Sensor terminals, relay devices, and sensor systems

Abstract

To improve sensing accuracy while suppressing power consumption in battery-powered sensor terminals. [Solution] The sensor terminal according to the embodiment comprises a battery, a communication unit, a measurement unit, a storage unit, a measurement control unit, a connection control unit, and a setting value change unit, and is powered by power from the battery. The measurement control unit wirelessly transmits the measurement result at the transmission interval of a stored first setting value, using a first communication method that does not specify a destination and a first communication type that does not include a reception waiting period. The connection control unit wirelessly transmits a first connection request requesting communication using the second communication method, using the first communication method and a second communication type that includes a reception waiting period, at the transmission interval of a stored second setting value. When the connection control unit receives a second connection request in response to the first connection request during the reception waiting period, it establishes communication using the second communication method with the relay device. The setting value change unit changes one or more setting values ​​that define the operation of its terminal in accordance with the application instructions received from the relay device to which it is connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sensor terminal, a relay device, and a sensor system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, IoT (Internet of Things) solutions that utilize information obtained from sensor terminals installed in various environments for anomaly detection and device control have been spreading. Examples include solutions for monitoring floods in rivers and sewers, and solutions for detecting anomalies in roads and bridges. In a sensor system that realizes this type of solution, a sensor terminal may be used outdoors where it is difficult to connect to a power source by operating on power supplied from a mounted battery. Also, when sensor terminals are installed over a wide area or in a dangerous environment, the costs associated with maintenance such as battery replacement or sensor terminal replacement increase. Therefore, power saving of the sensor terminal is important for operating the sensor system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In sensor systems, it is sometimes desirable to improve sensing accuracy by collecting detailed information, i.e., information with high temporal resolution. Generally, to improve sensing accuracy, it is necessary to set a higher frequency of transmission of sensing data from the sensor terminal. However, increasing the transmission frequency of sensing data increases power consumption, leading to increased maintenance frequency and costs. Furthermore, increasing the transmission frequency of sensing data also sends unnecessary information to the server, increasing operational costs such as communication and database usage.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and one of its objectives is to improve sensing accuracy while suppressing power consumption in a battery-powered sensor terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sensor terminal according to the embodiment comprises a battery, a communication unit, a measurement unit, a storage unit, a measurement control unit, a connection control unit, and a setting value changing unit. The sensor terminal is powered by the battery. The communication unit is configured to send and receive wireless signals with at least one relay device, each of which communicates with a server. The measurement unit measures a predetermined object. The storage unit stores at least one setting value. The measurement control unit uses the transmission interval of a first setting value stored in the storage unit to transmit a wireless signal including the measurement result of the predetermined object in a first communication method that does not specify a destination to at least one of the relay devices, and a first communication type that does not provide a reception waiting period after transmission for waiting to receive a wireless signal from any of the at least one of the relay devices. The connection control unit uses the transmission interval of a second setting value stored in the storage unit to transmit a wireless signal including a first connection request that requests the establishment of communication in a second communication method with any of the at least one of the relay devices in the first communication method and a second communication type that provides the reception waiting period after transmission. When the connection control unit receives a second connection request in response to the first connection request from any of the relay devices during the reception waiting period, it establishes communication using the second communication method with the destination relay device that sent the second connection request. The setting value changing unit changes at least one setting value that defines the operation of its own terminal, which is stored in the storage unit, in response to an application instruction received from the destination relay device via communication using the second communication method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, with respect to a battery-powered sensor terminal, it is possible to improve sensing accuracy while suppressing power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a sensor system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a sensor terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a relay device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a server configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that realizes each device of the sensor system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of sensor control processing performed in the sensor system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of sensor control processing performed in the sensor system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description of the information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, information processing program, and computer-readable non-transient storage medium according to this embodiment will be explained using the attached drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a sensor system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the sensor system 1 includes a sensor terminal 3, a relay device 5, and a server 7.

[0011] Note that Figure 1 illustrates two sensor terminals 3-1 and 3-2 as sensor terminals 3, but is not limited to this. The number of sensor terminals 3 can be set arbitrarily; there may be one or three or more. Also, Figure 1 illustrates one relay device 5 as relay device 5, but is not limited to this. The number of relay devices 5 can be set arbitrarily; there may be two or more.

[0012] Here, the sensor system 1 according to the embodiment is an example of an information processing system. Furthermore, the sensor terminal 3, relay device 5, and server 7 according to the embodiment are each examples of information processing devices. Also, the relay device 5 and server 7 according to the embodiment can be described as examples of sensor management devices that manage the sensor terminal 3 in a sensor management system. This management of the sensor terminal 3 includes control to change at least one setting among the measurement interval, such as the sensing period of the sensor terminal 3, the measurement threshold, which is the sensing threshold, and the transmission interval of sensing information, such as the transmission period of sensing data. Furthermore, the management of the sensor terminal 3 may also include various controls related to the operation of the sensor terminal 3, such as collecting sensing data transmitted from the sensor terminal 3.

[0013] In the sensor system 1, any sensor terminal 3 and any relay device 5 are configured to be able to communicate wirelessly. Specifically, the sensor terminal 3 is configured to be able to transmit a wireless signal to any unspecified relay device 5, that is, without specifying a destination. This wireless signal includes identification information to uniquely identify the terminal itself. The relay device 5 is also configured to be able to receive a wireless signal from any unspecified sensor terminal 3, that is, a wireless signal transmitted from the sensor terminal 3 without specifying a destination. The sensor terminal 3 may also be configured to specify the relay device 5 as the destination for wireless transmission. For communication between the sensor terminal 3 and the relay device 5, wireless communication corresponding to various communication standards such as Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi®, Sub-1GHz, IEEE802.15.4, and LTE Cat-1 can be used as appropriate. In this embodiment, the case in which Bluetooth® or BLE standard short-range wireless communication is used for communication between the sensor terminal 3 and the relay device 5 is given as an example.

[0014] In the sensor system 1, the server 7 can communicate with an information processing device outside the sensor system 1 via the network N. As the network N, a dedicated line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a public line such as the Internet can be appropriately used. Further, the server 7 is communicably connected to each of at least one relay device 5. The communication mode between the relay device 5 and the server 7 is arbitrary and may be wireless communication or wired communication. Also, the communication modes with the server 7 may be different between any two relay devices 5. As the wireless communication between the relay device 5 and the server 7, wireless communications corresponding to various communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Sub-1GHz, IEEE802.15.4, and LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) such as LTE Cat-1 can be appropriately used.

[0015] Note that the relay device 5 and the server 7 may be configured to be communicable via the network N. That is, the server 7 may be configured as a cloud server or an on-premises server.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sensor terminal 3 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor terminal 3 has functions as a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a measurement unit 34, and a battery 35.

[0017] The sensor terminal 3 is a battery-driven device equipped with a battery 35 and configured to be operable by power supply from the mounted battery 35. Further, the sensor terminal 3 is an IoT (Internet of Things) device configured to be able to transmit and receive wireless signals to and from the relay device 5.

[0018] The control unit 31 controls the operation of the sensor terminal 3. The control unit 31 includes a measurement control unit 311, a connection control unit 312, a set value change unit 313, and a battery management unit 314.

[0019] The measurement and control unit 311 controls the sensing by the measurement unit 34. Specifically, the measurement and control unit 311 performs sensing at a predetermined measurement interval and acquires sensing information. Note that the measurement interval such as a predetermined sensing period is an example of at least one set value for the sensor terminal 3 to define its own operation, and is stored in the storage unit 32 as the set value 322.

[0020] For example, when the measurement unit 34 includes a temperature sensor, the sensing is temperature measurement and the sensing information is temperature information. Note that the sensor terminal 3 may be configured to be able to acquire two or more types of sensing information such as temperature and humidity.

[0021] Also, the measurement and control unit 311 wirelessly transmits a radio signal including a packet of sensing information to the relay device 5 by the communication unit 33 at a predetermined transmission interval such as a predetermined transmission period. In other words, the measurement and control unit 311 periodically transmits a packet of sensing information by the communication unit 33 in an advertising (also referred to as advertise) communication method. Note that the value defining the transmission interval of the sensing information is an example of at least one set value for the sensor terminal 3 to define its own operation, and is stored in the storage unit 32 as the set value 322. That is, the measurement and control unit 311 manages the transmission interval such as the transmission period of the sensing information by the communication unit 33 based on the set value 322 stored in the storage unit 32.

[0022] Here, the advertising communication method is a communication method that does not specify a transmission destination and transmits data by broadcast communication to an unspecified number of transmission destinations. The sensor terminal 3 as a peripheral device transmits a packet of sensing information to the relay device 5 as a central device on an advertising channel.

[0023] The measurement control unit 311 may transmit a wireless signal containing sensing information packets at a transmission timing that satisfies other predetermined transmission conditions, not limited to a predetermined transmission cycle, that is, at a transmission interval that satisfies those other predetermined transmission conditions. These predetermined transmission conditions may be threshold conditions for sensing information, threshold conditions for other types of sensing information, time conditions, or conditions for the number of sensings (number of samples). For this reason, the setting value 322 stored in the storage unit 32 only needs to include a value that allows the measurement control unit 311 to determine the transmission interval of sensing information packets, and can be changed as appropriate to match the predetermined transmission conditions.

[0024] The connection control unit 312 transmits a wireless signal including connection packets to the relay device 5 via the communication unit 33 at a transmission interval longer than the transmission cycle for periodically transmitting only sensing information packets. Specifically, the measurement control unit 311 periodically transmits at least connection packets via the communication unit 33 using an advertising communication method. Here, the connection packet in this embodiment is an example of a first connection request. The value that defines the transmission interval of the connection packets is an example of at least one setting value that defines the operation of the sensor terminal 3, and is stored in the storage unit 32 as setting value 322.

[0025] As an example, the measurement control unit 311 uses an advertising communication method to send a connection packet via the communication unit 33 after each transmission of sensing information. In this case, the number of times sensing information is transmitted may be stored in the storage unit 32 as a set value 322. For example, if the set value 322 for the transmission interval of the connection packet is set to 3, a connection packet will be sent once every three transmissions of sensing information packets. In other words, if the period for periodically transmitting sensing information packets is 60 seconds, and the set value 322 is every 3, a connection packet will be sent every 180 seconds. Note that the number of transmissions as this set value 322 may be a fixed number, or it may be a combination of multiple transmission counts, such as 2, 3, 2, ...

[0026] As another example, the measurement control unit 311 transmits connection packets via the communication unit 33 at a predetermined transmission cycle, for example, by using an advertising communication method such as a transmission cycle timer. In this case, the transmission cycle for transmitting connection packets may be stored in the storage unit 32 as a set value 322.

[0027] The connection packet may be sent together with the sensing information packet, such as by being appended to the sensing information packet, or it may be sent separately from the sensing information packet. Furthermore, the connection packet may be sent in place of the sensing information packet at the time of transmission.

[0028] In this way, the connection control unit 312 manages the transmission interval, such as the transmission cycle of connection packets by the communication unit 33, based on the setting value 322 stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the connection control unit 312 manages the transmission type of wireless signal based on the setting value 322 stored in the storage unit 32. This transmission type includes a first transmission type in which a wireless signal without connection packets is transmitted when the communication unit 33 transmits sensing information packets using an advertising method, and a second transmission type in which a wireless signal including connection packets is transmitted.

[0029] Here, in the sensor terminal 3, transmission using the first transmission type is a wireless transmission that does not include a waiting period after transmitting the sensor information packet to the terminal for receiving a connection request packet from the relay device 5. On the other hand, transmission of sensor information packets including connection packets using the second transmission type is a wireless transmission that includes a waiting period for receiving a connection request packet from the relay device 5 to the terminal. For this reason, the power consumption associated with transmitting sensor information using the second transmission type is greater than the power consumption associated with transmitting sensor information using the first transmission type.

[0030] Furthermore, the connection control unit 312 performs connection processing to establish wireless communication with the relay device 5 in response to the first connection request from the sensor terminal 3 using a connection packet. Specifically, if the connection control unit 312 receives a second connection request from the relay device 5 via the communication unit 33 during the reception waiting period after transmitting sensor information using the second transmission type, it interrupts the advertising-based communication and starts GATT (Generic Attrition Profile) communication to establish a one-to-one connection with the target relay device 5. After the modification processing described later is completed, the connection control unit 312 terminates the GATT communication and resumes transmitting sensor information using the advertising-based method.

[0031] Furthermore, the connection control unit 312 may transmit a wireless signal including a connection packet at a transmission timing that satisfies other predetermined transmission conditions, i.e., at a transmission interval that satisfies those other predetermined transmission conditions, rather than being limited to a predetermined number of transmissions of sensing information or a predetermined transmission cycle. These predetermined transmission conditions may be threshold conditions for sensing information, threshold conditions for other types of sensing information, time conditions, or conditions for the number of sensings. For this reason, the setting value 322 stored in the storage unit 32 only needs to include a value that allows the connection control unit 312 to determine the transmission interval of the connection packet, and can be changed as appropriate to match the predetermined transmission conditions.

[0032] The setting value modification unit 313 performs modification processing to change various values ​​included in the setting value 322 in accordance with the application instruction received from the relay device 5 with which GATT communication has been established. The setting value modification unit 313 also returns to the relay device 5 whether the modification of the setting value 322 in accordance with the application instruction was successful or not.

[0033] The battery management unit 314 manages the remaining power of the battery 35.

[0034] Furthermore, the battery management unit 314 may notify the relay device 5 via the communication unit 33 if the remaining power of the battery 35 falls below a predetermined battery threshold stored in the memory unit 32 or the like. In this case, the battery threshold may be stored as a set value 322, similar to the transmission cycle, and may be a value that can be changed according to the application instructions received from the relay device 5. The battery management unit 314 may also control the power supply from the battery 35 to each part of the sensor terminal 3, such as disabling some sensors. In this case, the amount of power supplied from the battery 35 to each part of the sensor terminal 3 is an example of at least one set value that defines the operation of the sensor terminal 3, and may be stored as a set value 322, similar to the transmission cycle, and may be a value that can be changed according to the application instructions received from the relay device 5. These measures allow for adjustment of the timing of maintenance work. For example, the timing of maintenance work can be adjusted according to the worker's schedule or the timing of the supply of replacement parts or new sensor terminals 3. For example, maintenance work can be performed simultaneously with other sensor terminals 3, or the number of terminals to be maintained simultaneously can be adjusted.

[0035] The memory unit 32 stores various information necessary for the operation of the sensor terminal 3. For example, the memory unit 32 stores control programs 321 for realizing each function of the sensor terminal 3. For example, the memory unit 32 stores various setting values ​​322 that define the operation of the sensor terminal 3. These setting values ​​322 are examples of at least one setting value that the sensor terminal 3 uses to define its own operation, and include setting values ​​related to sensing (measurement) by the measurement unit 34 and setting values ​​related to the transmission interval. Note that some of the setting values ​​related to sensing and some of the setting values ​​related to the transmission interval may be common.

[0036] The sensing setting value 322 may include a setting value for the measurement threshold, which is the threshold for sensing. The sensing setting value 322 may also include a setting value for the measurement interval, which is the interval (e.g., period) for sensing. Furthermore, the sensing setting value 322 may include a setting value for switching between enabling and disabling sensing for each of multiple sensing targets, such as temperature and humidity. Here, enabling / disabling sensing may refer to enabling / disabling a corresponding sensor among the multiple sensors of the measurement unit 34. Additionally, the sensing setting value 322 may include a setting value for specifying a transmission format that defines the manner in which sensing information is transmitted.

[0037] The setting value 322 related to the transmission interval includes the setting value for the transmission interval (e.g., transmission period) for transmitting a wireless signal containing sensing information. The setting value 322 related to the transmission interval also includes the setting value for the transmission interval (e.g., transmission period) for transmitting a wireless signal containing connection packets.

[0038] The communication unit 33 communicates with the relay device 5.

[0039] The measurement unit 34 performs sensing in accordance with the control of the measurement control unit 311 and acquires sensing information about a predetermined object. The object to be sensed by the measurement unit 34 can be designed as appropriate. For example, the object to be sensed may be temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, illuminance, etc. For example, the object to be sensed may be information used for monitoring flooding of rivers and sewers, such as the presence or absence of flooding or inundation, water level, etc. For example, the object to be sensed may be information used for detecting anomalies in roads and bridges, such as the location, size, displacement, etc., of defects. In addition, for example, sensing may involve acquiring images of the object or performing image processing based on the acquired images.

[0040] The battery 35 is a power source that supplies power to each part of the sensor terminal 3.

[0041] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the relay device 5 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the relay device 5 has the functions of a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53.

[0042] The relay device 5 can be implemented, for example, by a gateway or a router.

[0043] The control unit 51 controls the operation of the relay device 5. The control unit 51 includes a sensor information receiving unit 511, a connection determination unit 512, and a change application unit 513.

[0044] The sensor information receiving unit 511 receives sensor information wirelessly transmitted from the sensor terminal 3.

[0045] Specifically, the sensor information receiving unit 511 receives a wireless signal of sensor information transmitted wirelessly from the sensor terminal 3 via the communication unit 53, which includes at least sensing information and identification information for uniquely identifying its own terminal. The sensor information receiving unit 511 also transfers the sensing information and identification information contained in the sensor information to, for example, the server 7.

[0046] Furthermore, if the collection of sensing information is performed by another information processing device of server 7, the sensor information receiving unit 511 only needs to transfer the sensing information and identification information contained in the sensor information to the other information processing device.

[0047] The sensor information receiving unit 511 may also transmit, for example, the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the wireless signal indicating the sensor information, or information indicating the location of the sensor terminal 3 based on said signal strength, along with the sensing information. Furthermore, if the sensor information includes location information, such as when location information can be acquired at the sensor terminal 3, the sensor information receiving unit 511 may also transmit the location information included in the sensor information along with the sensing information.

[0048] The connection determination unit 512 determines whether the state of the relay device 5 for communication with the sensor terminal 3 should be "idle state" or "connection waiting state" based on the change management information 523 stored in the memory unit 52.

[0049] Specifically, the connection determination unit 512 determines that if no unprocessed change instructions from the server 7 are stored in the change content management information 523, it will maintain or change the state of the relay device 5 for communication with the sensor terminal 3 to an "idle state" where it does not connect to the sensor terminal 3. Alternatively, if the change content management information 523 contains unprocessed change instructions from the server 7, the connection determination unit 512 determines that it will maintain or change the state of the relay device 5 for communication with the sensor terminal 3 to a "connection waiting state" where it waits to connect to the sensor terminal 3. Here, the "idle state" and "connection waiting state" in this embodiment are examples of the first and second states, respectively.

[0050] The change application unit 513 performs a change process in accordance with the change instruction from the server 7, by sending an application instruction to the target sensor terminal 3, thereby changing at least one setting value 322 that defines the operation of the sensor terminal 3.

[0051] Specifically, when the change application unit 513 receives a change instruction from the server 7 via the communication unit 53, it stores the change details in the change management information 523 of the storage unit 52. The change application unit 513 may also send a notification to the server 7 indicating receipt of the change instruction. If the connection determination unit 512 determines that the device should be changed to a "connection waiting state," the change application unit 513 changes the state of the relay device 5 to the "connection waiting state" as defined by the connection state management information 522 stored in the storage unit 52.

[0052] Furthermore, if the relay device 5 is in a "connection waiting state," the change application unit 513 performs connection / setting change processing upon receiving a connection packet from the target sensor terminal 3. In the connection / setting change processing, the change application unit 513 establishes communication with the target sensor terminal 3 via the communication unit 53 and sends an application instruction to apply the changes in response to the change instruction from the server 7 to the setting value 322.

[0053] Furthermore, the change application unit 513 returns a change result to the server 7 via the communication unit 53, indicating whether or not the change to the setting value 322 in the sensor terminal 3 has been completed. For example, if the change application unit 513 does not receive a connection packet from the target sensor terminal 3 for a predetermined period of time or if the change is rejected, such as when the setting value 322 has already been changed in the target sensor terminal 3, it sends a notification to the server 7 indicating that the setting change was not completed. Note that sending these change results and notifications from the change application unit 513 to the server 7 is not mandatory and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0054] Furthermore, when the setting change is completed, the change application unit 513 deletes the corresponding change instruction from the change content management information 523 of the storage unit 52.

[0055] Furthermore, if the connection determination unit 512 determines that the state should be changed to "idle state", the change application unit 513 changes the state of the relay device 5 to "idle state" as defined by the connection state management information 522 stored in the storage unit 52.

[0056] The storage unit 52 stores various information necessary for the operation of the relay device 5. For example, the storage unit 52 stores control programs 521 for realizing each function of the relay device 5. For example, the storage unit 52 stores connection status management information 522 that defines the state of the relay device 5 in relation to communication with the sensor terminal 3. For example, the storage unit 52 stores change content management information 523 that stores change instructions for the setting value 322 of the sensor terminal 3 received from the server 7. For example, the change content management information 523 includes identification information for each sensor terminal 3 registered in the sensor system 1, flag information indicating whether or not there is a change instruction, and the change content of the setting value 322.

[0057] The communication unit 53 includes a server communication unit 531 and a sensor communication unit 532. The server communication unit 531 communicates with the server 7. The sensor communication unit 532 communicates with the sensor terminal 3.

[0058] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the server 7 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the server 7 has the functions of a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a communication unit 73, and a UI (user interface) unit 74.

[0059] Server 7 is an information processing device such as a server device or a PC. Server 7 may also be implemented using a portable information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet PC.

[0060] The control unit 71 controls the operation of the server 7. The control unit 71 includes an external information acquisition unit 711, a change determination unit 712, and a change instruction unit 713.

[0061] The external information acquisition unit 711 acquires information from outside the sensor system 1 via the network N using the communication unit 73. The connection destination for acquiring external information is, for example, pre-registered. External information may also be acquired through an internet search using a registered search site. As an example, the external information may be weather information.

[0062] The change determination unit 712 determines whether or not to change the setting value 322 of the sensor terminal 3 based on external information. Furthermore, if the change determination unit 712 decides to change the setting value 322, it determines the content of the change based on the external information and the sensor setting management information 722. For example, the change determination unit 712 determines whether to change the setting value 322, and if so, the content of the change, based on predetermined determination conditions related to external information stored in the storage unit 72. These determination conditions are, for example, information that determines whether or not a change is necessary for each type of external information. The determination conditions can be appropriately designed according to the sensing target. For example, if the external information is weather information, the timing and content of the change are determined and stored in the storage unit 72 for each type of weather information, such as warnings and advisories like heavy rain warnings and weather types. As an example, in the case of a heavy rain warning, it is determined that the transmission interval (e.g., transmission cycle) should be shortened for sensor terminals 3 located within the area where the warning was issued. For example, in the case of a heavy rain warning, it is decided to shorten the transmission interval (e.g., transmission cycle) for sensor terminals 3 located within the area where the warning was issued, starting two hours before the warning. For example, in the case of a warning being lifted, it is decided to return the transmission interval (e.g., transmission cycle) to the original transmission interval for sensor terminals 3 located within the area where the warning was lifted.

[0063] The change determination unit 712 may also determine whether to change the setting value 322 of the sensor terminal 3 based on the battery level information of the sensor terminal 3. For example, if the battery level of the sensor terminal 3 falls below a predetermined threshold, the change determination unit 712 may determine to lengthen the transmission interval (e.g., transmission cycle).

[0064] The change instruction unit 713 transmits a change instruction to the relay device 5 via the communication unit 73 when the change determination unit 712 determines that the setting value 322 of the sensor terminal 3 should be changed, or when a user such as an operations manager instructs a change via the UI unit 74. The change instruction transmitted from the server 7 to the relay device 5 includes identification information that uniquely identifies the target sensor terminal 3 and the details of the change. In addition, if sensor terminals 3 located within the range in which each relay device 5 can receive sensor information are registered in advance, the change instruction may be transmitted only to a specific relay device 5.

[0065] Furthermore, the change instruction unit 713 receives an instruction result, i.e., the change result, from the relay device 5 via the communication unit 73, indicating whether or not the setting change has been completed. If the setting change has not been completed, the change instruction unit 713 issues another change instruction. If the setting change has been completed, the change instruction unit 713 updates the sensor setting management information 722 with the content of the change instruction.

[0066] Furthermore, if the change instruction unit 713 receives a change result from any of the relay devices 5 indicating that the setting change has been completed, it may send a delete instruction to another relay device 5 to cancel the previously sent change instruction.

[0067] The memory unit 72 stores various information necessary for the operation of the server 7. For example, the memory unit 72 stores control programs 721 for realizing each function of the server 7. For example, the memory unit 72 stores sensor setting management information 722, which stores the current setting value 322 of the sensor terminal 3.

[0068] The communication unit 73 includes a relay device communication unit 731 and an external communication unit 732. The relay device communication unit 731 communicates with the relay device 5. The external communication unit 732 communicates with a predetermined destination outside the sensor system 1 via the network N.

[0069] The UI unit 74 displays a settings screen for changing the setting value 322 of the sensor terminal 3. This settings screen may include the current setting value 322 and acquired external information. The UI unit 74 also accepts user input to instruct the sensor terminal 3 to change the setting value 322. The UI unit 74 also displays a screen showing the result of the setting change in response to the instruction. This screen may include a notification indicating that the setting change has been completed. Alternatively, if the setting change was not completed, this screen may include a notification prompting the user to retry the change instruction, or display an operation button to instruct retry.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 8 that realizes each device of the sensor system 1 according to the embodiment. The sensor terminal 3, relay device 5, and server 7 according to the embodiment are each realized by the information processing device 8 illustrated in Figure 5, for example.

[0071] The information processing device 8 has a hardware configuration similar to that of a typical computer. As shown in Figure 5, the information processing device 8 has, for example, at least one processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary storage 83, and a communication interface 84. The at least one processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary storage 83, and communication interface 84 are connected in a communication manner, for example, by a bus.

[0072] At least one processor 81 controls the overall operation of each device. At least one processor 81 loads a control program stored in the auxiliary storage device 83 into the main memory device 82 and executes it to realize the functions of each device in the sensor system 1. The main memory device 82 stores data being processed by each device. The auxiliary storage device 83 stores the operating system and application programs executed by each device, data, and parameters such as thresholds used in each process.

[0073] For example, the control programs 321, 521, and 721 that cause the information processing device 8 to function as each of the aforementioned devices are configured as modules for each functional part of each device. When the processor 81 reads and executes the control programs from a storage medium or storage device such as the auxiliary storage device 83, each module is loaded onto the main memory such as RAM. As a result, the processor 81 functions as each functional part of each device.

[0074] Furthermore, at least one part or all of one processor 81 may be configured as a dedicated hardware circuit. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) may be used as the processor 81, but other processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) may also be used.

[0075] For the main memory 82, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) is used, but other volatile memory may also be used.

[0076] For the auxiliary storage device 83, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) can be used, but various non-volatile memory and storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and Flash memory can be used as appropriate.

[0077] For example, in the sensor terminal 3, the main memory 82 and auxiliary memory 83 perform some of the functions of the storage unit 32. Also, for example, in the relay device 5, the main memory 82 and auxiliary memory 83 perform some of the functions of the storage unit 52. Also, for example, in the server 7, the main memory 82 and auxiliary memory 83 perform some of the functions of the storage unit 72.

[0078] The Communication I / F84 is an interface circuit for communicating with the outside world. The Communication I / F84 includes communication circuits for wireless communication or wired communication that support various communication standards such as Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi®, Sub-1GHz, IEEE802.15.4, and LTE Cat-1, which are compatible with each device.

[0079] For example, in sensor terminal 3, communication I / F 84 implements some of the functions of communication unit 33. Also, for example, in relay device 5, communication I / F 84 implements some of the functions of communication unit 53. Also, for example, in server 7, communication I / F 84 implements some of the functions of communication unit 73.

[0080] Server 7 further has an output interface 85 and an input interface 86. The output interface 85 and the input interface 86 are each connected to at least one processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary storage 83, and communication interface 84 via a bus or the like.

[0081] The output interface 85 is an interface that presents various display screens to the user under the control of the processor 81. For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used as the output interface 85. The output interface 85 may also be an interface for outputting various display screens externally. Furthermore, the output interface 85 may include other output devices besides the display, such as a speaker for outputting notification sounds or voice.

[0082] The input interface 86 is an interface that accepts various user operations under the control of the processor 81. Various input devices such as keyboards, mice, touch panels, buttons, levers, and switches can be used as appropriate for the input interface 86. The input interface 86 may also be an interface for receiving the results of various user operations from an external source.

[0083] For example, in server 7, output I / F 85 and input I / F 86 are configured as a touch panel display, realizing some of the functions of the UI unit 74.

[0084] The program executed by the information processing device 8 according to this embodiment may be provided as a file in an installable or executable format, stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD, or flash memory.

[0085] Furthermore, the program executed by the information processing device 8 according to the embodiment may be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and allowing it to be downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the program executed by the information processing device 8 according to the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the program executed by the information processing device 8 according to the embodiment may be provided by pre-installing it in an auxiliary storage device 83 such as ROM.

[0086] An example of the operation of the sensor system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Here, we will illustrate a case where the sensor terminal 3 is sensing the presence or degree of flooding, and the server 7 uses weather information as external information. Here, it is assumed that the setting value 322 specifies the transmission period as the transmission interval for sensing information packets and the transmission period as the transmission interval for connection packets. The transmission period for connection packets may be specified as the number of times sensing information is transmitted, or the value of the period (e.g., in seconds) itself may be specified.

[0087] Figures 6 and 7 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the flow of sensor control processing performed in the sensor system 1 according to this embodiment. At the start of the flow shown in Figures 6 and 7, the state of the relay device 5 for communication with the sensor terminal 3 is assumed to be an "idle state" in which no connection is made with the sensor terminal 3. Furthermore, the sensor terminal 3 is assumed to have the following settings: a transmission period of "60 seconds" for sensing information packets and a transmission period of "180 seconds" for connection packets, set as setting value 322.

[0088] (Regarding cases where no setting changes are necessary) Figure 6 illustrates the sensor control process when no setting changes are required.

[0089] Sensor terminal 3 transmits sensor information packets to relay device 5 using the first transmission type at a set transmission cycle of "60 seconds" (S101~S103). Sensor information of the first transmission type includes sensing information packets, which are measurement data, but does not include connection packets, which are connection requests. In response, relay device 5 has not received a connection packet from sensor terminal 3 and is in an "idle state," so it does not perform connection / configuration change processing.

[0090] Sensor terminal 3 transmits sensor information packets to relay device 5 using the second transmission type at a set transmission cycle of "180 seconds" (S104, S107). Sensor information of the second transmission type includes a sensing information packet, which is measurement data, and a connection packet, which is a connection request. Relay device 5 receives the connection packet from sensor terminal 3, but does not perform connection / configuration change processing because it is in an "idle state".

[0091] (Regarding situations where settings need to be changed) Figure 7 illustrates the sensor control process when a setting change is required.

[0092] Sensor terminal 3 transmits sensor information packets to relay device 5 using the first transmission type at a set transmission cycle of "60 seconds" (S201). Sensor information of the first transmission type includes sensing information packets, which are measurement data, but does not include connection packets, which are connection requests. In response, relay device 5 has not received a connection packet from sensor terminal 3 and is in an "idle state," so it does not perform connection / configuration change processing.

[0093] Here, server 7 assumes it has acquired weather information from outside sensor system 1 indicating a "heavy rain warning starting in 6 hours" (S202). Based on this weather information, server 7 decides to shorten the transmission cycle starting 2 hours in advance (S203).

[0094] Then, when there are two hours until the heavy rain warning is issued, server 7 sends a change instruction to relay device 5 (S204). In response to the change instruction from server 7, relay device 5 changes the state of relay device 5 for communication with the target sensor terminal 3 to a "connection waiting state" in which it waits to connect with sensor terminal 3.

[0095] Here, the change instruction sent from server 7 to relay device 5 was information to set the sensor terminal 3's setting value 322 to "5 seconds" for the transmission period of sensing information packets and "30 seconds" for the transmission period of connection packets.

[0096] Sensor terminal 3 sends a packet of sensor information to relay device 5 using the first transmission type at the previously set transmission cycle of "60 seconds" (S205). However, relay device 5 does not perform the connection / configuration change process, even if it is in a "connection waiting state," because it has not received a connection packet from sensor terminal 3.

[0097] Sensor terminal 3 sends a packet of sensor information to relay device 5 using the second transmission type at the transmission cycle of "180 seconds" that was set before the change (S206). In response, relay device 5 has received a connection packet from sensor terminal 3 and is in a "connection waiting state," so it decides to execute the connection / configuration change process.

[0098] Sensor terminal 3 and relay device 5 execute connection / configuration change processing (S207). Specifically, relay device 5 sends a second connection request to sensor terminal 3, the target of the first connection request. Sensor terminal 3 then interrupts the transmission of sensor information packets using the advertising method. Sensor terminal 3 and relay device 5 also begin one-to-one communication and change the setting value 322 of sensor terminal 3. After that, sensor terminal 3 and relay device 5 terminate the one-to-one communication. Sensor terminal 3 also resumes the transmission of sensor information packets using the advertising method. In addition, relay device 5 sends the change result to server 7 upon completion of the configuration and changes the status of relay device 5 for communication with sensor terminal 3 to "idle state". If relay device 5 sends a notification to sensor terminal 3 that the configuration change was not completed, it may retry changing the configuration of sensor terminal 3 according to new change instructions from server 7 in response to that notification.

[0099] Sensor terminal 3 sends sensor information packets to relay device 5 using the first transmission type at the configured and changed transmission cycle of "5 seconds" (S208~S212). In response, relay device 5 does not perform connection / configuration change processing because it has not received a connection packet from sensor terminal 3 and is in an "idle state".

[0100] Sensor terminal 3 sends sensor information packets to relay device 5 using the second transmission type at the configured and changed transmission cycle of "30 seconds" (S213). In response, relay device 5 receives connection packets from sensor terminal 3, but does not perform connection / configuration change processing because it is in an "idle state".

[0101] Here, server 7 assumes that it has received weather information indicating "alarm canceled" from outside sensor system 1 (S214). Also, based on the weather information indicating "alarm canceled," server 7 decides to return the transmission cycle to its original state (S215).

[0102] The server 7 then sends a change instruction to the relay device 5 to revert the setting value 322 back to its original value (S216). In response to the change instruction from the server 7, the relay device 5 changes its state for communication with the target sensor terminal 3 to a "connection waiting state," which means it is waiting to connect with the sensor terminal 3.

[0103] Subsequently, the sensor terminal 3 transmits a packet of sensor information to the relay device 5 using the first transmission type at a transmission cycle of "5 seconds" after the setting, similar to the processes in S201, S205, S208-S212. The sensor terminal 3 also transmits a packet of sensor information to the relay device 5 using the second transmission type at a transmission cycle of "30 seconds" after the setting, similar to the processes in S206 and S213. Furthermore, when the relay device 5, which is in a "connection waiting state," receives a connection packet from the sensor terminal 3, the sensor terminal 3 and the relay device 5 perform a change process to revert the setting value 322 to its original value by executing the connection / setting change process in the same manner as the process in S207.

[0104] As described above, in the sensor system 1 according to this embodiment, when the relay device 5 receives a connection packet from the sensor terminal 3, it does not connect to the sensor terminal 3 if it has not received a change instruction from the server 7, i.e., if no setting change processing is required. On the other hand, when the relay device 5 receives a connection packet from the sensor terminal 3, it connects to the sensor terminal 3 and performs a setting change to change at least one setting value 322 that defines the operation of the sensor terminal 3, only if it has received a change instruction from the server 7, i.e., if no setting change processing is required.

[0105] Thus, because it is battery-powered and not connection-oriented, this configuration periodically sends connection packets and, when necessary, connects to define the operation of the terminal by changing the transmission interval (e.g., transmission cycle), which is at least one setting value. As a result, the transmission interval can be changed as needed, thus reducing battery consumption of the sensor terminal 3 while obtaining detailed sensing information when required.

[0106] For example, in sensor system 1, which is a flood detection system, flooding can be detected earlier by shortening the sensing period (measurement period) when heavy rain such as typhoons are forecast. On the other hand, during periods without rain, battery consumption can be reduced by lengthening the transmission interval (e.g., transmission period). Furthermore, reducing battery consumption in sensor terminal 3 contributes to reducing the frequency of battery replacement, which can reduce maintenance costs and improve user convenience.

[0107] Furthermore, the processing of each device in the sensor system 1 according to each embodiment described above is not limited to the examples described above, and some or all of it may be implemented by other devices included in the sensor system 1. For example, any relay device 5 and the server 7 may be configured as a single unit. For example, the server 7 may be implemented through the cooperation of multiple relay devices 5. For example, any sensor terminal 3 and any relay device 5 may be configured as a single unit. For example, any sensor terminal 3 and the server 7 may be configured as a single unit.

[0108] In each of the above-described embodiments of the sensor system 1, the server 7 may be realized through the cooperation of multiple information processing devices. These multiple information processing devices may be configured to communicate via a network N. For example, the server 7 may be realized through a combination of a cloud server and an on-premise server.

[0109] Furthermore, the technology relating to the sensor system 1 according to this embodiment may also be applied to a location information system. In this location information system, the sensor terminal 3 may be configured as a beacon tag that is held by each of several registered users and transmits identification information for uniquely identifying its own terminal at predetermined transmission intervals. In this case, the sensor terminal 3 does not need to have sensing functionality.

[0110] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to improve sensing accuracy while suppressing power consumption for a battery-powered sensor terminal.

[0111] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 1. Sensor System 3. Sensor terminals 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 34 Measurement Unit 35 batteries 5. Relay device 51 Control Unit 52 Storage section 53 Communications Department 7 Servers 71 Control Unit 72 Memory section 73 Communications Department 74 UI section 8. Information Processing Device 81 processors 82 Main storage 83 Auxiliary storage device 84 Communication I / F 85 Output I / F 86 Input Interfaces N Network

Claims

1. Battery and A communication unit configured to send and receive wireless signals between each of at least one relay devices that communicates with a server, A measuring unit that measures a predetermined target, A memory unit that stores at least one setting value, A measurement control unit transmits a wireless signal including the measurement result of the predetermined target in a first communication method in which no destination is specified to at least one of the relay devices, and in a first communication type in which there is no waiting period for receiving a wireless signal from at least one of the relay devices after transmission, using the transmission interval of a first set value stored in the memory unit, Using the transmission interval of the second setting value stored in the memory unit, a wireless signal is transmitted that includes a first connection request requesting the establishment of communication in the second communication method with at least one of the relay devices, using the first communication method and a second communication type that includes the reception waiting period after transmission. A connection control unit, which, when it receives a second connection request in response to the first connection request from at least one of the relay devices during the reception waiting period, establishes communication using the second communication method with the destination relay device that sent the second connection request, The system includes a setting value changing unit that changes at least one setting value that defines the operation of the local terminal stored in the storage unit in response to an application instruction received from the relay device to which it is connected via the second communication method, Powered by the aforementioned battery, Sensor terminal.

2. The setting value changing unit changes the first setting value stored in the storage unit in accordance with the application instruction received from the connected relay device via the second communication method. The sensor terminal according to claim 1.

3. The setting value changing unit changes the second setting value stored in the storage unit in accordance with the application instruction received from the connected relay device via the second communication method. The sensor terminal according to claim 1.

4. The setting value changing unit changes the setting value related to measurement by the measurement unit stored in the storage unit in response to the application instruction received from the connected relay device via the second communication method. The sensor terminal according to claim 1.

5. A communication unit configured to send and receive wireless signals to and from at least one sensor terminal powered by the battery it is mounted on, and to communicate with a server, A storage unit that stores when it receives an instruction from the server to change at least one setting value that defines the operation of at least one of the sensor terminals, A connection determination unit determines the state of the device for communication with at least one of the sensor terminals, which is a target sensor terminal, by determining that if it has not received an instruction to change the setting value, it will be in a first state where it receives a wireless signal transmitted from the target sensor terminal using a first communication method that does not specify a destination, and if it has received an instruction to change the setting value, it will be in a second state where it receives a wireless signal from the target sensor terminal using the first communication method and waits for a connection using the second communication method. A sensor information receiving unit that receives a wireless signal containing the measurement result of a predetermined object transmitted from each of the first sensor terminals using the first communication method in the first state and the second state, The system includes a change application unit that, in the first state, if the wireless signal received from the target sensor terminal includes a first connection request requesting the establishment of communication using the second communication method, does not establish communication using the second communication method with the target sensor terminal, and in the second state, if the wireless signal received from the target sensor terminal includes a first connection request, establishes communication using the second communication method with the target sensor terminal and changes at least one setting value that defines the operation of the target sensor terminal in accordance with a setting value change instruction stored in the storage unit. Relay device.

6. The system includes at least one sensor terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, at least one relay device according to claim 5, and the server, The aforementioned server, A communication unit configured to communicate with at least one relay device and an external information processing device, A change determination unit determines, based on external information obtained from the external information processing device, whether it is necessary to change the setting value of at least one of the sensor terminals, and if so, what the change should be. The system includes a change instruction unit which transmits a change instruction for the setting value of the sensor terminal to which the change determination unit has determined to change the setting value, to at least one of the relay devices via the communication unit. Sensor system.

7. The aforementioned specified target is the presence or degree of flooding, The aforementioned external information is weather information, The server further includes a storage unit that stores the changes to the predetermined setting values ​​for each type of weather information. The sensor system according to claim 6.

8. The change determination unit determines, if the external information is a heavy rain warning, to shorten the transmission interval of the wireless signal with respect to the sensor terminals within the range where the heavy rain warning was issued. The sensor system according to claim 7.

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