Location sharing system

The position sharing system addresses unstable communications in forestry by using GNSS and wireless modules for rapid location sharing and safety zone notifications, enhancing accident response and worker safety in mountainous environments.

JP7655489B1Active Publication Date: 2025-04-02BREAKTHROUGH INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024003765
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-15
Publication Date
2025-04-02
Estimated Expiration
2044-01-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing forestry communication systems face challenges in mountainous areas with poor radio wave conditions, leading to unstable LPWA-based communications and delays in identifying accident locations, which can result in increased accident fatalities due to the time taken to notify rescue services.

Method used

A position sharing system utilizing portable terminal devices with GNSS and wireless communication modules for stable location sharing, enabling short-range communication between workers and a management terminal, allowing for quick identification of accident locations and safety zone notifications.

Benefits of technology

Enables stable and rapid communication of location information across a wider area, facilitating quicker response times to accidents and preventing collisions by identifying worker positions and safety zones.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a position sharing system which enables stable sharing and communication of position information between workers over a wider range and enables the location of an accident to be specified more quickly at a site office or the like when an accident occurs. [Solution] The system includes a mobile terminal device 2 carried by each of a plurality of workers, a wireless communication device 3 carried with the mobile terminal device 2, a positioning means 4 that measures the position information of the workers, and a management terminal device 5 connected to a network N, and position information including the position data measured by the positioning means 4 is acquired by the mobile terminal device 1 and stored in a memory unit 2003, and is also transmitted from a short-range communication unit 2004 via the wireless communication device 3 in a state linked to a worker ID to another mobile terminal device 2, and the other mobile terminal device 2 stores the received position information in the memory unit 2003 in a state linked to the worker ID. When it is determined that the mobile terminal device is within range, the position information of each worker stored in the memory unit 2003 is transmitted, and the management terminal device 5 acquires the position information of each worker.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a position sharing system, and more particularly to a position sharing system in an environment with poor radio wave conditions, such as in a forest. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, 70% of Japan's land area is covered by forests, making it the third most forested country in the world. Furthermore, forest accumulation is at its highest since the end of the war, and the time for felling has arrived. Meanwhile, the number of forestry workers is decreasing year by year, and the labor shortage in forestry is becoming serious. In other industries, the labor shortage is being made up for by mechanization and computerization, but in the mountains, mobile communication services cannot receive base station signals, meaning that it is out of range, making it difficult to advance computerization in forestry.

[0003] In addition, the incidence of work-related accidents in forestry, which handles heavy materials such as felled trees in the mountains where footing is poor, is the highest among all industries when measured by the "per thousand person rate," which indicates the degree of occurrence of accidents. In this context, the regulations on safety measures for tree-felling work, etc. were revised on August 1, 2019, and in order to prevent accidents in which tree-felling workers or workers and heavy machinery come into unintentional close contact and collide when multiple workers are felling trees in the mountains, entry is prohibited for anyone other than tree-fellers within a circle with a radius twice the size of the tree to be felled. For example, in the case of a 20m tree, the area with a radius of 40m around the tree is a no-entry zone for anyone other than tree-fellers.

[0004] Although compliance with laws and regulations is required at work sites, in reality, due to influences from the working environment and the awareness of workers, these laws are not always followed, and there is a need for effective means of preventing accidents at forestry work sites.

[0005] Therefore, a forestry worker danger avoidance system has been disclosed that includes two or more worker terminals each having a GNSS module and an LPWA module that employs a spread spectrum method using sub-gigahertz frequencies, and each worker terminal is equipped with a proximity determination means that not only determines the distance between the worker terminals based on the signal strength of the radio waves, but also calculates the azimuth from the latitude and longitude information of both the worker terminal and the other party obtained by GNSS, and adds the direction of approach as a determination factor, and an alarm means that issues a proximity alarm based on the results of the proximity determination means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] Also, a safety system has been disclosed that uses a transceiver used as a business radio device as a means of communication, and places a transmitter / receiver circuit in the unit body with a microphone carried by the worker to send and receive DTMF signals as emergency signals from the transceiver, and reliably notifies nearby workers of the emergency condition of the affected worker even in a noisy environment by striking the helmets of the affected worker with a striking hammer, while at the same time forming an audio transmission path to capture the situation in the surrounding area (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-141401 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-215915 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the forestry worker danger avoidance system in Patent Document 1 uses LPWA as a communication method, but in general, LPWA-based communications have a problem in that the transmission output is weak and unstable, making practical operation difficult due to the influence of forest obstruction. Also, disasters in the mountains include not only contact and collision accidents during tree-cutting work, but also accidents such as falling from steep slopes and attacks by harmful animals such as bees and bears.

[0009] In the past, when an accident or disaster occurred and it was necessary to request rescue or transportation to a hospital, a worker who sensed the disaster would descend the mountain to within the range of mobile communication signals, contact the field office or company to notify them of the location of the accident, and the field office would then request an ambulance or other services. However, in the mountains, the location is grasped in units of forest squads and sub-squads (hereinafter referred to as forest sub-squads), so the notification of the location of the accident from the worker to the field office or other such entity is based on the forest sub-squad, and the field office or other such entity converts the address of the accident location to the address corresponding to the forest sub-squad and notifies the fire department or other such entity of the location. For this reason, there have been cases where victims have died due to the time it takes from the occurrence of the accident to the notification, and the technologies in Patent Documents 1 and 2 were unable to solve this problem.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a location sharing system that enables stable sharing and communication of location information between workers over a wider area, and that, in the event of an accident, allows the location of the accident to be identified more quickly at a site office, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a position sharing system according to the present invention is a position sharing system having a portable terminal device carried by each of a plurality of workers constituting a group, a wireless communication device carried together with the portable terminal device, a positioning means carried together with the portable terminal device and measuring the position data of the carried worker, and a management terminal device connected to a network, wherein the portable terminal device has a control unit that controls each unit of the portable terminal device, a short-range communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the wireless communication device, a communication unit that communicates with a base station, a memory unit that stores position information including the position data, and an in-range determination unit that determines whether the portable terminal device is within a range in which communication with the base station is possible, and the portable terminal device carried by one of the workers is referred to as one portable terminal device, the wireless communication device and the positioning means carried together with the one portable terminal device are referred to as one wireless communication device and one positioning means, respectively, the portable terminal device carried by another worker is referred to as another portable terminal device, and the wireless communication device and the positioning means carried together with the other portable terminal device are referred to as another wireless communication device and another wireless communication device. and another positioning means, the position data measured by the first positioning means is acquired by the first mobile terminal device, the control unit of the first mobile terminal device stores the position information including the acquired position data in the memory unit, the control unit of the first mobile terminal device transmits the position information from the short-range communication unit to the first wireless communication device in a state where it is linked to an ID identifying the first worker, the first wireless communication device transmits the received position information to the other wireless communication device, the other wireless communication device transmits the received position information to the short-range communication unit of the other mobile terminal device, the control unit of the other mobile terminal device stores the received position information in the memory unit in a state where it is linked to an ID identifying the first worker, and when it is determined by the in-range determination unit that the first worker is within range, the control unit reads out the position information of each of the workers from the memory unit and transmits it via the communication unit, and the management terminal device acquires the position information of each of the workers transmitted from the communication unit of the mobile terminal device.

[0012] In addition, in the above-mentioned location sharing system, it is preferable that the mobile terminal device has a display unit that displays images, the memory unit stores map information, and the control unit displays a map on the display unit based on the map information.

[0013] In addition, in the above-mentioned location sharing system, it is preferable that the mobile terminal device has a display unit that displays images, the memory unit stores map information, and the control unit displays a map on the display unit based on the map information and displays the location information of each worker on the map.

[0014] Furthermore, the above-mentioned location sharing system is provided in the mobile terminal device and has an input unit for inputting a distance to be set as a danger zone centered on the location of the device itself, and a danger notification unit for notifying of danger, and when the danger zone is set, the control unit generates the location information in which danger flag information indicating that the danger zone has been set in the location data and distance information set for the danger zone are set as danger zone information, and when the danger zone is set in one of the mobile terminal devices, the one control unit determines whether the acquired location information of the other worker falls within the danger zone based on the danger zone information included in the location information of the one worker, and if it is determined that the location information falls within the danger zone, it is preferable to cause the danger notification unit to notify of danger.

[0015] The above-mentioned location sharing system is provided in the mobile terminal device and has an input unit for inputting a distance to be set as a danger zone centered on the mobile terminal device, and a danger notification unit for notifying of danger, and when the danger zone is set, the control unit generates the location information in which danger flag information indicating that the danger zone has been set in the location data and distance information set for the danger zone are set as danger zone information, and when the danger zone is set in one of the mobile terminal devices, the control unit of the other mobile terminal device determines whether the acquired location information measured by the positioning means carried together with the other mobile terminal device falls within the danger zone based on the danger zone information included in the acquired location information of the one worker, and if it is determined that the location falls within the danger zone, it is preferable to have the danger notification unit notify of danger.

[0016] The above-mentioned location sharing system preferably has an input unit provided in the mobile terminal device for setting location information of an arbitrary location and information about the environment of the location that is necessary for forestry as point information.

[0017] The above-mentioned location sharing system is provided in the mobile terminal device and has an input unit for setting location information of an arbitrary location and information indicating that the location is a danger point as danger point information, and a danger notification unit for notifying of danger, and it is preferable that when the control unit determines that the acquired location information falls within a predetermined range from the location of the danger point, it causes the danger notification unit to notify of danger.

[0018] The above-mentioned location sharing system is provided in the mobile terminal device and has an input unit for setting location information of an arbitrary location and information indicating that the location is a danger point as danger point information, and a danger notification unit for notifying danger, wherein the control unit of the one mobile terminal device transmits the set danger point information from the short-range communication unit to the one wireless communication device, the one wireless communication device transmits the received danger point information to the other wireless communication device, the other wireless communication device transmits the received danger point information to the short-range communication unit of the other mobile terminal device, the control unit of the other mobile terminal device stores the received danger point information in the memory unit, and when the control unit of the other mobile terminal device determines that the location information measured and acquired by the positioning means carried together with the other mobile terminal device is within a predetermined range from the location of the danger point, it is preferable that the danger notification unit notifies danger.

[0019] In the above-mentioned location sharing system, it is preferable that the mobile terminal device has an input unit for inputting a text message and a display unit for displaying the text message, and the control unit of the one mobile terminal device transmits text data of the text message input from the input unit from the short-range communication unit to the one wireless communication device, the one wireless communication device transmits the received text data to the other wireless communication device, and the other wireless communication device transmits the received text data to the short-range communication unit of the other mobile terminal device. Effect of the Invention

[0020] The location sharing system of the present invention enables stable sharing and communication of location information between workers over a wider area, and provides a location sharing system that allows the location of an accident to be identified more quickly at a site office or the like when an accident occurs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a location sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal device of a position sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication device of a position sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a positioning device of a position sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining updating of location information of each worker in a management server and a management terminal device of a location sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a mobile terminal device in the location sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting form for inputting various settings displayed on a display unit of a mobile terminal device of the position sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a danger area distance input field for setting a danger area displayed on a display unit of a mobile terminal device of the position sharing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen when a display unit of a mobile terminal device of the position sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention functions as a danger notification unit. FIG. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the registration of point information in a location sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is an explanatory diagram showing a selection form for selecting a method for specifying a location for which point information is to be registered, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing a point information input form for inputting point information. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the sending and receiving of text messages in a location sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is an explanatory diagram showing a message display screen, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing an input form for inputting a new message. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] An embodiment of a position sharing system 1 according to the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1 shows an example of the position sharing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the location sharing system 1 of this embodiment includes a mobile terminal device 2 carried by each of a plurality of workers, a wireless communication device 3 carried together with the mobile terminal device 2, a positioning device 4 carried together with the mobile terminal device 2 and measuring the location information of the worker carrying it, a management terminal device 5 connected to a network N, and a management server 6 connected to the network N.

[0024] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a first group G1 that works together at one site in mountain M and a second group G2 that works together at another site in the same mountain M each constitute the location sharing system 1 according to this embodiment. The first group G1 is made up of workers 1 to 3, and the second group G2 is made up of workers 4 to 6. Note that in this embodiment, FIG. 1 shows an example in which a single common management terminal device 5 is used as the management terminal device for the location sharing system 1 constituted by groups G1 and G2, but for example, if groups G1 and G2 are groups organized by different companies, the management terminal devices are configured separately for each group.

[0025] The mobile terminal devices 2 constituting the position sharing system 1 in this embodiment are, in the first group G1, a mobile terminal device 2 (102) carried by worker 1, a mobile terminal device 2 (202) carried by worker 2, and a mobile terminal device 2 (302) carried by worker 3, and in the second group G2, a mobile terminal device 2 (402) carried by worker 4, a mobile terminal device 2 (502) carried by worker 5, and a mobile terminal device (602) carried by worker 6. In addition, the wireless communication device and positioning device carried by worker 1 together with the portable terminal device 2 (102) are wireless communication device 3 (103) and positioning device 4 (104), the wireless communication device and positioning device carried by worker 2 together with the portable terminal device 2 (202) are wireless communication device 3 (203) and positioning device 4 (204), and the wireless communication device and positioning device carried by worker 3 together with the portable terminal device 2 (202) are wireless communication device 3 (303) and positioning device 4 (304). That is, the wireless communication device and positioning device carried by worker 4 along with mobile terminal device 2 (402) are wireless communication device 3 (403) and positioning device 4 (404), the wireless communication device and positioning device carried by worker 5 along with mobile terminal device 2 (502) are wireless communication device 3 (503) and positioning device 4 (504), and the wireless communication device and positioning device carried by worker 6 along with mobile terminal device 2 (602) are wireless communication device 3 (603) and positioning device 4 (604).

[0026] In addition, when the mobile terminal device 2 (102) carried by the worker 1 functions as "one mobile terminal device" in the claims, the mobile terminal devices 2 (202) and 2 (203) carried by the workers 2 and 3 in the same first group G1 function as "another mobile terminal device 2" in the claims, but the mobile terminal devices 2 (202) and 2 (203) carried by the workers 2 and 3 also function as "one mobile terminal device" depending on the situation. The same applies to the second group G2.

[0027] The mobile terminal device 2 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. The wireless communication device 3 is, for example, a digital simplex radio. The positioning device 4 is, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. The positioning device 4 corresponds to the positioning means in the claims. The management terminal device 5 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. The management server 6 is a computer that stores data required for the position sharing system 1 according to this embodiment and provides data in response to a user's request.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the portable terminal device 2 includes a control unit 2001 for controlling each part of the portable terminal device 2, a short-range communication unit 2004 for communicating with the wireless communication device 3 using short-range wireless, a communication unit 2008 for communicating with a base station K, a memory unit 2003 for storing various information, control programs, etc., an in-range determination unit 2009 for determining whether the device is within an area where communication with the base station K is possible, a display unit 2005 for displaying images and text, an input unit 2010 for inputting various instructions from the user, a danger notification unit 2011 for notifying of danger, an audio input unit 2006 for inputting audio, an audio output unit 2007 for outputting audio, an imaging unit 2012 for imaging the surroundings and generating surrounding image information, and a fall detection unit 2013 for detecting that a worker has fallen.

[0029] 3, the wireless communication device 3 includes a control unit 3001 for controlling each part of the wireless communication device 3, a short-distance communication section 3004 for communicating with the mobile terminal device 2 using short-distance wireless communication, a wireless communication section 3008 having a long-distance wireless communication function, a storage section 3003 for storing a control program and the like, a display section 3005 for displaying images and text, an operation section 3009 for accepting various operations by users, a voice input section 3006 for inputting voice, and a voice output section 3007 for outputting voice. The wireless communication device 3 is capable of voice communication by operating the operation section 3009 and using the voice input section 3006 and the voice output section 3007, in the same manner as a normal digital simple radio.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the positioning device 4 includes a control unit 4001 that controls each part of the positioning device 4, a short-range communication unit 4004 that communicates with the mobile terminal device 2 using short-range wireless, a receiving unit 4005 that receives signals transmitted from artificial satellites, a positioning calculation unit 4006 that calculates a position based on the received signals, and a memory unit 4003 that stores control programs, etc.

[0031] The control units 2001, 3001, 4001 of the mobile terminal device 2, the wireless communication device 3, and the positioning device 4 are each composed of a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like. The control units 2001, 3001, 4001 function as control units 2002, 3002, 4002 by the processor executing a control program stored in the ROM or the storage units 2003, 3003, 4003. The control units 2002, 3002, 4002 are connected to the mobile terminal device 2, the wireless communication device 3, and the positioning device 4, respectively, and transmit and receive signals or data between each component, thereby controlling the overall operation of the mobile terminal device 2, the wireless communication device 3, and the positioning device 4, respectively.

[0032] The short-range communication units 2004, 3004, 4005 of the portable terminal device 2, the wireless communication device 3, and the positioning device 4 are communication devices that perform wireless communication based on a short-range communication method, and can preferably use communication modules that comply with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) short-range wireless communication standard.

[0033] The communication unit 2008 is a hardware module for connecting the mobile terminal device 2 to the network N via the base station K and communicating with other devices. The communication unit 2008 is a modulation / demodulation device such as various types of modem.

[0034] The storage units 2003, 3003, 4003 of the portable terminal device 2, the wireless communication device 3, and the positioning device 4 are each configured to include a non-volatile storage device such as a NAND type flash memory or a hard disk device, and a randomly accessible storage device such as a volatile SRAM or DRAM. Application programs and various information are stored in the storage units 2003, 3003, 4003. The storage unit 2003 of the portable terminal device 2 stores the group ID of each group, the worker ID of the worker belonging to each group, and the ID of each device of the portable terminal, the wireless communication device 3, and the positioning device 4 carried by each worker belonging to the group, in a linked state.

[0035] The display units 2005, 3005 of the mobile terminal device 2 and the wireless communication device 3 can be configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED: Organic Light-Emitting Diode).

[0036] The input unit 2010 can be configured with a touch panel of a resistive film type or a capacitive type.

[0037] The audio input units 2006, 3006 of the portable terminal device 2 and the wireless communication device 3 can be configured with a microphone, and the audio output units 2007, 3007 of the portable terminal device 2 and the wireless communication device 3 can be configured with a speaker.

[0038] The imaging unit 2012 is configured as a device that includes a lens and an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and is capable of capturing an image of the surroundings.

[0039] The wireless communication unit 3008 includes an antenna, a demodulation circuit, and a modulation circuit for processing wireless signals. The antenna receives a received signal and radiates a transmitted signal into space. The demodulation circuit demodulates the received signal received by the antenna. The modulation circuit modulates the transmitted signal and outputs it to the antenna. For example, the wireless communication unit 3008 performs communication processing in accordance with a digital simple radio communication standard.

[0040] The operation unit 3009 is composed of input devices such as buttons, keys, switches, levers, and a touch panel.

[0041] The receiver 4005 and the positioning calculation unit 4006 can be configured by a GNSS module that integrates a baseband integrated circuit (IC), a radio frequency (RF) IC, a low noise amplifier (LNA), a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter, and the like.

[0042] In the position sharing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 2002 of the mobile terminal device 2 causes the short-range communication unit 2004 to transmit a signal to the positioning device 4 carried together with the mobile terminal device 2 at a predetermined interval, which commands the positioning device 4 to acquire current position data. When the signal to command the positioning device 4 to acquire position data is received by the short-range communication unit 4004 of the positioning device 4, the control unit 4002 of the positioning device 4 causes the positioning calculation unit 4006 to calculate position data including latitude and longitude based on a signal periodically acquired by the receiving unit 4005 from a GNSS satellite (not shown). The control unit 4002 of the positioning device 4 causes the short-range communication unit 4004 to transmit the calculated position data and time information at that time to the mobile terminal device 2. When the short-range communication unit 4004 of the mobile terminal device 2 receives the position data and the time information, the control unit 2002 of the mobile terminal device 2 generates position information including the position data, and stores the generated position information and the time information in the storage unit 2003.

[0043] The interval for acquiring the position data can be set arbitrarily. Referring to FIG. 6, when a setting button 8 displayed on the display unit 2005, which will be described later, is tapped, the control unit 2002 causes the display unit 2005 to display a setting form 7 for inputting various settings, as shown in FIG. 7. The setting form 7 is provided with a position information acquisition interval input field 71 for inputting a position information acquisition interval, and the control unit 2002 stores the time input by the user in the position information acquisition interval input field 71 as the position information acquisition interval in the storage unit 2003, and transmits a signal to the positioning device 4 to command acquisition of current position data at the position information acquisition interval. It is preferable that the position information acquisition interval input field 71 displays selectable times in advance in a pull-down manner, and the user selects an appropriate time as the position information acquisition interval from the displayed time.

[0044] In addition, the control unit 2002 of the mobile terminal device 2 causes the short-range communication unit 2004 to transmit location information, time information, and an ID identifying the worker carrying the mobile terminal device 2 to the wireless communication device 3 that is also carried in the same group. When the location information, time information, and the above-mentioned ID are received by the short-range communication unit 3004 of the wireless communication device 3, the control unit 3002 of the wireless communication device 3 causes them to be transmitted to the wireless communication devices 3 that are carried along with the other mobile terminal devices 2 in the group.

[0045] For example, when the portable terminal device 2 (102) carried by the worker 1 receives location data and time information from the wireless communication device 3 (103) carried by the worker 1 and generates location information, the location information, time information, and an ID for identifying the worker 1 are transmitted from the portable terminal device 2 (102) via the wireless communication device 3 (103) to the wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) carried by the workers 2 and 3. In this case, the portable terminal device 2 (102) and the wireless communication device 3 (103) carried by the worker 1 function as a "portable terminal device" and a "portable wireless communication device" in the claims, and the portable terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) and the wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) carried by the workers 2 and 3 function as "other portable terminal devices" and "other wireless communication devices" in the claims, respectively.

[0046] When the location information, time information, and ID of worker 1 are received by the short-range communication unit 3004 of the wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) carried by the workers 2, 3, the control unit 3002 of the wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) causes the location information, time information, and ID of worker 1 to be transmitted to the respective mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) carried by the wireless communication devices. When the location information, time information, and ID of worker 1 are received by the short-range communication unit 2004 of the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302), the control unit 2002 of the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) causes the memory unit 2003 to store the location information, time information, and ID of worker 1.

[0047] On the other hand, the mobile terminal device 2 (102) carried by worker 1 also functions as "another mobile terminal device." In this case, in the same manner as above, the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) carried by workers 2 and 3 each function as "one mobile terminal device" and store the transmitted location information, time information, and ID of worker 2, and the location information, time information, and ID of worker 3 in the memory unit 2003, respectively.

[0048] In this embodiment, the positioning device 4, which is separate from the portable terminal device 2 and the wireless communication device 3, is used as the positioning means, but the positioning means may be built into the portable terminal device 2 or the wireless communication device 3. When the positioning means is built into the wireless communication device 3, communication regarding acquisition of position data is performed with the portable terminal device 2 via the short-range communication unit 3004 of the wireless communication device 3.

[0049] Furthermore, the communication unit 2008 of the mobile terminal device 2 constantly detects radio waves that can communicate with base station K, and if there is a connectable base station K, it transmits radio waves to connect to the base station K and enters the range. That is, in this embodiment, the communication unit 2008 also functions as an in-range determination unit 2009 that determines whether or not the communication unit 2008 is within the range of communication with base station K.

[0050] When the in-range determining unit 2009 determines that the worker is within range, the control unit 2002 reads out the latest position information, time information, and ID of each worker from the storage unit 2003, reads out the latest position information, time information, and ID of each worker stored in the management server 6, compares the time information, and if the latest position information of each worker stored in the mobile terminal device 2 is newer, causes the communication unit 2008 to transmit the latest position information to the management server 6. When the management server 6 receives the position information, time information, and ID of each worker from the mobile terminal device 2, it stores them and transmits them to the management terminal device 5 via the network N. In this embodiment, the position information of the worker is transmitted to the management terminal device 5 via the management server 6, but it may be transmitted directly to the management terminal device 5.

[0051] 5, for example, the mobile terminal device 2 carried by the workers 1 to 3 stores the location information and time information at that time each time the location information of the worker is acquired, and the mobile terminals 2 carried by the other workers belonging to the first group G1 also receive and store the acquired location information of each worker via the wireless communication device 3. Here, for example, when the mobile terminal device 2 of the worker 1 comes within the radio wave range, the control unit 2002 reads out the latest location information, time information, and ID of each worker from the storage unit 2003, and also reads out the latest location information, time information, and ID of each worker stored in the management server 6 and compares the time information. In the example shown in FIG. 6, when the time information of the latest location information of worker 1 stored in the management server 6, 10:20:30, is compared with the time information of the latest location information of worker 1 stored in the mobile terminal device 2 of worker 1, 10:20:50, 10:20:50 is newer, so the location information of 10:20:50 is sent to the management server 6 and then sent from the management server 6 to the management terminal device 5. Also, when the time information of the latest location information of worker 2 stored in the management server 6, 10:20:35, is compared with the time information of the latest location information of worker 2 stored in the mobile terminal device 2 of worker 1, 10:20:45, 10:20:45 is newer, so the location information of 10:20:45 is sent to the management server 6 and then sent from the management server 6 to the management terminal device 5. For worker 3, the time information of the latest location information of worker 3 stored in the management server 6 and the time information of the latest location information of worker 3 stored in the mobile terminal device 2 of worker 1 are both 10:20:38, so there is no new location information, and therefore no location information is to be sent to the management server 6. In this way, every time the mobile terminal device of any worker belonging to group 1 comes within range, the latest location information of each worker stored in the management server 6 and the management terminal device 5 is updated.

[0052] Map information downloaded from the management server 6 is stored in the storage unit 2003 of the mobile terminal device 2 before the device is used in the mountains, and when the position sharing system 1 according to this embodiment is used in the mountains, the control unit 2002 displays a map by default on the display unit 2005 as shown in Fig. 6, and displays the position information of each worker in the group on the map on the display unit 2005 of each worker's mobile terminal device 2. In addition, as shown in Fig. 6, it is also preferable that the setting button 8 and buttons 9 to 14 for operating various functions of the position sharing system 1 described below are displayed by default on the display unit 2005 at positions that do not interfere with the map.

[0053] In addition to maps from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, the app can also display ortho-images, forest sub-compartment maps, and micro-topography maps. Furthermore, multiple maps can be overlaid and layered. For example, by overlaying a forest sub-compartment map and a micro-topography, it is possible to perform tasks such as constructing work roads while taking into consideration the flow of water.

[0054] In order to display the location of each worker in a way that makes it clear which worker is in which position, the name and icon of the worker carrying the mobile terminal can be set in advance in each mobile terminal device 2. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the setting form 7 is provided with a name input field 72 for inputting the name of the worker, an icon selection button 73 for selecting an icon, and a color selection button 74 for selecting the color of the icon, and the control unit 2002 associates the name input by the user in the name input field 72 and the selected icon and color with the ID of the worker, stores them in the storage unit 2003, and displays them together with the icon 15 (see Fig. 6) when displaying the latest location information.

[0055] If the icons 15 are selected and set as icons of heavy machinery used by workers, such as forwarders, harvesters, and grapples, or machines such as chainsaws and brush cutters, the icons 15 of the heavy machinery and machines are displayed when the location information is displayed, so that it is clear at a glance where the heavy machinery and machines are being used, which is preferable from the perspective of preventing accidents. The icons 15 of workers who do not use heavy machinery or machines are distinguished by using different colors.

[0056] The icon 15 also functions as an input unit 2010, and when the icon 15 is tapped, the control unit 2002 causes the display unit 2005 to display the name of the worker using the icon 15 and how many minutes ago the location information was obtained.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 2002 of each mobile terminal device 2 is configured to display, on the display unit 2005, a behavioral trajectory that connects the latest location and the location before the update with a line on a map every time the acquired location information is updated after the application related to the location sharing system 1 is launched.

[0058] 6, a danger zone setting button 9 for setting a danger zone centered on the position of the mobile terminal device 2 is displayed on the display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal device 2, and when the danger zone setting button 9 is tapped, the control unit 2002 displays a danger zone distance input field 16 for inputting a distance to be set as a danger zone centered on the position of the mobile terminal device on the display unit 2005 as shown in FIG. 8, and the control unit 2002 stores the distance input by the user in the danger zone distance input field 16 in the storage unit 2003. The "position of the mobile terminal device" here refers to the latest position measured and acquired by the positioning device 4 carried with the mobile terminal device. The danger zone setting button 9 and the danger zone distance input field 16 function as an "input unit for inputting a distance to be set as a danger zone" in the claims.

[0059] In particular, by setting a danger zone on the mobile terminal device 2 carried by a worker who uses heavy machinery or other machinery, it is possible to prevent accidents in which other workers are injured by coming into contact with heavy machinery or other machinery. Also, by setting a distance twice the tree height as the danger zone on the mobile terminal device 2 carried by a worker who uses a chainsaw, it is possible to comply with laws and regulations and prevent accidents in which other workers are injured by being caught in a fallen tree, for example.

[0060] Here, the location information includes location data based on the latitude and longitude measured by the positioning device 4, danger flag information indicating that a danger zone centered on the location of the mobile terminal is set by setting a flag, and distance information set in the danger zone. When a distance is input in the danger area distance input field 16 and a danger zone is set, the control unit 2002, upon acquiring the latest location data measured by the positioning device 4, generates location information in which the danger flag information and the distance information set in the danger zone are set as danger zone information in the location data, stores the generated location information in the storage unit 2003, and transmits the generated location information to another mobile terminal device 2 via the wireless communication device 3. That is, while a danger zone is set, location information in which danger zone information is set in the location data is generated every time the latest location data is acquired. If no danger zone is set, the location information is generated with the danger flag information and distance information blank.

[0061] When the control unit 2002 of the mobile terminal device 2 causes the display unit 2005 to display location information including danger area information, it displays it together with the set danger area D, as shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example in which a danger area is set on the mobile terminal device 2 of a worker who operates a forwarder that transports logs, and the location information of the worker is displayed as the forwarder icon 15 (15F) and the danger area D is also displayed.

[0062] The control unit 2002 of the mobile terminal device 2 in which the danger zone has been set determines whether the latest acquired position information of another worker is within the danger zone based on the danger zone information included in its latest position information, and if it is determined that the worker is within the danger zone, it causes the audio output unit 2007 to output a message or a beep notifying the worker of the danger. In this case, the audio output unit 2007 functions as the danger notification unit 2011 in the claims.

[0063] In addition, the control unit 2002 of the portable terminal device 2 carried by other workers in the group other than the portable terminal device 2 in which the danger zone has been set determines whether or not the latest location information of the other worker falls within the danger zone based on the danger zone information contained in the latest location information transmitted from the portable terminal device 2 in which the danger zone has been set, and if it is determined that the latest location information of the other worker falls within the danger zone, it causes the audio output unit 2007 to emit a message or a beep notifying the worker of the danger.

[0064] Taking the example of a danger zone being set on the portable terminal device 2 carried by the worker 1 described above as an explanation, the set danger zone D is displayed around the icon 15 (15F) indicating the position of the worker 1 on the display unit 2005 of the portable terminal device 2 carried by the workers 1 to 3, and if the worker 2 enters the danger zone D, for example, a message or a beep notifying the worker of the danger is issued from the audio output unit 2007 of the portable terminal device 2 (102) of the worker 1 and the audio output unit 2007 of the portable terminal device 2 (202) of the worker 2.

[0065] The danger notification may be made by displaying an image, text, or message notifying the danger on the display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal device 2 as shown in FIG. 9 together with or instead of the sound output unit 2007 issuing a warning. The text or message notifying the danger may be, for example, the word "Danger" or a message such as "You are entering a danger zone. Please check immediately and ensure your safety." In this case, the display unit 2005 functions as the danger notification unit 2011. In addition, if the mobile terminal device 2 is a device having a vibration function such as a smartphone, a built-in vibrator may generate vibration. In this case, the vibrator functions as the danger notification unit 2011.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, a message or a beep notifying of danger is output from the audio output unit 2007 of the portable terminal device 2, but a danger signal notifying of danger may also be transmitted to the wireless communication device 3 carried in combination via the short-range communication units 2004, 3004, and output from the audio output unit 2007 of the wireless communication device 3.

[0067] The danger zone may be set at a site office within radio range before going to a work site in the mountains, and may be shared with other workers via the network N.

[0068] Also, referring to FIG. 6, the display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal device 2 displays a point registration button 10 for registering position information of an arbitrary place and information necessary for forestry in the environment of the place as point information. When the point registration button 10 is tapped, the control unit 2002 displays a selection form 17 on the display unit 2005 as shown in FIG. 10(A) to select whether to specify and register the position information of the position to be registered by tapping on the map, to specify and register the information of the current location as the position to be registered, or to specify and register the position to be registered by latitude and longitude. These can be selected by radio buttons. When specifying and registering by tapping on the map is selected, the control unit 2002 displays an input map (not shown) on the display unit 2005, and stores the position information on the map tapped by the user as the position information to be registered in the storage unit 2003. When specifying the information of the current location as the position to be registered is selected, the control unit 2002 stores the position information of the current location as the position information to be registered in the storage unit 2003. If registration by specifying latitude and longitude is selected, the control unit 2002 causes the display unit 2005 to display an input form (not shown) for inputting the latitude and longitude, and causes the input latitude and longitude to be stored in the memory unit 2003 as location information for the location to be registered.

[0069] Thereafter, the control unit 2002 causes the display unit 2005 to display a point information input form 18 for inputting point information, as shown in FIG. 10(B).

[0070] The above-mentioned "information about the environment of the site and necessary for forestry" refers to, for example, the existence of felled trees, surveyed trees, wind-fallen trees, insect damage, hanging trees, vine-hanging trees, dead trees, trees being grown, collapsed road network, collapsed road shoulders, scouring of the road surface, collapsed slopes, fallen trees, bear droppings, beehives, landslides, collapsed areas, falling rocks, damaged structures, bad roads, boundary markers, boundary heading tables, gates, forest entry notification offices, etc., as well as the locations of forest road gates, lock numbers, road width, road surface conditions, timber pile numbers, intersection evacuation locations, U-turn locations, and the location of logging yard.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10 (B), the point information input form 18 is provided with an information icon button 181 in which the "information about the environment of the location that is necessary for forestry" to be registered is represented by an icon, a message field 182 in which a message can be entered optionally, a danger point button 183 for registering the location as a dangerous location, a camera button 184 for photographing and registering the state of the location, and a decision button 185 for confirming and registering the input information.

[0072] When the user selects the information icon button 181 to be registered and taps the decision button 185, the control unit 2002 links the information corresponding to the selected information icon button 181 with the position information of the position to be registered and the time information at that time, and stores the information as point information in the storage unit 2003. When the user selects the information icon button 181 to be registered and taps the decision button 185 with a message entered in the message field 182, the control unit 2002 links the information corresponding to the selected information icon button 181 and the message information with the position information of the position to be registered and the time information at that time, and stores the information as point information in the storage unit 2003. Furthermore, when the user selects the information icon button 181 and further taps the camera button 184, the control unit 2002 activates the imaging unit 2012, the user takes a picture of the surroundings, and then when the decision button 185 is tapped, the control unit 2002 links the information corresponding to the selected information icon button 181 and the taken image information with the position information of the position to be registered and the time information at that time, and stores them as point information in the storage unit 2003. Note that in the message field 182, it is preferable to input a message to be used when registering a key number or road width, or to input an arbitrary message to be transmitted.

[0073] In addition, when the user selects the information icon button 181 to be registered and taps the decision button 185 with the danger point button 183 turned ON, the control unit 2002 links the information corresponding to the selected information icon button 181, the message information 182, and the image information with the location information of the location to be registered and the time information at that time, and stores them in the memory unit 2003 as danger point information.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 7, the setting form 7 described above has a danger zone distance input field 75 for inputting the distance to be set as a danger zone centered around a registered danger point, and the control unit 2002 stores the distance input by the user in the danger zone distance input field 75 in the memory unit 2003. The danger zone distance input field 75 displays selectable distances in advance in a pull-down menu, and the user selects an appropriate distance as a danger zone from the displayed distances. The danger zone referred to here corresponds to the "predetermined range" in the claims.

[0075] When point information or danger point information is registered, the control unit 2002 transmits it from the short-range communication unit 2004 to the wireless communication device 3 that is also carried, and when the point information or danger point information is received by the short-range communication unit 3004 of the wireless communication device 3, the control unit 3002 of the wireless communication device 3 causes the point information or danger point information to be transmitted to the wireless communication device 3 that is carried along with other mobile terminal devices 2 in the group.

[0076] For example, when point information and danger point information are registered on a mobile terminal device 2 (102) carried by worker 1, the point information and danger point information are transmitted via wireless communication device 3 (103) to wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) carried by workers 2 and 3.

[0077] When the point information and danger point information are received by the short-range communication units 3004 of the wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) carried by the workers 2, 3, the control units 3002 of the wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) cause the point information and danger point information to be transmitted to the respective mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) carried by the workers 2, 3, and when the point information and danger point information are received by the short-range communication units 2004 of the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302), the control units 2002 of the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) cause the memory units 2003 to store the point information and danger point information.

[0078] In the above, we have explained the case where point information and danger point information are registered on the mobile terminal device 2 (102) carried by worker 1. However, when point information and danger point information are registered on the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) carried by workers 2 and 3, similar processing is performed between other mobile terminal devices 2 in group G1.

[0079] The control unit 2002 of each mobile terminal device 2 is adapted to display the point information and the danger point information on the respective display units 2005. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the point information is displayed with a point information icon indicating the content of each information, such as a felled tree icon 19, a hanging tree icon 20, and a lumber yard icon 21. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the danger point information is displayed with a warning icon 22 so that the danger can be recognized. Also, each icon 19-22 functions as an input unit 2010, and when each icon 19-22 is tapped, the control unit 2002 is adapted to display the message information and image information associated with and stored on the display unit 2005. When the danger point icon 22 is tapped, the control unit 2002 is adapted to display the information, message information, and image information corresponding to the selected information icon button 73 on the display unit 2005. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the display when the danger point icon 22 is tapped.

[0080] When the control unit 2002 of each mobile terminal device 2 determines that the latest acquired position information of each worker is within the danger range of a registered danger point, it causes the display unit 2005 to display an image, character, or message notifying the danger, as shown in Fig. 9. Characters or messages notifying the danger are, for example, the character "Danger" or a message such as "You are entering a danger range. Please check immediately and ensure your safety." In this case, the display unit 2005 functions as a danger notification unit 2011.

[0081] The danger notification may be made by issuing a message or a beep from the audio output unit 3007 of the wireless communication device 3 or the audio output unit 2007 of the mobile terminal device 2 in addition to or instead of displaying on the display unit 2005. In addition, if the mobile terminal device 2 is a device having a vibration function such as a smartphone, vibration may be generated by a built-in vibrator.

[0082] Also, similarly to the danger zone described above, a warning zone can be set as an area where immediate evacuation is not necessary but confirmation of the surrounding conditions is necessary, and a caution zone can be set as an area where caution is required. If it is determined that the latest position information of the worker obtained falls within each of these zones, a warning or caution can be issued, similarly to the danger zone described above.

[0083] The various input forms, input buttons, and input fields described from paragraph number

[0068] onwards function as "an input section for inputting location information of an arbitrary location and information about the environment of that location which is necessary for forestry as point information" and "an input section for inputting location information of an arbitrary location and information that the location is a danger point as danger point information" in the claims.

[0084] Furthermore, when the in-range determining section 2009 of each mobile terminal device 2 determines that it is within range, the control section 2002 reads out the point information and danger point information registered in the mobile terminal device 2 from the storage section 2003, and causes the communication section 2008 to transmit the information to the management server 6. At this time, it is preferable to compare the point information and danger point information with the time of the information already transmitted the previous time when the mobile terminal device 2 was within range, and transmit new information. When the management server 6 receives the point information and danger point information from the mobile terminal device 2, it stores the information and transmits it to the management terminal device 5 via the network N.

[0085] 6, a point share button 11 for sharing point information and danger point information with other groups is displayed on the display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal device 2. When the point share button 11 is tapped and then any one of the point information icons 19 to 21 and the warning icon 22 displayed on the display unit 2005 is tapped, the control unit 2002 displays on the display unit 2005 a destination group ID input form (not shown) for inputting the ID of another group with which the point information and danger point information are to be shared. When the mobile terminal device 2 is within range and a group ID is input into the destination group ID input screen, the control unit 2002 copies the point information and danger point information of the tapped icon and transmits the copied information to the management server 6 as the point information and danger information of the destination group. When the mobile terminal device 2 is out of range, if the point sharing button 11 is tapped, point information or danger point information is selected, and the sharing group ID is entered, the control unit 2002 copies the selected point information or danger point information and stores this in the memory unit 2003 as point information or danger information for the sharing group, and when the in range determination unit 2009 determines that it is in range, it is also preferable to have the point information or danger point information transmitted to the management server 6.

[0086] On the other hand, when the in-range determining section 2009 of the mobile terminal device 2 determines that it is within range, the control section 2002 determines whether the management server 6 has point information or danger point information of the group to which the mobile terminal device 2 belongs that is not stored in the memory section 2003 of the mobile terminal device 2, and if so, causes the communication section 2008 to transmit a request signal requesting the management server 6 to transmit the information from the communication section 2008 via the network N, and the management server 6 transmits the point information or danger point information in response to the request. When the communication section 2008 receives the point information or danger point information via the network N, the control section 2002 causes the point information or danger point information to be stored in the memory section 2003 and also causes the display section 2005 to display the point information or danger point information on the map.

[0087] Furthermore, the mobile terminal device 2 that has received the point information or danger point information may transmit the received point information or danger point information to other mobile terminal devices 2 in the same group via the wireless communication device 3. The control unit 2002 of the other mobile terminal device 2 that has received the point information or danger point information may store the point information or danger point information in the storage unit 2003 and may display it on a map on the display unit 2005.

[0088] In the case of this embodiment, for example, when a worker 1 belonging to the first group G1 is within range of the mobile terminal device 2 carried by the worker 1, the worker 1 taps the point sharing button 11, then selects and taps the icon of the point information that the worker 1 wishes to share with the workers 4 to 6 of the second group G2 from among the point information icons 19 to 21 displayed on the display screen, and enters the group ID of the second group G2 in the displayed sharing group ID input form, and a copy of the point information is sent to the management server 6 as the point information of the second group G2.

[0089] After that, for example, when the mobile terminal device 2 (402) carried by the worker 4 comes within the range, if the management server 6 has point information or danger point information of the second group G2 that is not stored in the memory unit 2003 of the mobile terminal device 2 (402) carried by the worker 4, the mobile terminal device 2 (402) transmits a request signal to the management server 6 to request transmission of the information. Then, in the above example, the management server 6 transmits the point information selected by the worker 1 to be shared with the second group G2 and transmitted to the management server 6, and the point information is displayed on the map of the display unit 2005. In addition, the point information may be transmitted by the mobile terminal device 2 (402) to the mobile terminal devices 2 (502), 2 (602) carried by the other workers 5 and 6 of the second group G2, and may also be displayed on the map of the display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal devices 2 (502), 2 (602).

[0090] For example, in the case where a first group G1, a work crew from one company, cuts down trees, de-branchs them, and cuts them into logs, which are then transported down the mountain by a second group G2, a work crew from another company, the workers in the first group G1 can register the location where the logs are stored as point information and share this with the second group G2. The workers in the second group G2 can then quickly and accurately determine where the logs are stored, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the mobile terminal device 2 is within range, point information and danger point information can be shared between different groups via the management server 6. However, even when the mobile terminal device 2 is out of range, point information and danger point information can also be shared between different groups via the wireless communication device 3.

[0092] 6, the display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal device 2 displays a message button 12 for transmitting and receiving text messages to and from the mobile terminal devices 2 of other workers in the group, and when the message button 12 is tapped, the control unit 2002 causes the display unit 2005 to display a message display screen 23 in which messages previously transmitted and received within the group are displayed in chronological order, as shown in FIG. 11(A). At this time, if there is any message data that has been transmitted from the mobile terminal devices 2 of other workers in the group, received by the control unit 2002 and stored in the storage unit 2003 and is not displayed on the message display screen 23, the control unit 2002 causes the message display screen 23 to display the name and icon of the worker who transmitted the message together with the message, and the date and time when the message was transmitted.

[0093] An input acceptance button 24 for accepting input of a new message is displayed on the message display screen 23, and when the input acceptance button 24 is tapped, the control unit 2002 displays an input form 25 for inputting a new message on the message display screen 23, as shown in Fig. 11(B) . The input form 25 has a fixed phrase selection field 251 for selecting a message to be sent from a list of fixed phrases, a text box 252 for freely entering text, a notification button 253 for selecting whether to issue a notification sound when the text message to be sent is received by another mobile terminal device 2, and a confirmation button 254 for confirming the input information.

[0094] When a fixed phrase in the fixed phrase selection field 251 is tapped to select it and then the confirm button 254 is tapped, the control unit 2002 transmits the text data of the selected fixed phrase from the short-range communication unit 2004 to the wireless communication device 3 carried in the same state, and when the text data is received by the short-range communication unit 2004 of the wireless communication device 3, the control unit 2002 of the wireless communication device 3 transmits the text data to the wireless communication device 3 carried together with the other mobile terminal device 2 in the group. Note that FIG. 11(B) shows a state in which the fixed phrase "Let's start the morning meeting" has been selected in the fixed phrase selection field 251.

[0095] When a text message is entered in the text box 252 and the confirm button 254 is tapped, the control unit 2002 transmits the text data of the entered message from the short-range communication unit 2004 to the wireless communication device 3 that is also carried, and when the text data is received by the short-range communication unit 2004 of the wireless communication device 3, the control unit 2002 of the wireless communication device 3 causes the text data to be transmitted to the wireless communication device 3 that is carried along with other mobile terminal devices 2 in the group.

[0096] When a template is selected or a text message is entered in the text box 252, and the confirmation button 254 is tapped with the notification button 253 turned ON, the control unit 2002 transmits notification ON information together with the text data.

[0097] For example, when text data or notification ON information is transmitted from a mobile terminal device 2 (102) carried by a worker 1, the text data or notification ON information is transmitted via a wireless communication device 3 (103) to wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) carried by workers 2 and 3.

[0098] When the short-distance communication unit 2004 of the wireless communication device 3 (203), 3 (303) carried by the worker 2, 3 receives the text data or notification ON information, the control unit 3002 of the wireless communication device 3 (203), 3 (303) transmits the text data or notification ON information to the mobile terminal device 2 (202), 2 (302) carried by the worker 2, 3, respectively, and when the short-distance communication unit 2004 of the mobile terminal device 2 (202), 2 (302) receives the text data or notification ON information, the control unit 2002 of the mobile terminal device 2 (202), 2 (302) stores the text data in the storage unit 2003. When notification ON information is received, the control unit 2002 causes the audio output unit 2007 to output a sound or message notifying that a text message has been received. If the mobile terminal device 2 is a device having a vibration function such as a smartphone, vibration may be generated by a built-in vibrator.

[0099] The above describes the case where text data or notification ON information is sent from the mobile terminal device 2 (102) carried by worker 1. However, similar processing is also performed between other mobile terminal devices 2 in the group and text data or notification ON information is sent from the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) carried by workers 2 and 3.

[0100] The message button 12, the input acceptance button 24 and the input form 25 function as an "input section for inputting a text message" in the claims. The message display screen 23 functions as a "display unit that displays a text message" in the claims.

[0101] The control unit 2002 of the portable terminal device 2 is configured to determine whether or not the worker carrying the portable terminal device 2 has fallen, based on the acceleration and angular velocity detected by an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor (not shown) built into the portable terminal device 2. The control unit 2002 and the acceleration sensor and the gyro sensor function as a fall detection unit 2003.

[0102] When it is detected that a worker has fallen, the control unit 2002 causes the short-range communication unit 2004 to transmit a signal notifying the worker of the fall and an ID identifying the worker carrying the mobile terminal device 2 to the wireless communication device 3 carried in the same portable device, and when the short-range communication unit 3004 of the wireless communication device 3 receives the signal notifying the worker of the fall and the ID, the control unit 3002 of the wireless communication device 3 causes them to be transmitted to the wireless communication device 3 carried together with the mobile terminal device 2 of the other worker in the group. When the signal notifying the worker of the fall is received by the short-range communication unit 3004 of the wireless communication device 3 of the other worker, the control unit 3002 of the wireless communication device 3 of the other worker causes the audio output unit 3007 to output a message or a beep notifying the worker of the fall.

[0103] For example, when the mobile terminal device 2 (102) carried by the worker 1 determines that the worker 1 has fallen, a signal notifying the worker of the fall and the above-mentioned ID are transmitted from the mobile terminal device 2 (102) via the wireless communication device 3 (103) to the wireless communication devices 3 carried by the workers 2, 3 (203), and 3 (303).

[0104] When the signal notifying of the fall and the ID of worker 1 are received by the short-range communication unit 3004 of the wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) carried by the workers 2, 3, the control unit 3002 of the wireless communication devices 3 (203), 3 (303) causes the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) carried by the wireless communication devices to transmit the notification of the fall and the ID of worker 1, and when the signal notifying of the fall and the ID of worker 1 are received by the short-range communication units 2004 of the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302), the control unit 2002 of the mobile terminal devices 2 (202), 2 (302) causes the audio output unit 2007 to output a message indicating that worker 1 has fallen.

[0105] In this embodiment, the fall detection unit 2003 is provided in the mobile terminal device 2, but it may be provided in the wireless communication device 3. Also, in this embodiment, the message notifying the user of a fall is output from the audio output unit 2007 of the mobile terminal device 2, but it may be output from the audio output unit 3007 of the wireless communication device 3.

[0106] 6, the display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal device 2 displays a road data creation button 13 for recording the created road, and when the road data creation button 13 is tapped, the control unit 2002 causes the display unit 2005 to display a confirmation screen (not shown) for confirming whether or not to record the road data. When the road data creation button 13 is tapped again after an input is made from the confirmation screen to confirm that the road data is to be recorded, the control unit 2002 causes the display unit 2005 to display a confirmation screen (not shown) for confirming whether or not to end the recording of the road data.

[0107] When the road data creation button 13 is tapped and an input is made on the confirmation screen to confirm that the road data will be recorded, the control unit 2002 stores the above-mentioned action trajectory from the time this confirmation input is made until the road data creation button 13 is tapped again and an input is made on the confirmation screen to confirm that the road data recording will be terminated, in the storage unit 2003 as road data, and displays the road data on the map on the display unit 2005 in a line type and / or color different from that of a normal action trajectory. In addition, it is preferable that the color of the road data lines can be selected and set arbitrarily.

[0108] For this reason, for example, by using the road data creation function on the mobile terminal device 2 of a worker who operates heavy machinery that constructs work roads, the constructed work roads can be stored and displayed as road data. Also, by using the road data creation function during a preliminary reconnaissance for constructing a road network, the road network to be constructed can be stored and displayed as road data.

[0109] 6, the display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal device 2 displays a distance measurement button 14 for measuring the distance between two points on a map. When the distance measurement button 14 is tapped, the control unit 2002 displays a selection form (not shown) on the display unit 2005 for selecting whether to measure the straight-line distance between two points or to measure the distance of a route drawn by the user on a map. When either measurement method is selected from the selection form, the control unit 2002 displays a map form for inputting the points on the map from which the distance is to be measured. When the selection form selects to measure the straight-line distance between two points, and two points, a certain point and a certain point from which the distance is to be measured, the control unit 2002 connects the two points with a straight line to calculate the distance, and displays the result on the display unit 2005 together with the straight line connecting the two points. In addition, when the selection form selects to measure the distance of a route drawn by the user on a map, the control unit 2002 sequentially displays a line on the map in the map display form from the point where the user taps on the map, and then slides the finger while still tapping, to the point where the finger is released from the screen, and when the finger is released from the screen, measures the distance of the route drawn by the line and displays the result on the display unit 2005.

[0110] According to the position sharing system 1 of this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 2 carried by the worker can communicate via the wireless communication device 3 even when outside the radio wave range, so that the workers can share and communicate position information stably over a wider range. In addition, when any mobile terminal device 2 of a worker in a group comes within the radio wave range, the position information of the worker in the group is automatically transmitted to the management terminal device 5 via the management server 6, so that when an accident occurs, the location of the accident can be identified more quickly at the site office or the like.

[0111] More specifically, when a message is received that a worker in the group has fallen, the worker can confirm the worker's safety by using the text message transmission / reception function or by making a voice call with the wireless communication device 3, and if there is no response, the location information of the worker who is thought to have fallen can be confirmed on the display unit 2005 and rescue can be started. Also, when one of the workers goes down the mountain and requests rescue or an ambulance, the location information of the worker in the group is automatically transmitted to the management terminal device 5 via the management server 6 as soon as the mobile terminal device 2 comes within the radio wave range on the way down the mountain, so that the site office can quickly grasp the location of the accident.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the first group G1 and the second group G2 share the worker's location information, point information, and danger point information only within each group, except when a worker individually selects and shares the point information or danger point information that he or she wants to share with other groups, and send and receive text messages and be notified of a worker's fall only within each group. However, it is also preferable to store the group IDs of the other groups, the worker IDs of the workers belonging to the other groups, and the IDs of the mobile terminals, wireless communication devices 3, and positioning devices 4 carried by each worker belonging to the other groups in a linked state before entering the mountain, so that only the worker's location information can be shared across groups.

[0113] For example, if there is a group of forestry workers and a group that has entered the mountains with hunting rifles to exterminate harmful animals such as deer and bears, the location information of the workers can be shared across groups, and the worker (hunter) carrying the hunting rifle can set a danger zone centered on the device's location on the mobile terminal device 2.If a forestry worker enters that danger zone, both the hunter and forestry worker who are nearby will be notified of the danger, preventing accidental firing.

[0114] Although the position sharing system 1 according to the present embodiment has been described taking as an example a case where it is used at a forestry site, it can also be applied to construction sites or building sites where the radio wave conditions are poor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1: Location sharing system 2: Portable terminal device 2002: Control section 2003: Memory section 2004: Near Field Communication Department 2005:Display section 2008: Communications Department 2009: In-area Judgment Department 2010: Input section 3: Wireless communication device 3002: Control unit 3003: Storage section 3004: Near Field Communication Department 4: Positioning device 4002: Control unit 4003: Storage section 4004: Near Field Communication Department 5: Management terminal device 6: Management server

Claims

1. A mobile terminal device carried by each of a plurality of workers constituting a group; a wireless communication device carried together with the mobile terminal device; a positioning means carried together with the mobile terminal device for measuring position data of the carrying worker; A management terminal connected to the network A location sharing system having: The mobile terminal device A control unit that controls each unit of the mobile terminal device; a short-range communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the wireless communication device; A communication unit that communicates with a base station; A storage unit that stores position information; an in-service determining unit that determines whether the base station is in a service area where communication with the base station is possible; having Among the workers, the portable terminal device carried by one of the workers is referred to as one portable terminal device, the wireless communication device and the positioning means carried together with the one portable terminal device are referred to as one wireless communication device and one positioning means, respectively, the portable terminal device carried by the other worker is referred to as another portable terminal device, and the wireless communication device and the positioning means carried together with the other portable terminal device are referred to as another wireless communication device and another positioning means, respectively: The position data measured by the one positioning means is acquired by the one mobile terminal device, and the control unit of the one mobile terminal device stores position information including the acquired position data in the storage unit; the control unit of the one mobile terminal device transmits the location information from the short-range communication unit to the one wireless communication device in a state where the location information is linked to an ID that identifies the one worker, the one wireless communication device transmits the received location information to the other wireless communication device, the other wireless communication device transmits the received location information to the short-range communication unit of the other mobile terminal device, and the control unit of the other mobile terminal device stores the received location information in the memory unit in a state where the location information is linked to an ID that identifies the one worker, When the within-range determination unit determines that the workers are within range, the control unit reads out the position information of each of the workers from the storage unit and transmits the position information via the communication unit, A position sharing system, characterized in that the management terminal device acquires the position information of each of the workers transmitted from the communication unit of the mobile terminal device.

2. the mobile terminal device has a display unit for displaying an image; The storage unit stores map information, The position sharing system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a map based on the map information.

3. the mobile terminal device has a display unit for displaying an image; The storage unit stores map information, 2. The position sharing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a map based on the map information, and also causes the display unit to display the position information of each of the workers on the map.

4. an input unit provided in the mobile terminal device for inputting a distance to be set as a danger zone centered on the position of the mobile terminal device; A danger warning unit that warns of danger, When the danger zone is set, the control unit generates the position information in which danger flag information indicating that the danger zone has been set in the position data and distance information set in the danger zone are set as danger zone information, 4. The position sharing system according to claim 1, wherein, when the danger zone is set in the one mobile terminal device, the one control unit determines whether the acquired position information of the other worker falls within the danger zone based on the danger zone information included in the position information of the one worker, and if it is determined that the position information of the other worker falls within the danger zone, causes the danger notification unit to notify of the danger.

5. an input unit provided in the mobile terminal device for inputting a distance to be set as a danger zone centered on the mobile terminal device; A danger warning unit is provided to warn of danger, When the danger zone is set, the control unit generates the position information in which danger flag information indicating that the danger zone has been set in the position data and distance information set in the danger zone are set as danger zone information, When the danger zone is set in the one mobile terminal device, The control unit of the other mobile terminal device determines whether the acquired location information of the one worker falls within the danger zone measured by the positioning means carried along with the other mobile terminal device based on the danger zone information contained in the acquired location information of the one worker, and if it is determined that the location information falls within the danger zone, causes the danger notification unit to notify of the danger.

6. The location sharing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has an input unit provided in the mobile terminal device for setting location information of any location and information about the environment of the location that is necessary for forestry as point information.

7. an input unit provided in the mobile terminal device for setting location information of an arbitrary location and information indicating that the arbitrary location is a dangerous point as dangerous point information; A danger warning unit that warns of danger, The location sharing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the control unit determines that the acquired location information falls within a predetermined range from the location of the danger point, it causes the danger notification unit to notify of danger.

8. an input unit provided in the mobile terminal device for setting location information of an arbitrary location and information indicating that the arbitrary location is a dangerous point as dangerous point information; A danger warning unit that warns of danger, the control unit of the one mobile terminal device transmits the danger point information from the short-range communication unit to the one wireless communication device, the one wireless communication device transmits the received danger point information to the other wireless communication device, the other wireless communication device transmits the received danger point information to the short-range communication unit of the other mobile terminal device, and the control unit of the other mobile terminal device stores the received danger point information in the storage unit, The position sharing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit of the other mobile terminal device, when it determines that the location information measured and acquired by the positioning means carried together with the other mobile terminal device is within a predetermined range from the location of the danger point, causes the danger notification unit to notify of danger.

9. the mobile terminal device has an input unit for inputting a text message and a display unit for displaying the text message; The location sharing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit of the one mobile terminal device transmits text data of the text message input from the input unit from the short-range communication unit to the one wireless communication device, the one wireless communication device transmits the received text data to the other wireless communication device, and the other wireless communication device transmits the received text data to the short-range communication unit of the other mobile terminal device.

Citation Information

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