 5 called a "remote ID." The first identification information, which is a remote ID, includes the registration number and / or serial number of the moving object 5, information related to the movement of the moving object 5 (for example, the altitude and speed of the moving object 5), information related to the time, and authentication information for the moving object 5. The remote ID is obtained, for example, by registering the moving object 5 in a government agency system.

[0056] The sensor group 53 includes an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor that detect acceleration and angular velocity for controlling the attitude of the mobile body 5, an atmospheric pressure sensor that detects altitude, a geomagnetic sensor that detects direction, etc. The GPS receiver 54 includes an antenna and a signal processing unit, and receives signals from GPS satellites to detect position information of the mobile body 5.

[0057] The second communication unit 57 is a device for communicating with the outside via wireless communication. The second communication unit 57 transmits the first identification information to the outside via wireless communication. The second communication unit 57 also receives status information transmitted from equipment 3 located near the mobile object 5.

[0058] The second communication unit 57 is a device capable of communicating with the outside through short-range wireless communication. Specifically, the second communication unit 57 is a device that performs short-range communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0059] The second communication unit 57 also includes a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the control device 7. Such a wireless communication interface is, for example, a wireless LAN, 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, or millimeter wave wireless communication.

[0060] The battery 58 stores the power required for the operation of the moving body 5 and supplies it to each part.

[0061] The moving object 5 further includes a microphone direction control mechanism 61 and a microphone 62. The microphone 62 can change its sound collection direction by changing its angle in the vertical direction using the microphone direction control mechanism 61. The microphone 62 can collect sounds around the moving object 5. For example, if the moving object 5 is located near a facility 3, the microphone 62 can collect sounds being amplified from the facility 3. As with the speaker 64, the sound collection direction can be changed by changing its angle in the vertical direction.

[0062] A speaker 64 is attached to the main body 50a of the moving body 5 facing downward. The speaker 64 amplifies sound. The angle of the speaker 64 can be changed in the up and down directions indicated by the arrows by a speaker direction control mechanism 63. This allows the direction in which the sound is amplified by the speaker 64 to be changed downward or forward and backward.

[0063] In the above-described mobile object 5, the second information processing unit 51 performs the following functions. When the second information processing unit 51 receives location information of the equipment 3 whose status is to be detected from the control device 7, it controls the number of rotations and the rotation speed of the motor 56 to move the mobile object 5 from its current position to the position indicated in the received location information. Specifically, the second information processing unit 51 acquires the tilt and rotation direction of the main body 50a based on the output data of the above-mentioned sensor group 53 and GPS receiver 54, and acquires position information including the latitude and longitude during flight, altitude, and azimuth angle of the main body 50a. The second information processing unit 51 controls the number of rotations and the rotation speed of the motor 56 based on the above-mentioned output data to move the mobile object 5 while correcting the attitude and position of the main body 50a, thereby moving the mobile object 5 to the vicinity of the equipment 3 whose status is to be detected.

[0064] While the mobile object 5 is moving, the second information processing unit 51 transmits the first identification information stored in the second storage unit 52 to the outside via the second communication unit 57 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every one second). When the second communication unit 57 receives status information, the second information processing unit 51 determines whether the equipment 3 near the mobile object 5 is in a state where it can be amplified appropriately, based on the received status information. The second information processing unit 51 transmits the result of this determination to the control device 7 via the second communication unit 57.

[0065] 1-2-5.Control device configuration The configuration of the control device 7 will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 7. The control device 7 has a third information processing unit 71, a third storage unit 73, and a third communication unit 75. The third information processing unit 71 is configured with a CPU and the like, and executes various information processes in the control device 7. The third information processing unit 71 executes programs stored in the third storage unit 73 to execute various information processes.

[0066] The third storage unit 73 is configured with a storage device or the like, and stores programs executed by the third information processing unit 71, various parameters, etc. Specifically, the third storage unit 73 stores facility location information PI. The facility location information PI stores information related to the location of each facility 3. The facility location information PI stores, for example, identification information of each facility 3 and location information of the location where the facility 3 is located (for example, latitude-longitude, travel route to each facility 3, etc.).

[0067] The third communication unit 75 is configured with a network interface and the like, and communicates with the outside. The third communication unit 75 is connected to the mobile object 5 via a wireless network. The third communication unit 75 is also connected to the master station 1 via a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, wired LAN, 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G, millimeter wave wireless communication, etc.).

[0068] In the control device 7, the third information processing unit 71 performs the following functions. The third information processing unit 71 executes information processing related to the detection of the state of the equipment 3 using the mobile object 5. Specifically, the third information processing unit 71 refers to the equipment position information PI stored in the third storage unit 73, determines the location of each piece of equipment 3 arranged in the system 100, and moves the mobile object 5 to the vicinity of the determined location.

[0069] The third information processing unit 71 receives, for each piece of equipment 3, the determination result as to whether the piece of equipment 3 can properly amplify sound from the mobile object 5 via the third communication unit 75. As a result, the third information processing unit 71 can, for example, display the determination result on the display device of the control device 7, issue a warning if there is any piece of equipment 3 that cannot properly amplify sound, or instruct the user of the system 100 to check the piece of equipment 3 that is malfunctioning and take action such as repairing it.

[0070] 1-3. Equipment status detection operation 7 and 8, an operation of detecting the state of the facility 3 in the system 100 (state detection operation) will be described below. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facility 3 in the state detection operation of the facility 3. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile object 5 in the state detection operation of the facility 3.

[0071] It is preferable that the state of the facility 3 is known when amplifying sound using the facility 3. For example, if the time for amplifying sound is determined in advance, the operation for detecting the state of the facility 3 described below can be performed in a time period before the time for amplifying sound.

[0072] Additionally, the state detection operation of the equipment 3 can be performed, for example, when a disaster occurs at the location where the equipment 3 is installed. As a result, if an emergency announcement is to be made in the event of a disaster, but there is a possibility that the equipment 3 has broken down or been destroyed due to the disaster, it can be determined whether or not the equipment 3 is in an abnormal state when making the emergency announcement. Whether or not a disaster has occurred at the location where the equipment 3 is installed can be determined, for example, by obtaining disaster occurrence information regarding the occurrence of a disaster from an external server or the like.

[0073] Furthermore, the state detection operation of the equipment 3 may be executed at predetermined intervals. This makes it possible to constantly grasp the state of the equipment 3. For example, even when sudden, unplanned loudspeaker operation is required, the state of the equipment 3 can be grasped before the loudspeaker operation.

[0074] When detecting the state of the facility 3, the detection unit 35 of the facility 3 detects / measures the state of the facility 3 (step S11 in FIG. 7). In addition, the first information processing unit 37a of the facility 3 waits to receive the first identification information via the first communication unit 36.

[0075] Meanwhile, the third information processing unit 71 of the control device 7 notifies one of the multiple mobile bodies 5 of the location of the target equipment 3 for status detection. The third information processing unit 71 refers to the equipment location information PI stored in the third storage unit 73 to determine the location of the target equipment 3, and transmits the determined location to the mobile body 5 used for status detection.

[0076] The second information processing unit 51 of the mobile object 5 that has received the location of the target facility 3 moves the mobile object 5 to the target facility 3 (step S21 in FIG. 8). While the mobile object 5 is moving, the second information processing unit 51 transmits the first identification information stored in the second storage unit 52 to the outside via the second communication unit 57 (step S22 in FIG. 8).

[0077] When the moving object 5 reaches the vicinity of the facility 3, it stops (hovers) at a nearby position. When the moving object 5 reaches the vicinity of the facility 3 and the first identification information is received by the first communication unit 36 ​​of the facility 3 ("Yes" in step S12 of FIG. 7), the first information processing unit 37a of the facility 3 determines whether the first identification information received from the moving object 5 matches the second identification information INF2 stored in the first storage unit 37b (step S13 of FIG. 7).

[0078] If the first identification information and the second identification information INF2 match ("Yes" in step S13), the first information processing unit 37a transmits the status of the equipment 3 detected / measured in step S11 as status information to the outside via the first communication unit 36 ​​(step S14 in Figure 7).

[0079] On the other hand, if the first identification information and the second identification information INF2 do not match ("No" in step S13), the first information processing unit 37a does not transmit the state of the equipment 3 detected / measured in step S11 as state information.

[0080] In this way, when the first identification information and the second identification information INF2 match, the status information is transmitted to the outside via the first communication unit 36, so that the status information can be transmitted only to the mobile object 5 that belongs to the system 100. As a result, it is possible to prevent other mobile objects that do not belong to the system 100 from receiving the status information, thereby ensuring the security of the system 100.

[0081] When the second communication unit 57 of the mobile object 5 receives the status information ("Yes" in step S24 of FIG. 8), the second information processing unit 51 of the mobile object 5 determines the status of the equipment 3 based on the received status information (step S25 of FIG. 8). The second information processing unit 51 stores the determination result of the status of each equipment 3 in the second storage unit 52.

[0082] For example, if the detection unit 35 of the equipment 3 is a device that detects whether a signal is being output to the input side and output side of the amplifier 32, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 can appropriately amplify sound if the status information indicates that a signal is being output to the input side of the amplifier 32 and that an amplified signal is being output to the output side of the amplifier 32.

[0083] On the other hand, if the status information indicates that no signal is being output to the input side of the amplifier 32, or that a signal is being output to the input side of the amplifier 32 but an amplified signal is not being output to the output side of the amplifier 32, it can be determined that the equipment 3 is in a state where it cannot amplify sound.

[0084] For example, if the detection unit 35 is a device that measures the impedance of the amplifier 32, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 can amplify sound appropriately if the status information indicates that the measured impedance is within an appropriate range. On the other hand, if the status information indicates that the impedance is not within the appropriate range, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 cannot amplify sound or cannot amplify sound at an appropriate volume.

[0085] For example, if the detection unit 35 is a device that measures the amplification factor of the amplifier 32, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 can amplify sound appropriately if the status information indicates that the measured amplification factor is within an appropriate range. On the other hand, if the status information indicates that the amplification factor is not within the appropriate range, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 is in a state where it cannot amplify sound at an appropriate volume.

[0086] For example, if the detection unit 35 is a device that measures the S / N ratio of the amplifier 32, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 can appropriately amplify audio when the status information indicates that the measured S / N ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. On the other hand, if the status information indicates that the S / N ratio is smaller than the predetermined value, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 can only amplify noisy audio.

[0087] For example, if the detection unit 35 is a device that measures the impedance of the speaker 33, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 can appropriately amplify sound when the status information indicates that the measured impedance is within an appropriate range. On the other hand, if the status information indicates that the impedance is not within the appropriate range, the second information processing unit 51 can determine that the equipment 3 cannot amplify sound or cannot amplify clear sound.

[0088] On the other hand, if a predetermined time has passed ("Yes" in step S26 of FIG. 8) after the mobile object 5 has arrived near the facility 3 ("Yes" in step S23 of FIG. 8) without receiving any status information ("No" in step S24 of FIG. 8), the second information processing unit 51 of the mobile object 5 determines, based on the lack of status information, that the facility 3 is malfunctioning and is unable to properly amplify sound (step S27 of FIG. 8). Possible malfunctions when no status information is received include, for example, a malfunction of the first communication unit 36 ​​of the facility 3, an abnormality (e.g., an error occurrence) in the first information processing device 37, or a lack of power being supplied from the second power source 38.

[0089] If there is a facility 3 that is a target for status detection ("Yes" in step S28 of FIG. 8), the third information processing unit 71 of the control device 7 transmits the location of the next target facility 3 to the mobile body 5 that is not currently detecting the status of the facility 3. As a result, the mobile body 5 that receives the location of the next target facility 3 executes steps S21 to S27 described above to detect the status of the facility 3.

[0090] On the other hand, if there is no equipment 3 to perform status detection on, i.e., if status detection has been performed on all equipment 3 ("No" in step S28 of Figure 8), the second information processing unit 51 of the mobile body 5 that performed status detection transmits the result of the judgment on the status of the equipment 3 made in step S25 or step S27 to the control device 7 via the second communication unit 57 (step S29 of Figure 8).

[0091] The third information processing unit 71 of the control device 7 that receives the above-mentioned judgment result can, for example, display the received judgment result on the display device of the control device 7, issue a warning if there is any equipment 3 that cannot properly amplify the sound, or instruct the user of the system 100 to check the equipment 3 that has an abnormality and take action such as repairing it.

[0092] 1-4. Variation 1 In the above embodiment, the first power supply 34 that supplies power to the elements for amplifying sound (audio data receiving device 31, amplifier 32) and the second power supply 38 that supplies power to the elements for detecting status (detection unit 35, first communication unit 36, first information processing device 37) in the facility 3 are separate power supplies. However, this is not limiting, and a common power supply may be used for the elements for amplifying sound and the elements for detecting status.

[0093] 1-5. Variation 2 In the above embodiment, the detector 35 detects / measures the state of the facility 3, and determines whether the facility 3 can amplify appropriate audio based on this. That is, whether the facility 3 can amplify appropriate audio is determined from the internal electrical state of the facility 3. However, this is not limiting, and it is also possible to determine whether the facility 3 can amplify appropriate audio by taking into consideration the state of the audio when audio is actually amplified from the facility 3, in addition to the detection / measurement result of the state of the facility 3 by the detector 35.

[0094] In this case, test audio data is transmitted from the master station 1 to the facility 3, causing the facility 3 to amplify the test audio, and while the test audio is being amplified, surrounding audio is picked up using a sensor microphone provided in the facility 3 and / or the microphone 62 provided in the mobile object 5, and if the picked-up audio does not correspond to the test audio, it can be determined that the facility 3 cannot amplify the audio appropriately. The test audio can be, for example, audio that is amplified at a predetermined time using the system 100, or a special audio with content suitable for understanding the status of the facility 3, etc.

[0095] Note that the above phrase "the picked up audio does not correspond to the test audio" means, for example, that the picked up audio is quieter and harder to hear than the test audio, that the picked up audio does not contain the test audio, or that the picked up audio contains a lot of noise and the test audio is not clear.

[0096] When collecting sound using a sensor microphone provided on the facility 3 and a microphone 62 provided on the mobile object 5, the collected sound may contain noise components such as the operating sound of the mobile object 5 and noise around the facility 3. If the collected sound contains noise components, the state of the facility 3 cannot be accurately confirmed.

[0097] Therefore, when detecting the state of the equipment 3 based on the collected sound, the state of the equipment 3 may be detected based on the collected sound from which noise components have been removed. The noise components can be removed by, for example, comparing information about the waveform of the collected sound (for example, frequency distribution) with information about the waveform of the test sound (and / or the operating sound of the moving object 5, ambient noise), and removing components that do not match the test sound from the collected sound.

[0098] In this way, by determining the state of the equipment 3 by taking into account the audio pickup results in addition to the electrical state inside the equipment 3, the state of the equipment 3 can be grasped more accurately.

[0099] Furthermore, by determining the state of the equipment 3 based on the determination result based on the picked-up sound and the internal electrical state of the equipment 3 based on the state information, it is possible to identify which part of the equipment 3 is abnormal. For example, if there is no abnormality in the internal electrical state, such as signals being output to the input and output sides of the amplifier 32, but no sound is picked up or clear sound cannot be picked up, it can be determined that there is a possibility of a non-electrical abnormality occurring, such as the sound not being amplified due to damage to the cone paper of the speaker 33, or the speaker 33 being blocked by an obstacle or the like.

[0100] 1-6. Variation 3 In the above embodiment, the status information is transmitted to the outside (mobile object 5) regardless of the status of the equipment 3. However, this is not limiting, and in a case where it is only necessary to determine whether the equipment 3 can appropriately amplify sound, the first information processing unit 37a of the equipment 3 may transmit the status information via the first communication unit 36 ​​only when the detection result of the detection unit 35 indicates that the equipment 3 is operating normally. In this way, it can be determined that the equipment 3 can appropriately amplify sound by simply determining that the status information has been received.

[0101] 1-7. Variation 4 When the second information processing unit 51 of the mobile body 5 determines that it is not possible to properly amplify audio from equipment 3 near the mobile body 5, it may decide to have the mobile body 5 amplify audio instead of the equipment 3. In this case, the second information processing unit 51 receives, from the master station 1 or the organization management server, audio data to be amplified by the equipment 3 that it has determined cannot properly amplify audio, and converts the received audio data into an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 64, thereby amplifying audio instead of the equipment 3.

[0102] 1-8.Features In the system 100 of the above embodiment, the equipment 3 detects its own status and transmits status information related to the detected status of the equipment 3 via wireless communication. Meanwhile, the mobile object 5 moves near the target equipment 3 and, when it arrives near the equipment 3, receives the status information transmitted from the equipment 3 via wireless communication. In this way, the equipment 3 detects its own status and transmits the detected status as status information via wireless communication, while the mobile object 5 moves near the equipment and receives the status information via wireless communication. This eliminates the need to dispatch a worker or the like to the location of the equipment 3 to check whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the equipment 3. By eliminating the need for a worker or the like to check the equipment 3, the operating status of the equipment 3 distributed over a predetermined area can be easily and quickly checked.

[0103] Furthermore, since the equipment 3 transmits the above-mentioned status information via wireless communication and the mobile object 5 can receive the status information via wireless communication, the status information detected by the equipment 3 can be passed to the mobile object 5 simply by moving the mobile object 5 near the equipment 3. Furthermore, the detection unit 35 that detects the status of the equipment 3, and the first communication unit 36 ​​and second communication unit 57 that transmit and receive the status information via wireless communication can be easily installed in an existing system, making it easy to expand the existing system.

[0104] In the system 100 for amplifying sound, the equipment 3 detects its own state, so that the state of the equipment 3 can be detected without being affected by noise components such as the operating sounds of the moving object 5 and noise around the equipment 3.

[0105] 2. Other embodiments As described above, each embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments. For example, the following embodiments are possible.

[0106] (A) The order of execution of each step in the flowcharts of Figures 7 and 8 and the processing content of each step can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, multiple steps can be executed simultaneously.

[0107] (B) The moving body 5 is not limited to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The moving body 5 may be, for example, a vehicle or the like that is capable of moving on the ground. Alternatively, some of the multiple moving bodies 5 may be the unmanned aerial vehicles described above, and the remaining moving bodies 5 may be vehicles.

[0108] (C) The audio amplified from the equipment 3 may be Japanese audio or audio in a language other than Japanese. The audio may also include Japanese audio and audio in a language other than Japanese. In this case, audio in the other language may be amplified along with Japanese audio.

[0109] (D) In ​​the above embodiments, each device may have a cloud computing configuration in which one function is shared and processed jointly by multiple devices via a network.

[0110] Each step in the flowcharts of Figures 7 and 8 can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices. Furthermore, if one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0111] (E) The technology for checking the status of facility 3 described above can be applied to systems other than systems that amplify audio. For example, the technology can be applied to various systems in which facility 3 is distributed, such as a mobile phone system having multiple base stations (an example of facility 3) distributed over a target area, a surveillance system having multiple cameras (an example of facility 3) distributed over a target area, and a transportation system having multiple traffic lights (and traffic light control devices) (an example of facility 3) distributed over a target area.

[0112] The above technology can also be applied to a system in which multiple pieces of equipment 3 with different uses are distributed. For example, the above technology can be applied to a system in which equipment that amplifies audio to the surrounding area and equipment that is a camera that takes pictures of the surrounding area are distributed in a target area.

[0113] In the above-described system, the method of detecting the state of equipment 3 may be common in that it detects whether equipment 3 is in a state where it can output an appropriate output corresponding to a specific input to equipment 3, but it can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of equipment 3.

[0114] 3. Notes (1) A system (e.g., system 100) includes a mobile object (e.g., mobile object 5) and equipment (e.g., equipment 3) distributed in a target area (e.g., target area A). In this system, the equipment includes a detection unit (e.g., detection unit 35) that detects the status of the equipment, and a first communication unit (e.g., first communication unit 36) that transmits status information related to the status of the equipment detected by the detection unit via wireless communication. The mobile object also includes a second communication unit (e.g., second communication unit 57) that moves near the equipment and, when it arrives near the equipment, receives status information transmitted from the equipment via wireless communication.

[0115] In the above system, each piece of equipment detects its own status and transmits status information related to the detected status of the equipment via wireless communication. Meanwhile, a mobile object moves near the target equipment and, when it arrives near the equipment, receives the status information transmitted from the equipment via wireless communication. In this way, the equipment detects its own status and transmits the detected status as status information via wireless communication, while the mobile object moves near the equipment and receives the status information via wireless communication. This eliminates the need to dispatch a worker or the like to the location of the equipment to check whether there is an abnormality in the equipment and for the worker or the like to inspect the equipment. By eliminating the need for a worker or the like to inspect the equipment, the operating status of equipment distributed over a specified area can be easily and quickly checked.

[0116] Furthermore, since the equipment transmits the above-mentioned status information wirelessly and the mobile body can receive the status information wirelessly, the status information detected by the equipment can be passed to the mobile body simply by moving the mobile body near the equipment. Furthermore, the device that detects the status of the equipment (detection unit) and the devices that transmit and receive the status information wirelessly (first communication unit, second communication unit) can be easily installed in an existing system, so that the existing system can be easily expanded.

[0117] (2) In the system of (1) above, the second communication unit may transmit first identification information for identifying a mobile object via wireless communication. The equipment may also have a storage unit (e.g., first storage unit 37b) that stores second identification information (e.g., second identification information INF2) for identifying a mobile object belonging to the system. In this case, the equipment may determine to transmit status information to the mobile object when the first identification information received from the mobile object via the first communication unit matches the second identification information stored in the storage unit.

[0118] This allows the state information to be transmitted only to mobile units that belong to the system, thereby preventing other mobile units that do not belong to the system from receiving the state information, thereby ensuring the safety of the system.

[0119] (3) In the system of (1) or (2) above, the first communication unit may transmit the status information when the equipment is operating normally, thereby making it possible to easily determine whether the equipment is in a normal state by determining that the status information has been received.

[0120] (4) In any of the systems (1) to (3) above, the mobile object may determine that the facility is abnormal if the mobile object does not receive the status information through the second communication unit even after a predetermined time has elapsed since arriving near the facility. This allows the mobile object to determine whether the facility is normal or not by simply determining that the status information was not received, even taking into account the delay in receiving the status information.

[0121] (5) In any of the systems (1) to (4) above, the first communication unit and the second communication unit may communicate by short-range wireless communication, thereby eliminating the need for large amounts of power for wireless communication.

[0122] (6) The status detection method is a method for detecting the status of equipment in a system including a mobile object and equipment dispersedly disposed in a target area. The status detection method includes the following steps. The following steps (a) to (d) do not limit the order in which each step is performed. (a) A step in which the equipment detects the state of the equipment. (b) The equipment transmits status information regarding the detected equipment status via wireless communication. (c) A step in which the mobile object moves to the vicinity of the facility. (d) When the mobile object reaches the vicinity of the facility, the mobile object receives status information transmitted from the facility via wireless communication.

[0123] In the above-described status detection method, the equipment detects its own status and transmits status information related to the detected status of the equipment via wireless communication. Meanwhile, the mobile object moves near the target equipment and, when it arrives near the equipment, receives the status information transmitted from the equipment via wireless communication. In this way, the equipment detects its own status and transmits the detected status as status information via wireless communication, while the mobile object moves near the equipment and receives the status information via wireless communication. This eliminates the need to dispatch a worker or the like to the location of the equipment to check whether an abnormality has occurred in the equipment and for the worker or the like to inspect the equipment. By eliminating the need for a worker or the like to inspect the equipment, the operating status of equipment distributed over a predetermined area can be easily and quickly checked.

[0124] Furthermore, since the equipment transmits the above-mentioned status information via wireless communication and the mobile body can receive the status information via wireless communication, the status information detected by the equipment can be passed on to the mobile body simply by moving the mobile body near the equipment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0125] The present disclosure is broadly applicable to systems having distributed installations in a target area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 100: System 1: Master station 3: Equipment 31: Audio data receiving device 32: Amplifier 33: Speaker 34: 1st power supply 35: Detection unit 36: First Communications Department 37: First information processing device 37a: First information processing section 37b: 1st memory section INF2: Second identification information 38:Second power supply 5: Moving object 50a: Main body 50b: Arm 50c: Legs 51: Second information processing section 52:Second memory section 53: Sensor group 54: GPS receiver 55: Rotor 56: Motor 57: Second Communications Department 58: Battery 61: Microphone direction control mechanism 62:Mike 63: Speaker direction control mechanism 64: Speaker 7: Control device 71: Third information processing section 73:Third memory section PI: Equipment location information 75: Third Communications Department A: Target area 10: Relay station R: Amplification range

Claims

1. A moving object and Facilities distributed throughout the target area; A system comprising: The facility comprises: A detection unit that detects the state of the equipment; a first communication unit that transmits status information regarding the status of the equipment detected by the detection unit via wireless communication, the mobile object has a second communication unit that moves to the vicinity of the facility and receives the status information transmitted from the facility by wireless communication when the mobile object arrives near the facility; system.

2. the second communication unit transmits first identification information for identifying the moving object via wireless communication; the facility has a storage unit that stores second identification information that identifies a moving object that belongs to the system; The system described in claim 1, wherein the equipment decides to send the status information to the mobile body when the first identification information received from the mobile body via the first communication unit matches the second identification information stored in the memory unit.

3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication unit transmits the status information when the equipment is operating normally.

4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile body determines that the facility is abnormal if the mobile body does not receive the status information via the second communication unit even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the mobile body arrived near the facility.

5. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit and the second communication unit communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication.

6. A moving object and Facilities distributed throughout the target area; A status detection method for detecting a status of the equipment in a system comprising: The equipment detects a state of the equipment; a step of transmitting status information regarding the detected status of the equipment by wireless communication; a step of the mobile object moving to a vicinity of the facility; receiving, by the mobile object wireless communication, the status information transmitted from the facility when the mobile object reaches the vicinity of the facility; A state detection method comprising:

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