Position information system

Abstract

To provide a position information system capable of avoiding complete loss of a position even when communication is disabled and position information cannot be acquired.SOLUTION: In a position information system including a first transmitter installed in a predetermined area, a portable information terminal, a second transmitter attached to a person or an object, a wireless repeater, and a server capable of detecting a position of the portable information terminal or the second transmitter and transmitting map image information in which an icon is indicated at the detected position, when identification information of the portable information terminal or the second transmitter cannot be normally received and a fire signal is not received, the server erases the icon representing the portable information terminal or the second transmitter corresponding to the identification information from the map image from the map information. When identification information cannot be normally received and a fire signal is received, information for displaying an icon representing a portable information terminal or a second transmitter corresponding to the identification information from a map image in another form on the map image is included in map information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a location information system that can detect the location of people and objects in a monitored area using wireless signals such as beacon signals, and in particular to a location information system that can display appropriate information when it becomes impossible to obtain location information or depending on the situation. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a location information system is known in which a transmitter such as a beacon is installed to wirelessly transmit device-specific identification information as information for location detection. In a location information system equipped with transmitters as described above, map information associating the identification information of each of a plurality of transmitters installed at different locations with the installation locations is prepared in advance and provided to a mobile information terminal. Then, when a user of the mobile information terminal moves around while carrying the mobile information terminal, the mobile information terminal receives identification information from the transmitters installed at various locations within the building, and the location within the building is displayed together with the map on the display unit of the mobile information terminal based on the received identification information and map information, thereby enabling the user to ascertain his or her own location.

[0003] Furthermore, in a system that integrates or combines a location information system that determines the location of a mobile information terminal capable of receiving a beacon signal with a fire alarm system, a location information system has been proposed that prevents the location of the mobile information terminal from being completely lost even if the battery of one of the mobile information terminals runs out and location information can no longer be obtained (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a location information system has been proposed that, in the event of a fire, displays on a mobile device a map showing the location of the fire and symbols representing specified facilities and equipment (objects) in a display format different from normal times, showing the installation locations of the facilities and equipment (for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-139841 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-4140 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the invention of Patent Document 1 is applied under normal circumstances, the location of the mobile information terminal (person) is displayed even when the person holding the mobile information terminal is absent, so the screen becomes overflowing with unnecessary information. Also, if it is applied only under abnormal circumstances, it is possible to avoid the loss of the target (person)'s location when location information cannot be acquired due to communication failure (radio wave loss) that occurs during an abnormality without displaying unnecessary information under normal circumstances. However, when the system is used to detect objects as well as people, if the detection target (object) is a mobile device, there is a problem in that the location cannot be displayed accurately unless the device configuration is devised and managed appropriately. Furthermore, the invention of Patent Document 2 does not assume that movable devices are to be displayed on the map, and therefore the position of the target object cannot be displayed accurately if the object moves.

[0006] The present invention has been made with an eye on the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a location information system that can prevent the complete loss of location of people and objects being detected, even if location information cannot be obtained due to communication failure (radio wave loss). Another object of the present invention is to provide a location information system that detects both people and objects, in which the owner of a mobile information terminal can be removed from the detection target when he or she leaves to go out, and to enable a visitor who has been loaned a second transmitter (mobile beacon) to be removed from the detection target even if the visitor leaves and the mobile beacon remains in the monitored area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: a first transmitter that is installed in a predetermined area and that wirelessly transmits a signal including its own identification information; a portable information terminal having a receiver for receiving a signal from the first transmitter and a wireless communication device capable of transmitting transmitter information including identification information of the first transmitter and its own identification information; a second transmitter attached to a person entering the predetermined area or an object within the predetermined area, which wirelessly transmits a signal including its own identification information; a wireless repeater having a receiver installed in a predetermined area for receiving a signal transmitted from the second transmitter and a wireless communication device capable of transmitting transmitter information including identification information of the second transmitter and its own identification information; a server that receives information transmitted from the portable information terminal or the wireless repeater, The server is a location information system configured to receive a fire signal including information on the location of a fire transmitted from a fire receiver capable of receiving a fire detection signal from a fire detector of a fire alarm system installed within the specified area, and to determine the location of the fire, The server a database storing an installation location table linking the locations at which the first transmitter and the wireless repeater are installed with identification information of the first transmitter and the wireless repeater; The device is capable of receiving identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter transmitted from the mobile information terminal or the wireless repeater and identification information possessed by the first transmitter or the wireless repeater, checking the installation location table based on the received identification information possessed by the first transmitter or the wireless repeater, detecting the position of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter, generating map information for displaying on the mobile information terminal a map image showing an icon representing the mobile information terminal or an icon representing the second transmitter at the detected position, and transmitting the map information to the mobile information terminal, If the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter cannot be received normally and a fire signal is not received, the icon representing the mobile information terminal or the icon representing the second transmitter corresponding to the identification information is erased from the map information, If the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter cannot be received normally and the fire signal is received, the map information is configured to include information for displaying an icon representing the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter corresponding to the identification information in a different form on the map image.

[0008] With a location information system configured as described above, people and objects can be detected and displayed on a map at the same time, and even if communication becomes unavailable and location information cannot be obtained, it is possible to prevent the objects from being completely lost and to grasp the location of the detected objects. In addition, if the identification information of the mobile information terminal or second transmitter cannot be received normally and a fire signal is received, the icon representing the mobile information terminal or second transmitter will be displayed in a different form on the map image, making it possible to know that a communication abnormality has occurred.

[0009] Preferably, the database stores an identification information table for distinguishing between people and objects, the identification information table stores information for distinguishing between a person and an object in correspondence with the identification information possessed by the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter; The server When the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter is received normally and the fire signal is received, it is confirmed whether the identification information is a person or an object, and if the identification information is set to a person, information for displaying an icon corresponding to the identification information on a map image to be displayed on the mobile information terminal is included in the map information, and if the identification information is set to an object, the icon corresponding to the identification information is erased from the map information. According to this configuration, when a fire occurs, the icon representing the object is erased from the map image, thereby preventing the map image from becoming overloaded with unnecessary icons in the event of an abnormality.

[0010] Alternatively, the database stores an identification information table for distinguishing between people and objects, the identification information table stores information for distinguishing between a first mode and a second mode in correspondence with identification information possessed by the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter; The server When the fire signal is received and the identification information cannot be received normally, it is confirmed whether the identification information is in the first mode or the second mode, and when it is set to the first mode, information for re-displaying the icon representing the mobile information terminal or the icon representing the second transmitter in a different form without erasing it from the map information is included in the map information; When the second mode is set, the icon representing the mobile information terminal or the icon representing the second transmitter is erased from the map information. According to this configuration, a management table is provided that can set the first mode (absence detection mode) or the second mode (non-detection mode) for each terminal to be detected, making it possible to set the detection mode depending on the operating form of the detection target, regardless of whether it is a person or an object, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in operation.

[0011] The facility further includes an entrance / exit management gate that manages the entry and exit of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter into the predetermined area and transmits entry / exit information to the server, The database stores an identification information table for distinguishing between people and objects, the identification information table stores information for distinguishing between valid and invalid identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter, The server If the identification information in the identification information table is valid, information for displaying an icon representing the mobile information terminal or an icon representing the second transmitter on the map image is included in the map information, and if the identification information in the identification information table is invalid, the icon representing the mobile information terminal or the icon representing the second transmitter is deleted from the map information; When the entrance / exit management gate receives information that the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter has entered the building, the identification information in the identification information table is set to valid, and when the entrance / exit management gate receives information that the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter has left the building, the identification information in the identification information table is set to invalid. With this configuration, when the owner of the mobile information terminal leaves to go out, it can be removed from the detection target, and even if a visitor who has been loaned the second transmitter (mobile beacon) leaves the area, the mobile beacon can be removed from the detection target even if it remains in the monitoring area.

[0012] Preferably, the second transmitter includes a movement sensor, and when movement is determined based on a signal from the movement sensor, the second transmitter transmits information indicating the movement to the server, The server is configured to include in the map information information for displaying an icon representing the second transmitter on the map image in a form indicating that the second transmitter is moving when the server receives information indicating that the second transmitter has moved. According to this configuration, by attaching the second transmitter (mobile beacon) to an object that is to be detected, when the object is moved, it is possible to notify the server of this.

[0013] Preferably, the system further comprises a management device having a display unit, The management device a function of acquiring from the server a map image generated to display the current position of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter within the predetermined area and, if a fire has occurred, the location of the fire, and displaying the image on the display unit; The server is configured to be accessible only by a specific administrator, and has a function of freely rewriting each item in the identification information table stored in the server. With this configuration, a map with icons showing the locations of people and objects can be displayed not only on the mobile information terminal but also on the display unit of the management device, allowing managers and supervisors to obtain the information they need in the event of an abnormality.

[0014] Furthermore, preferably, the server is configured to have the function of generating map information for displaying an icon representing the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter on the display unit as a map image dedicated to the management device and transmitting the map information to the management device in all of the following cases: when the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter cannot be received successfully; when the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter is received successfully; when the fire signal is received from the fire receiver; and when the fire signal is not received. According to this configuration, the display unit of the management device can display a map image that is different from the map image displayed on the display unit of the portable information terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the location information system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the complete loss of location of people and objects that are the detection targets, even if communication becomes impossible and location information cannot be acquired. Furthermore, in a location information system that detects both people and objects, when the owner of a mobile information terminal leaves the area, the person can be removed from the detection targets, and even if a visitor who has been loaned a second transmitter (mobile beacon) leaves the area and the mobile beacon remains in the monitoring area, the person can be removed from the detection targets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a position information system according to the present invention. [Figure 2]1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobile information terminal used in the position information system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile beacon used in the position information system of the embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a distributed gateway used in the location information system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a location information transmission process procedure in a mobile information terminal included in the location information system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a basic process of a map creation procedure in a location information server included in the location information system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This shows an example of a map image (floor map image) of the monitoring area displayed on a mobile information terminal. (A) is a map image showing an example of the installation of equipment required by the system, and (B) is a map image showing icons of people and objects when the system is operating. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a map image (floor map image) of a monitoring area transferred from FIG. 7(B) and displayed on a mobile information terminal when a fire breaks out. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when focusing on the display and changes of icons of people and objects in a floor map creation process executed by a location information server constituting the location information system of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a position information system to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the position information system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the location information system 1 of this embodiment includes fixed-position beacons (transmitters) 10 that are installed at multiple locations inside a building and transmit beacon signals (radio waves), mobile information terminals 20 that can receive signals (radio waves) from the beacons 10, mobile beacons 30 that are carried by a person to be detected moving through a monitoring area or that are attached to the object to be detected and transmit beacon signals (radio waves), and gateways (hereinafter referred to as distributed gateways) 40 that are installed at multiple locations in a building to acquire location information and serve as wireless communication repeaters that can receive beacon signals (radio waves).

[0018] The location information system of this embodiment also includes a location information server 60 that performs data communication between the mobile information terminal 20 and the distributed gateway 40 via a mobile phone base station 50 and a communication network N such as the Internet, a fire receiver 80 that can receive fire detection signals from fire detectors 70 installed at multiple locations inside the building, a gateway device 90 that functions as a wired communication repeater, and a fire information server 100 that performs data communication with the fire receiver 80 via the communication network N such as the Internet, acquires information regarding the occurrence of a fire from the fire receiver 80, and transfers it to the location information server 60, a gate device (security gate) 110 that is connected to the communication network N and manages the entry and exit of people, and a management device 120 that consists of a data processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or a tablet PC.

[0019] Here, the detection targets of the location information system of this embodiment are directly the mobile information terminal 20 and the mobile beacon 30, but indirectly the target person (human) carrying the mobile information terminal 20 and the device (object) to which the mobile beacon 30 is attached. If the monitoring area is, for example, a building, the targets are employees working in the building and visitors, and the devices include, for example, fire extinguishers and AEDs (automated external defibrillators), and in the case of a hospital, various medical devices. Furthermore, the fixed position beacon 10 and the mobile beacon 30 are configured to be able to transmit beacon signals (radio waves) in the same frequency band. This allows the mobile information terminal 20 to receive beacon signals from the mobile beacon 30, and when receiving a beacon signal from the mobile beacon 30, the mobile information terminal 20 transmits the received information to the location information server 60 via the communication network N. The fixed position beacon 10 and the mobile beacon 30 may have different frequency bands or may use different channels. In either case, the system may be designed to be compatible with each other within the system.

[0020] When the mobile beacon 30 is carried by the person to be detected, it is provided as a name tag or an IC card for access control, and when it is attached to the object to be detected, it is attached to the surface of the device in the form of a wireless tag housed in a button-shaped case, for example. The mobile beacon 30 is configured to operate on an internal battery, while the fixed position beacon 10 is configured to operate on the commercial power supply on the building side. The mobile beacon 30 may also be configured to have a built-in movement sensor such as a gyro sensor or a three-axis acceleration sensor. When a mobile beacon 30 or a portable information terminal 20 passes through the gate, the entrance / exit management gate device 110 reads the stored ID code (terminal ID) and transmits it, along with entry or exit information and time information, to the location information server 60 or the management device 120, or both, via the communication network N. By managing exit, even if a visitor who has been loaned a mobile beacon 30 leaves the monitored area and the mobile beacon 30 is stored in a storage box installed within the area and remains in the area, it can be excluded from detection targets.

[0021] The fixed position beacons 10 and mobile beacons 30 that transmit wireless signals (unique information such as device IDs and facility information) to the mobile information terminals 20 can use known communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, wireless LAN such as WiFi conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, infrared communication, visible light communication, etc. The intervals at which the fixed position beacons 10 are placed are not particularly limited, but in the following description, they are placed so that the communication range of each adjacent beacon 10 covers the entire space within the building.

[0022] Specifically, since fire detectors 70 and sprinkler heads are installed at predetermined intervals within a building, the device can be built into or attached to these devices, or installed near these devices. Furthermore, the fixed position beacon 10 and the mobile beacon 30 are equipped with a transmitter that periodically transmits their own identification information via a wireless signal to the surrounding area. The signal (beacon signal) wirelessly transmitted by the fixed position beacon 10 and the mobile beacon 30 needs to include at least the identification information (transmitter device ID) of the beacon 10 or 30, and may further include information about the area in which the beacon is installed and information about the remaining capacity of the built-in battery. Furthermore, if the mobile beacon 30 has a built-in movement sensor (gyro sensor or triaxial acceleration sensor), it may have a function to determine movement based on a signal from the sensor, and may include information about its own movement in the signal it transmits wirelessly.

[0023] The mobile information terminal 20 is a device that has a data processing function consisting of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU, and working RAM (Random Access Memory), as well as a receiving function for receiving signals from the fixed position beacon 10 and the mobile beacon 30, and a wireless communication function, and a publicly known smartphone, etc. can be used. The internal memory of the mobile information terminal 20 stores an application program (location information display app) that receives beacon signals wirelessly transmitted from the beacon 10 at regular intervals, extracts identification information (device ID) and the like contained in the beacon signals, detects the received radio wave strength of the beacon signals, and transmits beacon information containing the identification information and received radio wave strength and the like to the location information server 60 via the mobile phone base station 50 and the communication network N, and displays a floor map image on the screen based on the floor map information transmitted from the location information server 60 via the communication network N and the mobile phone base station 50. In addition, the mobile information terminal 20 may be configured to transmit the respective beacon information to the location information server 60 when it receives beacon signals transmitted from multiple fixed-position beacons 10 (beacons 10 whose communication ranges overlap each other).

[0024] The distributed gateway 40 is a device that has a data processing function consisting of, for example, a CPU, non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU, working RAM, etc., as well as a receiving function that receives signals from the fixed position beacon 10 and the mobile beacon 30, and a wireless communication function, and can be configured using a known IoT gateway or a smartphone, etc.

[0025] The distributed gateway 40 stores a program that periodically receives beacon signals transmitted wirelessly from the mobile beacon 30, extracts identification information (device ID) and the like contained in the beacon signals, detects the received radio wave strength of the beacon signals, and transmits beacon information including the identification information and received radio wave strength, as well as its own identification information (device ID), to the location information server 60 via the mobile phone base station 50 and the communication network N. Furthermore, the distributed gateway 40 may be configured to periodically transmit its own identification information (device ID) as a beacon signal in the same manner as the identification information of the fixed position beacon 10. With this configuration, the distributed gateway 40 also has the functions of the fixed position beacon 10, making it possible to omit the installation of the fixed position beacon 10.

[0026] The fire detectors 70 are connected to the fire receiver 80 via different detector lines 71 for each alert area, and when they detect the occurrence of heat, smoke, flames, harmful gases, etc., they transmit a fire detection signal to the fire receiver 80 via the detector lines 71. The fire detectors 70 may be of a type that adds their own installation address to the fire detection signal, or may be of a type that does not add an installation address.

[0027] When the fire receiver (R type or P type) 80 receives a fire detection signal from the fire detector 70, it displays a fire alarm on the display unit and also controls the ringing of a district bell (not shown) and the interlocking control of smoke control and exhaust devices, etc. Furthermore, the fire receiver 80 transmits fire information (abnormality information) including information on the location and time of the fire occurrence, etc., and recovery information when a recovery operation is performed on the fire receiver 80, to the fire information server 100 via the gateway device 90, and the fire information server 100 transmits the received information to the location information server 60. Furthermore, the fire information server 100 transmits fire information, etc. in response to a request from the location information server 60. If the installation address of the fire detector 70 is added to the fire detection signal, the fire receiver 80 identifies the location of the fire based on the installation address. On the other hand, if the installation address of the fire detector 70 is not added to the fire detection signal, the fire receiver 80 identifies the location of the fire (warning area) based on the detector line 71 that transmitted the fire detection signal.

[0028] The location information server 60 has a database (DB) that stores map information (floor map) of each floor of the building managed by the location information server 60, identification information (terminal ID) specific to the mobile information terminal, and information (owner attribute information) related to the attributes such as the authority and qualifications of the owner of the mobile information terminal. The map information (floor map) of each floor includes device IDs and installation location information specific to the fixed position beacons 10 and distributed gateways 40 installed on each floor.

[0029] When the location information server 60 receives the device ID of the fixed position beacon 10 from the mobile information terminal 20, it calculates the current location of the mobile information terminal 20 based on the received device ID and the information stored in the database. Then, it reads map information of the floor on which the mobile information terminal 20 is located from the database, adds the current location information of the mobile information terminal 20 to the read floor map data, and transmits the data to the mobile information terminal 20. Alternatively, the location information server 60 generates floor display information by displaying an icon made up of a symbol or figure indicating the current location of the mobile information terminal 20 on the floor map, and transmits the generated floor display information to the mobile information terminal 20 via the communication network N and the mobile phone base station 50. As a result, the display unit of the mobile information terminal 20 that has received the information can display a floor map image indicating the current location of the mobile information terminal 20. When multiple mobile information terminals 20 exist within the monitored area (floor map), multiple icons indicating the current locations of the multiple mobile information terminals may be displayed on the floor map.

[0030] In addition, the location information server 60 may determine the attributes or type of the holder based on the device ID and terminal ID of the fixed position beacon 10 sent from the mobile information terminal 20, refer to the display range designation table to read out information on the equipment to be displayed according to the attributes or type of the holder, and generate and transmit display data for the mobile information terminal. Furthermore, when the location information server 60 receives the device ID of the distributed gateway 40 and the device ID of the mobile beacon 30, it calculates the current location of the mobile beacon 30 based on the received device ID of the distributed gateway 40 and the device ID of the mobile beacon 30 and the information stored in the database. Then, it reads map information of the floor on which the mobile beacon 30 is located from the database, adds the current location information of the mobile beacon 30 to the read floor map data, and transmits the data to the mobile information terminal 20. Alternatively, the location information server 60 generates floor display information in which an icon indicating the current location of the mobile beacon 30 is plotted on the floor map, and transmits the generated floor display information to the mobile information terminal 20 via the communication network N and the mobile phone base station 50.

[0031] As a result, a floor map image indicating the current position of the mobile beacon 30 can be displayed on the display unit of the mobile information terminal 20 that has received the information. When multiple mobile beacons 30 exist within a monitoring area (floor map), multiple icons indicating the current positions of each of the multiple mobile information terminals 20 may be displayed on the floor map. Furthermore, the location information server 60 may determine the attribute or type of the owner based on the device ID of the distributed gateway 40 and the device ID of the mobile beacon 30, refer to the display range designation table to read information on the equipment to be displayed according to the attribute or type of the owner, and generate and transmit display data for the mobile beacon 30.

[0032] The fire information server 100 identifies the building where the fire is occurring based on the fire information, and acquires facility and equipment information for the identified building from a database.The fire information server 100 can then execute a process of transmitting the acquired facility and equipment information, as well as information on items and display conditions to be displayed on the map, to the location information server 60 via the communication network N. In addition, the fire information server 100 may be equipped with a database that stores a correspondence table between the fire detectors (IDs or addresses) installed in the monitored area and their installation locations, and a fire information history including information on the location and time of fire occurrence received from the fire receiver 80.

[0033] The management device 120 is configured to display floor maps and the like created by the location information server 60 on its display unit, read information about the holders of the mobile information terminals displayed on the floor map, and, if the holders have a predetermined role such as a member of a private fire brigade, transmit commands necessary for firefighting activities, evacuation guidance, rescue activities, and the like. If the management device 120 is a portable device, it may have the same functions as the mobile information terminal 20. Note that a system configuration in which a transfer device that transfers information from the fire receiver 80 to the location information server 60 is provided instead of the fire information server 100 is also possible.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of mobile information terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 2, mobile information terminal 20 includes a beacon receiver 21 capable of receiving radio waves from beacons 10 and 30, a wireless communication device 22 for communicating with location information server 60 via network N, a data processing unit 23 including a CPU and the like, a storage device 24 for storing application programs and the like, a touch panel display 25 including an input unit and a display unit, a battery 26 for supplying power supply voltage, and a clock generating unit 27 for generating a clock signal.

[0035] The data processing unit 23 also includes a radio wave intensity detection unit 231 that detects radio wave intensity based on the signal received by the beacon receiver 21, a transmission processing unit 232 that extracts information such as the device ID of the beacons 10 and 30 from the signal received by the beacon receiver 21 and periodically transmits the information together with the ID of the beacons to the location information server 60, a map display processing unit 233 that displays a map such as a floor map received from the location information server 60 via the wireless communication device 22 on the display unit, a battery information acquisition unit 234 that calculates the remaining battery level based on the voltage of the battery 26, a movement determination unit 235 that determines whether the mobile information terminal is moving or not and calculates the movement speed based on the radio wave intensity information detected by the radio wave intensity detection unit 231, and a transmission period change unit 236 that changes the period of transmission by the transmission processing unit 232 based on the remaining battery level calculated by the battery information acquisition unit 234 and the determination result of the movement determination unit 235.

[0036] When a fixed position beacon 10 is installed so that its radio wave transmission range overlaps with that of an adjacent fixed position beacon 10, the beacon receiver 21 receives radio waves from multiple fixed position beacons 10, and can determine that the mobile information terminal is located near the beacon installation location with the strongest radio wave intensity among the multiple beacon radio waves.The movement determination unit 235 can then determine whether the mobile information terminal is moving based on changes in the intensity of the multiple beacon radio waves.Note that if the mobile information terminal has an acceleration sensor, the movement determination unit 235 may determine whether the mobile information terminal is moving or not and calculate the movement speed (including 0) based on information from the acceleration sensor.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a mobile beacon 30. As shown in Fig. 3, the mobile beacon 30 includes a beacon transmitter 31 capable of transmitting a beacon signal (radio wave), a control unit 32 including a CPU and the like, a memory unit 33 that stores programs and the like, a power supply unit (battery) 34 including a battery and a voltage conversion circuit and the like, a battery status acquisition unit 35 that acquires the battery status, and a movement determination unit 36 ​​that determines movement based on a signal from a movement sensor such as an acceleration sensor. The control unit 32 controls the beacon transmitter 31 to transmit the battery status information acquired by the battery status acquisition unit 35 and the movement information from the movement determination unit 36 ​​on a beacon signal. The fixed position beacon 10 has a configuration in which the movement determination unit 36 ​​is omitted from the configuration of the mobile beacon 30 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be shown or described.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the distributed gateway 40. As shown in Fig. 4, the distributed gateway 40 includes a beacon receiver 41 capable of receiving radio waves from the mobile beacon 30, a wireless communication device 42 for communicating with the location information server 60 via the network N, a data processing unit 43 including a CPU and the like, a storage unit 44 for storing programs and the like, and a clock generating unit 45 for generating a clock signal. The data processing unit 43 also includes a radio wave intensity detection unit 51 that detects radio wave intensity based on the signal received by the beacon receiver 41, and a transmission processing unit 52 that extracts information such as the device ID of the mobile beacon 30 from the signal received by the beacon receiver 41 and periodically transmits the information together with its own device ID to the location information server 60.

[0039] When a distributed gateway 40 exists such that its radio wave reception range overlaps with the radio wave reception range of an adjacent distributed gateway 40, the beacon receivers 41 of multiple distributed gateways 40 may receive radio waves from one mobile beacon 30. In this case, the location information server 60 will receive information about the same mobile beacon 30 from multiple distributed gateways 40, but can determine that the mobile beacon 30 is located near a distributed gateway 40 that has information about high radio wave strength included in the received information. It should be noted that the wireless communication device 42 for communicating with the location information server 60 via the network N may be a wired communication device.

[0040] Next, the processing procedure performed by the mobile information terminal 20 and the distributed gateway 40 that constitute the location information system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the procedure for the location information transmission process by the mobile information terminal 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. When the mobile information terminal 20 is a general-purpose device such as a smartphone, a location information display application created to operate according to this embodiment is stored in the storage device 24, and the application is assumed to be running. The location information transmission process according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is not particularly limited, but may be executed by, for example, a timer interrupt or a hardware-based radio signal reception interrupt. This interrupt occurs according to the transmission cycle set in the previous location information transmission process.

[0041] For example, when a timer interrupt occurs and the location information transmission process is started, data processing unit 23 first receives signals transmitted from beacons 10 and 30 by beacon receiver 21 (step S1) and acquires the radio wave intensity of the received signals (step S2). Then, it extracts information such as the device ID of the beacon contained in the received signal with the strongest reception intensity, and transmits the beacon ID and reception intensity together with its own mobile information terminal ID (own device ID) to location information server 60 (step S3). If beacon receiver 21 is receiving multiple beacon signals, it may transmit the IDs and reception intensities of the multiple beacons and the mobile information terminal ID. The mobile information terminal ID may be unique information that can be distinguished from other mobile information terminals, such as identification information specific to the mobile information terminal. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4, where the transmission cycle timer that measures the transmission cycle is reset, the timer starts measuring the next transmission cycle, and the process transitions to a stopped state (sleep).

[0042] Next, we will explain the procedure for transmitting location information by the distributed gateway 40. The procedure for transmitting location information by the distributed gateway 40 is almost the same as the procedure for transmitting location information by the mobile information terminal 20 shown in Figure 5, except that step S3 is not required. When the distributed gateway 40 is configured as a general-purpose device such as an IoT gateway or a smartphone, an application created to operate in accordance with the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is stored in the memory unit 44 (see Fig. 4), and the program is launched. The location information transmission process by the distributed gateway 40 is executed, for example, by a timer interrupt, similar to the mobile information terminal 20. This interrupt occurs according to the transmission cycle set in the previous location information transmission process.

[0043] 5, the beacon signals received in step S1 by the distributed gateway 40 according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 include beacon signals from the fixed position beacon 10 as well as beacon signals from the mobile beacon 30, but unlike the mobile information terminal 20, the device ID included in the beacon signal from the fixed position beacon 10 does not change. This is because neither the fixed position beacon 10 nor the distributed gateway 40 moves. Therefore, in the location information transmission process by the distributed gateway 40, if the beacon ID extracted from the data included in the received beacon signal in step S3 matches the device ID of the fixed position beacon 10, the data processing unit 43 halts processing of that received beacon signal. On the other hand, if the extracted beacon ID matches the device ID of the mobile beacon 30, the device ID, reception strength, and its own device ID may be transmitted, or the location information server 60 may perform processing to eliminate the above-mentioned duplication. Furthermore, in order to reduce duplication, adjustment of the frequency or channel of the radio signal may be performed.

[0044] 6 shows an example of a general process of the map creation process procedure by the location information server 60. This process can be started, for example, when data is received from any mobile information terminal 20 or distributed gateway 40 that it manages, or the IDs of the mobile information terminals 20 and mobile beacons 30 may be processed sequentially in the order in which they are listed in the terminal ID management table of Table 1, which will be described later. 6 is started by receiving data from the mobile information terminal 20, the location information server 60 extracts the terminal ID of the mobile information terminal 20 and the device ID of the fixed position beacon 10 from the received data (step S11), and identifies the location of the mobile information terminal 20 based on the extracted terminal ID and device ID (step S12). Specifically, a table showing the relationship between the device ID of the fixed position beacon 10 and its installation location is stored in the database, and the location of the mobile information terminal 20 is identified by referring to this table.

[0045] 6 is started by receiving data from the distributed gateway 40, the location information server 60 extracts the device ID of the distributed gateway 40 and the device ID of the mobile beacon 30 from the received data in step S11, and in step S12 identifies the location of the mobile beacon 30 based on the extracted device ID of the distributed gateway 40. Specifically, a location setting table showing the relationship between the device ID of the distributed gateway 40 and its installation location is stored in the database, and the location of the mobile beacon 30 is identified by referring to this table.

[0046] Next, the location information server 60 reads map data of the monitored area (floor map data in the case of a building) from the database, as shown in FIG. 7A (step S13). Subsequently, it obtains information regarding the presence or absence of a fire and its location from the fire information server 100 (step S14), and determines whether or not a fire has occurred (step S15). If it determines that a fire has occurred (Yes), the location information server 60 proceeds to step S16 and displays an icon indicating the location of the fire on the map read in step S13. Alternatively, the fire location information may be added to the map data. The fixed position beacon 10, distributed gateway 40, and fire detector 70 represent equipment necessary for this location information system 1, and are not displayed on the actual operational map, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8. In FIG. 7B, the icon marked with the symbol H represents the location of a person carrying a mobile information terminal 20 or a mobile beacon 30, and the icon marked with the symbol M represents the location of an object to which a mobile beacon 30 is attached.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that a fire has not occurred (No), step S16 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, an icon indicating the position of the mobile information terminal 20 or the position of the mobile beacon 30 identified in step S12 is displayed on the floor map. At this time, if multiple mobile information terminals 20 or mobile beacons 30 are present in the monitoring area, icons indicating the positions of the other mobile information terminals 20 or mobile beacons 30 may also be displayed on the floor map. Furthermore, if multiple mobile information terminals 20 or mobile beacons 30 are present in the same location, they may be displayed on the floor map by adding numbers to icons H or M, as shown in FIG. 7(B). Then, the process proceeds to step S18, where the created floor map (floor diagram) is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 20 and the management device 120.

[0048] 6, an icon indicating the location of the fire and an icon indicating the location of the mobile information terminal 20 or the mobile beacon 30 are displayed on a floor map and transmitted to the mobile information terminal 20, but floor map data may be transmitted to the mobile information terminal 20, and an icon indicating the mobile information terminal 20's own location may be displayed on the floor map. Also, location information of other mobile information terminals 20 or mobile beacons 30 may be transmitted together with the floor map data, and the locations of the other mobile information terminals 20 or mobile beacons 30 may be displayed on the floor map.

[0049] Furthermore, when the location information server 60 receives the restoration information from the fire receiver 80 in step S14, it may notify the mobile information terminal of the restoration and stop displaying the fire icon on the floor map. Here, the restoration notification to the mobile information terminal 20, the display of the fire icon, or the stop of adding the fire location information can be executed by a command from the input unit of the management device 120.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows an example of a floor map displayed on the display unit of the management device 120 when transitioning from FIG. 7(B) in the event of a fire. In FIG. 8, from the perspective of prioritizing human life and for a simple and easy-to-read display, the icons of objects have been removed and only human icons are displayed. The icon marked with the symbol F indicates the location of an abnormality (fire). The icon marked with the symbol H in a dotted line indicates the location where communication was last successful for a person carrying a mobile information terminal 20 or mobile beacon 30 whose communication has been interrupted due to a dead battery or being outside the detection area. The icon marked with the symbol M in a dotted line indicates the location where communication was last successful for an object to which a mobile beacon 30 is attached whose communication has been interrupted due to a dead battery or being outside the detection area. Although FIG. 8 does not show the fire detector 70, fixed position beacon 10, or distributed gateway 40, icons for these devices may also be displayed.

[0051] Next, the floor map creation process executed by the location information server 60 and the processing procedure when focusing on the display and changes of icons of people and objects under various conditions will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this flowchart, first, the terminal ID (identification information) of the mobile information terminal 20 or mobile beacon 30 to be processed is set (step S31). Next, the valid / invalid information and location information of the mobile information terminal 20 or mobile beacon 30 to be processed are read by referring to a terminal ID management table such as that shown in Table 1, which manages the mobile information terminal 20 to be detected (step S32).

[0052] The terminal ID management table is stored in Table 1 below, which is stored in the server 60, based on the ID code (terminal ID) and entry or exit information read when the mobile information terminal 20 or mobile beacon 30 passes through the gate, which are sent from the entrance / exit management gate device 110.The corresponding terminal ID is set to valid at the time of entry, and set to invalid at the time of exit. [Table 1]

[0053] Next, it is determined whether the terminal ID is valid or not based on the valid / invalid information read in step S32 (step S33). If it is determined that the terminal ID is invalid (No), the process proceeds to step S37, where the icon at the position of the terminal ID on the map is deleted, and then the process proceeds to step S44, where the map is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 20. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S33 that the terminal ID is valid (Yes), the process proceeds to step S34, where it determines whether or not the location information of the mobile information terminal 20 or mobile beacon 30 corresponding to the terminal ID has been received normally. If it is determined that the information has not been received normally (No), the process proceeds to step S35, where it determines whether or not a fire is occurring based on the information from the fire receiver 80. If it is determined that a fire is occurring (Yes), the process proceeds to step S42, where the stored location information of the terminal ID (the location information from the previous time when it was received normally) is read out, and in step S43 an icon is plotted (displayed) at that position on the map, and then the process proceeds to step S44, where the map is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 20.

[0054] Furthermore, if the determination in step S35 is normal (No), the process proceeds to step S36, where the set mode is determined. If the determination is that the absence detection mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S37, where the icon at the position of the terminal ID on the map is deleted. If the determination is that the non-detection mode is selected in step S36, the process proceeds to step S42, where the stored position information of the terminal ID is read out, and in step S43 an icon is plotted (displayed) at that position on the map, and then the process proceeds to step S44, where the map is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 20. Note that the mode is set in the mode column of the terminal ID management table in Table 1, and this is referenced for the determination. In the management table in Table 1, the detection mode can be set for each terminal ID, making it possible to set the detection mode depending on the operational form of the detection target, regardless of whether it is a person or an object.

[0055] Here, non-detection mode is a mode in which, as shown in Table 2, when communication is lost, an icon is displayed at the location where a person or object was detected in the last communication (the last time it was received successfully), regardless of whether the situation is abnormal (fire) or normal (non-fire), and the display continues thereafter. Here, communication loss includes loss of radio waves due to moving outside the monitored area, as well as low battery and equipment malfunction. Since low battery can be detected, a low battery indication may be displayed on the display. Furthermore, if radio waves are lost, the time of loss may be displayed along with the icon. Furthermore, if a mobile information terminal loses communication, the time when communication became lost or the elapsed time since communication became lost may be displayed on the floor map. [Table 2]

[0056] On the other hand, absence detection mode is a mode in which, when the detection target is a person, the icon of the detected object is not displayed under normal circumstances (non-fire) if communication becomes unavailable. Note that during normal communication, when there is no fire, icons of both people and objects are displayed at the position detected by communication regardless of the mode, and in the event of a fire, if the target is a person, a human icon is displayed at the detected position, and if the target is an object, the icon is not displayed as a general rule, except that if the object is moving due to movement detection, an object icon is displayed at the detected position.

[0057] By controlling the display in this way, in the event of a fire, people are prioritized over objects, simplifying the floor map display and making it easier to understand the evacuation situation of people. Also, since objects that are being moved during a fire can be determined to be important, it has the effect of making it clear that important objects are also being evacuated.

[0058] 9, if it is determined in step S34 that the location information of the portable information terminal 20 or mobile beacon 30 corresponding to the terminal ID has been received normally (Yes), the process proceeds to step S38, where the location information of the terminal read in step S32 is updated and re-stored.Then, it proceeds to step S39, where it is determined whether or not a fire is occurring based on the information from the fire receiver 80, and if it is determined that a fire is occurring (Yes), it proceeds to step S40, where it is determined whether the target terminal is being held by a person or attached to an object.

[0059] If it is determined in step S40 that the device is an object, the process proceeds to step S41, where it is determined whether the device is moving or stationary. If the device is stationary, the process proceeds to step S37, where the icon of the device in question is erased from the map, and then the process proceeds to step S44, where the map is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 20. If it is determined in step S41 that the device is moving, the process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40 that the device is a person, the process skips step S41 and proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the stored location information of the device in question is read, and in step S43 an icon is plotted (displayed) at that position on the map, and then the process proceeds to step S44, where the map is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 20. Thereafter, in step S45, the terminal ID to be processed is updated to the next terminal ID, and the process returns to step S31, and the above-described process is repeated.

[0060] As described above, according to the location information system of this embodiment, in a system that integrates a location information system that grasps the location of the mobile information terminal 20 or mobile beacon 30 that is the detection target with a fire alarm system, by setting the absence detection mode as the detection method when the detection target represents a person, and the non-detection mode when the detection target represents an object, in the case of a person, when location information cannot be obtained because the person is outside the monitored area under normal circumstances, an icon is not displayed as the person is absent, and in the case of an abnormality (fire, etc.), when location information cannot be obtained due to a dead battery or the like, the last detected location is continued to be displayed, thereby preventing the location from being completely lost. On the other hand, in the case of an object, when location information cannot be obtained due to a dead battery or the like, the last detected location is continued to be displayed, regardless of whether the situation is normal or abnormal, thereby preventing the location from being completely lost.

[0061] In addition, in the above embodiment, it has been explained that the location information server 60 operates in different detection modes depending on whether the object is a person or an object. However, it may also be configured so that the detection mode can be specified for each detection target, for example, by setting the mode in the mode column of the control table in Table 1. This configuration makes it possible to set the detection mode depending on the operational status of the detection target, regardless of whether it is a person or an object. For example, by setting the non-detection mode for detection targets that are assumed to be present inside the building, such as guests who carry a guest entry card when entering, it is possible to avoid the complete loss of the location of the detection target, which occurs under normal circumstances when its location information cannot be obtained. At the same time, by setting the absence detection mode for detection targets that are assumed to be outside the building, such as laptop computers and other equipment that can be used outside the company, it is possible to know that the detection target is outside the building under normal circumstances.

[0062] Furthermore, the control table of Table 1 can be configured so that the detection target can be set to valid / invalid. With this configuration, for example, if a guest entry card is the detection target, the system can be linked to an entry / exit management system and the detection target can be set to enabled / disabled depending on the check-in / out action, so that the card will be disabled after the guest leaves the building.As a result, even if the entry card is stored inside the building, its location will not be displayed on the map, eliminating any intrusive display.

[0063] Furthermore, it is possible to set the detection target to be distinguished between people and objects, and when a person is detected, when an object is detected, or when a mixture of people and objects is detected in the same place, a display icon for each can be displayed, as shown in Figure 7(B). With this configuration, it becomes possible to visually easily determine whether the object is a person or an object.

[0064] Here, it is conceivable to configure the display icons to be switchable between displaying only people, only things, or both. With this configuration, the detection target can be easily visually recognized depending on the application. Here, the display icon may be configured to be switchable depending on whether an abnormality is occurring or not. With this configuration, in the event of an abnormality such as a fire, when it is more important to confirm the presence of people than the presence of objects from the perspective of evacuation guidance, it becomes possible to easily visually confirm the location of people by turning off the display of the object icon in the event of an abnormality.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the location information server 60 is configured to change modes depending on the communication status and the presence or absence of an abnormality (fire) as shown in Table 2, but it may also be configured to detect a specific detection target that is in the absence detection mode temporarily in non-detection mode only on the display unit of a specific mobile information terminal, so that a corresponding icon can be displayed on the map image. With this configuration, it is possible to display the last detected location, which serves as a clue when searching for a detection target that has become undetectable for unknown reasons and whose whereabouts are unknown, without affecting the overall operation.

[0066] Each detection mode (non-detection / absence detection) has its own judgment duration, and the program structure allows the judgment duration to be adjusted to prevent unstable judgment results when the radio wave environment is poor and radio wave signals fluctuate. Therefore, it is possible to not only temporarily change the detection mode from absence detection mode to non-detection mode, but also to configure all setting items of the detection mode and the duration of judgment for each detection mode (non-detection / absence detection) so that they can be temporarily changed at will only on the display unit of a specific mobile information terminal or management device. This makes it possible to change the conditions for displaying the last detected location when investigating a detection target whose location has become unknown for purposes such as maintenance and preservation, without affecting overall operations. As a result, it becomes easier to find a detection target whose location has become unknown. For example, by setting the absence determination time shorter than the overall operation time, it becomes possible to visually confirm the behavior of a detection target whose location repeatedly becomes unknown for a time shorter than the absence determination time, and conduct a detailed investigation regardless of the overall operation settings.

[0067] Furthermore, the function of temporarily changing the detection mode may be configured to be available not only on the display unit of a specific mobile information terminal or management device, but also on the display unit of a mobile information terminal or management device to which a user with specific attributes is logged in. With this configuration, the function is only displayed on the display unit of a mobile information terminal or management device to which a user with administrator attributes is logged in, so that work such as investigations for maintenance / preservation purposes can be carried out without affecting operations by anyone other than the administrator.

[0068] Furthermore, in the location information system of the above embodiment, it is conceivable to configure the mobile information terminal 20 and the mobile beacon 30 so that the movement information detected by the movement determination means can be transmitted to the location information server 60 together with their own ID, and the icon of a detected moving object can be displayed even in the event of an abnormality. With this configuration, it becomes possible to visually confirm the movement of important documents and other managed objects from the perspective of crime prevention in the event of an emergency such as a fire. The movement determination means may be provided in each terminal device as described above, but it is also possible for the location information server to capture changes in location information from each terminal device and determine the movement.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the location information server 60 and the fire information server 100 may be integrated into a single support server, rather than being separate entities. In the above embodiment, the management device 120 is provided separately from the mobile information terminal 20, but if the management device 120 is a portable device such as a tablet PC, both the functions of the mobile information terminal 20 of the embodiment and the functions of the management device 120 may be incorporated into a single device. It is also possible to configure a system in which the management device 120 is omitted.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was explained that the fixed position beacon 10 only has the function of transmitting information, but it may also have the function of receiving wireless signals from mobile information terminals or other transmitters (wireless tags, terminals, etc.) and the function of transmitting the received information to a server. In addition, in the above embodiment, a system that uses positioning by beacons is exemplified as a location information system, but this is not limited to this, and the location information system may also be a system that uses positioning by other methods, such as IMES (Indoor Messaging System). [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10 Fixed position beacon (first transmitter) 20. Mobile Information Terminals 30 Mobile beacon (second transmitter) 40 Distributed Gateway (wireless repeater) 50 mobile phone base stations 60 Location Information Server (Server) 70 Fire detector 80 Fire Receiver 90 Gateway Device 100 Fire Information Server 110 Entrance and exit control gate device 120 Management device

Claims

1. a first transmitter that is installed in a predetermined area and that wirelessly transmits a signal including its own identification information; a portable information terminal having a receiver for receiving a signal from the first transmitter and a wireless communication device capable of transmitting transmitter information including identification information of the first transmitter and its own identification information; a second transmitter attached to a person entering the predetermined area or an object within the predetermined area, which transmits a signal including its own identification information by radio; a wireless repeater having a receiver installed in a predetermined area for receiving a signal transmitted from the second transmitter and a wireless communication device capable of transmitting transmitter information including identification information of the second transmitter and its own identification information; a server that receives information transmitted from the portable information terminal or the wireless repeater, The server is a location information system configured to receive a fire signal including information on the location of a fire transmitted from a fire receiver capable of receiving a fire detection signal from a fire detector of a fire alarm system installed within the specified area, and to determine the location of the fire, The server a database storing an installation location table linking the locations at which the first transmitter and the wireless repeater are installed with identification information of the first transmitter and the wireless repeater; The device is capable of receiving identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter transmitted from the mobile information terminal or the wireless repeater and identification information possessed by the first transmitter or the wireless repeater, checking the installation location table based on the received identification information possessed by the first transmitter or the wireless repeater, detecting the position of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter, generating map information for displaying on the mobile information terminal a map image showing an icon representing the mobile information terminal or an icon representing the second transmitter at the detected position, and transmitting the map information to the mobile information terminal, If the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter cannot be received normally and a fire signal has not been received, the icon representing the mobile information terminal or the icon representing the second transmitter corresponding to the identification information is erased from the map information, When the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter cannot be received normally and the fire signal is received, the map information is configured to include information for displaying an icon representing the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter corresponding to the identification information on the map image in a different form. A location information system characterized by:

2. The database stores an identification information table for distinguishing between people and objects, the identification information table stores information for distinguishing between a person and an object in correspondence with the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter; The server The location information system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter is received successfully and the fire signal is received, it is confirmed whether the identification information is a person or an object, and if the identification information is set to a person, information for displaying an icon corresponding to the identification information in a map image to be displayed on the mobile information terminal is included in the map information, and if the identification information is set to an object, the icon corresponding to the identification information is erased from the map information.

3. The database stores an identification information table for distinguishing between people and objects, the identification information table stores information for distinguishing between a first mode and a second mode in correspondence with identification information possessed by the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter; The server When the fire signal is received and the identification information cannot be received normally, it is confirmed whether the identification information is in a first mode or a second mode, and when it is set to the first mode, information for re-displaying an icon representing the mobile information terminal or an icon representing the second transmitter in a different form without erasing it from the map information is included in the map information; 2. The location information system according to claim 1, wherein when the second mode is set, an icon representing the mobile information terminal or an icon representing the second transmitter is erased from the map information.

4. an entrance / exit management gate that manages the entry and exit of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter into the predetermined area and transmits entry / exit information to the server; The database stores an identification information table for distinguishing between people and objects, the identification information table stores information for distinguishing between valid and invalid identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter; The server If the identification information in the identification information table is valid, information for displaying an icon representing the mobile information terminal or an icon representing the second transmitter on the map image is included in the map information, and if the identification information in the identification information table is invalid, the icon representing the mobile information terminal or the icon representing the second transmitter is deleted from the map information; A location information system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter receives information from the entrance / exit management gate that the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter has entered the building, the identification information in the identification information table is set to valid, and when the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter receives information that the mobile information terminal has left the building, the identification information in the identification information table is set to invalid.

5. the second transmitter is provided with a movement sensor, and when movement is determined based on a signal from the movement sensor, transmits information indicating the movement to the server; The location information system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the server receives information indicating that the second transmitter has moved, the server includes information in the map information for displaying an icon representing the second transmitter in a form indicating that the second transmitter is moving on the map image.

6. A management device having a display unit is further provided, The management device a function of acquiring from the server a map image generated to display the current position of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter within the predetermined area and, if a fire has occurred, the location of the fire, and displaying the acquired map image on the display unit; 5. The location information system according to claim 4, wherein said system is configured to be accessible only by a specific administrator, and has a function for freely rewriting each item in said identification information table stored in said server.

7. The location information system described in claim 6, characterized in that the server has the function of generating map information to display an icon representing the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter on the display unit as a map image dedicated to the management device and transmitting it to the management device in all of the following cases: when the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter cannot be received successfully, when the identification information of the mobile information terminal or the second transmitter is received successfully, when the fire signal is received from the fire receiver, and when the fire signal is not received.

Images