Management systems, management methods, and programs

Abstract

This invention provides a management system, management method, and program capable of improving the accuracy of location information. [Solution] The management system 10 includes a mobile terminal 40 having a receiving unit 43 that wirelessly transmits data using beacon signals and a tag information acquisition unit 48 that acquires tag information indicating identification information of an item 300, an output unit 66 that is attached to a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500 of the facility and wirelessly transmits data, an information acquisition unit 64 that acquires first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40 calculated based on the communication status between the two, and tag information acquired by the tag information acquisition unit 48, and a storage unit 63 that stores the first location information and tag information in association.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system, a management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various technologies using beacon signals have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a behavior attribute analysis system including detection devices installed at a plurality of locations and configured to acquire user identification information from communication devices carried by people within a predetermined range. In this behavior attribute analysis system, communication using a beacon signal is performed between the communication device and the detection device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technical field of wireless communication using beacon signals, improvement in the accuracy of position information is desired.

[0005] The present invention provides a management system, a management method, and a program capable of improving the accuracy of position information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A management system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first communication device having a first communication unit that wirelessly transmits information using beacon signals and a tag information acquisition unit that acquires tag information indicating identification information of an article; a second communication device attached to a lighting fixture installed on the ceiling of a facility and that wirelessly transmits information; an information acquisition unit that acquires first position information indicating the position of the first communication device calculated based on the communication state between the two devices, and the tag information acquired by the tag information acquisition unit; and a storage unit that stores the first position information and the tag information in association.

[0007] A management method according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of acquiring first location information indicating the location of the first communication device, calculated based on the communication state between a first communication device having a first communication unit that wirelessly transmits information using a beacon signal and a tag information acquisition unit that acquires tag information indicating identification information of an article, and a second communication device that is attached to a lighting fixture installed on the ceiling of a facility and wirelessly transmits information, and the tag information acquired by the tag information acquisition unit, and storing the first location information and the tag information in association.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-described management method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a management system, a management method, and a program that can improve the accuracy of location information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the space to which the management system according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the lighting fixture in the management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4]Figure 4 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit when registering the storage location of an item. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit when the storage location of an item is retrieved. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit when the storage location of an item is retrieved. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system when registering the storage location of an item. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system when retrieving the storage location of an item. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the management system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management system 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the space to which the management system 10 according to the embodiment is applied. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the lighting fixture 20 of the management system 10 according to the embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the management system 10 is applied to a space within a facility such as a storage facility for articles 300. The management system 10 can manage the position of the article 300 by using, for example, a beacon signal transmitted by a transmission unit 23 provided in the lighting fixture 20 and the tag information of a tag 310 attached to the article 300. For example, when the management system 10 stores an automobile as the article 300 in a large parking lot for a certain period or longer, it is a system that enables the easy search for the automobile after a certain period or longer by managing the storage position of the automobile. In the present embodiment, the management system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a mobile terminal 40, a gateway device 50, and a management server 60. The management system 10 only needs to include at least one lighting fixture 20. Note that the transmission unit 23 is an example of the "second communication device" of the present invention. Further, the mobile terminal 40 is an example of the "first communication device" of the present invention.

[0015] First, the lighting fixture 20 will be described. The lighting fixture 20 is installed, for example, on the ceiling 500 of the space within the facility. The plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other. The lighting fixture 20 is a base light that illuminates the space within the facility. The form of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and it may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Specifically, the lighting fixture 20 includes a lighting unit 21, a communication unit 22, a transmission unit 23, an information processing unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0016] The lighting unit 21 emits light using electric power supplied from a system power source. The light emitted by the lighting unit 21 is, for example, white light. The lighting unit 21 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0017] The communication unit 22 is a communication circuit for the lighting fixture 20 to connect to a wide - area communication network 90 such as the Internet via the gateway device 50. The communication unit 22 may be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, or a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication.

[0018] The transmission unit 23 performs wireless communication using a beacon signal. Specifically, the transmission unit 23 periodically transmits a beacon signal (which may also be called an advertisement signal, etc.). The beacon signal includes, for example, the identification information of the transmission unit 23. The transmission unit 23 is a wireless communication circuit that transmits a beacon signal according to a communication protocol (communication standard) such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). When the communication unit 22 is a wireless communication circuit, the communication unit 22 and the transmission unit 23 can be realized by a common wireless communication circuit (such as a communication module or a communication chip).

[0019] The information processing unit 24 performs information processing related to the control of the lighting unit 21 and the communication unit 22, as well as the control of the transmission unit 23 (beacon signal). The information processing unit 24 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 24 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 24 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 25.

[0020] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above - mentioned information processing. The information stored in the storage unit 25 includes the computer program executed by the information processing unit 24. The storage unit 25 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the lighting fixture 20 includes a fixture body 201 that is attached to the ceiling 500 and a cover 202 that is attached to the fixture body 201. The cover 202 covers the lighting unit 21. The transmitter 23 is attached to the fixture body 201, for example. In this embodiment, the transmitter 23 is covered by the cover 202. In other words, the transmitter 23 is housed in the lighting fixture 20.

[0022] Furthermore, providing the transmitting unit 23 as a beacon transmitter on the lighting fixture 20 offers the following advantages: Since the lighting fixtures 20 are installed comprehensively at roughly equal intervals on the ceiling 500, providing the transmitting unit 23 as a beacon transmitter on the lighting fixture 20 has the advantage of naturally ensuring comprehensive placement of beacon transmitters. Also, since the lighting fixtures 20 are installed on the ceiling 500, where there are few obstacles, providing the transmitting unit 23 as a beacon transmitter on the lighting fixture 20 has the advantage of fewer obstacles to the beacon signal (radio waves). In addition, when installing a separate, dedicated beacon transmitter from the lighting fixture 20, power supply to the beacon transmitter (wiring of power lines) becomes an issue, but when providing the transmitting unit 23 as a beacon transmitter on the lighting fixture 20, power supply does not need to be considered, which is an advantage.

[0023] Next, the mobile terminal 40 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the mobile terminal 40 communicates wirelessly using beacon signals. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 40 is a portable information terminal carried by a manager who visits a facility where lighting fixtures 20 are installed (such as the storage facility shown in Figure 2). The manager is, for example, a person who manages items 300 and stores items 300 in the facility for a certain period of time. The mobile terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Specifically, the mobile terminal 40 comprises an operation reception unit 41, a display unit 42, a receiving unit 43, an information processing unit 44, a communication unit 45, a reading unit 46, and a storage unit 47. The receiving unit 43 is an example of the "first communication unit" of the present invention.

[0024] The operation reception unit 41 receives operations from the administrator. For example, the operation reception unit 41 receives input operations regarding information about item 300. This information about item 300 may be, for example, the item name (or product name) or product code. The operation reception unit 41 is specifically implemented by a touch panel or the like.

[0025] The display unit 42 is a display that shows images for the administrator to view. The display unit 42 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0026] The receiving unit 43 receives the beacon signal emitted by the lighting fixture 20. Specifically, the receiving unit 43 is a wireless communication circuit that receives the beacon signal in accordance with a communication protocol (communication standard) such as BLE.

[0027] The communication unit 45 is a communication circuit for the mobile terminal 40 to connect to a wide-area communication network 90 such as the Internet. The communication unit 45 enables the mobile terminal 40 to communicate with the management server 60. The communication unit 45 may be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication or a wired communication circuit for wired communication.

[0028] The reading unit 46 is a device that reads tag information indicating the identification information of the article 300. Specifically, the reading unit 46 is a tag reader that reads tag information indicating the identification information of the article 300 to be stored. The reading unit 46 is, for example, an imaging unit (camera) that optically reads the tag information. The reading method of the reading unit 46 is not particularly limited. The reading unit 46 may be, for example, a communication device that reads the tag information by wireless communication compliant with a short-range wireless communication standard, i.e., NFC (Near Field Communication). The tag information includes, for example, the article name (or product name) or product code. The tag information is also provided, for example, on a tag 310 attached to the article 300 to be stored. The tag information may be, for example, a two-dimensional code or barcode printed on the tag 310, or it may be stored in an NFC chip built into the tag 310.

[0029] In this embodiment, the reading unit 46 reads the tag information of a tag 310 placed inside or outside an article 300 that is made of metal in at least part of it. Specifically, in this embodiment, the reading unit 46 reads the tag information of a tag 310 attached to the surface of an article 300, such as an automobile.

[0030] In this embodiment, the reading unit 46 and the receiving unit 43 are built into the mobile terminal 40, but the reading unit 46 and the receiving unit 43 do not necessarily have to be built into the mobile terminal 40. In other words, the reading unit 46 and the receiving unit 43 are formed as a single unit, but the reading unit 46 and the receiving unit 43 may be formed as separate units.

[0031] The information processing unit 44 outputs to the management server 60, via the communication unit 45, first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40 (specifically, its current location), or information for calculating the first location information. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 44 transmits to the management server 60, via the communication unit 45, information for calculating the first location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 40. Specifically, the mobile terminal 40 transmits to the management server 60 information indicating the received strength of the beacon signal from the transmitting unit 23. In other words, the mobile terminal 40 transmits to the management server 60 the identification information of the transmitting unit 23 included in the beacon signal received by the receiving unit 43, and strength information indicating the strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving unit 43. The information processing unit 44 may also transmit to the management server 60, via the communication unit 45, first location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 40. In this case, the information processing unit 44 may calculate the first location information based on the identification information of the transmitting unit 23 included in the beacon signal received by the receiving unit 43, and information indicating the strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving unit 43. The information processing unit 44 may then transmit the calculated first position information to the management server 60.

[0032] Furthermore, the information processing unit 44 performs information processing to acquire tag information and transmit the tag information to the management server 60 via the communication unit 45. The information processing unit 44 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 44 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 47 by the hardware, such as the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 44. The information processing unit 44 includes a tag information acquisition unit 48 as a functional component.

[0033] The tag information acquisition unit 48 acquires tag information. In this embodiment, the tag information acquisition unit 48 acquires the tag information read by the reading unit 46. Alternatively, instead of the reading unit 46 reading the tag information, the administrator may input tag information such as the product name into the operation reception unit 41. In this case, the tag information acquisition unit 48 acquires the tag information input into the operation reception unit 41.

[0034] The memory unit 47 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing. The information stored in the memory unit 47 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 44. The computer programs are, for example, so-called application programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as apps) that are pre-installed in the memory unit 47 by an administrator. The memory unit 47 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0035] Next, the gateway device 50 and the management server 60 will be described. The gateway device 50 is a communication device that allows each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to connect to the wide-area communication network 90. ​​Note that if each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 has the functionality of the gateway device 50, the management system 10 does not need to have the gateway device 50.

[0036] In this embodiment, the management server 60 is a cloud server for managing the storage locations of items 300 stored in the facility. The management server 60 acquires first location information and tag information from the mobile terminal 40, and stores the first location information and tag information in association with each other. Specifically, the management server 60 comprises a communication unit 61, an information processing unit 62, and a storage unit 63.

[0037] The communication unit 61 is a communication circuit for the management server 60 to communicate with each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 via the wide-area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 61 may be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication or a wired communication circuit for wired communication.

[0038] The information processing unit 62 performs information processing to acquire the first location information of the mobile terminal 40 and the tag information of the item 300, associate the first location information and the tag information and store them in the storage unit 63, and output the information stored in the storage unit 63. The information processing unit 62 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 62 includes an information acquisition unit 64 and an output unit 66 as functional components.

[0039] The information acquisition unit 64 acquires tag information transmitted from the mobile terminal 40. The information acquisition unit 64 also acquires first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 64 acquires first location information by calculating first location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 40 based on the identification information of the transmitting unit 23 included in the beacon signal received by the communication unit 61 from the mobile terminal 40 and information indicating the strength of the beacon signal.

[0040] The information acquisition unit 64 then associates the tag information with the first location information and stores it in the storage unit 63. This associates the item 300 with its storage location, making it possible to manage the storage location of the item 300.

[0041] The output unit 66, for example, associates the tag information acquired by the information acquisition unit 64 with the first location information and outputs it. Specifically, the output unit 66 associates the first location information and tag information stored in the storage unit 63 and transmits it to the mobile terminal 40 via the communication unit 61. As a result, an image showing the storage location of the item 300 is displayed on the display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 40. The image displayed on the display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 40 will be described later. In this embodiment, the output unit 66 also transmits the first location information, tag information, and facility map information to the mobile terminal 40 via the communication unit 61. The output unit 66 may also output the first location information and tag information to a device other than the mobile terminal 40.

[0042] The functions of the information acquisition unit 64 and the output unit 66 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 63 by the hardware, such as a microcomputer or processor, that constitutes the information processing unit 62.

[0043] The memory unit 63 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above-mentioned information processing. The information stored in the memory unit 63 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 62. The memory unit 63 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory.

[0044] The memory unit 63 stores the tag information acquired by the information acquisition unit 64 in association with the first location information.

[0045] Furthermore, the memory unit 63 stores map information of the facility. The memory unit 63 also stores beacon management information. The beacon management information includes, for example, identification information of the lighting fixtures 20, the installation location of the lighting fixtures 20, and identification information of the transmitter 23. In other words, the beacon management information is information that links the installation location of each lighting fixture 20 with the identification information of the transmitter 23 that emits the beacon signal equipped in each lighting fixture 20.

[0046] Next, with reference to Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, the images displayed on the display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 40 will be explained. First, with reference to Figure 4, the images displayed on the display unit 42 when storing the item 300 within the facility (when registering the storage location of the item 300) will be explained. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of image i40 displayed on the display unit 42 when registering the storage location of the item 300.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the display unit 42 displays an image i40. Image i40 is an image used by the administrator holding the mobile terminal 40 to register the storage location of the item 300. Image i40 includes, for example, a message field i40a and a read start button i40b. The message field i40a displays, for example, a message prompting the administrator to read the tag information of the item 300 to be stored. Specifically, the message field i40a displays, for example, the message "Please read the tag information."

[0048] The read start button i40b is an image indicating a button to start reading tag information. For example, "Start Reading" may be displayed on the read start button i40b. When the read start button i40b is touched by the administrator, the reading unit 46 performs the reading of tag information. Alternatively, the read start button i40b may not be displayed, and the reading unit 46 may automatically perform the reading after the message field i40a is displayed.

[0049] Additionally, a message prompting the user to enter tag information may be displayed in the message field i40a. In this case, instead of the start reading button i40b, an input field for the administrator to enter tag information may be displayed. Furthermore, when the reading or input of tag information is complete, image i40 may display an image indicating that the reading or input of tag information is complete.

[0050] Next, with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, the images displayed on the display unit 42 when the administrator searches for the item 300 (when calling up the storage location of the item 300) will be described. Figure 5A is a diagram showing an example of image i41 displayed on the display unit 42 when calling up the storage location of the item 300. Figure 5B is a diagram showing an example of image i42 displayed on the display unit 42 when calling up the storage location of the item 300. In this embodiment, the administrator calling up the storage location of the item 300 is the same as the administrator who stored the item 300, but it may be different. Also, in this embodiment, the portable terminal 40 used when calling up the storage location of the item 300 is the same as the portable terminal 40 used when storing the item 300, but it may be different.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5A, the display unit 42 displays an image i41. Image i41 is an image used by the administrator to find the item 300. Image i41 includes, for example, an input field i41a and a message field i41b. The input field i41a displays a message prompting the administrator to enter the tag information of the item 300 to be found. Specifically, the input field i41a displays a message such as "Please enter the tag information." The input field i41a can also be used to input text by the administrator by touching it. Specifically, the administrator enters the item name (product name) or product code of the target item 300 into the input field i41a. As a result, the information entered by the administrator is displayed in the input field i41a. Alternatively, the administrator may enter tag information by reading printed materials and / or images related to the item 300, instead of entering text such as the item name.

[0052] The message field i41b displays, for example, the storage location of item 300 corresponding to the tag information entered in input field i41a. Specifically, the message field i41b displays a message such as, "It's in area A on the second floor."

[0053] As shown in Figure 5B, after a message is displayed in the message field i41b and a predetermined time has elapsed, image i42 is displayed on the display unit 42. Alternatively, image i41 may display a button for switching the display on the display unit 42 from image i41 to image i42, and image i42 may be displayed on the display unit 42 when the administrator touches this button.

[0054] Image i42 includes, for example, a map image i42a and a message field i42b.

[0055] Map image i42a includes, for example, images showing part or all of a facility. Specifically, map image i42a includes, for example, images showing areas, rooms, and corridors of a facility.

[0056] Furthermore, the map image i42a includes, for example, a storage location image i42c. The storage location image i42c is an image showing the storage location of the item 300. Specifically, the storage location image i42c is an image showing the storage location of the item 300 corresponding to the tag information (item name, product code, etc.) entered by the administrator in the input field i41a. In this embodiment, an image i42d showing a storage location such as "Area A" and an image i42e showing an item name such as "Item B" are displayed near the storage location image i42c.

[0057] The message field i42b displays information about the storage location of item 300, for example. Specifically, the message field i42b displays a message such as "2nd floor" or "Area A".

[0058] In this embodiment, image i42 is displayed on the display unit 42 as a separate image from image i41, but it may also be displayed on the display unit 42 as part of image i41.

[0059] Next, an example of the operation of the management system 10 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The operation of the management system 10 includes the operation when the administrator registers the storage location of the item 300 and the operation when the administrator retrieves the storage location of the item 300.

[0060] First, with reference to Figure 6, an example of the operation of the management system 10 when an administrator registers the storage location of item 300 will be explained. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system 10 when registering the storage location of item 300.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, in step S11, the administrator places (stores) the items 300 to be stored in a designated location within the facility. The administrator then operates a button (not shown) on the mobile terminal 40 to run the management application. As a result, the information processing unit 44 of the mobile terminal 40 starts the management application. Then, the image i40 is displayed on the display unit 42.

[0062] Next, in step S12, the reading unit 46 reads the tag information. Specifically, the administrator reads the tag information of the item 300 using the reading unit 46 of the mobile terminal 40.

[0063] Next, in step S13, the transmitting unit 23 of the lighting fixture 20 transmits a beacon signal.

[0064] Next, in step S14, the mobile terminal 40 measures the received strength of beacon signals from the transmitters 23 of the multiple lighting fixtures 20. Specifically, the receiver 43 of the mobile terminal 40 receives beacon signals from the transmitters 23 of one or more lighting fixtures 20. The information processing unit 44 of the mobile terminal 40 calculates the strength of the beacon signals received by the receiver 43.

[0065] Next, in step S15, the information processing unit 44 of the mobile terminal 40 transmits to the management server 60 via the communication unit 45 the tag information, the identification information of the transmitting unit 23 included in the beacon signal received by the receiving unit 43, and the strength information indicating the strength of the beacon signal, associating them together. As a result, the information acquisition unit 64 of the information processing unit 62 of the management server 60 acquires the tag information, identification information, and strength information. The storage unit 63 then stores the tag information, identification information, and strength information as associated together. Step S15 is an example of the "acquisition step" of the present invention.

[0066] Next, in step S16, the information processing unit 62 of the management server 60 reads the location information of each transmitting unit 23 (installation location information of each lighting fixture 20) from the storage unit 63. At the same time, the information processing unit 62 also reads the strength information of the beacon signal from each transmitting unit 23.

[0067] Next, in step S17, the information acquisition unit 64 of the information processing unit 62 acquires first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 64 of the information processing unit 62 calculates the current location of the mobile terminal 40 based on the location information and reception strength of each transmitting unit 23. In other words, the information processing unit 62 calculates the storage location of the article 300. Note that step S17 is an example of an "acquisition step" in the present invention.

[0068] Next, in step S18, the information processing unit 62 associates the current location (first location information) of the mobile terminal 40 as the storage location of the item 300 with the tag information and stores it in the storage unit 63.

[0069] In this way, the sequence shown in Figure 6 is executed. After step S18, the information processing unit 62 may send information to the mobile terminal 40 indicating that the process of associating and storing the first location information and tag information has been completed. The display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 40 may then display a message indicating that the registration process for the storage location of the item 300 has been completed.

[0070] Next, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the operation of the management system 10 when the administrator retrieves the storage location of item 300 will be described. Note that when the administrator retrieves the storage location of item 300, the administrator may be inside the facility or outside the facility (for example, in a location other than the facility). Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system 10 when the storage location of item 300 is retrieved.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, in step S21, the mobile terminal 40 receives input of tag information for the item 300. Specifically, when the administrator searches for the stored item 300, they perform a predetermined operation to display image i41, and image i41 is displayed on the display unit 42. The administrator then enters tag information, such as the item name of the item 300, into the input field i41a of image i41. As a result, the operation reception unit 41 of the mobile terminal 40 receives the tag information input from the administrator. At this time, the administrator may input the tag information by, for example, reading printed materials and / or images related to the item 300.

[0072] Next, in step S22, the mobile terminal 40 transmits the tag information of the item 300 to the management server 60. Specifically, the information processing unit 44 of the mobile terminal 40 transmits the tag information received by the operation reception unit 41 to the management server 60 via the communication unit 45.

[0073] Next, in step S23, the information processing unit 62 of the management server 60 reads the first location information corresponding to the tag information received in step S22 from the storage unit 63. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 62 reads the first location information and the facility map information.

[0074] Next, in step S24, the information processing unit 62 transmits (outputs) the first location information to the mobile terminal 40 via the communication unit 61. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 62 associates the first location information with tag information and transmits (outputs) it to the mobile terminal 40. The information processing unit 62 also transmits (outputs) facility map information to the mobile terminal 40.

[0075] Next, in step S25, the information processing unit 44 displays the first location information as location information of the item 300 on the display unit 42. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 44 displays on the display unit 42 an image i42c showing the first location information as the storage location of the item 300, an image i42e showing tag information, and a map image i42a of the facility. This allows the administrator to easily find the desired item 300.

[0076] In this embodiment, an example was described in which, in step S24, the information processing unit 62 associates the first location information stored in the storage unit 63 with the tag information and transmits (outputs) it to the mobile terminal 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing unit 62 may transmit the first location information stored in the storage unit 63 to the mobile terminal 40, but may not transmit the tag information to the mobile terminal 40.

[0077] As described above, the management system 10 includes an information acquisition unit 64 that acquires first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40 and tag information acquired by the tag information acquisition unit 48, and a storage unit 63 that stores the first location information and tag information in association. The first location information is calculated based on the communication status between the mobile terminal 40, which has a receiving unit 43 that wirelessly transmits information using beacon signals and a tag information acquisition unit 48 that acquires tag information, and an output unit 66 that is attached to a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500 of the facility and wirelessly transmits information.

[0078] Such a management system 10 can improve the accuracy of location information. Specifically, for example, if the transmitting unit 23 is installed on a shelf or side wall (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "shelf, etc."), the beacon signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 23 may be shielded or reflected by the shelf, etc., causing communication between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitting unit 23 to be interrupted or affected by reflected noise. As a result, the accuracy of the first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40, which is calculated based on the communication state between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitting unit 23, decreases. On the other hand, in the management system 10 of this embodiment, the transmitting unit 23 is installed on a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500, so that the beacon signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 23 is not shielded or reflected by the shelf, etc. As a result, the accuracy of the first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40, which is calculated based on the communication state between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitting unit 23, can be improved.

[0079] Furthermore, if the transmitter 23 is installed on a shelf or the like, for example, a person may come into contact with the transmitter 23, causing its position to shift. In this case, the accuracy of the first position information decreases. On the other hand, the management system 10 of this embodiment can suppress contact between people and the transmitter 23, thereby suppressing the shifting of the transmitter 23's position. This prevents a decrease in the accuracy of the first position information.

[0080] Furthermore, the management system 10 stores a first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40 and the tag information of the item 300 in association. This allows the location of the mobile terminal 40 (first location information) as the storage location of the item 300 to be stored in association with the tag information of the item 300. Therefore, the storage location of the item 300 can be easily managed. In addition, when an administrator searches for an item 300 that was stored, the storage location of the item 300 can be retrieved based on the tag information, so the administrator can easily find the item 300.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, the mobile terminal 40 has a reading unit 46 that reads tag information, and the tag information acquisition unit 48 acquires the tag information read by the reading unit 46. The reading unit 46 reads the tag information of a tag 310 placed inside or outside an article 300 which is made of metal in at least part of it.

[0082] Thus, when the tag 310 is placed inside or outside an article 300 made of metal, the article 300 itself can act as an obstruction. However, in this embodiment, even when the tag 310 is placed inside or outside an article 300 made of metal, the article 300 can be prevented from acting as an obstruction by providing the transmitting unit 23 on the lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500. Therefore, applying the present invention when the tag 310 is placed inside or outside an article 300 made of metal is particularly effective. Furthermore, for example, by moving the mobile terminal 40 to a position slightly away from the article 300, the obstruction effect of the article 300 can be easily reduced. This makes it easy to prevent communication between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitting unit 23 from becoming impossible.

[0083] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0084] Invention 1 is a management system 10 comprising: a portable terminal 40 having a receiving unit 43 that wirelessly transmits information using a beacon signal and a tag information acquisition unit 48 that acquires tag information indicating identification information of an article 300; an output unit 66 that is attached to a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500 of a facility and wirelessly transmits information; an information acquisition unit 64 that acquires first location information indicating the location of the portable terminal 40 calculated based on the communication state between the portable terminal 40 and the tag information acquired by the tag information acquisition unit 48; and a storage unit 63 that stores the first location information and the tag information in association.

[0085] Such a management system 10 can improve the accuracy of location information. Specifically, for example, if the transmitting unit 23 is installed on a shelf or side wall, the beacon signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 23 may be shielded or reflected by the shelf or other object, causing communication between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitting unit 23 to be interrupted or affected by reflected noise. As a result, the accuracy of the first location information indicating the position of the mobile terminal 40, which is calculated based on the communication state between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitting unit 23, decreases. On the other hand, in the management system 10 of Invention 1, the transmitting unit 23 is installed on a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500, so that the beacon signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 23 is not shielded or reflected by the shelf or other object. As a result, the accuracy of the first location information indicating the position of the mobile terminal 40, which is calculated based on the communication state between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitting unit 23, can be improved.

[0086] Furthermore, the management system 10 stores a first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40 and the tag information of the item 300 in association. This allows the location of the mobile terminal 40 (first location information) as the storage location of the item 300 to be stored in association with the tag information of the item 300. Therefore, the storage location of the item 300 can be easily managed.

[0087] Invention 2 is a management system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the mobile terminal 40 has a reading unit 46 that reads tag information, a tag information acquisition unit 48 acquires the tag information read by the reading unit 46, and the reading unit 46 reads the tag information of a tag 310 placed inside or outside an article 300 which is made of metal in at least part of it.

[0088] Thus, when the tag 310 is placed inside or outside an article 300 made of metal, the article 300 itself can act as an obstruction. However, in Invention 2, even when the tag 310 is placed inside or outside an article 300 made of metal, the article 300 can be prevented from acting as an obstruction by providing a transmitter 23 (second communication device) on a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500. Therefore, applying the present invention when the tag 310 is placed inside or outside an article 300 made of metal is particularly effective.

[0089] Invention 3 is a management method comprising the steps S15 and S17 of acquiring first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40, calculated based on the communication state between a mobile terminal 40 having a receiving unit 43 that wirelessly transmits a beacon signal and a tag information acquisition unit 48 that acquires tag information indicating identification information of an article 300, and an output unit 66 that is attached to a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500 of a facility and wirelessly transmits a signal, and tag information acquired by the tag information acquisition unit 48, and the step S18 of associating and storing the first location information and the tag information.

[0090] This management method can improve the accuracy of location information. Specifically, for example, if the transmitter 23 is installed on a shelf or side wall, the beacon signal transmitted from the transmitter 23 may be shielded or reflected by the shelf or other object, causing communication between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitter 23 to be interrupted or affected by reflected noise. As a result, the accuracy of the first location information indicating the position of the mobile terminal 40, which is calculated based on the communication state between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitter 23, decreases. On the other hand, in the management method of Invention 3, the transmitter 23 is installed on a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500, so that the beacon signal transmitted from the transmitter 23 is not shielded or reflected by the shelf or other object. As a result, the accuracy of the first location information indicating the position of the mobile terminal 40, which is calculated based on the communication state between the mobile terminal 40 and the transmitter 23, can be improved.

[0091] Furthermore, the management system 10 stores a first location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 40 and the tag information of the item 300 in association. This allows the location of the mobile terminal 40 (first location information) as the storage location of the item 300 to be stored in association with the tag information of the item 300. Therefore, the storage location of the item 300 can be easily managed.

[0092] Invention 4 is a program that causes a computer to execute the management method of Invention 3.

[0093] Such a program can improve the accuracy of location information.

[0094] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0095] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which a second communication device provided on a lighting fixture 20 installed on the ceiling 500 transmits a beacon signal and a first communication device receives the beacon signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a first communication device such as a smartphone may transmit a beacon signal and a second communication device such as a receiver provided on the lighting fixture 20 may receive the beacon signal.

[0096] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the mobile terminal 40 transmits identification information and intensity information to the management server 60, and the management server 60 calculates the current location of the mobile terminal 40 based on the identification information and intensity information, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the mobile terminal 40 calculates its current location based on the identification information and intensity information, the mobile terminal 40 may transmit current location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 40 to the management server 60.

[0097] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the management system 10 manages the storage location of an automobile, the present invention is not limited thereto. The articles 300 managed by the management system 10 are not particularly limited. For example, the management system 10 may manage the storage location of products (articles) in a factory, or the storage location of medical equipment (articles) in a hospital.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when an administrator retrieves the storage location of the item 300 shown in Figure 7, if the administrator possessing the mobile terminal 40 is inside the facility (or has entered the facility), the current location of the mobile terminal 40 may be newly acquired using a beacon signal, and the current location of the mobile terminal 40 may be displayed on the display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 40. Specifically, if the administrator possessing the mobile terminal 40 is inside the facility (or has entered the facility), for example, the current location of the mobile terminal 40 may be newly calculated in the same manner as in steps S13 to S17 shown in Figure 6, and the calculated current location of the mobile terminal 40 may be transmitted from the management server 60 to the mobile terminal 40 and displayed on the display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 40. With this configuration, the current location of the mobile terminal 40 and the storage location of the item 300 can be displayed on the display unit 42 of the mobile terminal 40, making it easier to find the desired item 300.

[0099] Furthermore, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0102] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0103] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0104] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a management system, management server, lighting fixture, or mobile terminal as described in the above embodiment. The present invention may also be implemented as a method executed by a computer. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method, or as a non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such programs include application programs for causing a general-purpose information terminal (computer) to function as a setting terminal as described in the above embodiment, and application programs installed on a mobile terminal.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment as conceived by those skilled in the art, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10 Management Systems 20 Lighting fixtures 23 Transmitter (Second Communication Device) 40. Mobile terminal (first communication device) 43 Receiving Unit (First Communication Unit) 46 Reading section 48 Tag Information Acquisition Unit 63 Memory section 64 Information Acquisition Department 300 Goods 310 tags 500 ceiling Steps S15 and S17 (Steps to obtain) S18 Step (Step to remember)

Claims

1. A first communication device having a first communication unit that wirelessly transmits information using beacon signals and a tag information acquisition unit that acquires tag information indicating identification information of an item, and a second communication device attached to a lighting fixture installed on the ceiling of a facility and wirelessly transmits information, wherein first position information indicating the position of the first communication device is calculated based on the communication status between the two devices, The tag information obtained by the tag information acquisition unit, Information acquisition unit that acquires information, A storage unit that stores the first location information and the tag information in association, Equipped with, Management system.

2. The first communication device has a reading unit for reading the tag information, The tag information acquisition unit acquires the tag information read by the reading unit, The reading unit reads the tag information of a tag placed inside or outside the article, which is made of metal in at least part of it. The management system according to claim 1.

3. A first communication device having a first communication unit that wirelessly transmits information using beacon signals and a tag information acquisition unit that acquires tag information indicating identification information of an item, and a second communication device attached to a lighting fixture installed on the ceiling of a facility and wirelessly transmits information, wherein first position information indicating the position of the first communication device is calculated based on the communication status between the two devices, The tag information obtained by the tag information acquisition unit, Steps to obtain, The steps include: storing the first location information and the tag information in association; including, Management method.

4. A program that causes a computer to execute the management method described in claim 3.

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