Communication device, communication method, and product management system

Abstract

A communication device 100 according to one embodiment comprises communication units 110 and 120 and a control unit 130. The communication units 110 and 120 transmit a first signal. The control unit 130 receives, by means of the communication units 110 and 120, a second signal transmitted from a terminal device 200 that has received the first signal, and continues the transmission of the first signal by the communication units 110 and 120 when holding instrument information included in the first signal and holding instrument information included in the second signal match. In addition, when the second signal is not received, or when the second signal is received by the communication units 110 and 120 but the holding instrument information included in the second signal and the holding instrument information included in the first signal do not match, the control unit 130 stops transmission of the first signal by the communication units 110 and 120.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a product management system.

Background Art

[0002] There is an intermittent reception control device that can extend the period of the inactive state for all subordinate mobile stations by having a base station transmit DRX (Discontinuous Reception) parameters to subordinate mobile stations, and realizes a high power saving function in both the base station and the mobile stations (for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] A communication device according to a first aspect is a communication device including a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit transmits a first signal. The control unit receives a second signal transmitted from a terminal device that has received the first signal, by the communication unit, and when the holding device information included in the first signal matches the holding device information included in the second signal, causes the communication unit to continue transmitting the first signal. Further, the control unit stops the communication unit from transmitting the first signal when either the second signal is not received or the holding device information included in the second signal received by the communication unit does not match the holding device information included in the first signal.

[0005] The communication method according to the second aspect is a communication method in a communication device having a communication unit and a control unit. The communication method includes a step of transmitting a first signal by the communication unit. Further, the communication method includes a step of receiving, by the control unit, a second signal transmitted from a terminal device that has received the first signal by the communication unit, and when the holding device information included in the second signal matches the holding device information included in the first signal, continuing the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit. Or, the communication method includes a step of stopping, by the control unit, the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit when either the second signal is not received or the holding device information included in the second signal received by the communication unit does not match the holding device information included in the first signal.

[0006] The product management system according to the third aspect is a product management system including a communication device and a terminal device. In the product management system, the communication device transmits a first signal. In the product management system, the communication device receives a second signal transmitted from a terminal device that has received the first signal, and when the holding device information included in the second signal matches the holding device information included in the first signal, continues the transmission of the first signal. Or, in the product management system, the communication device stops the transmission of the first signal when either the second signal is not received or the holding device information included in the second signal received does not match the holding device information included in the first signal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in the above-described intermittent reception control device, even if the period of the inactive state in the mobile station can be lengthened by the DRX parameter, there are cases where the mobile station that has shifted to the active state cannot communicate with the base station. Even though the mobile station cannot communicate with the base station, when it shifts to the active state, power may be wasted.

[0009] Therefore, one aspect aims to suppress power consumption.

[0010] [First Embodiment] For example, there is the following technology. That is, when an appliance communication device provided in a holding appliance (e.g., a hanger) for holding a product detects that the product has been taken out of the display zone, it transmits a beacon. When the user communication device receives the beacon, it extracts the appliance identifier from the beacon and transmits the user identifier together with the appliance identifier to the product management device. Then, the product management device manages the appliance identifier and the user identifier.

[0011] However, in the above-described technology, it is premised that the user communication device has a function of performing processing on the beacon. In the user communication device, if it does not have the function, even if the appliance communication device transmits the beacon, the user communication device cannot receive the beacon. In this case, the power consumption of the appliance communication device due to beacon transmission is wasted.

[0012] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the purpose is to suppress the power consumption of the communication device.

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0014] (Configuration example of product management system) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a product management system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The product management system 10 includes a plurality of holding appliances H (H1, H2, H3,...), a terminal device 200, and a product management device 300. Each holding appliance H (H1, H2, H3,...) has an appliance communication device 100 (100-1, 100-2, 100-3,...).

[0016] In one embodiment, the holding device H and the terminal device 200 are present within the store S. The store S is a clothing store. The store S may be any store that sells products, for example, a supermarket, a greengrocer, etc. Note that the holding device H and the terminal device 200 may be present in the display zone. The display zone may be any zone where the product P is displayed, for example, a zone where a display rack is provided, a display shelf, or a showcase, etc. There may be a plurality of display zones within the store S.

[0017] The holding device H is, for example, a hanger for holding products. The holding device H may be any device that holds products, for example, a product fixture such as a mannequin, a tray, etc. The holding device H can be hung on the display rack together with the product P (or in a state where the product P is not hung). The display rack can hold one or a plurality of holding devices H.

[0018] The device communication device 100 is a communication device provided in the holding device H. The device communication device 100 may be incorporated inside the holding device H. Also, the device communication device 100 may be attached to the surface of the holding device H. The device communication device 100 has a beacon transmission unit that transmits a beacon and a beacon reception unit that receives a beacon.

[0019] Note that a beacon is, for example, a signal that includes an identifier. The identifier included in the beacon is, for example, a device identifier (or hanger ID). In the following, an example where the beacon is a BT beacon based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard will be mainly described. However, the beacon is not limited to a BT beacon, and a beacon based on a standard other than BT may be applied.

[0020] The terminal device 200 is a communication device that the user possesses and can use. The user refers to a person who uses the product management system 10, for example, a customer who can purchase product P at store S. Hereinafter, the user and the customer may be used without distinction. The terminal device 200 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, etc. The terminal device 200 can be connected to the network NW via a wireless connection. The terminal device 200 can communicate with the product management device 300 via the network NW. However, the terminal device 200 can also communicate with the product management device 300 via the network NW outside store S. Also, the terminal device 200 can communicate with the appliance communication device 100 within store S. In this case, the terminal device 200 can transmit and receive beacons with the appliance communication device 100.

[0021] The product management device 300 is a device that manages product P. The product management device 300 is connected to the network NW via a wired or wireless connection. The product management device 300 can communicate with the terminal device 200 via the network NW. As an example, the case where the product management device 300 is provided outside store S will be described, but it may be provided in store S. The product management device 300 does not necessarily have to be a dedicated device or server. The product management device 300 may be, for example, the server of the supplier of the appliance communication device 100, a server dedicated to e-commerce, or the server of a store retailer.

[0022] (An example of the application scenario of the product management system) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the application scenario of the product management system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the user U who possesses the terminal device 200 has entered store S. In store S, a plurality of sets of product P and the holding appliance H are arranged on the display rack L.

[0024] User U selects a product P of interest from among a plurality of products P in the display zone Z, and removes the selected product P and the corresponding holding device H from the display rack L. User U checks the product P and purchases the product P or returns the product P and the holding device H to the original display rack L.

[0025] (Configuration example of the device communication device) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the device communication device 100 according to the first embodiment. The communication device attached to the holding device H may be referred to as a "device communication device". FIG. 3 is also an example of a communication device. Hereinafter, the device communication device 100 will be described as an example of a communication device.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the device communication device 100 includes a beacon transmission unit 110, a beacon reception unit 120, a control unit 130, a detection unit 140, and a battery 150.

[0027] The beacon transmission unit 110 transmits a beacon (for example, a first signal) under the control of the control unit 130. In the first embodiment, the beacon includes holding device information. The holding device information is information regarding the holding device H and may be information that identifies other holding device information. Such holding device information includes a device identifier (or hanger ID). The beacon transmission unit 110 transmits a beacon including the holding device information regarding the holding device H.

[0028] The beacon reception unit 120 receives a beacon (for example, a second signal) under the control of the control unit 130. The beacon reception unit 120 outputs the received beacon to the control unit 130. In the first embodiment, there are, for example, three types of beacons received by the beacon reception unit 120.

[0029] First, it is the case where the received beacon contains the same holding device information as the holding device information included in the beacon transmitted by the beacon transmission unit 110. That is, it is the case where the received beacon contains the same holding device information as its own holding device information. This is when, in the terminal device 200, in response to a beacon (for example, the first signal) including the holding device information transmitted by the beacon transmission unit 110, a new beacon (for example, the second signal) including the holding device information is transmitted, and the beacon is received by the beacon reception unit 120.

[0030] Second, it is the case where the received beacon contains holding device information but does not match the holding device information transmitted by the beacon transmission unit 110. That is, it is the case where the received beacon contains holding device information that does not match its own holding device information. The holding device information transmitted by the beacon transmission unit 110 in the device communication device 100-1 of the holding device H1 is different from the holding device information transmitted by the beacon transmission unit 110 in the device communication device 100-2 of the holding device H2. For example, consider the case where the beacon reception unit 120 of the device communication device 100-1 of the holding device H1 receives a new beacon transmitted from the terminal device 200 in response to a beacon transmitted from the device communication device 100-2 of the holding device H2 that is close to the holding device H1. In this case, the beacon reception unit 120 of the holding device H1 receives the holding device information transmitted from the holding device H2, so it does not match the holding device information of the holding device H1 itself.

[0031] Third, it is the case where the received beacon does not contain the holding device information itself. There may be a case where the beacon transmitted from the terminal device 200 does not necessarily contain the holding device information.

[0032] Note that the beacon transmission unit 110 and the beacon reception unit 120 function as communication units that transmit a beacon (for example, the first signal) or receive a beacon (for example, the second signal) transmitted from the terminal device 200.

[0033] The control unit 130 controls various functions in the appliance communication device 100. The control unit 130 includes at least one memory 132 and at least one processor 131 electrically connected to the memory 132. The memory 132 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used in the processing by the processor 131 and a program executed by the processor 131. The processor 131 may perform various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 132. Further, the memory 132 stores the holding appliance information. For example, the control unit 130 reads out the holding appliance information stored in the memory 232, generates a beacon including the holding appliance information, and outputs the beacon to the beacon transmission unit 110. Also, for example, the control unit 130 inputs a beacon from the beacon reception unit 120 and extracts the holding appliance information from the beacon. Then, the control unit 130 compares the extracted holding appliance information with the holding appliance information stored in the memory 132 to determine whether the holding appliance information included in the beacon transmitted by the beacon transmission unit 110 matches the holding appliance information included in the beacon received by the beacon reception unit 120. Note that the operations or processes in the appliance communication device 100 shown below may be performed by the control unit 130.

[0034] The detection unit 140 detects that the holding appliance H has moved and outputs a signal (or sensor information) indicating the detection result to the control unit 130. For example, the detection unit 140 may include a switch that turns on / off in response to the movement of the holding appliance H (hanger), and / or a sensor that detects a change in a physical quantity (e.g., acceleration, etc.) when the holding appliance H (hanger) moves from the display rack L. Such a sensor includes an acceleration sensor. The detection unit 140 may acquire sensor information from various sensors and output it to the control unit 130 as a signal indicating the detection result. The detection unit 140 may be a sensor.

[0035] The battery 150 stores electric power and supplies the electric power to each part of the appliance communication device 100.

[0036] In the appliance communication device 100 configured as described above, when the detection unit 140 detects that the holding appliance H has moved, the control unit 130 controls the beacon transmission unit 110 to transmit a beacon including the holding appliance information. Thereby, the appliance communication device 100 can transmit a beacon including the holding appliance information in response to the movement of the holding appliance H.

[0037] Note that hereinafter, having the holding appliance H in which the user U holds the product P and having the product P held by the user U in the holding appliance H may be used interchangeably. Also, having the product P by the user U and having the product P held by the user U in the holding appliance H may be used interchangeably.

[0038] (Configuration example of the terminal device) FIG. 4(A) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4(A), the terminal device 200 includes a beacon transceiver 210, a wireless communication unit 220, a control unit 230, and a display unit 240.

[0040] The beacon transceiver 210 transmits and receives a beacon to and from the appliance communication device 100 under the control of the control unit 230. That is, the beacon transceiver 210 receives the beacon transmitted from the appliance communication device 100 and outputs the received beacon to the control unit 130. Also, the beacon transceiver 210 transmits the beacon output from the control unit 230. The beacon transmitted and received by the beacon transceiver 210 is a beacon of the same standard as the beacon transmitted and received by the appliance communication device 100.

[0041] Note that the beacon transceiver unit 210 in the terminal device 200 operates (or functions) when, for example, a predetermined application program is installed in the terminal device 200 and the predetermined application program is in a state where it can be executed. The predetermined application program may be an application program for the user U to receive various services within the store S. Further, the predetermined application program may be an application program for operating (or functioning) the beacon transceiver unit 210. In the terminal device 200, when such a predetermined application program is executable, the beacon transceiver unit 210 may operate and communicate with the appliance communication device 100. Note that the terminal device 200 may download the predetermined application program from the product management device 300. Further, the terminal device 200 may download it from a server other than the product management device 300.

[0042] The wireless communication unit 220 can be connected to the network NW via a wireless line and can communicate with the product management device 300 via the network NW.

[0043] The control unit 230 controls various functions in the terminal device 200. The control unit 230 includes at least one memory 232 and at least one processor 231 electrically connected to the memory 232. The memory 232 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used in the processing by the processor 231 and programs executed by the processor 231. The memory 232 may store the above-described predetermined application program. The processor 231 may perform various processes by executing the programs stored in the memory 232. The memory 232 stores user identification information regarding the user U or the terminal device 200. The user identification information may be any information as long as it can be distinguished from other users or other user communication devices. The user identification information is, for example, a user identifier (or user ID). For example, the following processes are performed in the control unit 130. That is, when the control unit 230 receives a beacon from the beacon transceiver 210, in response to the beacon reception, the control unit 230 stores the holding device information included in the beacon in the memory 232, generates a new beacon including the holding device information, and outputs the generated beacon to the beacon transceiver 210. Further, the control unit 130 reads out the holding device information stored in the memory 232 and the user identification information, and outputs the holding device information and the user identification information to the wireless communication unit 220. As a result, the holding device information and the user identification information are transmitted to the merchandise management device 300. Note that the operations or processes of the terminal device 200 described below may be performed in the control unit 230.

[0044] The display unit 240 displays various information under the control of the control unit 230.

[0045] When the terminal device 200 configured as described above receives a beacon (e.g., the first signal) transmitted from the appliance communication device 100, in response to the reception of the beacon, it can generate a new beacon (e.g., the second signal) and transmit the beacon. The terminal device 200 includes the holding appliance information contained in the received beacon in the new beacon and transmits it. Further, the terminal device 200 can transmit the holding appliance information contained in the received beacon and its own user identification information to the product management device 300.

[0046] (Configuration example of product management device) FIG. 4(B) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the product management device 300 according to the first embodiment.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4(B), the product management device 300 includes a communication interface 310 and a control unit 320.

[0048] The communication interface 310 is connected to the network NW via a wired or wireless line. The communication interface 310 receives the holding appliance information and the user identification information transmitted from the terminal device 200. The communication interface 310 outputs the holding appliance information and the user identification information to the control unit 320.

[0049] The control unit 320 controls various functions in the product management device 300. The control unit 320 includes at least one memory 322 and at least one processor 321 electrically connected to the memory 322. The processor 321 may perform various processes by executing a program stored in the memory 322. The control unit 320 may associate the holding appliance information and the user identification information and store them in the memory 322.

[0050] In store S, various users U visit the store. For example, among users U, there are those who possess a terminal device 200 installed with a predetermined application program for receiving services within store S, and there are also those who possess a terminal device 200 without the installation of the predetermined application program. A terminal device 200 without the installation of the predetermined application program may not be able to receive a beacon even if the appliance communication device 100 transmits a beacon. For the appliance communication device 100, continuously transmitting a beacon to such a terminal device 200 may result in wasted power consumption due to beacon transmission.

[0051] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the appliance communication device 100 transmits a beacon including holding appliance information, and continues to transmit the beacon when the received beacon from the terminal device 200 includes the holding appliance information. This is because in the appliance communication device 100, by receiving the same holding appliance information as its own, it can be determined that a predetermined application program is installed in the terminal device 200. On the other hand, when the appliance communication device 100 does not receive a beacon, it stops transmitting the beacon. Also, when the appliance communication device 100 receives a beacon but the holding appliance information included in the beacon does not match the holding appliance information included in the beacon transmitted by the appliance communication device 100, it also stops transmitting the beacon. In the appliance communication device 100, when it does not receive a beacon including the same holding appliance information as its own, it can be determined that a predetermined application program is not installed in the terminal device 200. In such a case, in the appliance communication device 100, by stopping the transmission of the beacon, it becomes possible to suppress power consumption compared to the case of continuously transmitting the beacon.

[0052] Specifically, first, a communication unit (e.g., the beacon transmission unit 110) of a communication device (e.g., the appliance communication device 100) transmits a first signal (e.g., a beacon). Second, a control unit (e.g., the control unit 130) of the communication device receives a second signal (e.g., a beacon) transmitted from a terminal device (e.g., the terminal device 200) that has received the first signal, and when the appliance information for holding included in the second signal matches the appliance information for holding included in the first signal, the control unit continues to transmit the first signal. Third, when the control unit does not receive the second signal or when the appliance information for holding included in the second signal does not match the appliance information for holding included in the first signal even though the second signal has been received, the control unit stops transmitting the first signal.

[0053] This makes it possible to suppress power consumption.

[0054] (Operation example according to the first embodiment) Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0055] The operation example according to the first embodiment first (1) describes an operation example when the user U has a terminal device 200 in which a predetermined application program is installed, and (2) an operation example when the user U has a terminal device 200 in which the predetermined application program is not installed.

[0056] Next, (3) describes an overall operation example in the appliance communication device 100.

[0057] (1) When the user U has a terminal device 200 in which a predetermined application program is installed FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation example when the user U (or customer U) has a terminal device 200 in which a predetermined application program is installed.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S10, user U holds a holding device H (for example, a hanger).

[0059] In step S11, in response to the detection unit 140 of the device communication device 100 detecting the movement of the holding device H, the device communication device 100 transmits a beacon. At this time, in step S12, the device communication device 100 starts receiving the beacon. The transmitted beacon includes holding device information (for example, hanger ID). The holding device information may be the first notification information. Note that the order of steps S11 and S12 may be reversed.

[0060] In step S13, the device communication device 100 receives a beacon transmitted from the terminal device 200. The beacon includes holding device information. The holding device information may be the second notification information.

[0061] In step S14, when the holding device information included in the beacon transmitted in step S11 matches the holding device information included in the beacon received in step S13, the device communication device 100 continues to transmit the beacon and stops receiving the beacon started in step S12.

[0062] (2) When user U has a terminal device 200 in which a predetermined application program is not installed FIG. 6 is an example of the operation when user U has a terminal device 200 in which a predetermined application program is not installed.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, steps S10 to S12 are the same as the operation example (FIG. 5) when user U has a terminal device 200 in which a predetermined application program is installed.

[0064] In step S15, if the appliance communication device 100 does not receive a beacon from the terminal device 200 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the beacon transmission (step S11), the appliance communication device 100 stops transmitting and receiving the beacon. Also, in step S15, if the appliance communication device 100 receives a beacon from the terminal device 200 but the holding appliance information included in the received beacon is not the same as the holding appliance information included in the beacon transmitted in step S11, the appliance communication device 100 stops transmitting and receiving the beacon.

[0065] (Classification according to the operation pattern of user U) FIG. 7 is a diagram classifying the operation patterns of user U according to the first embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the operation patterns of user U include (A) When user U who holds the terminal device 200 installed with a predetermined application program touches the product P only once, (B) When user U who holds the terminal device 200 installed with a predetermined application program holds the product P, (C) When user U who holds the terminal device 200 not installed with a predetermined application program touches the product P only once, and (D) When user U who holds the terminal device 200 not installed with a predetermined application program holds the product P.

[0067] In the appliance communication device 100, as an initial process, both beacon transmission and beacon reception are turned ON.

[0068] In the case of pattern (A), user U touches the product P only once and does not move the holding appliance H (for example, a hanger). Therefore, the appliance communication device 100 turns OFF beacon transmission and reception.

[0069] In the case of pattern (B), while the user U is holding the product P, the user moves the holding device H. Therefore, the device communication apparatus 100 turns on the transmission and reception of the beacon. Then, when the device communication apparatus 100 receives a beacon including the same holding device information as the holding device information it transmitted, the device communication apparatus 100 continues to keep the beacon transmission on and turns off the beacon reception.

[0070] In the case of pattern (C), the user U only touches the product P once and does not move the holding device H. Therefore, the device communication apparatus 100 turns off the transmission and reception of the beacon.

[0071] In the case of pattern (D), while the user U is holding the product P, the user moves the holding device H. Therefore, the device communication apparatus 100 turns on the transmission and reception of the beacon. After that, since the device communication apparatus 100 does not receive a beacon including the same holding device information as the holding device information included in the beacon even when it transmits a beacon, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the device communication apparatus 100 stops the transmission and reception of the beacon.

[0072] (3) Overall operation example of the device communication apparatus 100 Next, an overall operation example of the device communication apparatus 100 will be described.

[0073] FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 are diagrams showing operation examples of the device communication apparatus according to the first embodiment. Among these, FIG. 8 shows an operation example of the main task. FIG. 9 shows an operation example of the beacon reception task. Further, FIG. 10 shows an operation example of the timer expiration task.

[0074] The beacon reception task shown in FIG. 9 may start operating at the timing when beacon reception is started (step S12 in FIG. 5). Also, the timer expiration task shown in FIG. 10 may start operating at the timing when the count value by the timer reaches a predetermined value (that is, timer expiration).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S20, the device communication apparatus 100 starts the main task.

[0076] In step S21, the appliance communication device 100 acquires sensor information. For example, the control unit 130 acquires the sensor information output from the detection unit 140.

[0077] In step S22, the appliance communication device 100 determines whether the user U has touched the product P held by the holding appliance H or has picked up the product P held by the holding appliance H. For example, when the control unit 130 acquires, from the detection unit 140 that has detected the movement of the holding appliance H, sensor information indicating that the product P has been picked up (or the holding appliance H has been moved), it determines that the product P has been picked up (Y in step S22). Further, for example, when the control unit 130 does not acquire such sensor information from the detection unit 140, it determines that the product P has not been picked up (N in step S22). In step S22, when the appliance communication device 100 determines that the user U has picked up the product P (Y in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0078] On the other hand, when the appliance communication device 100 determines that the user U has not picked up the product P (N in step S22), the process proceeds to step S34. Here, it is assumed that the user U has picked up and moved the product P held by the holding appliance H (Y in step S22) and the following description will be given.

[0079] In step S23, the appliance communication device 100 determines whether the hanger continuous operation flag is ON. The hanger continuous operation flag is a flag indicating whether the movement of the holding appliance H provided with the appliance communication device 100 has been performed. For example, the control unit 130 checks whether the hanger continuous operation flag stored in the memory 132 is ON. When the hanger continuous operation flag is OFF (N in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, when the hanger continuous operation flag is ON (Y in step S23), the process proceeds to step S30. Here, the appliance communication device 100 will be described below assuming that the beacon transmission and reception have not been performed yet. Since the hanger continuous operation flag of the appliance communication device 100 in such a state remains OFF (N in step S23), the processes after step S24 are performed.

[0080] In step S24, the appliance communication device 100 starts receiving the beacon.

[0081] In step S25, the appliance communication device 100 turns on the beacon reception flag. For example, the control unit 130 turns on the beacon reception flag stored in the memory 132.

[0082] In step S26, the appliance communication device 100 starts a timer. The timer may be provided inside the control unit 130. Also, the timer may be provided outside the control unit 130.

[0083] In step S27, the appliance communication device 100 transmits a beacon.

[0084] In step S28, the appliance communication device 100 turns on the beacon transmission flag. For example, the control unit 130 turns on the beacon transmission flag stored in the memory 132.

[0085] In step S29, the appliance communication device 100 turns on the hanger continuous operation flag. For example, the control unit 130 turns on the hanger continuous operation flag stored in the memory 132.

[0086] Since the appliance communication device 100 has started beacon reception (step S24), it executes the beacon reception task shown in FIG. 9 separately from (or in parallel with) the main task (FIG. 8). Here, the beacon reception task will be described.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 9, in step S40, the appliance communication device 100 starts the beacon reception task.

[0088] In step S41, the appliance communication device 100 determines whether the beacon reception flag is ON. If the appliance communication device 100 determines that the beacon reception flag is ON (Y in step S41), the process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, if the appliance communication device 100 determines that the beacon reception flag is OFF (N in step S41), the appliance communication device 100 repeats step S41. Here, since the beacon reception flag was turned on in the main task (step S25 in FIG. 8), the following description assumes that the beacon reception flag is ON (Y in step S41).

[0089] In step S42, the appliance communication device 100 determines whether it has received a beacon. If the appliance communication device 100 determines that it has received a beacon (Y in step S42), the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if the appliance communication device 100 determines that it has not received a beacon (N in step S42), the process proceeds to step S41. Here, the following description assumes that the appliance communication device 100 has received a beacon (Y in step S42).

[0090] In step S43, the appliance communication device 100 determines whether the received beacon contains the holding appliance information (e.g., hanger ID). If the appliance communication device 100 determines that the received beacon does not contain the holding appliance information (Y in step S43), the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if the appliance communication device 100 determines that the received beacon does not contain the holding appliance information (N in step S43), the process proceeds to step S41. Here, the appliance communication device 100 will be described below assuming that the received beacon contains the holding appliance information (Y in step S43).

[0091] In step S44, the appliance communication device 100 determines whether the holding appliance information contained in the received beacon matches its own holding appliance information. That is, the appliance communication device 100 determines whether the holding appliance information contained in the beacon it transmitted (step S27 in FIG. 8) matches the holding appliance information contained in the received beacon (step S42). If the holding appliance information contained in the received beacon matches its own holding appliance information (Y in step S44), the process proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, if the holding appliance information contained in the received beacon does not match its own holding appliance information (N in step S44), the process proceeds to step S41.

[0092] In this way, when the appliance communication device 100 does not receive a beacon (N in step S42), it repeats steps S41 and S42 until it receives a beacon. Also, when the appliance communication device 100 receives a beacon but the holding appliance information is not contained (N in step S43), it repeats steps S41, S42, and S43 until it receives a beacon containing the holding appliance information. Further, when the holding appliance information contained in the received beacon does not match its own holding appliance information (N in step S44), the appliance communication device 100 repeats steps S41 to S44 until they match.

[0093] However, even if the appliance communication device 100 transmits a beacon, a terminal device 200 that has not installed a specific application program cannot receive the beacon. Alternatively, even if the appliance communication device 100 transmits a beacon, a terminal device 200 that has not installed a specific application program does not transmit a new beacon in response to the beacon.

[0094] Therefore, in the appliance communication device 100, the processes from step S41 to step S44 may be continuously repeated. Therefore, in the appliance communication device 100, when the count value by the timer reaches a predetermined value, the appliance communication device 100 executes the timer expiration task shown in FIG. 10. Here, the appliance communication device 100 will be described below on the assumption that the processes from step S41 to step S44 in FIG. 9 are repeated and the count value by the timer reaches a predetermined value (that is, the timer has expired).

[0095] Note that the timer expiration task, the beacon reception task, and the main task are processed separately (or in parallel).

[0096] As shown in FIG. 10, in step S50, the appliance communication device 100 starts the process of the timer expiration task.

[0097] In step S51, the appliance communication device 100 turns off the beacon reception flag. For example, the control unit 130 turns off the beacon reception flag stored in the memory 132 from ON (step S25 in FIG. 8).

[0098] In step S52, the appliance communication device 100 turns off the beacon transmission flag. For example, the control unit 130 turns off the beacon transmission flag stored in the memory 132 from ON (step S28 in FIG. 8).

[0099] In step S53, the appliance communication device 100 stops the transmission and reception of the beacon.

[0100] In step S54, the appliance communication device 100 clears the timer.

[0101] Then, in step S55, the appliance communication device 100 ends the timer expiration task.

[0102] In this way, when the timer expires while the appliance communication device 100 continuously repeats the processes from step S41 to step S44 of the beacon reception task (Fig. 9), the appliance communication device 100 turns off both the beacon reception flag and the beacon transmission flag (steps S51 and S52), and stops the transmission and reception of the beacon (step S53).

[0103] On the other hand, in the beacon reception task (Fig. 9), when the holding appliance information included in the received beacon matches the own holding appliance information in the appliance communication device 100 (Y in step S44), in step S45, the appliance communication device 100 turns on the beacon transmission flag.

[0104] In step S46, the appliance communication device 100 stops receiving the beacon. In the appliance communication device 100, if it can confirm that the holding appliance information included in the received beacon matches the own holding appliance information, there is no need to receive the beacon anymore. Therefore, the appliance communication device 100 stops receiving the beacon. As a result, the appliance communication device 100 can reduce power consumption compared to the case of continuously receiving the beacon.

[0105] In step S47, the appliance communication device 100 turns off the beacon reception flag. For example, the control unit 130 turns off the beacon reception flag stored in the memory 132 from ON (step S25 in Fig. 8) to OFF.

[0106] In step S48, the appliance communication device 100 clears the timer. By clearing the timer, the timer does not expire, and the timer expiration task (Fig. 10) is not executed.

[0107] Then, the process proceeds to step S41, and the above-described process is repeated.

[0108] In this way, in the appliance communication device 100, when the holding appliance information included in the received beacon matches its own holding appliance information (Y in step S44), the beacon reception is stopped (step S46), and the transmission of the beacon is continued.

[0109] On the other hand, in the main task (FIG. 8), after the appliance communication device 100 turns on the hanger continuous operation flag (step S29), the processes after step S21 are repeated. Here, since the appliance communication device 100 has turned on the hanger continuous operation flag (step S29), the description will be given for the case after it is determined that the hanger continuous operation flag is ON (Y in step S23).

[0110] In step S30, the appliance communication device 100 determines whether the beacon reception flag is ON.

[0111] When the appliance communication device 100 repeats steps S41 to S44 of the beacon reception task (FIG. 9) before the timer expires (such as when the holding appliance information included in the received beacon does not match its own holding appliance information), the beacon reception flag remains ON (step S25 in FIG. 8). Therefore, in such a case, the appliance communication device 100 determines in step S30 that the beacon reception flag is ON (Y in step S30).

[0112] On the other hand, when the timer expires after repeating steps S41 to S44 of the beacon reception task (FIG. 9), the appliance communication device 100 turns off the beacon reception flag (step S51 in FIG. 10). Therefore, in such a case, the appliance communication device 100 determines in step S30 that the beacon reception flag is OFF (Y in step S30).

[0113] Also, when the holding device information included in the received beacon matches the own holding device information of the device (Y in step S44 of FIG. 9), the device communication device 100 turns off the beacon reception flag (step S47 of FIG. 9). Therefore, also in this case, in step S30, the device communication device 100 determines that the beacon reception flag is OFF (Y in step S30).

[0114] In step S30, when the beacon reception flag is ON (Y in step S30), the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, in step S30, when the beacon reception flag is OFF (N in step S30), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0115] In step S31, the device communication device 100 transmits a beacon. That is, when the device communication device 100 repeats steps S41 to S44 of the beacon reception task (FIG. 9) before the timer expires, the device communication device 100 continues to transmit the beacon (step S31). Since the device communication device 100 has not received a beacon including holding device information that matches its own holding device information before the timer expires, by continuing to transmit the beacon, the device communication device 100 prompts the terminal device 200 to transmit a beacon. Then, the process proceeds to step S21 and repeats the above-described process.

[0116] On the other hand, in step S32, the device communication device 100 checks whether the beacon transmission flag is ON.

[0117] When the holding device information included in the received beacon matches the own holding device information of the device communication device 100 (Y in step S44 of FIG. 9), the device communication device 100 turns off the beacon reception flag (N in step S47 of FIG. 9, step S30 of FIG. 8) and turns on the beacon transmission flag (step S45 of FIG. 9). Therefore, in such a case, the device communication device 100 determines that the beacon transmission flag is ON in step S32 (Y in step S32).

[0118] On the one hand, when repeating steps S41 to S44 in FIG. 9 and the timer expires, the appliance communication device 100 turns off the beacon reception flag (step S51 in FIG. 10), and further turns off the beacon transmission flag (step S52). Therefore, in such a case, the appliance communication device 100 determines in step S32 that the beacon transmission flag is OFF (N in step S32). Then, the process proceeds to step S21 and repeats the above-described process.

[0119] That is, in step S32, if the appliance communication device 100 receives from the terminal device 200 a beacon including the holding appliance information that matches its own holding appliance information (Y in step S44 of FIG. 9), the process proceeds to step S31 and continues beacon transmission. After that, even if the user U continues to hold the product P, in step S32, it is determined that the beacon transmission flag is ON (Y in step S32). Therefore, although the appliance communication device 100 continues to transmit the beacon (step S31), it repeats the processing of the main task while stopping the reception of the beacon (step S46 in FIG. 9).

[0120] On the other hand, when the timer expires without the appliance communication device 100 receiving from the terminal device 200 a beacon including the holding appliance information that matches its own holding appliance information (FIG. 10), the process proceeds from step S32 to step S21 while stopping beacon transmission and reception (step S53 in FIG. 10). After that, even if the user U continues to hold the product P, in step S32, it is determined that the beacon transmission flag is OFF (N in step S32). Therefore, the appliance communication device 100 repeats the processing of the main task while stopping the transmission and reception of the beacon (step S53 in FIG. 10).

[0121] In the main task (Figure 8), when the appliance communication device 100 determines that the user U does not have the product P (N in step S22), in step S34, it turns off the hanger continuous operation flag. For example, the control unit 130 turns off the hanger continuous operation flag stored in the memory 132 from ON (step S29).

[0122] In step S35, the appliance communication device 100 turns off the beacon reception flag.

[0123] In step S36, the appliance communication device 100 turns off the beacon transmission flag.

[0124] In step S37, the appliance communication device 100 stops receiving the beacon.

[0125] In step S38, the appliance communication device 100 clears the timer. Then, the process proceeds to step S21 and repeats the above-described process.

[0126] (Effect of the First Embodiment) Next, the effect of the first embodiment will be described.

[0127] Figures 11(A) to 11(C) are diagrams for explaining the effect according to the first embodiment.

[0128] Figure 11(A) shows an example of the power consumption in the appliance communication device 100 when the beacon transmission from the appliance communication device 100 continues, whether it is a terminal device 200 that installs a specific application program or not. On the other hand, Figure 11(B) shows an example of the power consumption in the appliance communication device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 11(B), for a terminal device 200 that does not have a specific application program installed, the appliance communication device 100 according to the first embodiment first generates power consumption due to beacon transmission and reception, but thereafter stops beacon transmission and reception. Therefore, in the appliance communication device 100, power consumption due to beacon transmission and reception does not occur. Accordingly, compared with the example of FIG. 11(A) in which beacon transmission is continued for the terminal device 200 that does not have a specific application program installed, the appliance communication device 100 according to the first embodiment can suppress power consumption.

[0130] (Modification Example of the First Embodiment) The communication device according to the first embodiment has been described by taking the appliance communication device 100 attached to the outside of the holding appliance H as an example, but is not limited thereto.

[0131] For example, the communication device may be an appliance communication device 100 attached to the inside of the holding appliance. Further, for example, the communication device may be a communication device attachable to the product P. The communication device may be attached to the label of the product P. Also, the communication device may be directly attached to the product P. In this case, the communication device may transmit a beacon including product information instead of the holding appliance information. The product information is information for distinguishing the product P from other products, and may be a product identifier or a product ID.

[0132] Further, for example, the communication device may be attached to a box or cardboard for packing the product P. The communication device may be attached to the surface of the box or the cardboard. Also, the communication device may be attached to the inside of the box or the cardboard. In this case, the communication device may transmit a beacon including packing information instead of the holding appliance information. The packing information is information for distinguishing the box or the cardboard from other boxes or cardboards, and may be a packing identifier or a packing ID.

[0133] [Other Embodiments] A program for causing a computer to execute each of the above-described processes (or operations) may be provided. The program can be installed on a computer by using a computer-readable medium. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. Such a recording medium may be included in the control unit 130 of the appliance communication device 100, the control unit 230 of the terminal device 200, and the control unit 320 of the product management device 300. The control unit 130 of the appliance communication device 100, the control unit 230 of the terminal device 200, and the control unit 320 of the product management device 300 may read the program from the recording medium and execute the program to realize the functions (or processes, or operations) described in the above-described embodiments.

[0134] As used in this disclosure, the terms "based on" and "depending on" do not mean "only based on" or "only depending on" unless otherwise specified. The term "based on" means both "only based on" and "at least partially based on". Similarly, the term "depending on" means both "only depending on" and "at least partially depending on". Also, the terms "include", "comprise", and their variants do not mean to include only the listed items, but may include only the listed items or may further include additional items in addition to the listed items. Also, the term "or" used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive disjunction. Furthermore, any reference to an element using designations such as "first", "second", etc. used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements may be employed there or that the first element must precede the second element in any form. In this disclosure, for example, when articles are added by translation such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall be construed to include plural ones unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0135] As described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the gist. Also, the above-described embodiments, operations, or processes can be appropriately combined within a non-contradictory range.

[0136] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-046813 (filed on March 23, 2022), and the entire content thereof is incorporated into this application specification.

[0137] (Appendix) Append the features related to the above embodiments.

[0138] (1) A communication device comprising a communication unit and a control unit, wherein the communication unit transmits a first signal, and the control unit receives a second signal transmitted from a terminal device that has received the first signal by the communication unit, and when the holding device information included in the first signal matches the holding device information included in the second signal, continues the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit, and stops the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit when either the second signal is not received or the holding device information included in the second signal does not match the holding device information included in the first signal even though the second signal is received by the communication unit. Communication device.

[0139] (2) The control unit continues the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit and stops the reception of the second signal by the communication unit. The communication device according to (1) above.

[0140] (3) The control unit stops the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit and stops the reception of the second signal by the communication unit. The communication device according to (1) or (2) above.

[0141] (4) The communication device is attachable to either the inside or the outside of a holding device. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0142] (5) The holding device information is an appliance identifier. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (4) above.

[0143] (6) A communication method in a communication device having a communication unit and a control unit, a step of transmitting a first signal by the communication unit; by the control unit, when the communication unit receives a second signal transmitted from the terminal device that has received the first signal, and the holding device information included in the second signal matches the holding device information included in the first signal, continuing to transmit the first signal by the communication unit, or when the second signal is not received, or when the second signal is received by the communication unit but the holding device information included in the second signal does not match the holding device information included in the first signal, stopping the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit. Communication method.

[0144] (7) In a product management system including a communication device and a terminal device, the communication device transmits a first signal, the communication device, receives a second signal transmitted from the terminal device that has received the first signal, and when the holding device information included in the second signal matches the holding device information included in the first signal, continues to transmit the first signal, when the second signal is not received, or when the second signal is received but the holding device information included in the second signal does not match the holding device information included in the first signal, stops the transmission of the first signal. Product management system.

Explanation of Signs

[0145] 10: Product management system 100: Appliance communication device 110: Beacon transmission unit 120: Beacon reception unit 130: Control unit 140: Detection unit 150: Battery 200: Terminal device 210: Beacon transceiver 220: Wireless communication unit 230: Control unit 240: Display unit 300: Product management device H: Holding appliance S: Store U: User

Claims

1. A communication device comprising a communication unit and a control unit, wherein the communication unit transmits a first signal, and the control unit, receives a second signal transmitted from a terminal device that has received the first signal by the communication unit, and when the product information included in the first signal matches the product information included in the second signal, continues the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit, and when the second signal is not received or when the product information included in the second signal does not match the product information included in the first signal even though the second signal is received by the communication unit, stops the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit, a communication device.

2. The control unit continues the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit and stops the reception of the second signal by the communication unit, The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit stops the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit and stops the reception of the second signal by the communication unit, The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The communication device is attachable to either a product or a label of the product, The communication device according to claim 1.

5. The product information is a product identifier, The communication device according to claim 1.

6. A communication method in a communication device having a communication unit and a control unit, transmitting a first signal by the communication unit, and by the control unit, receiving a second signal transmitted from a terminal device that has received the first signal by the communication unit, and when the product information included in the second signal matches the product information included in the first signal, continuing the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit, or when the second signal is not received or when the product information included in the second signal does not match the product information included in the first signal even though the second signal is received by the communication unit, stopping the transmission of the first signal by the communication unit, a communication method.

7. In a product management system comprising a communication device and a terminal device, the communication device transmits a first signal, and the communication device, receives a second signal transmitted from the terminal device that has received the first signal, and when the product information included in the second signal matches the product information included in the first signal, continues the transmission of the first signal, When the second signal is not received, or when the product information included in the second signal does not match the product information included in the first signal even though the second signal is received, the transmission of the first signal is stopped. Product management system.

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