terminal

Abstract

This system provides a means for identifying a specific device and establishing one-to-one communication, even when multiple devices exist within a single area. [Solution] The terminal is a terminal that performs one-to-one communication with a device that is within a predetermined relative distance range, and includes an acquisition means for acquiring the identifier of a specific device that is within a predetermined relative distance range from among a plurality of devices, and a control means for transmitting a response message to a communication connection request continuously sent by a plurality of devices, to which the acquired identifier is attached, thereby establishing one-to-one communication with the specific device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the remarkable spread of information communication terminals, the number of communicable terminals has been increasing. Among them, mobile terminals and so-called IoT devices are increasing in their applications and numbers day by day.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although those communicable terminals establish a communication network with each other, it is impossible to open communication only between unpaired terminals or devices, especially between a specified terminal or device and a plurality or a large number of specific or unspecified ones. For example, this is a case where it is difficult to distinguish them externally and there are a plurality or a large number of devices within a certain distance range and they are communicable but not paired. In this case, although a plurality of ID lists can be displayed as pairing candidate devices, the ID of the device specified in the physical space cannot be obtained, so pairing with the specified device cannot be performed. Therefore, there was a situation where one-to-one communication between the device specified in the physical space and the terminal specifying it could not be established.

[0005] The present invention has been made by the intensive research of the inventor in view of the above problems, and provides means for identifying a specific device and establishing one-to-one communication even when there are a plurality of devices in one area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A terminal according to one aspect of the present invention is a terminal that performs one-to-one communication with a device that is within a predetermined relative distance range, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring an identifier of a specific device that is within the predetermined relative distance range from among a plurality of devices; and a control means for transmitting a response message to a communication connection request continuously transmitted by the plurality of devices, to which the acquired identifier is attached, thereby establishing one-to-one communication with the specific device.

[0007] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the acquisition means is a reader that reads the identifier from a wireless tag provided on the device via short-range wireless communication.

[0008] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the reader is either an RFID reader or an NFC reader.

[0009] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the acquisition means is a visual information reading means that reads the identifier from the visual information provided on the device.

[0010] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the visual information reading means is one of a scanner, a barcode reader, and a two-dimensional code reader.

[0011] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the device is a fastening member.

[0012] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the fastening member is a bolt.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a terminal that performs one-to-one communication with a sensor device that has come within a predetermined relative distance range, and is characterized by comprising: acquisition means for acquiring an identifier of a specific sensor device that has come within the predetermined relative distance range from among a plurality of sensor devices; and control means for transmitting a response message to a communication connection request continuously transmitted by the plurality of sensor devices, to which the acquired identifier has been added, thereby establishing one-to-one communication with the specific sensor device.

[0014] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the acquisition means is a reader that reads the identifier from a wireless tag provided on the sensor device by short-range wireless communication.

[0015] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the reader is either an RFID reader or an NFC reader.

[0016] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the acquisition means is a visual information reading means that reads the identifier from the visual information provided on the sensor device.

[0017] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the visual information reading means is one of a scanner, a barcode reader, and a two-dimensional code reader.

[0018] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the sensor device is a fastening member.

[0019] Furthermore, the terminal is characterized in that the fastening member is a bolt.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a terminal that communicates one-to-one with deformation detection bolts that have come within a predetermined relative distance range, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring an identifier of a specific deformation detection bolt that has come within the predetermined relative distance range from among a plurality of deformation detection bolts; and a control means for transmitting a response message to the communication connection requests continuously transmitted by the plurality of deformation detection bolts, to which the acquired identifier has been added, thereby establishing one-to-one communication with the specific deformation detection bolt.

[0021] Further, the terminal is characterized in that the acquisition means is a reader that reads the identifier from a wireless tag provided on the deformation detection bolt by short-range wireless communication.

[0022] Further, the terminal is characterized in that the reader is an RFID reader or an NFC reader.

[0023] Further, the terminal is characterized in that the acquisition means is visual information reading means that reads the identifier from visual information provided on the deformation detection bolt.

[0024] Further, the terminal is characterized in that the visual information reading means is any one of a scanner, a barcode reader, and a two-dimensional code reader.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, even when there are a plurality of devices in one area, a specific device can be identified and one-to-one communication can be established.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the acquisition information output system of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the sensor device. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the acquisition information output terminal. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of sensing information display processing by the acquisition information output system. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing another example of the acquisition information output system. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the relay device. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of connection processing between the sensor device and the relay device. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of sensing information display processing by the acquired information output system. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of information display processing in a monitoring state. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a deformation detection bolt. [Figure 12] The figure shows an example of a structure. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the display process for axial force, etc., during the tightening operation of a deformation detection bolt. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram showing a processing terminal having a switch mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the control process that occurs when the power is turned on. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] An embodiment of the information acquisition output system of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram of the information acquisition output system 1 of this embodiment. The information acquisition output system 1 is composed of at least a plurality of sensor devices 10 and an information acquisition output terminal 20.

[0028] The sensor device 10 is a device that corresponds to an IoT device, a communication device, or other related node, and transmits information measured by the sensor function to the information acquisition output terminal 20. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the sensor device 10, and as shown in (a), the sensor device 10 has a processor 12 that comprehensively controls each part, and the processor 12 is connected to a memory 14, a first communication unit 15, a second communication unit 16, a sensor unit 18, etc. However, as shown in Figure 2(b), the first communication unit 15 may be provided independently of the processor 12 and other parts. In addition, the processor 12 may have a timing function that performs time measurement or duration measurement.

[0029] Memory 14 functions as ROM, RAM, or NVM and stores individual identifiers set for each sensor device 10, control programs, etc. Memory 14 also stores processing results from the processor 12. The processing results may include time information from a clock function (not shown). Memory 14 may also store data necessary for executing firmware or other programs, and the execution results of firmware or other programs.

[0030] The first communication unit 15 includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag such as a near-field communication (NFC) tag having a control circuit, antenna, memory, etc., and is activated by radio waves or a magnetic field emitted from the acquired information output terminal 20. The first communication unit 15 can transmit, for example, the individual identifier of the sensor device 10. That is, by receiving radio waves or a magnetic field from the acquired information output terminal 20, the power generated in the antenna allows the antenna to transmit the individual identifier stored in the memory (which is the same as the individual identifier stored in the memory 14) via radio waves or a magnetic field. The first communication unit 15 is set to have a relatively short communication range, such as a close-contact type with a communication distance of 3 mm or less, or a proximity type wireless communication with a communication distance of 10 cm or less, or a very short distance or relatively short distance.

[0031] The second communication unit 16 transmits and receives various information with the information output terminal 20 using Wi-Fi® connection, Bluetooth® connection, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) connection, or so-called LPWA. The second communication unit 16 may also have communication means such as the Internet, intranet, mobile phone carrier communication, dedicated line, VPN, etc., and may be wireless LAN, wide area network (WAN), ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc., and of course may also utilize public switched telephone network, optical fiber line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line, satellite communication network, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0032] Sensor 18 is a sensor that measures sensing information of physical conditions (one or more of various sensors such as strain measurement sensors, stress sensors, axial force sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, atmospheric pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, image sensors, ultraviolet sensors, radiation sensors, compass sensors, flow sensors, and gas concentration sensors), and outputs the sensing information to processor 12.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the acquired information output terminal 20. Here, the acquired information output terminal 20 has a control unit 22 that comprehensively controls each part, and the control unit 22 is connected to a storage unit 24, a display unit 26, an identifier acquisition unit 30, a first device communication unit 32, a second device communication unit 33, a positioning information acquisition unit 34, a time information acquisition unit 36, etc.

[0034] The acquired information output terminal 20 may be any type of portable computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, ultrabook, ebook, laptop computer, tablet / laptop hybrid, wearable device (head-mounted display, glasses-type device, etc.), smartwatch, media player, or gaming device. However, it may also be configured so that some of its components are provided by external connections, for example, the identifier acquisition unit obtains its function through an external connection. Of course, it may also be a desktop PC or any other type of computer with arithmetic circuits, monitors, etc.

[0035] The memory unit 24 stores the control program for the acquired information output terminal 20, as well as the processing results from the control unit 22.

[0036] The display unit 26 displays information in accordance with the instructions of the control unit 22. The information displayed by the display unit 26 is at least information linked to the measurement values ​​from the sensor device 10, and may also display the individual identifier (simply referred to as ID) of the sensor device 10 located within communication range of the acquisition information output terminal 20.

[0037] The identifier acquisition unit 30 is equipped with a reader that conforms to the wireless communication standard of the first communication unit 15 of the sensor device 10. For example, if the first communication unit 15 has an RFID tag, the identifier acquisition unit 30 is equipped with an RFID reader. The identifier acquisition unit 30 acquires the individual identifier (ID) information from the first communication unit 15 of the sensor device 10.

[0038] The first device communication unit 32 has the function of communicating with at least the second communication unit 16 of the sensor device 10, and communication by the first device communication unit 32 may be established via communication means such as the Internet, carrier communication, dedicated line, VPN, etc. For example, it may be via a wireless network or a wired network, specifically wireless LAN, wide area network (WAN), ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc., but of course the network may also utilize WiFi, public switched telephone network, Bluetooth, BLE, optical line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line, satellite communication network, etc., or a combination of these.

[0039] The second device communication unit 33 is a communication means capable of communicating using a different standard than the first device communication unit 32, and is established via communication means such as the Internet, carrier communication, dedicated lines, or VPN. For example, it may be via a wireless network or a wired network, specifically wireless LAN, wide area network (WAN), ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc., but of course the network may also utilize WiFi, public switched telephone networks, Bluetooth, BLE, fiber optic lines, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) lines, satellite communication networks, etc., and combinations of these are also possible.

[0040] The positioning information acquisition unit 34 acquires positioning information indicating the current location of the device. Possible means of acquiring positioning information include positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), LPS (Local Positioning System), and IMES (Indoor Positioning System), as well as mechanisms that determine location information from image information, mechanisms that create distance-spatial information using radar or lasers, or mechanisms that combine two or more of these.

[0041] The time information acquisition unit 36 ​​has means for acquiring the latest time. For example, it may acquire the latest time included in GPS, or it may use a radio-controlled clock, or it may use the latest time included in mobile phone carrier communications, or it may use time information (Network Time Protocol NTP) services via the Internet. Of course, the latest time may also be acquired by a timing function.

[0042] Referring to the flowchart in Figure 4, which shows an example of sensing information display processing by the acquired information output system 1, we will explain an example of the process of receiving and displaying sensing information from a specific sensor device 10 at the acquired information output terminal 20.

[0043] Here, the acquired information output terminal 20 is brought close to a specific sensor device 10 to a distance where short-range to very short-range wireless communication such as RFID connection is possible, that is, to a relative position where the identifier acquisition unit 30 can acquire an ID from the specific sensor device 10. Furthermore, the sensor device 10 is powered up when it is installed and when it communicates with the acquired information output terminal 20, and the second communication unit 16 continuously sends communication connection requests to find a connection destination. Note that the power may be turned on manually by the user of the acquired information output terminal 20, or it may be triggered when it receives radio waves or electromagnetic waves from short-range wireless communication such as RFID connection, as described later.

[0044] The control unit 22 of the acquired information output terminal 20 performs an ID reading process with a sensor device 10 that is capable of short-range wireless communication, i.e., a sensor device 10 that is within the range of short-range wireless communication by the identifier acquisition unit 30 (step S1). The sensor device 10 receives radio waves from the wireless communication via short-range wireless communication connection, the first communication unit 15 is activated, and the sensor device transmits an ID to the acquired information output terminal 20 which is within a predetermined distance range (step S2). As a result, the control unit 22 receives and acquires the ID of the sensor device 10 (step S3).

[0045] Furthermore, the processor 12 of the sensor device 10 sends a communication connection request as described above (step S4), and the control unit 22 responds to the communication connection request and establishes one-to-one communication with the sensor device 10 corresponding to the acquired ID. Specifically, the control unit 22 sends a response message to the sensor device 10 with the ID acquired in step S3 attached, and establishes one-to-one communication with the sensor device 10 of that ID (step S5).

[0046] The control unit 22 obtains the latest time (approximately the current time) from the time information acquisition unit 36 ​​and transmits it to the sensor device 10 as updated time information (step S6).

[0047] When the processor 12 receives update time information, it measures sensing information using the sensor unit 18, creates first association information that links the sensing information, approximate current time, its own ID, etc., and stores it in the memory 14 (step S7). Note that it is not necessary to store the first association information in the memory 14, but it is preferable to store it at least until it is transmitted to the acquired information output terminal 20.

[0048] The processor 12 transmits the first linking information to the acquired information output terminal 20 at a predetermined timing (step S8). The predetermined timing may be set to transmit continuously, but it may also be a timing that matches time (e.g., every second), or a timing when a change greater than a predetermined amount occurs in the sensing information, but it is not particularly limited and may be any other timing that can be set as appropriate.

[0049] The control unit 22 outputs the received first association information (step S9). The output method at this time is not particularly limited, but for example, a status display screen based on sensing information can be displayed on the display unit 26.

[0050] The control unit 22 acquires positioning information from the positioning information acquisition unit 34 (step S10), creates second linked information by linking the received first linked information to the positioning information, and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step S11). The acquired information output terminal 20 and the sensor device 10 repeatedly perform the processes of transmitting the first linked information, displaying the status display screen, and storing the second linked information as long as communication between them is maintained, and terminate the physical status display process when communication is disconnected. Note that the disconnection of communication here is assumed to be caused by an operation performed by the user of the acquired information output terminal 20 to disconnect.

[0051] As explained above, the information acquisition output terminal 20 acquires an ID by approaching the sensor device 10 to a relative position where short-range wireless communication is possible, and uses the ID to acquire sensing information from the sensor device 10. Therefore, even if multiple or a large number of sensor devices 10 are densely packed in a predetermined space, it is possible to identify only a specific sensor device 10 from among them, acquire the sensing information output by that sensor device 10, and output it.

[0052] Furthermore, by simply bringing the acquired information output terminal 20 close to the sensor device 10, the status display screen regarding the sensing information of the sensor device can be displayed. This eliminates the need for users of the acquired information output terminal 20 to perform operations such as ID verification, pairing, and establishing one-to-one communication, thereby improving convenience.

[0053] Furthermore, since the acquired information output terminal 20 receives the first linking information directly from the sensor device 10, the communication distance is short, which reduces the communication output and minimizes the impact of communication delays associated with the transmission and reception of various types of information. As a result, the sensing information measured by the sensor device 10 can be displayed on the display unit 26 of the acquired information output terminal 20 with virtually no delay.

[0054] Note that the acquired information output system 1 is not limited to the above configuration. Here, Figure 5 is a block diagram showing another example of the acquired information output system 1. The acquired information output system 1 in Figure 5 has multiple sensor devices 10, an acquired information output terminal 20, a relay 50, and a management server 60 that manages sensing information for each sensor device 10, and each sensor device 10 is configured to be connectable to the acquired information output terminal 20 and the relay 50. The acquired information output terminal 20, the relay 50 and the management server 60 can also be connected to each other via a network.

[0055] The repeater 50 is connected to each sensor device 10 in a communicative manner, receives and stores sensing information transmitted by each sensor device 10, and also transmits the received sensing information to the management server 60. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the repeater 50. The repeater 50 has a repeater control unit 52 that comprehensively controls each part, and the repeater control unit 52 is connected to a repeater storage unit 54, a receiving unit 55, a transmitting unit 56, a repeater positioning information acquisition unit 57, a repeater time information acquisition unit 58, etc.

[0056] The relay unit memory unit 54 stores the control program for the relay unit 50, as well as the processing results from the relay unit control unit 52.

[0057] The receiving unit 55 has the function of receiving information from at least the second communication unit 16 of the sensor device 10, and has communication means that correspond to the specifications of the second communication unit 16.

[0058] The transmitting unit 56 has the function of transmitting information to at least the management server 60, which may be established via communication means such as the Internet, carrier communication, dedicated line, or VPN. For example, it may be via a wireless network or a wired network, specifically wireless LAN, wide area network (WAN), ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc., but of course the network may also utilize WiFi, public switched telephone network, Bluetooth, BLE, optical fiber line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line, satellite communication network, etc., or a combination of these.

[0059] The relay station positioning information acquisition unit 57 acquires positioning information indicating the current location. Possible means of acquiring positioning information include positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), LPS (Local Positioning System), and IMES (Indoor Positioning System), as well as mechanisms that determine location information from image information, mechanisms that create distance and spatial information using radar or lasers, or mechanisms that combine two or more of these.

[0060] The relay time information acquisition unit 58 has means for acquiring the latest time. For example, it may acquire time information included in GPS, or it may use a radio-controlled clock, or it may use time information included in mobile phone carrier communications, or time information (Network Time Protocol NTP) service via the Internet.

[0061] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the management server 60. The management server 60 has a server control unit 62 that provides overall control of the entire server. The server control unit 62 includes a CPU that executes programs and processes them, as well as ROM and RAM for storing programs and the like. The server control unit 62 is also connected to a server communication unit 64, a database 66, etc. The server communication unit 64 has communication means that correspond to the communication standards of the device communication unit 32 and the transmission unit 56, and communicates with the acquired information output terminal 20 and the relay unit 50, etc. The database 66 stores sensing information associated with the ID of each sensor device, the time information when the sensing information was measured, the installation location information, and the individual identification information of the relay unit 50 to which the information was relayed (although this is not mandatory).

[0062] Furthermore, the management server 60 has means for displaying the sensing information stored in the database 66 on the information acquisition output terminal 20. For example, the management server 60 has a function to display the contents of the sensing information in the database 66 on a web page in response to access from the information acquisition output terminal 20, and to transmit sensing information in response to a request from the information acquisition output terminal 20, making it downloadable on the information acquisition output terminal 20.

[0063] In the above configuration, the acquired information output system 1 stores the sensing information output from the sensor device 10 in the relay device 50, and also transmits it from the relay device 50 to the management server 60 via a network such as the Internet, carrier communication, dedicated line, or VPN, where it is also stored and managed.

[0064] Furthermore, after communication with the acquired information output terminal 20 is disconnected, the sensor device 10 establishes communication with the relay device 50 as its next connection partner.

[0065] Establishing communication between the sensor device 10 and the relay device 50 may be done by the sensor device 10 communicating with the relay device 50, or the acquired information output terminal 20 may send a command to the management server 60 to establish communication with the relay device 50.

[0066] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the connection process between the sensor device 10 and the relay device 50. It illustrates an example of the connection process by having the acquired information output terminal 20 issue a command to the management server 60 to establish communication between the relay device 50 and the sensor device 10.

[0067] The control unit 22 of the acquired information output terminal 20 transmits the second linking information to the management server 60 after step S11 and after communication with the sensor device 10 has ended (step S20). That is, the control unit 22 reads the second linking information from the storage unit 24 and transmits the second linking information to the management server 60 via the second device communication unit 33.

[0068] The management server 60 extracts ID, sensing information, time information, positioning information, etc. from the received second linking information, and stores the extracted content in the database, associating it with the ID, sensing information, time information, and installation location information of the sensor device 10 (step S21). Here, the positioning information is treated as the installation location information of the sensor device 10. This is because the positioning information of the acquisition information output terminal 20 that was close to the sensor device 10 at the time of installation is considered as the installation location information. This eliminates the need for the management server 60 to pre-store the installation location information of each sensor device 10.

[0069] Therefore, it becomes possible to perform the installation of the sensor device 10 without having to search for a specific sensor device assigned to a pre-set installation location from among the sensor devices in their pre-installation state, or to pre-register the sensor devices to be installed for each installation location, and without having to worry about the specific ID of the sensor device 10 for each installation location.

[0070] The management server 60 sends a connection command to the relay device 50 with the ID extracted above (step S22). The relay device 50 sends a connection request notification with the ID of the received connection command (step S23). The processor 12 of the sensor device 10 confirms that the ID of the received connection request notification is its own ID stored in the memory 14 and sends a response message to connect with the relay device 50 and establish communication (step S24). The response message is assumed to include the ID of the sensor device 10, etc.

[0071] The relay unit 50 sends a communication establishment completion notification, which includes the ID of the response message, to the management server 60 as a report of the result of the connection command (step S25). The management server 60 forwards the communication establishment completion notification to the acquired information output terminal 20 (step S26). Based on the received communication establishment completion notification, the control unit 22 displays an indication that communication between the sensor device 10 and the relay unit 50 has been established, and terminates processing.

[0072] As a result of the above process, the sensor device 10 becomes connected to the relay device 50 in a state where it can communicate with it. Upon establishment of this communication, the sensor device 10 receives update time information (approximately current time information) from the relay device 50 and updates the time information. At the same time, it measures sensing information using the sensor unit 18 at a predetermined timing, associates the sensing information with its own ID, etc., and transmits it to the relay device 50. At this time, the sensor device 10 may also transmit first association information, etc., which is stored in the storage unit 14 and has not yet been transmitted to the relay device 50.

[0073] Furthermore, while the sensor device 10 has established communication with the relay device 50, it can switch to a so-called monitoring state in which it acquires sensing information and transmits information to the relay device 50 at a lower frequency than when it was communicating with the acquired information output terminal 20.

[0074] In this way, when the information acquisition output terminal 20 establishes communication with the sensor device 10 via the management server 60 to the relay device 50, the user of the information acquisition output terminal 20 receives the connection result from the relay device 50, so that the user of the information acquisition output terminal 20 can confirm that communication has been established between the sensor device 10 and the relay device 50.

[0075] Furthermore, the acquired information output terminal 20 transmits the contents of the stored second linking information to the management server 60 for storage, ensuring that sensing information acquired during communication with the sensor device 10 is reliably managed by the management server 60. This can also be used as a backup in case communication between the sensor device 10 and the relay device 50 fails.

[0076] Furthermore, when the sensor device 10 establishes communication with the relay device 50, it switches to a monitoring state, allowing it to operate in a low-power state with power consumption kept to a minimum.

[0077] Furthermore, the establishment of communication between the sensor device 10 and the relay device 50 is not limited to the method described above. For example, the communication connection request sent from the sensor device 10 may include a relay device ID to identify the relay device 50, and the relay device 50 may respond to this request to establish communication. In this case, the sensor device 10 may already possess the relay device ID, or the information acquisition terminal 20 may send this relay device ID to the sensor device 10.

[0078] For example, the relay device ID may be stored in the memory unit 24 in advance, and the sensor device 10 may receive and acquire the relay device ID from the information acquisition output terminal 20 while communication between the information acquisition output terminal 20 and the sensor device 10 is being established. After the communication with the information acquisition output terminal 20 is terminated, the sensor device 10 establishes communication with the relay device 50 corresponding to the acquired relay device ID and transmits sensing information, its own ID, and other information to the relay device 50 at a predetermined timing. The relay device 50 may also periodically transmit time information to update the time information being measured in the sensor device 10.

[0079] Furthermore, the repeater 50 may be capable of updating time information as needed. This can be done by acquiring time information included in GPS, by using a radio-controlled clock, by using time information included in mobile phone carrier communications, or by using time information (Network Time Protocol NTP) services via the Internet. Additionally, by using wireless technology to update the time information of the sensor device 10 as needed via local NTP, i.e., a local radio-controlled clock system, the timing of sensing information acquisition by the sensor unit 18 and the time of sensing information acquisition can be more accurately correlated.

[0080] Furthermore, although the acquired information output terminal 20 acquires individual identifiers from the sensor device 10 via short-range wireless communication by the identifier acquisition unit, the means of acquiring individual identifiers are not limited to this. For example, the acquired information output terminal 20 may store individual identifiers in advance, in which case it may also be possible to input the individual identifiers using an input means not shown, such as a keyboard.

[0081] Alternatively, a visual information reading means such as a scanner or barcode reader may be newly installed or added as an identifier acquisition unit (it may also be an addition), and visual information such as a one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, or other multi-dimensional code may be placed in a visible location on the surface of the sensor device, and the individual identifier may be acquired by reading the visual information with the visual information reading means. In this way, if the individual identifier can be acquired without relying on short-range wireless communication, it is possible to easily grasp the sensing information from the sensor device 10 even when the sensor device 10 is located in a place where it is difficult to bring the acquired information output terminal 20 close by.

[0082] In the embodiment described above, the acquired information output terminal 20 established communication with the sensor device 10 and received sensing information. However, the acquired information output terminal 20 may also establish communication with the management server 60 and receive sensing information from the sensor device 10 via the management server 60. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the sensing information display process by the acquired information output system 1.

[0083] The acquired information output terminal 20 and the sensor device 10 perform the same processing as in steps S1 to S3 above. That is, the control unit 22 performs ID reading processing with the sensor device 10 via short-range wireless communication (step SA1). The sensor device 10 transmits its ID to the acquired information output terminal 20 upon activation of the first communication unit 15 (step SA2). As a result, the control unit 22 obtains the ID of the sensor device 10 (step SA3).

[0084] The control unit 22 sends a communication connection request with the acquired ID to the management server 60 via the device communication unit 32 (step SA4). The management server 60 establishes communication with the acquired information output terminal 20 that received the communication connection request, and also sends an information request to the relay unit 50 requesting sensing information for the sensor device 10 corresponding to the ID of the communication connection request (step SA5).

[0085] The relay device 50 transmits an information request to the sensor device 10 corresponding to the ID of the information request (step SA6). When the processor 12 of the sensor device 10 receives the information request, it measures sensing information using the sensor unit 18, creates first association information that links the sensing information, the current time, its own ID, etc., and stores it in the memory 14 (step SA7).

[0086] The processor 12 transmits the first linking information to the repeater 50 at a pre-set timing (step SA8).

[0087] The relay device 50 transfers the first linking information to the management server 60 (step SA9), and the management server 60 transfers the first linking information to the acquired information output terminal 20 (step SA10).

[0088] The control unit 22 displays a status display screen on the display unit 26 based on the sensing information of the received first linked information (step SA11). The control unit 22 acquires positioning information using the positioning information acquisition unit 34, creates second linked information by linking the positioning information to the received first linked information, and stores it in the storage unit 24 (step SA12). As long as communication is established between the acquired information output terminal 20 and the management server 60, the processes in steps SA5 to SA12 are repeated, and when communication is disconnected, the physical status display process is terminated.

[0089] As explained above, the information acquisition output terminal 20 acquires an ID by approaching the sensor device 10 to a relative position where short-range wireless communication is possible, and while establishing communication with the management server 60 using the ID, it acquires sensing information from the sensor device 10 via the management server 60 and the relay device 50. This makes it possible to identify only a specific sensor device 10 and acquire the sensing information output by that sensor device 10, even when multiple or a large number of sensor devices 10 are densely packed in a predetermined space.

[0090] The status display screen may show only the latest sensing information, or it may display the changes in sensing information over time within a certain period in the past. In that case, the acquired information output terminal 20 may acquire multiple sensing information collected over a certain period in the past from the management server 60 (or the relay device 50 via the management server 60) and display the changes in sensing information over time in a list, graph, or the like so that they can be recognized.

[0091] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of information display processing in a monitoring state. Here, the sensor device 10 has already established communication with the relay device 50 and is transmitting sensing information at a predetermined timing. The flowchart shows the output of information when monitoring and confirming the sensing information measured by the sensor device 10 via the acquired information output terminal 20.

[0092] The processor 12 of the sensor device 10 receives update time information from the relay 50 and updates the time information, and measures sensing information from the sensor unit 18 at a preset timing (step SB1). The processor 12 stores the association information, which links the sensing information, time information, and its own ID, in the memory 14, and transmits the association information to the relay 50 via the second communication unit 16 (step SB2). Although the association information is transmitted at the timing of the acquisition of sensing information, the association information may be transmitted at a timing different from the timing of the acquisition of sensing information.

[0093] The relay device 50 stores the received linking information (step SB3) and transmits the linking information to the management server 60 (step SB4).

[0094] The management server 60 extracts IDs, sensing information, time information, etc., from the received association information, associates each of the extracted pieces of information with the ID, and stores them in the database 66 (step SB5). This completes the sensing information storage process performed at the configured timings during monitoring.

[0095] In the monitoring state, when the control unit 22 of the acquired information output terminal 20 sends a sensing information request with the ID of the sensor device 10 to be monitored to the management server 60 (step SB6), the management server 60 reads the sensing information corresponding to the received ID from the database 66 (step SB7). At this time, the latest sensing information is read from the database 66.

[0096] The management server 60 transmits the sensing information to the information output terminal 20 (step SB8). The control unit 22 outputs the received sensing information (step SB10). For example, the sensing information can be displayed on the display unit 26. When the output of sensing information is finished, the information display process in the monitoring state is terminated.

[0097] Although it has been explained that IDs and sensing information are acquired by the acquired information output terminal, the acquired information output terminal is not limited to a single device, but may be composed of a device and a terminal that can be separated from each other. For example, the acquired information output terminal may consist of an RFID terminal having an identifier acquisition unit and a device body having parts other than the identifier acquisition unit, and these may be separable from each other and capable of communicating by wired or wireless means.

[0098] In this case, the RFID terminal obtains an identifier from the sensor device 10, and the main unit of the device obtains sensing information. Furthermore, the RFID terminal sends the identifier to the main unit of the device, and the main unit of the device obtains sensing information based on the identifier.

[0099] Furthermore, the identifier held by the sensor device 10 and the management identifier of the management server 60 do not necessarily have to be an exact match; a partial match is acceptable. For example, the management identifier may be a combination of the identifier held by the sensor device 10 with information about the building where the sensor device 10 is installed, location information, etc. In such a case, the acquired information output terminal 20 can acquire its own location information using GPS or the like, combine this location information with the identifier acquired from the sensor device 10, and transmit it to the management server 60 so that it can correspond to the identifier managed by the management server 60.

[0100] Furthermore, while the acquired information output terminal displays sensing information by showing a status display screen, it may also be indicated by other methods, as long as they are recognizable to at least the user of the information processing device. For example, sensing information can also be notified by providing a speaker to read out the sensing information, or by outputting simple sounds or repeating sounds such as a buzzer, bell, or chime. In addition, sensing information can also be notified by providing a vibration unit and using vibration patterns, etc.

[0101] The above-described acquired information output system 1 may also be configured without a relay device, that is, consisting of a sensor device 10, an acquired information output terminal 20, and a management server 60. In such a configuration, sensing information (or first linking information, etc.) transmitted from the sensor device 10 may be directly transmitted to the management server 60, or sensing information (or first linking information, etc.) transmitted from the sensor device 10 and received by the acquired information output terminal 20 may be transmitted from the acquired information output terminal 20 to the management server 60.

[0102] Next, an example of the application of the acquired information output system will be described. Here, a deformation detection bolt is used as a sensor device, and it can be used to acquire raw data indicating the tightening axial force of the deformation detection bolt or the physical state related thereto when multiple deformation detection bolts are used to fasten members together. The deformation detection bolt 100 is assumed to be equipped with a processor 12, memory 14, first communication unit 15, second communication unit 16, sensor unit 18, etc., which are components of the sensor device 10.

[0103] Figure 11 shows an example of a deformation detection bolt 100. The deformation detection bolt 100 has a head 102 and a shaft 104, and is configured to detect stresses and axial forces such as bending stress, compressive stress, tensile stress, and torsional stress acting on the deformation detection bolt 100.

[0104] Furthermore, the deformation detection bolt 100 has a head cap 106 that can be detachably attached to the head 102, and the circuit boards that constitute each part of the sensor device can be arranged between the head 102 and the head cap 106 (on the top surface of the head 102, etc.). Therefore, the head cap 106 can be used as a cover to cover the circuit boards.

[0105] The head portion 102 has a hexagonal outer shape, with three pairs of two-sided widths, and has an external shape in which the maximum dimension in the direction perpendicular to the axis is larger than that of the shaft portion 104. In addition, fastening means, such as a fitting groove (not shown), for fixing the head cap 106 is provided at the axial end of the head portion 102. The head portion 102 is also provided with a concave cross-section electrical circuit arrangement portion 110 for arranging the electrical circuit 134, which will be described later.

[0106] The shaft portion 104 has an external shape in which the axial length is longer than the maximum dimension in the direction perpendicular to the axis, and comprises a cylindrical portion 120 located at the base or seating surface of the head portion 102, and a threaded portion 122 on which a male screw spiral groove is formed on the outer circumference.

[0107] The power supply section 110 has a flat bottom surface, and the power supply section 134 is directly formed on this bottom surface. The power supply section 110 is formed in a continuous manner on at least the outer circumferential surface and the seating surface of the head 102. That is, the power supply section 110 is set to extend axially on the outer circumferential surface of the head 102 and perpendicular to the axis on the seating surface of the head 102. Of course, the power supply section 110 can be set to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction on the outer circumferential surface and in a direction inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis on the seating surface, and the depth and width of the concave shape can also be set as appropriate.

[0108] The cylindrical portion 120 has a columnar outer circumference shape and a reduced outer diameter portion 120a, which is a constricted area in a part of the whole. The radial length of this reduced portion 120a is set to be approximately the root diameter or effective diameter of the male thread of the threaded portion 122. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 120 has a sensor mounting portion 124 recessed in the outer circumference along the axial direction.

[0109] The threaded portion 122 has a first male threaded spiral structure with a helical groove formed at a predetermined lead angle and / or lead direction, and a second male threaded spiral structure in which the helical groove is set at a lead angle and / or lead direction different from that of the first male threaded spiral structure. Here, two types of male threaded spiral structures are formed overlapping on the same region in the axial direction of the deformation detection bolt 100: a first male threaded spiral structure which is a right-hand thread configured to allow a corresponding female thread-shaped helical groove to be screwed in, and a second male threaded spiral structure which is a left-hand thread configured to allow a corresponding female thread-shaped helical groove to be screwed in. Of course, the first male threaded spiral structure and the second male threaded spiral structure may be helical structures with the same right-hand thread lead direction, but with different lead angles. The helical grooves do not necessarily have to be formed in an overlapping manner, but it is preferable for them to have a mechanism that can suppress loosening as a joining member in order to perform precise and highly accurate strain measurement and stress measurement.

[0110] The sensor mounting section 124 extends from an intermediate position in the retracted section 120a to the head section 102 and is formed to be continuous with the power supply circuit mounting section 110. The bottom surface of the sensor mounting section 124 is substantially flat, and a sensor pattern 132 for detecting the physical state of the shaft section 104 is directly formed thereon.

[0111] The sensor pattern 132 is part of the sensor unit 18 and can function as an axial force measuring sensor. The sensor pattern 132 is made of a conductive material and includes a sensor structure portion that extends back and forth multiple times in the axial direction and a lead structure portion that extends from the sensor structure portion toward the head. In such a sensor pattern 132, the electrical characteristics such as resistance change as the conductive material in the sensor structure portion deforms, so the axial force as a physical state can be detected by detecting the change in electrical characteristics.

[0112] The physical state detected by the change in electrical characteristics may be heat / temperature change, humidity change, etc. For example, when measuring ambient temperature from the change in the electrical resistance of the sensor pattern 132, the sensor pattern 132 is used as a component of a so-called resistance thermometer. Similarly, humidity may be measured as a resistance-change type electrical humidity sensor. The sensor pattern 132 is also electrically connected to the current-carrying path 134 formed on the head 102 side.

[0113] The sensor pattern 132 can be provided by forming an electrical insulating layer on the sensor mounting section 124 and then directly forming the pattern on the electrical insulating layer. The electrical insulating layer can be formed using methods such as lamination printing, pad printing, painting, plating, inkjet printing, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or physical vapor deposition (PVD). The method for forming the electrical insulating layer is not limited to the above methods; for example, various methods can be employed, such as forming a film of insulating material by sputtering with a predetermined mask in place, applying silica material and heat-treating it, or applying organic insulating materials such as silicone, polyimide, epoxy, or urethane. Furthermore, if the base material of the deformation detection bolt 100 is electrically conductive, the surface of the base material may be oxidized to form an oxide film which can then serve as an electrical insulating layer. If the base material is aluminum, an electrical insulating layer can be formed by anodizing. Of course, if the base material is electrically insulating, it goes without saying that an electrical insulating layer does not need to be formed.

[0114] The sensor pattern 132 can be directly formed on the electrical insulating layer by methods such as laminate printing using conductive paste, pad printing, painting, plating, inkjet printing, sputtering, CVD, or PVD. Alternatively, the shape of the wiring may be determined by masking that matches the shape of the sensor pattern 132 and then etching.

[0115] The current-carrying path 134 can be formed by forming an electrical insulating layer on the current-carrying path arrangement section 110 in the same manner as the sensor pattern, and then using a conductive paste on top of that. The current-carrying path 134 is formed in continuity with the sensor pattern 132, and an electrical contact pair that can be connected to the circuit board is formed at its end.

[0116] By directly forming the sensor pattern 132 and the current-carrying path 134 on the electrical insulation layer in this way, peeling can be prevented over a long period of time.

[0117] The sensor pattern 132 can be used to detect changes in the electrical characteristics of the sensor, including the detection of strain in the cylindrical portion 120 and the detection of deformation of the cylindrical portion 120. Furthermore, a coating layer with excellent abrasion resistance, scratch resistance, heat resistance, moisture barrier properties, solvent resistance, gas barrier properties, and deformation resistance (adhesion) may be provided to cover the sensor pattern 132 and the current-carrying path 134.

[0118] Next, we will explain the processing of the acquisition information output system 1 for detecting axial force or raw data for calculating axial force (hereinafter simply referred to as axial force, etc.) when multiple deformation detection bolts 100 are used in a structure, using the example of tightening the deformation detection bolts 100 into the structure for the first time.

[0119] Figure 12 shows an example of a structure, in which multiple joints connecting columns 52 made of rectangular cylindrical steel material extending vertically, and beams 54 which are H-shaped steel material, so-called H-beams, extending horizontally from these columns 52, are fastened with deformation detection bolts 100 using connecting plates 56.

[0120] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the display process of axial force, etc., during the tightening operation of the deformation detection bolt 100. Here, the deformation detection bolt 100 is in a state where it is not connected to the relay unit 50, for example, as it is at the time of shipment, and the worker activates the deformation detection bolt 100 at the work site and starts tightening the deformation detection bolt 100.

[0121] The acquired information output terminal 20 is brought close to a specific deformation detection bolt 100 to a distance where short-range to very short-range wireless communication such as RFID connection is possible, that is, to a relative position where the identifier acquisition unit 30 can acquire an ID from the deformation detection bolt 100. Furthermore, the deformation detection bolt 100 is powered up when it is installed or immediately before installation and when it communicates with the acquired information output terminal 20, and the second communication unit 16 continuously sends communication connection requests to find a connection destination.

[0122] The control unit 22 performs an ID reading process with a deformation detection bolt 100 that is capable of short-range wireless communication, i.e., a deformation detection bolt 100 that is within the range of short-range wireless communication by the identifier acquisition unit 30 (step SC1). The deformation detection bolt 100 receives radio waves from the wireless communication via short-range wireless communication connection, the first communication unit 15 is activated, and the ID is transmitted to the acquisition information output terminal 20 located within a predetermined distance range (step SC2). As a result, the control unit 22 receives and acquires the ID of the deformation detection bolt 100 (step SC3).

[0123] The control unit 22 stores the ID in the storage unit 24 and transmits an axial force and other information request with that ID to the management server 60 via the second device communication unit 33 (step SC4).

[0124] When the management server 60 receives an information request for axial force, etc., it communicates with the deformation detection bolt 100 corresponding to the ID attached to it. Specifically, the management server 60 sends a measurement information request to the deformation detection bolt 100 corresponding to the received ID (step SC5).

[0125] The processor 12 of the deformation detection bolt 100 confirms that the ID of the received measurement information request is its own ID stored in the memory 14, and transmits the axial force etc. measured by the sensor unit 18 to the management server 60 via the second communication unit 16 (step SC6). At this time, the deformation detection bolt 100 and the management server 60 continue to communicate, and the axial force etc. being measured by the sensor unit 18 of the deformation detection bolt 100 is transmitted to the management server 60. The processor 12 also stores the axial force etc. measured by the sensor unit 18 in the memory 14 while communicating with the management server 60.

[0126] The management server 60 transmits the received axial force, etc., to the acquisition information output terminal 20 (step SC7). At this time, the management server 60 establishes communication with the acquisition information output terminal 20 and also with the deformation detection bolt 100. Therefore, the axial force, etc., acquired by the deformation detection bolt 100 at a preset timing is transmitted to the acquisition information output terminal 20 via the management server 60.

[0127] The control unit 22 outputs the received axial force, etc. (step SC8). For example, the axial force, etc. can be displayed on the display unit 26. The operator can check the current axial force, etc. applied to the deformation detection bolt 100 by referring to the axial force, etc. displayed on the display unit 26 while tightening the deformation detection bolt 100 with a fastening tool, etc.

[0128] Then, in response to an operation to disconnect the connection with the management server 60, the control unit 22 terminates the output (display) of axial force, etc.

[0129] It goes without saying that the axial force detection bolt 100 may be capable of communicating simultaneously with both the relay unit 50 and the management server 60, in which case it will transmit the measured axial force, etc., to both the relay unit 50 and the management server 60.

[0130] Although the acquired information output terminal 20 was described as establishing communication with the management server 60 to acquire axial force, etc., it is not limited to this, and axial force, etc. may also be acquired directly from the axial force detection bolt 100.

[0131] In that case, the control unit 22 stores the ID in the storage unit 24 and sends a communication connection request with the ID attached to the axial force detection bolt 100 via the device communication unit 32.

[0132] When the processor 12 of the axial force detection bolt 100 finds that the ID of the received communication connection request matches the ID stored in the memory 14, it establishes a one-to-one communication connection with the acquisition information output terminal 20 and transmits the axial force, etc., received by the sensor 18 to the acquisition information output terminal 20. As a result, the acquisition information output terminal 20 can display a status display screen showing the received axial force, etc.

[0133] More specifically, wireless communication in accordance with the BLE standard may be established between the acquired information output terminal 20 and the axial force detection bolt 100. For example, the control unit 22 of the acquired information output terminal 20 sends a communication establishment request with an ID to the deformation detection bolt 100. When the processor 12 of the deformation detection bolt 100 responds with a confirmation that the ID stored in the memory 14 matches the received ID, the acquired information output terminal 20 and the deformation detection bolt 100 perform a pairing connection and establish wireless communication.

[0134] By having the acquired information output terminal 20 communicate wirelessly with the axial force detection bolt 100 to directly receive the axial force, the time lag and power consumption associated with communication can be reduced compared to the case where the axial force detection bolt 100 transmits the axial force to the relay unit 50 or the management server 60.

[0135] Furthermore, although the above-described process was explained using the example of tightening the deformation detection bolt 100 from a state where it is not connected to the relay device 50, the status display screen can also be displayed by the same process when tightening the deformation detection bolt 100 that is used to fasten the structure. However, in the case of tightening a deformation detection bolt 100 that has already been fastened, communication between the deformation detection bolt 100 and the relay device 50 has already been established and it is in a monitoring state, so it switches from the monitoring state to the axial force monitoring state. This switching method can be set as appropriate, but for example, it may be done by restarting the deformation detection bolt 100, switching by resetting, or by changing the state. In this switching, the communication that was established between the deformation detection bolt 100 and the relay device 50 is disconnected. Therefore, the acquired information output terminal 20 can establish communication with the deformation detection bolt 100.

[0136] In the information acquisition output system 1 to which the deformation detection bolt 100 is applied, the operator can check the axial force of the deformation detection bolt 100 generated by tightening on the status display screen when tightening the deformation detection bolt 100. Furthermore, by checking the axial force that changes in accordance with the tightening of the deformation detection bolt 100, the operator can adjust the tightening of the deformation detection bolt 100 to achieve an appropriate axial force.

[0137] Furthermore, the acquired information output terminal 20 acquires an identifier from the deformation detection bolt 100 that has been brought close enough by the identifier acquisition unit 30 to be in near contact. This reliably prevents the identifier acquisition unit 30 from acquiring identifiers from multiple deformation detection bolts 100 simultaneously. Also, for the operator, even in a situation where multiple deformation detection bolts 100 are densely packed within a predetermined range, it is possible to reliably grasp only the axial force of the desired deformation detection bolt 100, preventing misidentification due to discrepancies between the tightened deformation detection bolt 100 and the displayed axial force.

[0138] The axial force of the deformation detection bolt 100 is calculated by applying an intrinsic constant, which can be set for each deformation detection bolt 100, to the raw data output from the sensor pattern 132. Therefore, in order to display the axial force, the intrinsic constant and the raw data are used in a predetermined calculation process at one of the deformation detection bolt 100, the relay unit 50, the management server 60, or the acquired information output terminal 20.

[0139] For example, the memory 14 can pre-store a unique constant for each deformation detection bolt 100, and the processor 12 can calculate the axial force from the outputted raw data and the unique constant and transmit it to the relay 50, etc. The relay 50 can also store the unique constant for each deformation detection bolt 100, calculate the axial force from the raw data and unique constant received from the deformation detection bolt 100, and transmit it to the management server 60. The management server 60 can also store the unique constant for each deformation detection bolt 100, and when it receives raw data for each deformation detection bolt 100, it can calculate the axial force from the raw data and the unique constant. Furthermore, the acquired information output terminal 20 can acquire the unique constant and calculate the axial force from the raw data and unique constant received from the management server 60 or the deformation detection bolt 100.

[0140] Furthermore, the method by which the acquired information output terminal 20 acquires unique constants may include acquiring them together with the deformation detection bolts 100 and the management server 60 by communicating with them, such as by having the identifier acquisition unit 30 acquire them along with the identifier from the deformation detection bolts 100.

[0141] [Switch mechanism]

[0142] The following describes the switch mechanism of the present invention that can be used in the above-mentioned sensor device, deformation detection bolt, etc. Here, an embodiment of a processing terminal to which the switch mechanism is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the processing terminal 200 according to this embodiment. The processing terminal 200 includes a reed switch 202, a power supply unit 204, a power supply control unit (control means) 206, a system (target circuit) 210, etc. The processing terminal 200 can be anything that has a switch mechanism, and may be the above-mentioned sensor device, deformation detection bolt, etc.

[0143] The reed switch 202 operates in response to the application of a magnetic field, opening and closing the electrical circuit between the power supply unit 204 and the power control unit 206. The power supply unit 204 is a power supply device that includes an external power supply, batteries (primary batteries, secondary batteries, etc.), and storage batteries, and supplies power to each part of the processing terminal 200.

[0144] The power control unit 206 controls the electrical circuits to each component and makes decisions on supplying power to the system 210 based on the on and off timing of the reed switch 202. The power control unit 206 may also have a memory for pre-storing signal codes for power supply decisions.

[0145] The power control unit 206 can be configured to include logic circuits, and these logic circuits may include a microcontroller and / or a microcomputer and / or a microprocessor. Furthermore, the control means 206 can be configured by electrical circuits. That is, power control may be realized by electrical circuits combining physical elements and wiring.

[0146] Furthermore, the power control unit 206 may include one or more FETs, which may open and close the circuit between it and the power supply unit 204. For example, it may have two FETs, with the first FET closing the circuit between the power supply unit 204 and the power control unit 206 so that power is supplied only to the power control unit 206 when the reed switch 202 is closed. The second FET closes the circuit for supplying power to the power control unit 206 after startup. That is, the second FET closes the circuit between the power supply unit 204 and the power control unit 206 to ensure stable power supply even after the reed switch 202 is opened.

[0147] System 210 is a main system configured for calculations on processing terminal 200, and may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, storage, communication interface, bus, etc., as hardware.

[0148] The CPU controls the entire system 210 and performs calculations. Memory can consist of volatile storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0149] Storage can consist of non-volatile storage devices such as SSDs (Solid State Drives) and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). Storage stores data such as CPU control programs, other programs, and CPU processing results.

[0150] A communication interface is an interface for connecting to a network. The bus connects the CPU, memory, communication interface, etc., enabling the exchange of information. Furthermore, system 210 may also have input / output interfaces, etc., in addition to the above configuration.

[0151] The switch mechanism of the processing terminal 200 described above is configured to turn on or enable the system to be turned on and driven by a first operation in which the reed switch 202 is turned on by an external magnetic field, which activates the power control unit 206, and a second operation in which the reed switch 202 is turned on and off at least once by an external magnetic field.

[0152] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the control process associated with power-on. Here, power is supplied to the processing terminal 200 by applying an external magnetic field. The external magnetic field is provided by a permanent magnet and / or electromagnet. That is, the power-on means equipped with a permanent magnet and / or electromagnet is brought close to a predetermined location on the processing terminal 200 (such as near the reed switch 202) to power on the processing terminal 200. In addition, the first and second operations may be performed by the same power-on means, but here they are performed by different power-on means.

[0153] The second operation uses a second power-on means for operation in which the external magnetic field changes in time and / or space. For example, it can alternately switch between a state in which the external magnetic field is applied to the reed switch 202 and a state in which the application of the external magnetic field is stopped. This second power-on means for operation transmits a signal to power on the processing terminal 200. The signal at this time has a predetermined pattern, and when the pattern of this signal corresponds to a predetermined signal code, the power to the entire processing terminal 200 is turned on.

[0154] The user of the processing terminal 200 brings the power-on means close to the reed switch 202 of the processing terminal 200. When an external magnetic field is applied and the reed switch 202 turns on (step SD1), the first FET supplies power from the power supply unit 204 only to the power control unit 206, and the power control unit 206 starts up (step SD2). In other words, the first FET closes the circuit between the power control unit 206 and the power supply unit 204.

[0155] Next, the power control unit 206 fixes its own power ON state (step SD3). That is, the power control unit 206 drives the second FET to connect the power supply unit 204 and the power control unit 206 with an electrical circuit. This ensures that the power control unit 206 remains in the started state even if the reed switch 202 is turned off during the control processing associated with power-up.

[0156] The power control unit 206 monitors the reed switch 202 after startup to read the state of the external magnetic field (referred to as the magnetic field state) (step SD4) and determine whether the magnetic field has been turned off or not (step SD5).

[0157] The user brings the power-on means close to the reed switch 202 and then moves it away, and then brings the second power-on means close to the reed switch 202. The processing terminal 200 recognizes in step SD1 that the first power-on means has been brought close, and in step SD5 determines whether the power-on means that was recognized as being close has been moved away.

[0158] Therefore, when the power-on means is in close proximity, the power control unit 206 determines that the magnetic field is on (step SD5, No), and performs steps SD4 to SD5 again to read the magnetic field state and determine whether the magnetic field is off or not.

[0159] Furthermore, when the power-on means is removed, the power control unit 206 determines that the magnetic force is off (step SD5, Yes) and begins receiving a code via the reed switch 202 (step SD6). That is, when the operator brings the second power-on means close to the reed switch 202, a signal is transmitted by alternately switching the application and deactivation of the external magnetic field, and the power control unit 206 begins receiving this signal via the reed switch 202 (step SD7).

[0160] The power control unit 206 determines whether or not signal reception is complete (step SD8). If signal reception is still in progress (step SD8, No), it continues reception and then determines again whether or not signal reception is complete.

[0161] Furthermore, when the power supply control unit 206 has finished receiving the signal (step SD8, Yes), it recognizes a code based on the received signal and determines whether the recognized code matches a stored signal code (step SD9). In other words, at this time, a part of the power supply control unit 206 functions as a signal determination unit that determines whether the code matches a signal code.

[0162] If the power control unit 206 determines that the signal and signal code do not match (step SD9, No), it shuts off the power supply (step SD10) and terminates the power-on process.

[0163] On the other hand, when the power control unit 206 finds that the received code and the signal code match (step SD9, Yes), it performs a normal startup by supplying power to the entire processing terminal 200 from the power supply unit 204 (step SD11), and then terminates the power-on process. In this normal startup, power is supplied to the system 210, so the system 210 is driven or can be driven.

[0164] As explained above, the processing terminal can be powered on by operating the reed switch, and by using the first and second operations in combination, it is possible to prevent the switch mechanism from accidentally powering on the target circuit due to an unintended external magnetic field generated around the reed switch. In other words, the second operation requires sending a signal corresponding to a predetermined signal code, and by making the signal code itself a fine pattern, it is possible to prevent malfunctions due to unintended external magnetic fields.

[0165] Furthermore, conventionally, there are switches that switch between energized and disconnected states by contact and separation between a fixed terminal (hereinafter referred to as the "contact terminal") and a movable contact piece (hereinafter referred to as the "movable contact piece"). These are so-called contact-type switches, and the mechanism for switching the switch may be exposed externally.

[0166] However, these so-called contact-type switches can malfunction due to large vibrations, such as accidentally turning on or off. Furthermore, if the part that operates the switch is exposed to the outside, the switch may open or close unintentionally due to contact. There is also the problem of poor contact due to the weather resistance of the switch contacts.

[0167] Therefore, the use of reed switches as contactless switches is being considered. However, reed switches are switched on and off by magnetic force and operate when a magnet is brought close. As a result, there is a problem that reed switches may be unintentionally switched on or off due to the influence of some external magnetic field, which could cause terminals equipped with reed switches to malfunction.

[0168] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to install the device with a simple structure without exposing the mechanism to the outside, and to reliably prevent malfunctions while driving the target circuit by operating a reed switch with an external magnetic field.

[0169] Furthermore, since it can be installed without exposing part or all of the switch mechanism to the outside, malfunctions due to vibration or contact with the outside can be reliably prevented. In addition, it is less susceptible to deterioration and alteration due to wind, rain, sunlight, and temperature changes, thus improving weather resistance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1... Acquired information output system, 10... Sensor device, 12... Processor, 14... Memory, 15... First communication unit, 16... Second communication unit, 18... Sensor unit, 20... Acquired information output terminal, 22... Control unit, 24... Storage unit, 26... Display unit, 30... Identifier acquisition unit, 32... Device communication unit, 50... Repeater, 60... Management server, 100... Deformation detection bolt, 102... Head, 104... Shaft, 106... Head cap, 110... Power supply circuit routing unit, 120... Cylindrical unit, 122... Screw unit, 124... Sensor routing unit, 132... Sensor pattern, 134... Power supply circuit.

Claims

1. A terminal that performs one-to-one communication with a device that is within a predetermined relative distance range, An acquisition means for acquiring the identifier of a specific device among multiple devices that has come within the predetermined relative distance range, A control means that sends a response message to the communication connection requests continuously transmitted by the above multiple devices, with the acquired identifier attached, thereby establishing one-to-one communication with the above specific device, A terminal characterized by having the following features.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means is a reader that reads the identifier from a wireless tag provided on the device by short-range wireless communication.

3. The terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that the reader is an RFID reader or an NFC reader.

4. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means is a visual information reading means for reading the identifier from visual information provided on the device.

5. The terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that the visual information reading means is one of a scanner, a barcode reader, and a two-dimensional code reader.

6. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is a fastening member.

7. The terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that the fastening member is a bolt.

8. A terminal that performs one-to-one communication with a sensor device that has come within a predetermined relative distance range, An acquisition means for acquiring the identifier of a specific sensor device among multiple sensor devices that has come close within the predetermined relative distance range, A control means that sends a response message with an acquired identifier attached to the communication connection requests continuously transmitted by the above-mentioned multiple sensor devices, thereby establishing one-to-one communication with the above-mentioned specific sensor device, A terminal characterized by having the following features.

9. The terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that the acquisition means is a reader that reads the identifier from a wireless tag provided on the sensor device by short-range wireless communication.

10. The terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that the reader is an RFID reader or an NFC reader.

11. The terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that the acquisition means is a visual information reading means for reading the identifier from visual information provided on the sensor device.

12. The terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that the visual information reading means is one of a scanner, a barcode reader, and a two-dimensional code reader.

13. The terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor device is a fastening member.

14. The terminal according to claim 13, characterized in that the fastening member is a bolt.

15. A terminal that communicates one-to-one with a deformation detection bolt that has come within a predetermined relative distance range, An acquisition means for acquiring an identifier of a specific deformation detection bolt that is within the predetermined relative distance range from among multiple deformation detection bolts, A control means that transmits a response message with an acquired identifier attached to the communication connection requests continuously transmitted by the above-mentioned multiple deformation detection bolts, thereby establishing one-to-one communication with the specific deformation detection bolt, A terminal characterized by having the following features.

16. The terminal according to claim 15, characterized in that the acquisition means is a reader that reads the identifier from a wireless tag provided on the deformation detection bolt by short-range wireless communication.

17. The terminal according to claim 16, characterized in that the reader is an RFID reader or an NFC reader.

18. The terminal according to claim 15, characterized in that the acquisition means is a visual information reading means that reads the identifier from the visual information provided on the deformation detection bolt.

19. The terminal according to claim 18, characterized in that the visual information reading means is one of a scanner, a barcode reader, and a two-dimensional code reader.

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