Collection system

Abstract

To provide a collection system capable of acquiring the remaining amount of a battery of a beacon device regardless of the type of the beacon device.SOLUTION: A collection system 100 includes a reception device X1, a collection unit 12, an obtaining unit 13, and a generation unit. The reception device X1 receives the beacon signal Si1 transmitted from the beacon device 3. The collection unit 12 collects the beacon information included in the beacon signal X1 received by the receiving device Si1. The obtaining unit 13 obtains signal information related to the beacon signal X1 received by the receiving device Si1. The generation unit generates battery information indicating the remaining amount of the battery 32 of the beacon device 3 based on setting information set in advance for the beacon signal Si1 and the signal information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to collection systems, and more particularly to collection systems that collect beacon information. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a beacon device that includes a battery, a beacon transmitter, a battery remaining capacity measurement unit, and a notification unit. The battery supplies power. The beacon transmitter uses the power to transmit a beacon signal. The battery remaining capacity measurement unit measures the remaining capacity of the battery. The notification unit notifies the remaining capacity of the battery measured by the battery remaining capacity measurement unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 146515 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a collection system that collects beacon information from a beacon device having a function of notifying the remaining battery capacity as described above, the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device can be obtained. However, in a collection system that collects beacon information from a beacon device that does not have a function of notifying the remaining battery capacity, the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device cannot be obtained. In other words, there is a problem that the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device cannot be obtained depending on the type of beacon device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a collection system that can acquire the remaining battery charge of a beacon device regardless of the type of beacon device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A collection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving device, a collection unit, an acquisition unit, and a generation unit. The receiving device receives a beacon signal transmitted from a beacon device. The collection unit collects beacon information included in the beacon signal received by the receiving device. The acquisition unit acquires signal information regarding the beacon signal received by the receiving device. The generation unit generates battery information indicating the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device based on setting information previously set regarding the beacon signal and the signal information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device can be acquired regardless of the type of the beacon device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a collection system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for generating battery information in the collection system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a collection system according to the first modified example of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications, and various modifications other than these embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure. The drawings described in the following embodiments and modifications are schematic drawings, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] (Embodiment) (1) Overview An overview of the collection system 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0011] 1, the collection system 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) receiving devices X1, a collection unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, and a battery information generation unit 14. The generation unit in this disclosure corresponds to the battery information generation unit 14.

[0012] Each of the plurality of receiving devices X1 receives a beacon signal Si1 transmitted from each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 (two in the illustrated example). The collecting unit 12 collects beacon information included in the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the plurality of receiving devices X1. The acquiring unit 13 acquires signal information regarding the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the plurality of receiving devices X1. The battery information generating unit 14 generates battery information indicating the remaining amount of the battery 32 in each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 based on the setting information previously set regarding the beacon signal Si1 and the signal information acquired by the acquiring unit 13. Note that the "remaining amount of the battery 32" in the present disclosure refers to the remaining battery capacity of the battery 32.

[0013] From the above, the collection system 100 of this embodiment has an effect that the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device 3 can be acquired even if the beacon device 3 does not have a function to notify the remaining capacity of the battery 32. That is, the collection system 100 of this embodiment has an advantage that the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device 3 can be acquired regardless of the type of the beacon device 3.

[0014] (2) Detailed configuration (2.1) Collection System The detailed configuration of the collection system 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the collection system 100 of this embodiment includes a server 1, a lighting system 200, and a plurality of beacon devices 3 (two in the illustrated example).

[0016] (2.2) Beacon Device Each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 includes a signal transmitting unit 31 and a battery 32. Each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 exists in a space that the facility in which the lighting system 200 is installed has.

[0017] The signal transmitting unit 31 has a communication circuit that transmits a beacon signal Si1 using power supplied from a battery 32. The signal transmitting unit 31 transmits the beacon signal Si1 at regular time intervals. The beacon signal Si1 is a radio wave signal. The beacon signal Si1 transmitted by the signal transmitting unit 31 includes beacon identification information that identifies the beacon device 3 that includes the signal transmitting unit 31. The signal transmitting unit 31 employs a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy or WiFi (registered trademark).

[0018] The battery 32 stores power used by the signal transmission unit 31 when transmitting the beacon signal Si1 and supplies the power to the signal transmission unit 31. The battery 32 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lead acid battery, or an all-solid-state battery. As the remaining charge of the battery 32 decreases, the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 transmitted by the signal transmission unit 31 decreases. The battery 32 may be a primary battery.

[0019] (2.3) Lighting System As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 200 includes a plurality of lighting devices 2 (three in the illustrated example).

[0020] The lighting system 200 (i.e., a plurality of lighting devices 2) is installed in a facility. In the present disclosure, a "facility" refers to, for example, a house, a store, an office building, a factory, a warehouse, a commercial complex, a library, an art gallery, a museum, an amusement facility, a theme park, a park, an airport, a train station, a stadium, a hotel, a hospital, etc. Alternatively, the "facility" may be, for example, a mobile object such as a ship or a railroad vehicle. Furthermore, the "facility" may be an indoor facility or an outdoor facility.

[0021] Each of the lighting devices 2 irradiates light into a space where the beacon devices 3 are present. Each of the lighting devices 2 is, for example, a base light or a spot light. Each of the lighting devices 2 includes a light source unit 21, a control unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0022] The light source unit 21 includes a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode, etc. The light source 21 emits light into a space in which a plurality of beacon devices 3 exist.

[0023] The communication unit 23 has a first communication unit 231 and a second communication unit 232. The first communication unit 231 communicates with each of the plurality of beacon devices 3. The first communication unit 231 communicates with each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 by the same communication method as the signal transmission unit 31. The first communication unit 231 receives a beacon signal Si1 transmitted from the signal transmission unit 31 in each of the plurality of beacon devices 3. For this reason, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 is a receiving device X1 that receives a beacon signal Si1 transmitted from each of the plurality of beacon devices 3.

[0024] More specifically, when the strength of the beacon signal Si1 is greater than a reception threshold, the first communication unit 231 can stably receive the beacon signal Si1. The "reception threshold" here refers to a threshold value of the strength of the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231, and is set to a value greater than the reception sensitivity of the first communication unit 231.

[0025] As the remaining amount of the battery 32 in each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 decreases, the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 transmitted by the signal transmitting unit 31 decreases. For this reason, as the remaining amount of the battery 32 in each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 decreases, it is assumed that the first communication unit 231 receives the beacon signal Si1 at a frequency that is a frequency at which the first communication unit 231 receives the beacon signal Si1 in a unit time.

[0026] The second communication unit 232 communicates with the server 1. The second communication unit 232 communicates with the server 1 directly or indirectly via a network or a relay or the like by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication.

[0027] The second communication unit 232 transmits the beacon information included in the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231 to the communication unit 18 (described later) of the server 1. More specifically, the second communication unit 232 links the beacon information to device identification information that identifies the lighting device 2 equipped with the second communication unit 232, and transmits the linked beacon information to the communication unit 18 of the server 1.

[0028] Furthermore, the second communication unit 232 transmits the signal information generated by the signal information generation unit 222 to the communication unit 18 of the server 1. More specifically, the second communication unit 232 links the signal information with device identification information that identifies the lighting device 2 equipped with the second communication unit 232, and transmits the signal information to the communication unit 18 of the server 1.

[0029] The control unit 22 has a light source control unit 221 and a signal information generation unit 222. The control unit 22 includes a processor of a computer system. The functions of the control unit 22 are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0030] The light source control unit 221 controls the light source 21. More specifically, the light source control unit 221 controls the power supplied to the light source 21 from an external power supply (not shown).

[0031] The signal information generating unit 222 generates signal information regarding the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231 of the communication unit 23. The signal information in this embodiment includes both a reception frequency, which is the frequency at which the first communication unit 231 (i.e., the receiving device X1) receives the beacon signal Si1 per unit time, and a reception intensity, which is the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231 (i.e., the receiving device X1).

[0032] (2.4) Server The server 1 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The server 1 may be installed in a facility where the lighting system 200 (i.e., a plurality of lighting devices 2) is installed, or may be installed in a location remote from the facility.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the server 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 17, and a communication unit .

[0034] The storage unit 17 stores setting information that is set in advance regarding the beacon signal Si1 transmitted from each of the plurality of beacon devices 3. The setting information of this embodiment includes both the number of transmissions, which is the number of times that each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 transmits the beacon signal Si1 in a unit time, and a reception threshold, which is the threshold of the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 (receiving device X1). The storage unit 17 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0035] The communication unit 18 communicates with the second communication unit 232 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2. The communication unit 18 communicates with the second communication unit 232 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like, by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication.

[0036] The communication unit 18 receives beacon information from the second communication unit 232 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2, and outputs the beacon information to the collection unit 12, which will be described later. More specifically, the communication unit 18 receives beacon information linked to device identification information from the second communication unit 232 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2, and outputs the beacon information to the collection unit 12, which will be described later.

[0037] Furthermore, the communication unit 18 receives signal information from the second communication unit 232 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2, and outputs the beacon information to the acquisition unit 13, which will be described later. More specifically, the communication unit 18 receives signal information linked to the device identification information from the second communication unit 232 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2, and outputs the beacon information to the acquisition unit 13, which will be described later.

[0038] The control unit 11 has a collection unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, a battery information generation unit 14, an evaluation unit 15, and a notification unit 16. The generation unit in the present disclosure corresponds to the battery information generation unit 14. The control unit 11 includes a processor of a computer system. The functions of the control unit 11 are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0039] The collection unit 12 collects beacon information included in the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the multiple receiving devices X1. The collection unit 12 of this embodiment collects the beacon information by linking it with device identification information that identifies the lighting device 2 (receiving device X1) that received the beacon signal Si1 including the beacon information. That is, the collection unit 12 of this embodiment collects the beacon information included in the beacon signal Si1 received from one lighting device 2 out of the multiple lighting devices 2 by linking it with the device identification information that identifies the one lighting device 2. This configuration has the advantage that it is easy to eliminate duplication caused by beacon information included in the beacon signal Si1 transmitted from the same beacon device 3 being received by different lighting devices 2 (receiving device X1) and collected by the collection unit 12.

[0040] The acquiring unit 13 acquires signal information related to the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the multiple receiving devices X1. Specifically, the acquiring unit 13 acquires signal information received by the communication unit 18 from each of the multiple receiving devices X1. The signal information acquired by the acquiring unit 13 in this embodiment includes both a reception frequency, which is a frequency at which the first communication unit 231 of the lighting device 2 (i.e., the receiving device X1) receives the beacon signal Si1 per unit time, and a reception intensity, which is the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231 of the lighting device 2 (i.e., the receiving device X1).

[0041] The acquisition unit 13 acquires signal information for each predetermined period that is set in advance. That is, the acquisition unit 13 acquires signal information for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. Note that the predetermined period is, for example, one second. In other words, the acquisition unit 13 acquires signal information for one second every second. Specifically, the acquisition unit 13 acquires both the reception frequency and reception strength for one second as signal information every second.

[0042] The battery information generating unit 14 generates battery information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery 32 in each of the multiple beacon devices 3 based on the setting information stored in the memory unit 17 (i.e., setting information previously set for the beacon signal Si1) and the signal information acquired by the acquiring unit 13.

[0043] The battery information generating unit 14 of this embodiment generates battery information indicating the remaining amount of the battery 32 in each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 by comparing the above setting information with the above signal information. Specifically, the battery information generating unit 14 of this embodiment generates battery information indicating the remaining amount of the battery 32 in one beacon device 3 by comparing the setting information set in advance regarding the beacon signal Si1 transmitted by one beacon device 3 with the signal information regarding the beacon signal Si1 received from one beacon device 3 in one beacon device 3. According to this configuration, there is an advantage that the processing for generating battery information can be simplified.

[0044] The battery information generation unit 14 determines whether the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is less than a predetermined amount in one beacon device 3 among a plurality of beacon devices 3. More specifically, the battery information generation unit 14 of this embodiment determines whether the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information, and the reception strength included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information, in one beacon device 3 among a plurality of beacon devices 3. In short, the battery information generation unit 14 of this embodiment generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 is less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information, and the reception strength included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information (determined as such). Note that the "reception frequency included in the signal information" here refers to the frequency at which the lighting device 2 (i.e., the receiving device X1) received the beacon signal Si1 from one beacon device 3 in a unit time, and the "number of transmissions included in the setting information" refers to the number of times that one beacon device 3 transmits the beacon signal Si1 in a unit time. Further, the "reception intensity included in the signal information" is the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 that the lighting device 2 (i.e., the receiving device X1) received from one beacon device 3, and the "reception threshold value included in the setting information" is the threshold value of the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 that the lighting device 2 (the receiving device X1) receives. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device 3 can be obtained more accurately regardless of the type of the beacon device 3. Note that the "predetermined amount" is the battery capacity of the battery 32 that is set in advance, and as an example, it is set to 20% of the battery capacity of the battery 32 in a fully charged state.

[0045] The battery information generating unit 14 of this embodiment generates battery information based on the reception threshold and the average value of the reception strength within a predetermined period (for example, 1 second). That is, the battery information generating unit 14 of this embodiment generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information in any one beacon device 3 among a plurality of beacon devices 3, and the average value of the reception strength within a predetermined period included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold included in the setting information. In the collection system of the comparative example, it is assumed that the strength of the beacon signal received from a moving beacon device temporarily becomes smaller than the reception threshold, and in this case, there is a possibility that the battery information generating unit generates erroneous battery information. However, according to the above configuration in the collection system 100 of this embodiment, when the strength of the beacon signal Si1 received from the moving beacon device 3 temporarily becomes smaller than the reception threshold, there is an advantage that the battery information generating unit 14 can suppress the generation of erroneous battery information.

[0046] The battery information generation unit 14 may generate battery information based on a reception threshold and the maximum value of reception strength within a predetermined period (e.g., one second). That is, the battery information generation unit 14 may generate battery information indicating that the remaining charge of the battery 32 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency included in the signal information is lower than the number of transmissions included in the setting information and the maximum value of reception strength within the predetermined period included in the signal information is lower than the reception threshold included in the setting information. Furthermore, the battery information generation unit 14 may generate battery information based on both the reception threshold and the maximum and average values ​​of reception strength within the predetermined period. In other words, the battery information generation unit 14 generates battery information based on the reception threshold and at least one of the maximum and average values ​​of reception strength within the predetermined period.

[0047] The battery information generating unit 14 of this embodiment generates battery information for each predetermined period based on the setting information stored in the storage unit 17 and the signal information acquired by the acquiring unit 13 for each predetermined period (for example, every second). The battery information generating unit 14 of this embodiment generates battery information for each predetermined period indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency is smaller than the number of transmissions and the average value of the reception strength within the predetermined period is smaller than the reception threshold value in any one beacon device 3 out of the plurality of beacon devices 3.

[0048] The evaluation unit 15 evaluates the battery information for one of a plurality of predetermined periods (e.g., one second) generated by the battery information generation unit 14 using battery information for both a period before the one period and a period after the one period. More specifically, the evaluation unit 15 compares the battery information for one of the plurality of predetermined periods with battery information for at least one of the period before the one period and the period after the one period, thereby evaluating whether the battery information for the one period is likely to be correct. As a specific example, if the battery information for the one period differs from both the battery information for the period before the one period and the period after the one period, the evaluation unit 15 evaluates that the battery information for the one period is likely to be incorrect. On the other hand, if the battery information for the one period is the same as at least one of the battery information for the period before the one period and the period after the one period, the evaluation unit 15 evaluates that the battery information for the one period is likely to be correct. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that it is possible to distinguish between a drop in the remaining battery power of the beacon device 3 and a malfunction such as a reception failure of the lighting device 2 (receiving device X1).

[0049] For example, consider a case where battery information is generated indicating that the remaining charge of battery 32 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount in one of a plurality of predetermined periods, and battery information is generated indicating that the remaining charge of battery 32 is greater than the predetermined amount in both a period before the one period and a period after the one period. In this case, evaluation unit 15 evaluates that there is a high possibility that the battery information in the one period is an error due to a failure to receive data from lighting device 2 (receiving device X1), etc.

[0050] Next, it is assumed that battery information is generated indicating that the remaining charge of battery 32 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount in both one of the plurality of predetermined periods and a period after the one period, and battery information is generated indicating that the remaining charge of battery 32 is greater than the predetermined amount in a period before the one period. In this case, evaluation unit 15 evaluates that the battery information for the one period is likely to be correct.

[0051] The notification unit 16 notifies the battery information generated by the battery information generation unit 14. As an example, the notification unit 16 notifies the battery information generated by the battery information generation unit 14 to an information terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by the administrator or user of the collection system 100.

[0052] (3) Operation Next, a generation method in which the collection system 100 of this embodiment generates battery information will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows an operation flow for generating battery information indicating the remaining amount of the battery 32 of any one of a plurality of beacon devices 3 in any one of a plurality of predetermined periods. The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example of the above-mentioned generation method according to the present disclosure, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, or processing may be added or omitted as appropriate. Also, FIG. 2 shows an operation flow of one lighting device 2 out of a plurality of lighting devices 2 (receiving device X1). Below, as an example, a case in which the above-mentioned generation method is executed by the collection system 100 will be described.

[0053] First, the first communication unit 231 of the lighting device 2 receives the beacon signal Si1 transmitted from the signal transmission unit 31 of the beacon device 3 (receiving step S1). Then, the signal information generating unit 222 of the lighting device 2 generates signal information regarding the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231 of the communication unit 23 (signal information generating step S2). After that, the acquiring unit 13 of the server 1 acquires signal information regarding the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the multiple receiving devices X1 (acquiring step S3).

[0054] The battery information generating unit 14 judges whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 32 of the beacon device 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (judging step S4). The judging step S4 of this embodiment includes a first judging step S41 and a second judging step S42.

[0055] In the first determination step S41, the battery information generation unit 14 determines whether the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information. That is, in the first determination step S41, the battery information generation unit 14 determines whether the frequency at which the lighting device 2 (i.e., the receiving device X1) receives the beacon signal Si1 from one beacon device 3 in a unit time is smaller than the number of times at which the beacon device 3 transmits the beacon signal Si1 in a unit time. If the battery information generation unit 14 determines that the reception frequency is equal to or greater than the number of transmissions (S41: No), after a predetermined period, the acquisition unit 13 of the server 1 acquires signal information related to the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the plurality of receiving devices X1 again (acquisition step S3).

[0056] If the battery information generation unit 14 determines that the reception frequency is lower than the number of transmissions (S41: Yes), the battery information generation unit 14 performs a second determination step S42. In the second determination step S42, the battery information generation unit 14 determines whether or not the reception intensity included in the signal information is lower than the reception threshold value included in the setting information. That is, in the second determination step S42, the battery information generation unit 14 determines whether or not the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by the lighting device 2 (i.e., the receiving device X1) from the beacon device 3 is lower than the threshold value of the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by the lighting device 2 (the receiving device X1). If the battery information generation unit 14 determines that the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the reception threshold value (S42: No), after a predetermined period of time, the acquisition unit 13 of the server 1 again acquires signal information regarding the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the multiple receiving devices X1 (acquisition step S3).

[0057] When the battery information generating unit 14 determines that the reception strength is smaller than the reception threshold (S42: Yes), the battery information generating unit 14 generates battery information indicating that the remaining charge of the battery 32 of the beacon device 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (battery information generating step S5). After that, the notifying unit 16 notifies the battery information generated by the battery information generating unit 14 to an information terminal (for example, a smartphone) owned by the administrator or user of the collection system 100 (notifying step S6).

[0058] (4) Effects The collection system 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of receiving devices X1, a collection unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, and a battery information generation unit 14. Each of the plurality of receiving devices X1 receives a beacon signal Si1 transmitted from each of a plurality of beacon devices 3. The collection unit 12 collects beacon information included in the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the plurality of receiving devices X1. The acquisition unit 13 acquires signal information regarding the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the plurality of receiving devices X1. The battery information generation unit 14 generates battery information indicating the remaining amount of the battery 32 in each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 based on setting information set in advance regarding the beacon signal Si1 and the signal information acquired by the acquisition unit 13. As a result, the collection system 100 according to this embodiment has the effect of being able to acquire the remaining amount of the battery of the beacon device 3 even if the beacon device 3 does not have a function to notify the remaining amount of the battery 32. That is, the collection system 100 of this embodiment has an advantage that the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device 3 can be acquired regardless of the type of the beacon device 3.

[0059] In the collection system 100 according to this embodiment, the battery information generating unit 14 generates battery information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery 32 in each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 by comparing the setting information with the signal information acquired by the acquiring unit 13. This has the advantage of simplifying the process for generating battery information.

[0060] In the collection system 100 according to this embodiment, the signal information includes both a reception frequency, which is the frequency at which the first communication unit 231 (receiving device X1) of the lighting device 2 receives the beacon signal Si1 in a unit time, and a reception intensity, which is the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231 (receiving device X1) of the lighting device 2. The setting information includes both a transmission count, which is the number of times each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 transmits the beacon signal Si1 in a unit time, and a reception threshold, which is the threshold of the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 (receiving device X1). The battery information generation unit 14 generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the transmission count included in the setting information, and the reception intensity included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold included in the setting information, in any one beacon device 3 out of the plurality of beacon devices 3. This has the advantage that the remaining amount of the battery of the beacon device 3 can be obtained more accurately regardless of the type of the beacon device 3.

[0061] The collection system 100 according to this embodiment includes an evaluation unit 15 that evaluates battery information for any one of a plurality of predetermined periods generated by the battery information generation unit 14 using battery information for both periods before and after the one period. This has the advantage of being able to distinguish between a decrease in the remaining battery power of the beacon device 3 and a malfunction such as a missed reception of the lighting device 2 (receiving device X1).

[0062] In the collection system 100 according to this embodiment, the battery information generating unit 14 generates battery information based on at least one of the maximum value and the average value of the reception strength within a predetermined period of time and the reception threshold value. This has the advantage that it is possible to prevent the battery information generating unit 14 from generating erroneous battery information when the strength of the beacon signal Si1 received from the moving beacon device 3 temporarily becomes smaller than the reception threshold value.

[0063] In the collection system 100 according to this embodiment, the collection unit 12 collects the beacon information by linking it with device identification information that identifies the lighting device 2 (receiving device X1) that received the beacon signal Si1 including the beacon information. This has the advantage that it is easier to eliminate duplication caused by beacon information included in the beacon signal Si1 transmitted from the same beacon device 3 being received by different lighting devices 2 (receiving device X1) and collected by the collection unit 12.

[0064] In the collection system 100 according to this embodiment, the receiving device X1 is each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 that irradiate light into a space where the beacon device 3 exists. That is, in the collection system 100 according to this embodiment, each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 is used as the receiving device X1. In a facility, the plurality of lighting devices 2 are often installed at equal intervals and over a wide area. Therefore, by using each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 as the receiving device X1, there is an advantage that the receiving device X1 can be installed in a position where it is easy to receive the beacon signal Si1.

[0065] (5) Variations The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The following modifications may be implemented in appropriate combination. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] (5.1) First Modification In the collection system 100 of the above-described embodiment, the server 1 has a collection unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, a battery information generation unit 14, an evaluation unit 15, and a notification unit 16. In contrast, the collection system 100a of the first modified example shown in FIG. 3 differs from the collection system 100 in that one lighting device 2a of the plurality of lighting devices 2, 2a has a collection unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, a battery information generation unit 14, an evaluation unit 15, and a notification unit 16.

[0067] 3, the collection system 100a of the first modified example includes a lighting system 200a and a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) beacon devices 3. The lighting system 200a includes a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) lighting devices 2, 2a.

[0068] One of the lighting devices 2, 2a includes a light source unit 21, a control unit 22a, a communication unit 23a, and a storage unit 17. On the other hand, the remaining lighting devices 2 include a light source unit 21, a control unit 22, and a communication unit 23a.

[0069] The control unit 22a of the lighting device 2a includes a light source control unit 221, a signal information generation unit 222, a collection unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, a battery information generation unit 14, an evaluation unit 15, and a notification unit 16. The control unit 22a includes a processor of a computer system. The functions of the control unit 22a are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0070] The communication unit 23a in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2, 2a has a first communication unit 231 and a third communication unit 233. The third communication unit 233 communicates with the third communication unit 233 of each of the other lighting devices 2, 2a that is different from the lighting device 2, 2a that has the third communication unit 233. The third communication unit 233 communicates with the third communication unit 233 of each of the other lighting devices 2, 2a directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like, by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication.

[0071] The third communication unit 233 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 transmits beacon information included in the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231 to the third communication unit 233 of the lighting device 2a. More specifically, the third communication unit 233 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 associates the beacon information with device identification information that identifies the lighting device 2 equipped with the third communication unit 233, and transmits the beacon information to the third communication unit 233 of the lighting device 2a.

[0072] Furthermore, the third communication unit 233 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 transmits the signal information generated by the signal information generation unit 222 to the third communication unit 233 of the lighting device 2a. More specifically, the third communication unit 233 in each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 associates the signal information with device identification information that identifies the lighting device 2 equipped with the third communication unit 233, and transmits the signal information to the third communication unit 233 of the lighting device 2a.

[0073] (5.2) Second Modification In the collection system 100 in the above embodiment, the battery information generation unit 14 generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 is less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information and the reception strength included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information. On the other hand, in the collection system 100 in the second modified example, the battery information generation unit 14 generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information in any one beacon device 3 out of the plurality of beacon devices 3.

[0074] The battery information generating unit 14 of the second modification generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is less than a predetermined amount every predetermined period when the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information in one beacon device 3 among the plurality of beacon devices 3. That is, the battery information generating unit 14 of the second modification determines only whether the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information in one beacon device 3 among the plurality of beacon devices 3. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that the judgment process for generating battery information can be simplified.

[0075] (5.3) Third Modification In the collection system 100 in the above embodiment, the battery information generation unit 14 generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is a predetermined amount or less when the reception frequency included in the signal information is smaller than the number of transmissions included in the setting information, and the reception strength included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information, in one beacon device 3 among the plurality of beacon devices 3. On the other hand, in the collection system 100 in the third modified example, the battery information generation unit 14 generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is a predetermined amount or less when the reception strength included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information, in one beacon device 3 among the plurality of beacon devices 3.

[0076] The battery information generating unit 14 of the third modified example generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is a predetermined amount or less for each predetermined period when the reception strength included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information in one beacon device 3 among the plurality of beacon devices 3. That is, the battery information generating unit 14 of the third modified example determines only whether the reception strength included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information in one beacon device 3 among the plurality of beacon devices 3. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that the judgment process for generating battery information can be simplified.

[0077] More specifically, the battery information generating unit 14 of the third modified example generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is a predetermined amount or less when the average value of the reception strength within a predetermined period included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information in one beacon device 3 among the plurality of beacon devices 3. Note that the battery information generating unit 14 of the third modified example may generate battery information indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 32 of one beacon device 3 is a predetermined amount or less when the maximum value of the reception strength within a predetermined period included in the signal information is smaller than the reception threshold value included in the setting information in one beacon device 3 among the plurality of beacon devices 3. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that the battery information generating unit 14 can suppress the generation of erroneous battery information when the strength of the beacon signal Si1 received from the moving beacon device 3 temporarily becomes smaller than the reception threshold value.

[0078] (5.4) Other Modifications Other variations of the above-described embodiment are listed below. The following variations may be realized in appropriate combination.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the signal information acquired by the acquisition unit 13 includes both a reception frequency, which is the frequency at which the first communication unit 231 (i.e., the receiving device X1) of the lighting device 2 receives the beacon signal Si1 per unit time, and a reception intensity, which is the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by the first communication unit 231 (i.e., the receiving device X1) of the lighting device 2. However, the signal information acquired by the acquisition unit 13 may include at least one of the reception frequency and the reception intensity. This configuration has the advantage of simplifying the process for generating battery information.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the setting information stored in the storage unit 17 includes both the number of transmissions, which is the number of times each of the plurality of beacon devices 3 transmits the beacon signal Si1 in a unit time, and the reception threshold, which is the threshold of the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 (receiving device X1). However, the setting information stored in the storage unit 17 only needs to include at least one of the number of transmissions and the reception threshold. This configuration has the advantage of simplifying the process for generating battery information.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the collection system 100 includes a plurality of beacon devices 3 (two in the illustrated example), but the number of beacon devices 3 is not limited. That is, the collection system 100 only needs to include at least one beacon device 3.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the lighting system 200 includes a plurality of lighting devices 2 (three in the illustrated example), but there is no limitation on the number of lighting devices 2. That is, the lighting system 200 only needs to include at least one lighting device 2.

[0083] The battery information generating unit 14 may generate battery information based on the average value excluding the maximum and minimum values ​​of the reception intensity within a predetermined period (for example, 1 second) and the reception threshold value. As an example, due to an abnormality or the like that occurs in the beacon device 3 or the lighting device 2 (receiving device X1), the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 received by the lighting device 2 (receiving device X1) may unintentionally increase or decrease. According to this configuration, in the above case, the battery information generating unit 14 has an effect of being able to generate battery information excluding the intensity of the beacon signal Si1 when the above abnormality or the like occurs. In other words, there is an advantage that the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device 3 can be obtained more accurately regardless of the type of the beacon device 3.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the notification unit 16 notifies the battery information generated by the battery information generation unit 14 to an information terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by an administrator or user of the collection system 100. However, each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 may have a light output unit (e.g., a light-emitting element) that outputs light, and the notification unit 16 may control the light output unit to output light in accordance with the above-described battery information. Furthermore, each of the plurality of lighting devices 2 may have a sound output unit (e.g., a speaker) that outputs sound, and the notification unit 16 may control the sound output unit to output sound in accordance with the above-described battery information.

[0085] In addition, the notification unit 16 may gradually notify the battery information generated by the battery information generation unit 14. More specifically, the notification unit 16 may gradually notify the battery information according to the remaining amount of the battery of the beacon device 3.

[0086] (summary) The collection system (100, 100a) of the first aspect includes a receiving device (X1), a collection unit (12), an acquisition unit (13), and a generation unit (14). The receiving device (X1) receives a beacon signal (Si1) transmitted from a beacon device (3). The collection unit (12) collects beacon information included in the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1). The acquisition unit (13) acquires signal information related to the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1). The generation unit (14) generates battery information indicating the remaining capacity of a battery (32) of the beacon device (3) based on setting information and signal information that are set in advance regarding the beacon signal (Si1).

[0087] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the remaining capacity of the battery (32) of the beacon device (3) can be acquired regardless of the type of the beacon device (3).

[0088] In the collection system (100, 100a) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the signal information includes at least one of a reception frequency, which is the frequency at which the receiving device (X1) receives the beacon signal (Si1) in a unit time, and a reception intensity, which is the intensity of the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1).

[0089] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the process for generating the battery information can be simplified.

[0090] In the collection system (100, 100a) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the setting information includes at least one of the number of transmissions, which is the number of times that the beacon device (3) transmits the beacon signal (Si1) in a unit time, and the reception threshold, which is the threshold of the intensity of the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1).

[0091] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the process for generating the battery information can be simplified.

[0092] In the collection system (100, 100a) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the generation unit (14) generates the battery information by comparing the setting information with the signal information.

[0093] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the process for generating the battery information can be simplified.

[0094] In the collection system (100, 100a) of the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the signal information includes both a reception frequency, which is the frequency at which the receiving device (X1) receives the beacon signal (Si1) in a unit time, and a reception intensity, which is the intensity of the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1). The setting information includes both a transmission count, which is the number of times the beacon device (3) transmits the beacon signal (Si1) in a unit time, and a reception threshold, which is the threshold of the intensity of the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1). The generation unit (14) generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount is less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency is smaller than the transmission count and the reception intensity is smaller than the reception threshold.

[0095] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the remaining capacity of the battery (32) of the beacon device (3) can be acquired with higher accuracy regardless of the type of the beacon device (3).

[0096] In the collection system (100, 100a) of the sixth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the signal information includes a reception frequency, which is a frequency at which the receiving device (X1) receives a beacon signal (Si1) in a unit time. The setting information includes a transmission count, which is a number of times that the beacon device (3) transmits a beacon signal (Si1) in a unit time. The generation unit (14) generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount is less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency is smaller than the transmission count.

[0097] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the determination process for generating the battery information can be simplified.

[0098] In the collection system (100, 100a) of the seventh aspect, in the fourth aspect, the signal information includes a reception intensity, which is the intensity of the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1). The setting information includes a reception threshold, which is the threshold for the intensity of the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1). When the reception intensity is lower than the reception threshold, the generation unit (14) generates battery information indicating that the remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

[0099] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the determination process for generating the battery information can be simplified.

[0100] In a collection system (100, 100a) of an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the acquisition unit (13) acquires signal information at predetermined intervals that are set in advance. The generation unit (14) generates battery information at predetermined intervals based on the setting information and the signal information at each predetermined interval. The collection system (100, 100a) of the eighth aspect further includes an evaluation unit (15) that evaluates the battery information at any one of the plurality of predetermined intervals using battery information at both a period before the one period and a period after the one period.

[0101] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to distinguish between a decrease in the remaining battery power of the beacon device (3) and a malfunction such as a missed reception of the receiving device (X1).

[0102] A collection system (100, 100a) of a ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the acquisition unit (13) acquires signal information within a predetermined period that is set in advance. The signal information includes a reception intensity, which is the intensity of a beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1). The setting information includes a reception threshold, which is a threshold for the intensity of the beacon signal (Si1) received by the receiving device (X1). The generation unit (14) generates battery information based on the reception threshold and at least one of the maximum value and average value of the reception intensity within the predetermined period.

[0103] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that when the strength of the beacon signal (Si1) received from the moving beacon device (3) temporarily becomes smaller than the reception threshold, the battery information generating unit (14) can be prevented from generating erroneous battery information.

[0104] A collection system (100, 100a) of a tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which a collection unit (12) collects beacon information by linking it to device identification information that identifies a receiving device (X1) that received a beacon signal (Si1) including the beacon information.

[0105] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that it is easier to eliminate duplication caused by beacon information included in the beacon signal (Si1) transmitted from the same beacon device (3) being received by different receiving devices (X1) and collected by the collection unit (12).

[0106] A collection system (100, 100a) of an eleventh aspect is any one of the first to tenth aspects, in which the receiving device (X1) is a lighting device (2, 2a) that irradiates light into a space where a beacon device (3) exists.

[0107] This embodiment has the advantage that the receiving device (X1) can be installed in a position where the beacon signal (Si1) can be easily received. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100, 100a collection system 2, 2a lighting equipment 3 Beacon Device 12 Collection Department 13 Acquisition Department 14 Generation unit (battery information generation unit) 15 Evaluation Section 32 Batteries X1 Receiver Si1 Beacon Signal

Claims

1. a receiving device for receiving a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon device; a collection unit that collects beacon information included in the beacon signal received by the receiving device; an acquisition unit that acquires signal information regarding the beacon signal received by the receiving device; A generating unit that generates battery information indicating the remaining battery capacity of the beacon device based on setting information that is preset regarding the beacon signal and the signal information, Collection system.

2. The signal information includes at least one of a reception frequency, which is a frequency at which the receiving device receives the beacon signal per unit time, and a reception strength, which is a strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving device. The collection system of claim 1 .

3. The setting information includes at least one of the number of times the beacon device transmits the beacon signal in a unit time, and a reception threshold value which is a threshold value of the intensity of the beacon signal received by the receiving device, The collection system of claim 1 .

4. the generating unit generates the battery information by comparing the setting information with the signal information. A collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the signal information includes both a reception frequency, which is a frequency at which the receiving device receives the beacon signal per unit time, and a reception strength, which is a strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving device; The setting information includes both a transmission count, which is the number of times that the beacon device transmits the beacon signal in the unit time, and a reception threshold, which is a threshold of the intensity of the beacon signal received by the receiving device; the generating unit generates the battery information indicating that the remaining charge is equal to or less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency is lower than the number of transmissions and the reception strength is lower than the reception threshold. The collection system of claim 4 .

6. the signal information includes a reception frequency, which is a frequency at which the receiving device receives the beacon signal per unit time; The setting information includes a transmission count that is the number of times that the beacon device transmits the beacon signal in the unit time, the generating unit generates the battery information indicating that the remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount when the reception frequency is lower than the number of transmissions. The collection system of claim 4 .

7. the signal information includes a reception strength, which is the strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving device; the setting information includes a reception threshold that is a threshold for the strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving device; the generating unit generates the battery information indicating that the remaining charge is equal to or less than a predetermined amount when the reception strength is lower than the reception threshold. The collection system of claim 4 .

8. the acquisition unit acquires the signal information at predetermined intervals, the generating unit generates the battery information for each predetermined period based on the setting information and the signal information for each predetermined period; an evaluation unit that evaluates the battery information in any one of the plurality of predetermined periods using the battery information in both a period before the one period and a period after the one period, A collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. the acquisition unit acquires the signal information within a predetermined period that is set in advance, the signal information includes a reception strength, which is the strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving device; the setting information includes a reception threshold that is a threshold for the strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving device; the generating unit generates the battery information based on the reception threshold and at least one of a maximum value and an average value of the reception strength within the predetermined period. A collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. the collection unit collects the beacon information by linking it to device identification information that identifies the receiving device that received the beacon signal including the beacon information. A collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The receiving device is a lighting device that irradiates light into a space where the beacon device exists. A collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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