Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Information Processing Program

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of detection and recognition of a first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a reception unit that receives a UWB radio wave; a detection unit that detects a UWB pre-pulse; and an estimation unit that estimates a pulse following the pre-pulse to be a UWB first pulse. The information processing device further includes: a generation unit that sets a pre-pulse before the UWB first pulse in generating a waveform of the UWB radio wave; and a transmission unit that transmits the UWB radio wave including the pre-pulse.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques related to a position detection system that determines these positional relationships through UWB communication (Ultra Wide Band: ultra-wideband wireless communication) between a terminal and a communication device have been disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above conventional technology assumes that UWB radio waves are normally received without any problems in an ideal environment. In UWB, a plurality of very short and sharp pulse waves are generated. For example, when the number of pulses is 4 pulses, they are generated in the order of the 1st pulse, the 2nd pulse, the 3rd pulse, and the 4th pulse. When the UWB radio wave is not directly received (for example, received by multipath), the 1st pulse may become a reflected wave and arrive later than other pulses, or may be absorbed by a shielding object (such as a wall or a human body) and disappear, resulting in a possibility of misidentifying the 2nd pulse or the 3rd pulse as the 1st pulse.

[0005] This application has been made in view of the above, and by generating a weak pre-pulse (UWB pre-pulse) before the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB, it clarifies that the subsequent pulse of the pre-pulse is the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB, and aims to improve the accuracy of detection and recognition of the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to this application is for UWB Pulse a receiving unit that receives, and for UWB Output before the first pulse, which is the first of a plurality of pulses generated in order by the pulse, and weaker than the first pulse indicating that the first pulse immediately follows a detection unit that detects a pre-pulse, and an estimation unit that estimates that the pulse of the pre-pulse Immediately after is the first pulse of UWB, and is characterized by including these.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the accuracy of detection and recognition of the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application are not limited by this embodiment. Also, in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0010] 〔1. Outline of the Information Processing Method〕 First, with reference to FIG. 1, the outline of the information processing method performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the information processing method according to the embodiment. Note that in FIG. 1, a case will be described as an example in which a weak pre-pulse (UWB pre-pulse) is generated before the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB (Ultra Wide Band: ultra-wideband wireless communication) to clarify that the subsequent pulse of the pre-pulse is the first pulse (1st pulse).

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 are connected to each other via a network N so as to be communicable with each other by wire or wirelessly. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 10 cooperates with the server device 100.

[0012] The terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal used by a user U, and is a portable terminal device capable of communicating with an arbitrary server device via a wireless communication network such as 4G (Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Further, the terminal device 10 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display and has a screen having a touch panel function, and accepts various operations on display data such as content, such as a tap operation, a slide operation, and a scroll operation, by a finger or a stylus from the user U. Note that, among the screens, an operation performed on the area where the content is displayed may be regarded as an operation on the content. Further, the terminal device 10 may be not only a smart device but also an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a notebook PC.

[0013] The server device 100 is an information processing device that cooperates with the terminal device 10 of each user U and provides an API (Application Programming Interface) service and various data for the terminal device 10 of each user U with respect to various applications (hereinafter referred to as apps), etc., and is realized by a computer, a cloud system, or the like.

[0014] Further, the server device 100 may be an information processing device that provides some kind of web service online to the terminal device 10 of each user U. For example, as a web service, the server device 100 may provide services such as Internet connection, search service, SNS (Social Networking Service), e-commerce (EC: Electronic Commerce), electronic payment, online game, online banking, online trading, accommodation / ticket reservation, video / music distribution, news, map, route search, route guidance, route information, operation information, weather forecast, etc. Actually, the server device 100 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above web services and mediate the web services, or may be in charge of the processing of the web services.

[0015] Note that the server device 100 can acquire user information regarding the user U. For example, the server device 100 acquires information regarding attributes of the user U, such as the gender, age, and residential area of the user U. Then, the server device 100 stores and manages information regarding the attributes of the user U together with identification information (such as a user ID) indicating the user U.

[0016] In addition, the server device 100 acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the actions of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers, etc. based on the user ID, etc. For example, the server device 100 acquires a location history, which is a history of the location and time of the user U, from the terminal device 10. In addition, the server device 100 acquires a search history, which is a history of search queries input by the user U, from a search server (search engine). In addition, the server device 100 acquires a browsing history, which is a history of content browsed by the user U, from a content server. In addition, the server device 100 acquires a purchase history (settlement history), which is a history of product purchases and settlement processing of the user U, from an e-commerce server or a settlement processing server. In addition, the server device 100 may acquire a listing history and a sales history, which are histories of the user U's listings on the marketplace, from an e-commerce server or a settlement processing server. In addition, the server device 100 acquires a posting history, which is a history of the user U's posts, from a posting server or an SNS server that provides a word-of-mouth posting service. Note that each of the above-mentioned various servers, etc. may be the server device 100 itself. That is, the server device 100 may function as each of the above-mentioned various servers, etc.

[0017] [1-1. Premise] Currently, radio waves such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Local Area Network) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), which are generally used as wireless communication standards, have a narrow bandwidth (frequency band) and a sine wave waveform, so it is not possible to deform the waveform and encode (convert) information into the waveform itself.

[0018] However, since UWB radio waves have a pulse - type waveform with a very wide bandwidth instead of a sine wave, the shape of the pulse (intensity, frequency, etc.) can be changed freely to some extent, and information can be encoded in the shape of the pulse (various information can be represented in the shape of the pulse).

[0019] That is, since UWB does not need to be a sine wave, it can emit pulses. In UWB, the shape of the pulse (intensity, frequency) changes considerably. Also, in UWB, strong waves and weak waves can be emitted as appropriate.

[0020] The terminal device 10(10A) of the user U is compatible with UWB (Ultra Wide Band: ultra - wideband wireless communication) and directly or indirectly receives various information from other terminal devices 10(10B, 10C) through UWB. Conversely, the terminal device 10(10A) of the user U transmits various information to other terminal devices 10(10B, 10C) through UWB. For example, the terminal device 10(10A) of the user U conveys the context of the user U to the surrounding terminal devices 10 by the intensity (radio wave intensity) and frequency (pulse width) of the UWB pulse. Also, it recognizes the surrounding context from the intensity (radio wave intensity) and frequency (pulse width) of the UWB pulse from the surrounding terminal devices 10.

[0021] Note that between the terminal device 10 of the user U and other terminal devices 10, etc., there may be a base station, an access point, etc. that can relay communication and output UWB radio waves. Similarly, between the terminal device 10 of the user U and the server device 100, there may also be a base station, an access point, etc. that can relay communication and output UWB radio waves. That is, the terminal device 10 of the user U may receive various information from the server device 100 through UWB, or may transmit various information to the server device 100 through UWB.

[0022] In addition to the terminal device 10 and the server device 100, the information processing system 1 may further include a transmitter 200. The transmitter 200 may be a loss prevention tag such as an AirTag (registered trademark), or may be a house / building, vehicle, home appliance, electronic device, etc. corresponding to the Internet of Things (IoT), or may be another terminal device (second smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.) owned by the user U other than the terminal device 10.

[0023] [1-2. USB Pulse] In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 of the user U outputs a weak pre-pulse (UWB pre-pulse) before the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB. The pre-pulse indicates that the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB will follow as a precursor to the arrival of the first pulse (1st pulse). That is, the pre-pulse indicates that the subsequent pulse is the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 10 (10A) of the user U corresponds to UWB (Ultra Wide Band: ultra-wideband wireless communication) and receives USB radio waves directly or indirectly from other terminal devices 10 (10B, 10C), the transmitter 200, etc. through UWB (step S1).

[0025] Subsequently, the terminal device 10 (10A) of the user U detects the pre-pulse (UWB pre-pulse) included in the USB radio wave (step S2).

[0026] Subsequently, after detecting the pre-pulse, the terminal device 10 (10A) of the user U detects the subsequent pulse of the detected pre-pulse as the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB (step S3). At this time, the terminal device 10 (10A) may automatically estimate that the subsequent pulse of the detected pre-pulse is the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB.

[0027] Subsequently, after the user U's terminal device 10 (10A) detects the first pulse (1st pulse), it detects the second pulse (2nd pulse), the third pulse (3rd pulse), the fourth pulse (4th pulse), etc. as subsequent pulses to the first pulse (1st pulse) (step S4). At this time, the terminal device 10 (10A) may sequentially estimate the subsequent pulses to the first pulse (1st pulse) as the second pulse (2nd pulse), the third pulse (3rd pulse), the fourth pulse (4th pulse). That is, the terminal device 10 (10A) may process the pulses after the first pulse (1st pulse) as normal UWB pulses.

[0028] Note that the UWB transmission side (output side) may output a weak pulse (or a very large pulse) as a last pulse indicating the end after the last pulse such as the fourth pulse (4th pulse) of UWB. The last pulse indicating the end is preferably a pulse that is not confused with the pre-pulse (for example, a pulse with different intensity).

[0029] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the UWB pre-pulse. As shown in FIG. 2, the weak pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) have the same frequency and the intensity difference is more than 10 times. If the difference is more than 10 times, even if the first pulse (1st pulse) is somewhat attenuated, it can be relatively stably distinguished from the weak pre-pulse. That is, the intensity of the first pulse (1st pulse) is more than 10 times the intensity of the pre-pulse. In other words, the intensity of the pre-pulse is 1 / 10 or less of the intensity of the first pulse (1st pulse). Here, the peak output is used as the intensity of the pulse.

[0030] Also, the prepulse is a weak pulse that disappears (is not confused with other pulses) when it is the second pulse (2nd pulse) or the third pulse (3rd pulse). Also, the prepulse may be a plurality of consecutive pulses as long as it has an intensity that is not confused with other pulses. At this time, the number of consecutive pulses may be changed to patterns such as "two (twice)", "three (thrice)", etc. Also, the intensity of the plurality of consecutive pulses may be changed to patterns such as "strong, weak, weak", etc. Note that even if it is "weak" (a weak wave), it should have an intensity that can be recognized as a pulse wave. That is, the prepulse only needs to be a pulse that can be clearly identified as a prepulse. For example, pulses with a specific intensity, number, or continuous pattern may be defined as prepulses.

[0031] Also, the receiving side of UWB performs in the order of "receiving all frequencies" → "frequency decomposition" → "confirming each frequency (for each frequency)". Therefore, basically, it does not misidentify other radio waves (pulses of other frequencies, etc.) with different frequencies that are weakened due to clutter or reflection as prepulses. On the other hand, in order to clarify the difference between the prepulse and the first pulse (1st pulse), the difference in intensity needs to be included in the rules.

[0032] Also, depending on the situation, the difference in intensity between the weak prepulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) may be reduced to about "10 times" to "5 times". For example, in a situation where there is no possibility of delay, disappearance, attenuation, etc. of the first pulse (1st pulse), the intensity of the first pulse (1st pulse) can also be set to about 5 times the intensity of the prepulse. In other words, the intensity of the prepulse may be set to about 1 / 5 of the intensity of the first pulse (1st pulse). Note that "5 times" is just an example. In reality, any magnification (N times: N is arbitrary) may be used as long as it is an intensity difference that can distinguish between the weak prepulse and the first pulse (1st pulse).

[0033] Also, the time difference "t" (interval) between the pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) is preferably fixed. If the time difference is fixed, it becomes possible to determine that the pulse detected after the elapse of the time difference "t" from the time when the pre-pulse is detected is the first pulse (1st pulse). Note that the value of the time difference "t" may be changed as appropriate. Also, depending on the situation, the time difference "t" between the pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) may be varied each time.

[0034] For example, the intensity difference (by how many times) between the pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) and the time difference may indicate rules regarding the number and intensity of subsequent pulses. In this case, the time difference between the pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) does not have to be fixed. Alternatively, the setting of the value of the time difference as a fixed value may be changed.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, the terminal device 10 outputs, by UWB, a pre-pulse whose difference from the first pulse (1st pulse) satisfies a predetermined condition before the first pulse (1st pulse).

[0036] The pre-pulse indicates information regarding subsequent pulses. For example, the presence of the pre-pulse indicates that the subsequent pulse is the first pulse (1st pulse). Note that the pre-pulse may also indicate the number and intensity of subsequent pulses. For example, the number and intensity of the pre-pulse may indicate the number and intensity of subsequent pulses.

[0037] Also, the intensity difference between the pre-pulse and the subsequent pulse varies according to the information regarding the subsequent pulse. Alternatively, the time difference between the pre-pulse and the subsequent pulse varies according to the information regarding the subsequent pulse. In this case, the time difference between the pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) does not have to be fixed. The UWB transmission side may change the intensity difference or time difference between the pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) according to the change in the information regarding the subsequent pulse.

[0038] For example, when the subsequent pulse indicates the context of user U, the type of context of user U indicated by the subsequent pulse (information regarding what kind of context) may be indicated by the intensity, number, or continuous pattern of the prepulse, or by the intensity difference or time difference between the prepulse and the subsequent pulse. Thereby, by changing the prepulse, the type of context of user U indicated by the subsequent pulse can be switched. That is, even if the subsequent pulse is the same, different contexts can be expressed due to the difference in the prepulse. Also, since only the prepulse is changed, it does not affect a so-called general UWB pulse such as the first pulse (1st pulse). General UWB pulses can be freely used for other purposes (such as context expression).

[0039] Also, the terminal device 10 may output a pulse that is at least a predetermined intensity different from the subsequent pulse. The prepulse and the subsequent pulse are pulses of the same frequency. Pulse

[0040] 〔2. Configuration Example of Information Processing System〕 Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of the information processing system 1 including the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. These various devices are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly via a network N. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. In the present embodiment, the network N may partially use UWB (Ultra Wide Band: ultra-wideband wireless communication) between the terminal device 10 and a base station / access point.

[0041] In addition, the number of each device included in the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 3 is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, in FIG. 3, only one terminal device 10 is shown for simplicity of illustration, but this is merely an example and not limiting, and two or more may be used.

[0042] The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by the user U. For example, the terminal device 10 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a feature phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a game machine or an AV device equipped with a communication function, a car navigation system, a wearable device such as a smartwatch or a head-mounted display (Wearable Device), a smart glass, etc.

[0043] Also, such a terminal device 10 can be connected to the network N via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation: the 5th generation mobile communication system), or short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and communicate with the server device 100.

[0044] The server device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a PC or a blade server, or a mainframe or a workstation, etc. Note that the server device 100 may be realized by cloud computing.

[0045] 〔3. Configuration Example of Terminal Device〕 Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a positioning unit 14, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30 (controller), and a storage unit 40.

[0046] (Communication Unit 11) The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card), an antenna, or the like.

[0047] (Display unit 12) The display unit 12 is a display device that displays various types of information such as position information. For example, the display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescent display (Organic Electro-Luminescent Display). Further, the display unit 12 is a touch panel type display, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] (Input unit 13) The input unit 13 is an input device that receives various operations from the user U. For example, the input unit 13 has buttons or the like for inputting characters, numbers, and the like. Note that the input unit 13 may be an input / output port (I / O port), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or the like. Further, when the display unit 12 is a touch panel type display, a part of the display unit 12 functions as the input unit 13. Further, the input unit 13 may be a microphone or the like that receives voice input from the user U. The microphone may be wireless.

[0049] (Positioning unit 14) The positioning unit 14 receives a signal (radio wave) transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, and based on the received signal, acquires position information (for example, latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the terminal device 10 which is the own device. That is, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10. Note that GPS is only an example of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0050] In addition to GPS, the positioning unit 14 can also measure the position by various methods. For example, the positioning unit 14 may measure the position by using various communication functions of the terminal device 10 as follows for auxiliary positioning means such as position correction.

[0051] (Wi-Fi positioning) For example, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 by using the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication function of the terminal device 10 or the communication network provided by each communication company. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 performs Wi-Fi communication or the like, and measures the distance to a nearby base station or access point to measure the position of the terminal device 10.

[0052] (Beacon positioning) In addition, the positioning unit 14 may measure the position by using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function of the terminal device 10. For example, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.

[0053] (Geomagnetic positioning) In addition, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 based on the geomagnetic pattern of a structure measured in advance and the geomagnetic sensor provided in the terminal device 10.

[0054] (RFID positioning) Also, for example, when the terminal device 10 has a function equivalent to a non-contact IC card used at a station ticket gate or a store, etc., or has a function of reading an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, the used position is recorded together with the information on which settlement or the like is performed by the terminal device 10. The positioning unit 14 may measure the position of the terminal device 10 by acquiring such information. Also, the position may be measured by an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like provided in the terminal device 10.

[0055] The positioning unit 14 may, if necessary, measure the position of the terminal device 10 using one or a combination of the above-described positioning means.

[0056] (Sensor unit 20) The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. The connection may be either wired or wireless. For example, the sensors may be detection devices other than the terminal device 10, such as wearable devices or wireless devices. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a barometric pressure sensor 23, an air temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, an optical sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor (camera) 28.

[0057] It should be noted that the above-described sensors 21 to 28 are merely examples and are not limiting. That is, the sensor unit 20 may be configured to include some of the sensors 21 to 28, or may include other sensors such as a humidity sensor in addition to or instead of the sensors 21 to 28.

[0058] The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and detects physical movements of the terminal device 10 such as the moving direction, speed, and acceleration of the terminal device 10. The gyro sensor 22 detects physical movements of the terminal device 10 such as the inclination in three-axis directions based on the angular velocity of the terminal device 10. The barometric pressure sensor 23 detects, for example, the barometric pressure around the terminal device 10.

[0059] Since the terminal device 10 includes the above-described acceleration sensor 21, gyro sensor 22, barometric pressure sensor 23, etc., it becomes possible to measure the position of the terminal device 10 using technologies such as pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) that utilize these sensors 21 to 23, etc. As a result, it becomes possible to obtain position information indoors, which is difficult to obtain with a positioning system such as GPS.

[0060] For example, a pedometer using an acceleration sensor 21 can calculate the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked. Also, by using a gyro sensor 22, the direction of travel, line of sight direction, and body inclination of the user U can be determined. Further, from the atmospheric pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 23, the altitude at which the terminal device 10 of the user U is located and the floor number can also be determined.

[0061] The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, the sound around the terminal device 10. The light sensor 26 detects the illuminance around the terminal device 10. The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the geomagnetism around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures an image of the surroundings of the terminal device 10.

[0062] The above-described atmospheric pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, light sensor 26, and image sensor 28 can each detect the atmospheric pressure, temperature, sound, illuminance, or capture an image of the surrounding environment, thereby detecting the environment and situation around the terminal device 10. Also, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of the position information of the terminal device 10 from the environment and situation around the terminal device 10.

[0063] (Control Unit 30) The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, input / output ports, etc., and various circuits. Also, the control unit 30 may be configured by hardware such as an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 includes a transmission unit 31, a reception unit 32, a processing unit 33, a generation unit 34, a detection unit 35, and an estimation unit 36.

[0064] (Transmission Unit 31) The transmitting unit 31 can transmit various information input by the user U using, for example, the input unit 13, various information detected by the sensors 21 to 28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, the position information of the terminal device 10 positioned by the positioning unit 14, etc. to the server device 100 via the communication unit 11. In this embodiment, the transmitting unit 31 transmits UWB radio waves. That is, the transmitting unit 31 transmits UWB pre-pulses, first pulses (1st pulses), etc.

[0065] (Receiving unit 32) The receiving unit 32 can receive various information provided from the server device 100 and requests for various information from the server device 100 via the communication unit 11. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 32 transmits UWB radio waves. That is, the receiving unit 32 receives UWB pre-pulses, first pulses (1st pulses), etc.

[0066] (Processing unit 33) The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10 including the display unit 12, etc. For example, the processing unit 33 can output and display various information transmitted by the transmitting unit 31 and various information from the server device 100 received by the receiving unit 32 on the display unit 12.

[0067] Note that the generating unit 34 and the detecting unit 35 described later may be part of the processing unit 33. Also, the processing unit 33 may function as the following generating unit 34 and detecting unit 35 by starting an app or executing a program.

[0068] (Generating unit 34) The generating unit 34 generates the waveform of UWB radio waves. At this time, when generating the waveform of UWB radio waves, the generating unit 34 sets a pre-pulse before the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB. That is, the generating unit 34 generates UWB pre-pulses, first pulses (1st pulses), etc. Then, the generating unit 34 transmits the UWB radio waves including the generated pre-pulses via the transmitting unit 31.

[0069] The prepulse satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to the difference from the first pulse (1st pulse). For example, the intensity of the first pulse (1st pulse) is 10 times or more the intensity of the prepulse.

[0070] Also, the prepulse indicates the number and intensity of subsequent pulses. Note that the intensity difference between the prepulse and the subsequent pulses varies according to the information regarding the subsequent pulses. Also, the time difference between the prepulse and the subsequent pulses varies according to the information regarding the subsequent pulses.

[0071] The time difference between the prepulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) is fixed. Also, the intensity difference and the time difference between the prepulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) indicate the rules regarding the number and intensity of the subsequent pulses.

[0072] (Detection unit 35) The detection unit 35 detects the prepulse included in the UWB radio wave received by the reception unit 32. At this time, the detection unit 35 may estimate the prepulse included in the UWB radio wave using a model. This model may be a model provided from the server device 100 or a model constructed by on-device learning.

[0073] (Estimation unit 36) The estimation unit 36 estimates that the subsequent pulses of the UWB prepulse are the first pulse (1st pulse) of the UWB. For example, when the prepulse of the UWB is detected, the estimation unit 36 may estimate that the subsequent pulses are the first pulse (1st pulse) of the UWB. Also, the estimation unit 36 may sequentially estimate that the subsequent pulses of the first pulse (1st pulse) of the UWB are the second pulse (2nd pulse), the third pulse (3rd pulse), the fourth pulse (4th pulse), etc.

[0074] Note that the estimation unit 36 may estimate the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB using an estimation model that estimates the pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB. For example, when inputting the radio wave of UWB, the estimation unit 36 may estimate the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB using an estimation model that outputs the pre-pulse and the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB. Alternatively, when inputting the radio wave of UWB and the detected pre-pulse, the estimation unit 36 may estimate the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB using an estimation model that outputs the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB.

[0075] Also, the estimation unit 36 may estimate the context of the user U of the terminal device 10 using a model (context estimation model) for estimating (inferring) the context of the user U. For example, the estimation unit 36 estimates the context of the user U using a model for estimating the context of the user U from the browsing history, purchase history, email message history, sensor information, etc. of the user U.

[0076] Also, the estimation unit 36 may estimate the context of the surroundings based on the shape of the UWB pulse received from the surroundings. For example, the estimation unit 36 estimates the context of the surroundings based on the intensity and frequency of the UWB pulse received from the surroundings.

[0077] At this time, the generation unit 34 may generate a UWB pulse according to the estimated context of the user U or the surroundings. Also in this case, when generating the waveform of the UWB radio wave, the generation unit 34 sets a pre-pulse before the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB. Then, the generation unit 34 transmits the UWB radio wave including the generated pre-pulse via the transmission unit 31.

[0078] (Memory unit 40) The storage unit 40 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an optical disk. Various programs, various data, etc. are stored in such a storage unit 40.

[0079] [4. Configuration Example of Server Device] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the server device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0080] (Communication Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. Also, the communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly.

[0081] (Storage Unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 120 includes a user information database 121 and a history information database 122.

[0082] (User Information Database 121) The user information database 121 stores user information regarding the user U. For example, the user information database 121 stores various information such as the attributes of the user U. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 121. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the user information database 121 has items such as "User ID (Identifier)", "Age", "Gender", "Home", "Workplace", and "Interests".

[0083] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying user U. Note that the "User ID" may be the contact information (such as phone number, email address, etc.) of user U, or it may be identification information for identifying the terminal device 10 of user U.

[0084] Also, "Age" indicates the age of user U identified by the User ID. Note that the "Age" may be information indicating the specific age of user U (for example, 35 years old, etc.), or it may be information indicating the age group of user U (for example, in their 30s, etc.). Alternatively, the "Age" may be information indicating the date of birth of user U, or it may be information indicating the generation of user U (for example, born in the 1980s, etc.). Also, "Gender" indicates the gender of user U identified by the User ID.

[0085] Also, "Home" indicates the location information of the home of user U identified by the User ID. Note that in the example shown in Figure 6, "Home" is illustrated with an abstract symbol such as "LC11", but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Also, for example, "Home" may be a regional name or an address.

[0086] Also, "Workplace" indicates the location information of the workplace (school in the case of students) of user U identified by the User ID. Note that in the example shown in Figure 6, "Workplace" is illustrated with an abstract symbol such as "LC12", but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Also, for example, "Workplace" may be a regional name or an address.

[0087] Also, "Interest" indicates the interests of user U identified by the User ID. That is, "Interest" indicates the objects that user U identified by the User ID is highly interested in. For example, "Interest" may be a search query (keyword) etc. that user U entered into a search engine for searching. Note that in the example shown in Figure 6, "Interest" is illustrated one by one for each user U, but it may also be multiple.

[0088] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the age of user U identified by user ID "U1" is "in their 20s", and the gender is shown as "male". Also, for example, user U identified by user ID "U1" indicates that their home is "LC11". Also, for example, user U identified by user ID "U1" indicates that their place of work is "LC12". Also, for example, user U identified by user ID "U1" shows an interest in "sports".

[0089] Here, in the example shown in FIG. 6, abstract values such as "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" are used for illustration, but it is assumed that information such as specific character strings and numerical values is stored in "U1", "LC11", and "LC12". Hereinafter, in other figures regarding other information, abstract values may be illustrated.

[0090] Note that the user information database 121 is not limited to the above, and may store various information according to the purpose. For example, the user information database 121 may store various information regarding the terminal device 10 of user U. Also, the user information database 121 may store information regarding attributes such as the demographics (demographic attributes), psychographics (psychological attributes), geographics (geographical attributes), and behavioral (behavioral attributes) of user U. For example, the user information database 121 may store information such as name, family composition, place of origin (local area), occupation, position, income, qualifications, form of residence (detached house, condominium, etc.), presence or absence of a car, commuting / going-to-school time, commuting / going-to-school route, commuter pass section (stations, lines, etc.), frequently used stations (other than the nearest stations to home / work), hobbies (place, time zone, etc.), hobbies, interests, lifestyle, etc.

[0091] (History Information Database 122) The history information database 122 stores various information regarding history information (log data) indicating the actions of the user U. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the history information database 122. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the history information database 122 has items such as "user ID", "location history", "search history", "browsing history", "purchase history", and "posting history".

[0092] The "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying the user U. Also, the "location history" indicates the location history of the location and movement of the user U. Also, the "search history" indicates the search history of the search queries input by the user U. Also, the "browsing history" indicates the browsing history of the content browsed by the user U. Also, the "purchase history" indicates the purchase history of purchases made by the user U. Also, the "posting history" indicates the posting history of posts made by the user U. Note that the "posting history" may include questions regarding the user U's possessions.

[0093] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the user U identified by the user ID "U1" moved as per the "location history #1", searched as per the "search history #1", browsed content as per the "browsing history #1", purchased a predetermined product or the like at a predetermined store or the like as per the "purchase history #1", and posted as per the "posting history".

[0094] Here, in the example shown in FIG. 7, abstract values such as "U1", "location history #1", "search history #1", "browsing history #1", "purchase history #1", and "posting history #1" are used for illustration, but it is assumed that specific information such as character strings and numerical values is stored in "U1", "location history #1", "search history #1", "browsing history #1", "purchase history #1", and "posting history #1".

[0095] Note that the history information database 122 may store various types of information according to the purpose, not limited to the above. For example, the history information database 122 may store the usage history of a predetermined service of the user U, etc. Also, the history information database 122 may store the store visit history of the user U to a physical store or the visit history of a facility, etc. Further, the history information database 122 may store the settlement history, etc. in the settlement (electronic settlement) using the terminal device 10 of the user U.

[0096] (Control unit 130) Returning to FIG. 5 and continuing the explanation. The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in the internal storage device of the server device 100 being executed with a storage area such as a RAM as a work area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a collection unit 132, a learning unit 133, and a provision unit 134.

[0097] (Acquisition unit 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query input by the user U. For example, when the user U inputs a search query to a search engine or the like to perform a keyword search, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query via the communication unit 110. That is, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the keyword input by the user U to the search window of the search engine, site, or application via the communication unit 110.

[0098] In addition, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information regarding the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information (such as a user ID) indicating the user U, the location information of the user U, the attribute information of the user U, etc. from the terminal device 10 of the user U. Further, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire identification information indicating the user U, the attribute information of the user U, etc. at the time of user registration of the user U. Then, the acquisition unit 131 registers the user information in the user information database 121 of the storage unit 120.

[0099] In addition, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the actions of the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information indicating the actions of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers, etc. based on the user ID, etc. Then, the acquisition unit 131 registers the various types of history information in the history information database 122 of the storage unit 120.

[0100] (Collection unit 132) The collection unit 132 collects information regarding the user U and the surrounding context from the terminal device 10 of each user U via the communication unit 110. Note that the collection unit 132 may aggregate the information regarding the user U and the surrounding context and store the aggregation result in the storage unit 120.

[0101] (Learning unit 133) The learning unit 133 performs machine learning and constructs a model (context estimation model) for estimating (inferring) the context of the user U. For example, the learning unit 133 may perform machine learning and construct a model for estimating the context of the user U from the browsing history, purchase history, mail / message history, sensor information, etc. of the user U. Further, the learning unit 133 may perform machine learning and construct a model for estimating the context of the source of transmission from the shape (intensity, frequency, etc.) of the UWB pulses received from the surroundings.

[0102] (Provision unit 134) The providing unit 134 provides, via the communication unit 110, a model (context estimation model) for estimating (inferring) the context of each user U to the terminal device 10 of the user U.

[0103] Note that the providing unit 134 may provide, via the communication unit 110, a table in which combinations of context and pulse shape (intensity, frequency, etc.) are associated with the terminal device 10 of each user U.

[0104] [5. Processing Procedure] Next, the processing procedure by the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the following processing procedure is repeatedly executed by the control unit 30 of the terminal device 10.

[0105] For example, the generation unit 34 of the terminal devices 10 (10B, 10C) around the user U generates UWB radio waves including pre-pulses and transmits them via the transmission unit 31 of the terminal device 10 (step S101). For example, the generation unit 34 encodes information indicating the context (context: situation) around the terminal device 10 into UWB pulses, adds a pre-pulse to the head, and outputs the result. Note that the surrounding terminal device 10 may be the transmitter 200.

[0106] Next, the detection unit 35 of the terminal device 10 (10A) of the user U detects the pre-pulse included in the UWB radio wave received by the reception unit 32 of the terminal device 10 (step S102). For example, the detection unit 35, and the reception unit 32 of the terminal device 10 detects the pre-pulse included in the UWB radio wave received by the reception unit 32 of the terminal device 10 from the surrounding terminal devices 10. Note that the reception unit 32 may receive UWB radio waves by broadcast from other terminal devices 10.

[0107] Next, the estimation unit 36 of the terminal device 10 (10A) of the user U estimates that the subsequent pulse of the UWB pre-pulse is the first pulse of the UWB (step S103). Further, the estimation unit 36 may estimate the context of the user U.

[0108] Next, the processing unit 33 of the terminal device 10 (10A) of the user U processes the pulses after the first pulse of UWB as UWB pulses (step S104). For example, the processing unit 33 processes the UWB pulses as information indicating the surrounding context.

[0109] Next, the processing unit 33 of the terminal device 10 (10A) of the user U transmits information indicating the user U and the context around the user U to the server device 100 via the transmission unit 31 of the terminal device 10 (step S105). At this time, the generation unit 34 may encode the information indicating the user U and the context around the user U into UWB pulses and transmit them to the server device 100 via the transmission unit 31 of the terminal device 10.

[0110] Next, the collection unit 132 of the server device 100 collects information regarding the user U and the surrounding context from the terminal device 10 of each user U via the communication unit 110 (step S106).

[0111] Next, the learning unit 133 of the server device 100 performs machine learning to construct a model (context estimation model) for estimating (inferring) the context of the user U (step S107).

[0112] Next, the providing unit 134 of the server device 100 provides a model (context estimation model) for estimating (inferring) the context of the user U to the terminal device 10 of each user U via the communication unit 110 (step S108).

[0113] 〔6. Modification Example〕 The above-described terminal device 10 and server device 100 may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, modification examples of the embodiment will be described.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, part or all of the processing executed by the server device 100 may actually be executed by the terminal device 10. For example, the processing may be completed in a stand-alone manner (by the terminal device 10 alone). In this case, it is assumed that the terminal device 10 has the functions of the server device 100 in the above-described embodiment. Further, in the above-described embodiment, since the terminal device 10 is in cooperation with the server device 100, from the perspective of the user U, the processing of the server device 100 also appears to be executed by the terminal device 10. That is, from another perspective, it can be said that the terminal device 10 includes the server device 100.

[0115] Also, in the above-described embodiment, part or all of the processing executed by the terminal device 10 may actually be executed by the server device 100. For example, the server device 100 may also receive UWB radio waves, detect UWB pre-pulses, and estimate subsequent pulses of the pre-pulses as the first pulse of UWB, similar to the terminal device 10. Further, the server device 100 may also set a pre-pulse before the first pulse of UWB and transmit UWB radio waves including the pre-pulse when generating the waveform of the UWB radio waves, similar to the terminal device 10.

[0116] Furthermore, the server device 100 may construct a model for estimating pre-pulses included in UWB radio waves, an estimation model that outputs UWB pre-pulses and the first pulse (1st pulse) when UWB radio waves are input, or an estimation model that outputs the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB when UWB radio waves and the detected pre-pulses are input.

[0117] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 10 may be a base station, access point, or other relay device corresponding to UWB, or may be a house / building, vehicle, home appliance, electronic device, etc. corresponding to UWB.

[0118] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 10 of the user U may acquire a model (context estimation model) for estimating (inferring) the context of the user U from the server device 100, or may reconstruct the model through on-device machine learning to improve the accuracy of the estimation.

[0119] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 10 of the user U may transmit information regarding the context of the user U and the surrounding context collected from the surrounding terminal devices 10 to the server device 100.

[0120] 〔7. Effects〕 As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10) according to the present application includes a receiving unit that receives UWB radio waves, a detecting unit that detects UWB pre-pulses, and an estimating unit that estimates a pulse subsequent to the pre-pulse as the first pulse of UWB.

[0121] In addition, the information processing device according to the present application further includes a generating unit that sets a pre-pulse before the first pulse of UWB when generating the waveform of the UWB radio wave, and a transmitting unit that transmits the UWB radio wave including the pre-pulse.

[0122] The pre-pulse satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to the difference from the first pulse.

[0123] The intensity of the first pulse is 10 times or more the intensity of the pre-pulse.

[0124] The pre-pulse indicates the number and intensity of subsequent pulses.

[0125] The intensity difference between the pre-pulse and the subsequent pulse varies according to the information regarding the subsequent pulse.

[0126] The time difference between the pre-pulse and the subsequent pulse varies according to the information regarding the subsequent pulse.

[0127] The time difference between the pre-pulse and the first pulse is fixed.

[0128] The intensity difference and time difference between the prepulse and the first pulse indicate rules regarding the number and intensity of subsequent pulses.

[0129] By any one or combination of the above-described processes, the information processing apparatus according to the present application generates a weak prepulse (UWB prepulse) before the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB, thereby clarifying that the subsequent pulse of the prepulse is the first pulse (1st pulse), and improving the detection and recognition accuracy of the first pulse (1st pulse) of UWB.

[0130] 〔8. Hardware Configuration〕 Also, the terminal device 10 and the server device 100 according to the above-described embodiment are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 9, for example. Hereinafter, the terminal device 10 will be described as an example. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 has a form in which an output device 1010, an input device 1020 are connected, and an arithmetic device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output I / F (Interface) 1060, an input I / F 1070, and a network I / F 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0131] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, etc., and executes various processes. The arithmetic device 1030 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0132] The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device that primarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations, such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is realized by ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The secondary storage device 1050 may be an internal storage or an external storage. Also, the secondary storage device 1050 may be a removable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. Further, the secondary storage device 1050 may be cloud storage (online storage), NAS (Network Attached Storage), a file server, etc.

[0133] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information such as a display, a projector, and a printer. For example, it is realized by a connector of a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). The input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020 such as a mouse, a keyboard, a keypad, a button, and a scanner, and is realized by, for example, USB or the like.

[0134] Also, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and the input device 1020, respectively. That is, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

[0135] Further, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated like a touch panel. In this case, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may also be integrated as an input / output I / F.

[0136] Note that the input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0137] The network I / F 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also sends the data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 via the network N to other devices.

[0138] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0139] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the terminal device 10, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the function of the control unit 30 by executing the program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040. Further, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may load a program acquired from other devices via the network I / F 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040 and execute the loaded program. Also, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may cooperate with other devices via the network I / F 1080 and call and use the functions and data of the program from other programs of other devices.

[0140] 〔9. Others〕 The embodiments of the present application have been described above, but the present invention is not limited by the contents of these embodiments. Further, the constituent elements described above include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described constituent elements can be combined as appropriate. Still further, various omissions, substitutions, or changes of the constituent elements can be made without departing from the gist of the above-described embodiments.

[0141] Also, among the respective processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or all or part of the processes described as being manually performed can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0142] Also, each constituent element of each illustrated device is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the illustration. That is, the specific form of the dispersion / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the illustration, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically dispersed / integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0143] For example, the above-described server device 100 may be realized by a plurality of server computers, and depending on the function, the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling an external platform or the like using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing.

[0144] Also, the above-described embodiments and modification examples can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents do not conflict.

[0145] Also, the "section (section, module, unit)" described above can be read as "means", "circuit", etc. For example, the acquisition section can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit.

Explanation of symbols

[0146] 1 Information processing system 10 Terminal device 30 Control section 31 Transmission section 32 Reception section 33 Processing section 34 Generation section 35 Detection section 36 Estimation section 100 Server device 110 Communication section 120 Storage section 121 User information database 122 History information database 130 Control section 131 Acquisition section 132 Collection section 133 Learning section 134 Provision section 200 Transmitter

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives UWB pulses, A detecting unit that detects a prepulse that is output before a first pulse, which is the first of a plurality of pulses sequentially generated by UWB, and is weaker than the first pulse, indicating that the first pulse immediately follows, An estimating unit that estimates the pulse immediately after the prepulse as the first pulse of UWB, An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. A generating unit that sets the prepulse before the first pulse of UWB when generating the waveform of the UWB pulse, A transmitting unit that transmits the first pulse following the prepulse, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. The prepulse satisfies a predetermined condition in terms of the difference from the first pulse The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The intensity of the first pulse is 10 times or more the intensity of the prepulse The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. The prepulse is a plurality of consecutive pulses, and is a pulse having a specific intensity, number, or continuous pattern different from other pulses of UWB The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. The intensity difference between the prepulse and the first pulse varies according to the situation The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. The time difference between the prepulse and the first pulse varies according to the situation The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

8. The time difference between the prepulse and the first pulse is fixed The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

9. The intensity difference and time difference between the prepulse and the first pulse indicate a rule regarding the number and intensity of UWB pulses after the first pulse The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the above.

10. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, comprising: A receiving step of receiving UWB pulses, A detecting step of detecting a prepulse that is output before a first pulse, which is the first of a plurality of pulses sequentially generated by UWB, and is weaker than the first pulse, indicating that the first pulse immediately follows, An estimation step of estimating that a pulse immediately after the prepulse is the first pulse of UWB; An information processing method characterized by including the above.

11. A reception procedure for receiving UWB pulses; A detection procedure for detecting a prepulse that is output before a first pulse, which is the first pulse among a plurality of pulses that are sequentially generated by UWB, and is weaker than the first pulse indicating that the first pulse follows immediately after; An estimation procedure for estimating that a pulse immediately after the prepulse is the first pulse of UWB; An information processing program for causing a computer to execute the above.

Images