beacon-based processing execution system
The processing execution system extends the execution time of mobile device processes by using multiple beacon signals with unique content and a command unit to manage the processing state, ensuring reliable and efficient execution of tasks like door unlocking, addressing uncertainty and inconvenience in conventional systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- OPTEX CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Conventional beacon-based systems for unlocking doors or performing processes on mobile devices face uncertainty and inconvenience due to applications stopping unexpectedly if a certain time has passed since receiving a beacon signal, even if the signal is received again, leading to potential failure in executing predetermined processes.
A processing execution system that extends the execution time of a predetermined process on a mobile terminal by receiving multiple beacon information with different content, determining each as unique, and setting a fixed time frame for execution, allowing the system to maintain the process as long as the mobile device remains within the beacon's range, and includes a mobile terminal with a processing unit that can be in an execution or stopped state, a receiver, a storage unit, and a command unit to manage the process.
Ensures reliable and efficient execution of processes by preventing unexpected stops, reducing resource usage, and allowing seamless door unlocking or other processes by maintaining the processing state even if the user is temporarily stopped near the door, thus enhancing convenience and security.
Smart Images

Figure 2026114277000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a processing execution system that receives beacon information transmitted from a beacon by a mobile terminal and executes a predetermined process such as unlocking a door.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, in a door equipped with an unlocking device, when a communication is made between a mobile terminal carried by a person permitted to pass and a beacon provided in the unlocking device, and it is determined that the person permitted to pass has approached the vicinity of the door based on the intensity of the received beacon signal, a system has been considered in which an unlocking signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal to the unlocking device to automatically unlock the door.
[0003] If it is such a system, while ensuring security, the door is automatically unlocked just by approaching, and it is possible to pass through the door hands-free, so the convenience is improved.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] By the way, in such a system, an application that starts when a beacon signal is received and transmits an unlocking signal must be installed on the mobile terminal side.
[0006] ]>However, the aforementioned application may stop if a certain amount of time has passed since receiving a beacon signal, even if the same beacon signal is received again during that time. When this happens, for example, if a person authorized to pass through is stopped near the door or for some other unforeseen reason, the application may stop, potentially preventing the door from being unlocked. In other words, conventional systems still suffer from the problem of uncertainty in processing execution.
[0007] Of course, unlocking is possible if the user with the permission to pass restarts the application, or if the user leaves the beacon signal range and then re-enters, as this will also restart the application. However, this presents problems in terms of convenience.
[0008] Furthermore, the aforementioned problems apply not only to the process of unlocking a door, but also to various processes using applications on mobile devices.
[0009] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main objective is to improve the reliability and convenience of executing a predetermined process on a mobile terminal using a beacon. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] In other words, the present invention has the following configuration. [1] A processing execution system comprising a target beacon and a mobile terminal that performs predetermined processing when it is determined that the received beacon information originated from the target beacon, The aforementioned mobile terminal is configured to stop executing the predetermined process after a certain period of time has elapsed since receiving the beacon information, even if it receives beacon information that is determined to be the same during that time. The receiving beacon transmits multiple beacon information, each with different content, in sequence, and the time between the start of transmission of one beacon information and the start of transmission of the next beacon information is set to be within the aforementioned certain time frame. The processing execution system is further characterized in that when the mobile terminal receives one of the plurality of beacon information, it determines that the beacon information is from the receiving target beacon and starts executing the predetermined process, and determines that each beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon is a different beacon information.
[0011] (Purpose) In this configuration, when a mobile terminal receives any beacon information transmitted from a target beacon, it begins executing a predetermined process. Thereafter, each time it receives a succession of beacon signals, it determines them to be different beacon information, and the execution of the predetermined process is extended by the aforementioned fixed time each time. In this way, as long as the mobile device remains within range of receiving beacon information from the target beacon, the aforementioned fixed time limit, which is the execution time limit for the predetermined process, is extended, thus preventing the execution of the predetermined process from unexpectedly stopping.
[0012] [2] The aforementioned mobile terminal is A processing unit that takes on two states: an execution state in which the predetermined process is performed, or a stopped state in which the execution of the predetermined process is stopped. A receiver unit that receives beacon information, A first storage unit that stores one or more registration information, The system includes a command unit that determines whether any of the registration information stored in the first storage unit matches the received beacon information, and if it determines that they match, it puts the processing unit into an execution state for a certain period of time, while, once the certain period of time has elapsed, even if beacon information that is determined to match the same registration information is received during that time, it puts the processing unit into a stopped state, The first storage unit stores registration information (hereinafter also referred to as initial registration information) that can be determined to match any of the beacon information transmitted by the target beacon. When the command unit determines that the received beacon information matches the initial registration information, it determines that the beacon information is from the target beacon and puts the processing unit into an execution state for a certain period of time. In the execution state, the processing unit, in addition to the predetermined processing, adds and stores each beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon as new registration information in the first storage unit. The processing execution system according to [1], characterized in that each time the command unit receives switched beacon information, it determines that it has received beacon information that matches different registered information, and extends the execution state of the processing unit for a certain period of time.
[0013] (Purpose) This configuration allows for concrete implementation. Furthermore, since the registration information is dynamically changed, even if there are many target beacons, it is not necessary to store multiple beacon information transmitted from each of those target beacons as registration information in the first storage unit at once, nor is it necessary to compare the received beacon information with a large amount of registration information. Therefore, the resources and processing required for that purpose are eliminated, and beacon information can be received efficiently.
[0014] [3] The receiving beacon transmits multiple beacon information that has been changed according to certain rules [1] or [2], according to the processing execution system described above. (Purpose) With this approach, it is not necessary to register all the beacon information transmitted by the target beacon as registered information; the information can be calculated according to the aforementioned rules, thus further reducing resources. [4] The multiple beacon information transmitted by the aforementioned receiving beacon each has a common part that has the same content and a different part that has different content from each other. When the received beacon information contains the common part, the mobile terminal determines that the beacon information is from the target beacon to be received and starts executing the predetermined process, and determines each beacon information transmitted by the target beacon to be received as different beacon information, which is characterized in that it is the processing execution system according to [1], [2] or [3]. (Gist) If it is such a thing, it is possible to determine whether or not the beacon information is from the target beacon to be received without using a complicated algorithm, which can contribute to resource reduction and faster calculation.
[0015] [5] It is a processing execution system used together with a door unlocking device that unlocks the door when receiving a predetermined unlocking signal. The predetermined process is to transmit the unlocking signal to the door unlocking device, which is the processing execution system according to [1], [2], [3] or [4]. (Gist) If it is such a thing, the problem that the door cannot be unlocked can be solved, so the effect of the present invention becomes remarkable. [6] With the door as the starting point, a first range where beacon information can be received by the mobile terminal and a second range closer to the door than this first range are set. When the mobile terminal enters the first range, the predetermined process is configured to be executed. The predetermined process is to prepare for transmitting the unlocking signal when the mobile terminal enters the first range, and to transmit the unlocking signal to the door unlocking device when entering the second range, which is the processing execution system according to [5].
[0016] (Gist) With this configuration, in the first range far from the door, preparatory processing before unlocking takes a certain amount of time, such as authenticating whether the holder of the mobile device is authorized to pass through using, for example, internet communication with a server device, and sending an unlock signal from the server device to the mobile device if authenticated. As a result, when the user enters the second range closer to the door, the mobile device can immediately send an unlock signal, allowing the authorized user with the mobile device to pass through the door smoothly. Furthermore, even if a person with a passport permit fails to enter the second zone due to unforeseen circumstances and remains in the first zone for an extended period, the mobile device maintains its processing state. Therefore, even if they subsequently enter the second zone, an unlocking signal will be immediately transmitted, allowing the person carrying the mobile device to pass through the door smoothly.
[0017] [7] The processing execution system according to [6], characterized in that if the mobile terminal enters the first range and receives the beacon information, and a predetermined first time limit has elapsed, it is not detected that the mobile terminal has entered the second range, the unlocking signal is disabled or cannot be transmitted. (Purpose) By appropriately setting the first time limit, it is possible to determine that the person remains within the first range and has no intention of passing through the door. In this case, even if the person subsequently enters the second range, the unlocking signal will be disabled or made untransmittable. This ensures convenience while improving security. Preferably, the first time limit is longer than the aforementioned fixed time.
[0018] [8] The processing execution system according to [5] or [6], characterized in that the mobile terminal invalidates or stops transmitting the unlocking signal if the unlocking signal continues to be transmitted beyond the second time limit. (Purpose) The same applies as described above. Since the continued transmission of the unlock signal means that the person remains within the second range, security can be improved while ensuring convenience by appropriately setting the first time limit. The second time limit is the amount of time that a person can remain near the door, and it does not need to be set to be very long, so it may be set to be shorter than the aforementioned fixed time.
[0019] [9] The processing execution system according to [6], characterized in that the mobile terminal detects whether or not the mobile terminal has entered the second range based on the reception strength of the beacon information. (Purpose) With this configuration, the entry of a mobile device into the second range can be detected without the need to install dedicated sensors or other devices.
[0020]
[10] The processing execution system according to any one of [1] to [9], characterized in that the number of beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon is 3 or more. (Purpose) The more different beacon information signals are transmitted during the aforementioned period of time, the less interference from radio waves and other factors can be reduced, thereby improving the stability of the predetermined processing performed by the processing unit. For this purpose, it is preferable that the number of different beacon information signals be three or more.
[0021]
[11] A mobile terminal that sequentially transmits multiple beacon information with different content, and is used with a receiving target beacon that starts transmitting the next beacon information within a certain period of time after the start of transmission of one beacon information, and performs predetermined processing when it determines that the received beacon information was transmitted from the receiving target beacon, After receiving the beacon information, once a certain period of time has elapsed, the system is configured to stop executing the predetermined process even if identical beacon information is received during that time. Furthermore, the mobile terminal is characterized in that, upon receiving one of the plurality of beacon pieces of information, it determines that the beacon piece of information is from the receiving target beacon and starts executing the predetermined process, and determines that each piece of beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon is a different piece of beacon information. (Purpose) This invention also includes such configurations.
[0022]
[12] A program installed in a mobile terminal that sequentially transmits multiple beacon information with different content, and is used with a receiving target beacon that starts transmitting the next beacon information within a certain period of time after the start of transmission of one beacon information, and performs predetermined processing when it is determined that the received beacon information was transmitted from the receiving target beacon, After receiving the beacon information, once a certain period of time has elapsed, even if identical beacon information is received during that time, the execution of the predetermined process will be stopped. A program characterized in that, upon receiving one of the aforementioned plurality of beacon information, it determines that the beacon information is from the receiving target beacon and starts executing the predetermined process, and causes the mobile terminal to perform a function that determines each beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon to be different beacon information. (Purpose) The present invention also includes the configuration described above. [Effects of the Invention]
[0023] According to the present invention configured in this way, as long as the mobile terminal remains within range of receiving beacon information from the target beacon, the aforementioned fixed time, which is the limit on the execution time of the predetermined process, is extended, thereby preventing the execution of the predetermined process from unexpectedly stopping. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0024] [Figure 1] This is a schematic overall diagram of a processing execution system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the beacon information of the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a time chart showing the transmission timing of beacon information in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of the mobile terminal in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the registered information stored in the first storage unit of the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows the beacon information to be received, which is stored in the second storage unit of the same embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the command unit in the same embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the operation of the processing unit in the same embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a time chart showing the relationship between the transmission timing of beacon information in the same embodiment and a certain period of time. [Figure 10] This is a time chart showing the relationship between the transmission timing of the beacon information and a certain period of time, as cited for comparison. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0025] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the processing execution system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment>
[0026] 1. Overview As shown in Figure 1, this processing execution system 100 comprises a receiving target beacon 1 that wirelessly transmits predetermined beacon information, and a mobile terminal 2 that performs predetermined processing when it receives beacon information from the receiving target beacon 1. The receiving beacon 1 in this context is installed near or attached to entrance doors such as doors, gates, or shutters (hereinafter collectively referred to as "doors") used by many people to enter and exit places such as apartment buildings, factories, hospitals, and concert venues, and the mobile terminal 2 is carried by people (residents or contractors) who enter and exit the door. Furthermore, the predetermined processing performed by the mobile terminal 2 includes transmitting a wireless unlocking signal to an unlocking device (not shown) installed on the door when it enters a certain range from the door, thereby automatically unlocking it.
[0027] 2. Receiving beacon 1 The beacon 1 to be received here is a well-known device that emits wireless signals at regular time intervals (e.g., every few seconds), and consists of basic components such as a microcontroller, a signal transmitter (BLE chip in this case), a battery, an antenna, and a housing.
[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the aforementioned wireless signal includes beacon information for identifying each beacon 1.
[0029] Each beacon information transmitted by a single receiving beacon 1 consists of a common part with shared content and a differing part with content that is different from each other. The common part here includes a main identifier that functions as target / non-target identification information to identify whether a beacon is a target beacon 1 or not, and a first sub-identifier that functions as target beacon identification information to identify each target beacon 1. In other words, beacon information transmitted by different target beacons 1 will have different values for this first sub-identifier.
[0030] The aforementioned difference includes a second sub-identifier. This second sub-identifier functions as signal identification information to identify each beacon information transmitted by the receiving beacon 1. Here, the value of this second sub-identifier is set to change according to a certain rule in the order in which the beacon information is transmitted. For example, it is set so that the value of the second sub-identifier increases by 1 in one cycle. Furthermore, the parts of the beacon information that are considered common and different, and which parts of the common section are designated as target / non-target identification information or target beacon identification information, are not limited to those described above and can be configured as appropriate. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, this receiving beacon 1 repeatedly transmits multiple (five in the figure) beacon information with different content, switching between them sequentially at regular intervals.
[0031] 3. Mobile device 2 Next, I will explain mobile device 2. This mobile device 2 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer, and in terms of hardware, it is equipped with a CPU, memory, communication device, display, touch panel, etc.
[0032] Furthermore, in terms of software, the mobile terminal 2, as shown in Figure 4, includes functions such as a receiving unit for receiving the beacon information, a first storage unit for storing one or more registration information, a second storage unit for storing beacon information transmitted by the target beacon 1, a processing unit for executing the predetermined processing, and a command unit for issuing commands to the processing unit to execute the predetermined processing.
[0033] Of these components, the receiving unit, the first storage unit, and the command unit are always in operation as long as the power is on, and are managed by the OS.
[0034] On the other hand, the processing unit is a so-called application installed on the OS, and can take on two states: an execution state in which it performs the predetermined processing, and a stopped state in which it stops operating. The execution state includes a state in which it performs processing in the foreground, which is displayed on the screen and can be input by the user, and a state in which it performs processing in the background, which is not displayed on the screen. The stopped state includes a state in which it is running but in the background and has stopped operating, and a killed state in which it is not running.
[0035] 4. Description of each part of mobile device 2 (1) Receiving unit The receiving unit receives arbitrary beacon information transmitted wirelessly (Figure 7: Step 1), measures its reception strength, and stores this information in a predetermined area of memory managed by the OS.
[0036] (2) First storage unit The first storage unit is located in a predetermined area of memory managed by the OS of the mobile terminal 2. This first storage unit stores registration information that can be compared with the beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon 1.
[0037] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(a), the first area of the first storage unit is registered as initial registration information, in which the first sub-identifier and the second sub-identifier are represented by wildcard characters.
[0038] As will be described later, when any beacon information transmitted by the target beacon 1 is received, the activated processing unit adds all of the beacon information of the target beacon 1 to the second area of the first storage unit as new registration information, as shown in Figure 5(b).
[0039] This first storage unit is configured as main memory or cache memory, and while it offers fast access speeds, there may be a limit (for example, 15) on the number of registered information entries that can be stored due to capacity limitations.
[0040] (3) Second storage unit The beacon information for each target beacon 1 is pre-stored in a second storage area, for example, in a storage area, which has no limit on the number of registered items, as shown in Figure 6.
[0041] Here, as shown in Figure 6(a), the representative beacon information from among the multiple beacon information transmitted by each receiving target beacon 1 is stored in this second storage unit. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), all beacon information may be stored.
[0042] (4) Command department As shown in Figure 7, the command unit acquires the beacon information received by the receiving unit and searches for registered information that matches the beacon information among the registered information stored in the first storage unit (step S2). If a match is found, the command unit forces the processing unit into an execution state and executes the predetermined process (step S4).
[0043] Furthermore, if a certain period of time elapses after the reception of the beacon information (step S3), the command unit will stop the processing unit from the running state (step S5). This certain period of time is not extended even if beacon information that is determined to match the same registration information is received during that time. However, if the command unit receives beacon information that is determined to match different registration information within that certain period of time, it will extend the running state of the processing unit for a further certain period of time after receiving that information.
[0044] In this context, "match" refers to either a partial match or an exact match, and users or administrators can specify which one is appropriate.
[0045] For example, when specifying a partial match, one or more bits of the registration information can be treated as a wildcard character such as "*", and the remaining parts can be considered a match. Here, as illustrated in Figure 5, the wildcard character "*" can be used for the first sub-identifier and the second sub-identifier.
[0046] In other words, the command center searches using a partial match condition if the registration information contains wildcard characters, and an exact match condition if it does not.
[0047] (5) Processing The processing unit executes the predetermined processing described above, and the predetermined processing here is as follows: As a prerequisite, as shown in Figure 1, a first range in which the mobile terminal 2 can receive beacon information is set, starting from the receiving target beacon 1 installed on the door, and a second range closer to the door than this first range.
[0048] The first range, in this case, is the limit range in which beacon information can be received, but it may also be defined by the value of the received beacon information intensity. The second range, in this case, is defined by the value of the received beacon signal strength, but it may also be defined by another dedicated sensor, for example.
[0049] However, the prescribed processing here is to prepare to send the unlocking signal when the mobile terminal 2 enters the first range, and to send the unlocking signal to the door unlocking device when it enters the second range. Here, preparation refers to processing that takes a certain amount of time, such as authenticating whether the holder of the mobile terminal 2 is an authorized passerby, or sending an unlocking signal from the server device to the mobile terminal 2 if authenticated.
[0050] 5. First example of operation Here, we will explain using an example where an authorized passerby, such as a delivery person or resident, carrying a mobile device 2, enters an apartment building through a door.
[0051] When an authorized passerby approaches the door and enters the first area, the receiving unit receives beacon information from the receiving target beacon 1 installed on the door (Figure 7: Step S1).
[0052] Next, the command unit compares the beacon information with the registration information stored in the first storage unit and determines whether they match (Figure 7: Step S2).
[0053] At this time, as shown in Figure 5(a), the first storage unit stores information that is partially represented by wildcard characters as initial registration information. The command unit then determines whether the part of the initial registration information that is not represented by wildcard characters, i.e., the main identifier, matches the main identifier contained in the received beacon information.
[0054] In other words, the command unit determines whether or not the beacon information is from the target beacon 1. Here, the command unit determines that the beacon information is from the target beacon 1, and then determines whether or not the reception of beacon information that matches the same registration information has continued for a certain period of time (Figure 7: Step S3).
[0055] The command center will stop the processing unit if it determines that beacon information has been received for a certain period of time. However, in this case, since the person authorized to pass through has just entered the first area, the command center will run the processing unit.
[0056] The processing unit, which has been put into an execution state by the command unit in this manner, begins to execute the predetermined process. Specifically, the processing unit first detects whether the authorized passerby (mobile terminal 2) has entered the second range based on the received beacon signal strength (Figure 8: Step S11).
[0057] Then, if the processing unit determines that the person authorized to pass is not in the second range, that is, that the person authorized to pass is still in the first range, the processing unit performs the aforementioned preparatory processing for sending the unlock signal (Figure 8: Step S12).
[0058] On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 2 enters the second range, the processing unit transmits the unlocking signal obtained in the preparation process to the unlocking device, causing the door to unlock (Figure 8: Step S12).
[0059] The processing unit performs the predetermined processing described above and adds the registration information to the first storage unit.
[0060] Specifically, the target beacon 1 is identified from the first sub-identifier included in the received beacon information (Figure 8: Step S13).
[0061] Next, the processing unit refers to the second storage unit and acquires all beacon information transmitted by the identified target beacon 1 (Figure 8: Step S14). Here, the main identifier and the first sub-identifier have the same values, and only the value of the second sub-identifier changes. The processing unit stores a formula consisting of the initial value and the change value of the second sub-identifier, calculates all the beacon information from this formula, and adds it to the second area of the first storage unit (Figure 8: Step S15).
[0062] Thus, as each beacon information transmitted sequentially from the target beacon 1 is newly added as registered information, the command unit recognizes each change in the beacon information transmitted from the target beacon 1 as a different beacon information, and maintains the execution state of the processing unit for a certain period of time from the moment of the change.
[0063] Subsequently, if the authorized person passes through the door and the door sensor detects this and receives a pass signal indicating this, or if the authorized person moves away from the receiving beacon 1, for example by passing through the door, and a period of no reception occurs where beacon information from the receiving beacon 1 cannot be received (Figure 8: Step S16), the processing unit stops transmitting the unlock signal (Figure 8: Step S17), locks the door, and deletes the beacon information of the receiving beacon 1 that was written to the second area of the first storage unit (Figure 8: Step S18).
[0064] Furthermore, it is preferable to set the reception inability period to less than the specified time. This is because, after the specified time, the control unit will shut down the processing unit, and although the transmission of the unlock signal will stop, it may become impossible to delete the beacon information of the first storage unit.
[0065] However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the beacon information is set to change within the aforementioned fixed time period. Therefore, as long as the person authorized to pass enters the first range, the reception of the beacon information that has changed before the fixed time period during which the processing unit stops will further extend that fixed time period, and the processing unit will continue to operate.
[0066] Therefore, even when a person with an access permit enters the second area, the processing unit remains in operation and the unlocking signal is reliably transmitted. This prevents unforeseen situations such as the processing unit stopping after a certain period of time has elapsed, preventing entry into the door.
[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the beacon information may be configured to change only once during the aforementioned fixed period of time. However, in this case, although the execution state of the processing unit is continuously maintained, if there is a period during which beacon information cannot be received due to radio interference or other reasons, the processing unit may stop depending on the timing, even if the period is short.
[0068] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the number of beacon information signals transmitted by one receiving target beacon 1 is set to 3 or more (5 in the figure), and the beacon information is set to change two or more times during the aforementioned period of time.
[0069] This configuration makes it more reliable to prevent the processing unit from shutting down even if there is a long period of time during which beacon information cannot be received.
[0070] Furthermore, since the registration information in the first storage unit is dynamically changed, it is not necessary to store a number of registration information items corresponding to all the beacon information transmitted by each receiving target beacon 1 in the first storage unit at once, thereby reducing the capacity of the first storage unit as much as possible. Furthermore, the resources and processing required for this purpose become unnecessary, enabling efficient reception of beacon information and the execution of associated predetermined processing.
[0071] Furthermore, since the first storage unit can be placed in main memory or cache memory, which have high access speeds but limited capacity, this also allows for faster reception of beacon information and faster execution of predetermined processes.
[0072] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, we will describe a case where the first ranges of two receiving target beacons 1 are close together, adjacent, or partially overlapping, such as when two doors are located near each other. In this case, regardless of which of the permitted passage areas the user enters, the command unit will put the processing unit into an execution state.
[0073] The processing unit, which has entered the execution state, has received the beacon information of the unit that entered first, so it identifies the target beacon 1 and writes all the beacon information transmitted by that target beacon 1 as new registration information to the second area of the first storage unit.
[0074] Subsequently, when the authorized passer enters the other first area, the processing unit, which is in operation, overwrites the second area of the first storage unit with new registration information based on the beacon information from the other receiving target beacon 1, by overwriting all the beacon information transmitted by that other receiving target beacon 1.
[0075] If the first ranges overlap, two beacon signals may be received. In this case, the processing unit will use the beacon signal with the higher RSSI value.
[0076] With this configuration, even if multiple target beacons 1 are in close proximity, the closer target beacon 1 can be selected and the predetermined processing can be reliably performed.
[0077] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, if the mobile terminal 2 is not detected to have entered the second range even after a predetermined first time limit has elapsed since receiving the beacon information, the processing unit assumes that the authorized user intends to remain in the first range and has no intention of entering the second range, and disables or stops transmitting the unlock signal. More specifically, for example, the authentication initially granted to the authorized user is revoked, and even if the user subsequently enters the second range, the unlock signal is made untransmittable.
[0078] With this configuration, by appropriately setting the first time limit, it is possible to determine that the person remains within the first range and has no intention of passing through the door. In that case, even if they subsequently enter the second range, the unlocking signal will be disabled or made untransmittable, thus improving security while ensuring convenience. It is preferable that the first time limit is longer than the aforementioned fixed time.
[0079] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, if the unlocking signal continues to be transmitted beyond the second time limit, the processing unit considers that the authorized person has not passed through the door, and invalidates the unlocking signal and stops transmitting it.
[0080] The fact that the unlocking signal is continuously being transmitted means that the user is remaining within the second range. Therefore, by appropriately setting the second time limit, it is possible to improve security while ensuring convenience. Note that the second time limit is the amount of time the user can remain near the door, and it does not need to be set to be very long; it may be set to be shorter than the aforementioned fixed time.
[0081] <Other modified embodiments> The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, as described above, all receiving beacons 1 had a single common main identifier value, but it is also possible to set multiple main identifier values and set multiple groups of receiving beacons. In this case, multiple main identifiers will be registered as initial registration information in the first area of the first storage unit.
[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a common portion was set in the beacon information transmitted by the beacon to be received, but it is not necessary to have a common portion. In that case, one beacon information can be set in the first storage unit as initial registration information, and the other beacon information can be stored in the second storage unit linked to the one beacon information. In addition, when the processing unit receives the one beacon information, it can determine that it matches the initial registration information, and using this as a trigger, it can refer to the second storage unit to obtain the other beacon information and add it to the first storage unit. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing unit was stopped by a command from the command unit after a certain period of time had elapsed. However, the processing unit may be configured to stop on its own after a certain period of time, without being controlled by the command unit.
[0083] Furthermore, various other processes besides sending a door unlock signal are conceivable as predetermined processes. For example, one possible approach is to install a receiving beacon 1 in the merchandise area and distribute coupon information only to people who approach the merchandise area or pass through the gate. [Explanation of symbols]
[0084] 1. Beacon to receive 2. Mobile devices 100... Processing Execution System
Claims
1. A processing execution system comprising a target beacon and a mobile terminal that performs predetermined processing when it is determined that the received beacon information originated from the target beacon, The aforementioned mobile terminal is configured to stop executing the predetermined process after a certain period of time has elapsed since receiving the beacon information, even if it receives beacon information that is determined to be the same during that time. The receiving beacon transmits multiple beacon information, each with different content, in sequence, and the time between the start of transmission of one beacon information and the start of transmission of the next beacon information is set to be within the aforementioned certain time frame. The processing execution system is further characterized in that when the mobile terminal receives one of the plurality of beacon information, it determines that the beacon information is from the receiving target beacon and starts executing the predetermined process, and determines that each beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon is a different beacon information.
2. The aforementioned mobile terminal is A processing unit that takes on two states: an execution state in which the predetermined process is performed, or a stopped state in which the execution of the predetermined process is stopped. A receiver unit that receives beacon information, A first storage unit that stores one or more registration information, The system includes a command unit that determines whether any of the registered information stored in the first storage unit matches the received beacon information, and if it determines that they match, it puts the processing unit into an execution state for a certain period of time, while, once the certain period of time has elapsed, even if beacon information that is determined to match the same registered information is received during that time, the command unit puts the processing unit into a stopped state, The first storage unit contains registration information (hereinafter also referred to as initial registration information) that can be determined to match any of the beacon information transmitted by the target beacon. ) is stored there, When the command unit determines that the received beacon information matches the initial registration information, it determines that the beacon information is from the target beacon and puts the processing unit into an execution state for a certain period of time. In the execution state, the processing unit, in addition to the predetermined processing, adds and stores each beacon information transmitted by the target beacon as new registration information in the first storage unit. The processing execution system according to claim 1, characterized in that each time the command unit receives switched beacon information, it determines that it has received beacon information that matches different registered information, and extends the execution state of the processing unit for a certain period of time.
3. The processing execution system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving target beacon transmits multiple beacon information that has been changed according to certain rules.
4. The multiple beacon information transmitted by the aforementioned receiving beacon each has a common part that has the same content and a different part that has different content from each other. The processing execution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the received beacon information includes the common portion, the mobile terminal determines that the beacon information is from the receiving target beacon and starts executing the predetermined process, and determines that each piece of beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon is different beacon information.
5. This is a processing execution system used in conjunction with a door unlocking device that unlocks the door upon receiving a predetermined unlocking signal. The processing execution system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined processing is to transmit the unlocking signal to the door unlocking device.
6. Starting from the aforementioned door, a first range in which beacon information can be received by the mobile terminal and a second range closer to the door than the first range are defined, and the system is configured so that when the mobile terminal enters the first range, the predetermined process is executed. The processing execution system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined processing involves preparing to transmit the unlocking signal when the mobile terminal enters the first range, and transmitting the unlocking signal to the door unlocking device when the mobile terminal enters the second range.
7. The processing execution system according to claim 6, characterized in that if the mobile terminal enters the first range and receives the beacon information, and a predetermined first time limit has elapsed, but the mobile terminal has not been detected to have entered the second range, the unlocking signal is disabled or cannot be transmitted.
8. The processing execution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the mobile terminal invalidates or stops transmitting the unlocking signal if the unlocking signal continues to be transmitted beyond the second time limit.
9. The processing execution system according to claim 6, characterized in that the mobile terminal detects whether or not the mobile terminal has entered the second range based on the reception strength of the beacon information.
10. The processing execution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon is three or more.
11. A mobile terminal that sequentially transmits multiple beacon information with different content, and is used with a receiving target beacon that starts transmitting the next beacon information within a certain period of time after the start of transmission of one beacon information, and performs predetermined processing when it determines that the received beacon information was transmitted from the receiving target beacon, After receiving the beacon information, once a certain period of time has elapsed, the system is configured to stop executing the predetermined process even if identical beacon information is received during that time. Furthermore, the mobile terminal is characterized in that, upon receiving one of the plurality of beacon pieces of information, it determines that the beacon piece of information is from the receiving target beacon and starts executing the predetermined process, and determines that each piece of beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon is a different piece of beacon information.
12. A program installed in a mobile terminal that sequentially transmits multiple beacon information with different content, and is used with a receiving target beacon that starts transmitting the next beacon information within a certain period of time after the start of transmission of one beacon information, and performs predetermined processing when it is determined that the received beacon information was transmitted from the receiving target beacon, After receiving the beacon information, once a certain period of time has elapsed, even if identical beacon information is received during that time, the execution of the predetermined process will be stopped. A program characterized in that, upon receiving one of the aforementioned plurality of beacon information, it determines that the beacon information is from the receiving target beacon and starts executing the predetermined process, and causes the mobile terminal to perform a function that determines each beacon information transmitted by the receiving target beacon to be different beacon information.