Communication device for location information management

Abstract

To provide a communication device for position information management that can transmit environment information on a position information management object, while reducing the power consumption of a battery of the device.SOLUTION: A communication device for position information management is provided in a management object, and comprises: a storage unit that stores identification information on the device; an environment information acquisition unit that acquires environment information on the management object detected by a sensor device attached to the device and stores the information in the storage unit; a first communication unit that performs communication according to a first communication standard with power supplied from a power supply unit; a second communication unit that performs, with a reading device, communication according to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; a first communication control unit that causes the first communication unit to transmit the identification information stored in the storage unit to a server that manages position information; and a second communication control unit that, when the second communication unit receives an environment information reading signal from the reading device, reads out the environment information stored in the storage unit with a power obtained from a radio wave received through the communication with the reading device and causes the second communication unit to transmit the information to the reading device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device for managing location information. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, systems that acquire location information of an object and grasp its location have been widely used. Such systems are used, for example, to confirm the location of luggage and transportation equipment in logistics.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a communication device having a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver is placed on a target, and location information received by the GNSS receiver is acquired as location information of the target. The communication device transmits the acquired location information to a server from an LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication unit that operates using power supplied from the device's own battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-100297 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, it is preferable for an administrator to be able to acquire information other than location information regarding location-information-related objects. For example, if environmental information (such as temperature and humidity) related to the environment of the managed object can be acquired, the administrator can use the acquired environmental information to manage the managed object. For example, in the case of the communication device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the environmental information can be transmitted from the LPWA communication unit to a server. However, when environmental information is also transmitted, the amount of information transmitted increases compared to when only location information is transmitted, which also increases battery power consumption.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device for location information management that is capable of transmitting environmental information of an object to be managed as location information while reducing the battery power consumption of the device itself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a location information management communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is a location information management communication device provided in a management target whose location information is managed, and includes a storage unit that stores identification information of the location information management communication device, an environment information acquisition unit that acquires environment information indicating information related to the environment of the management target detected by a sensor device attached to the location information management communication device and stores the information in the storage unit, a first communication unit that performs communication according to a first communication standard using power supplied from a power supply unit, and a second communication unit that performs communication according to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard. a reading device installed at a management target location to read the environmental information from the location information management communication device installed at the management target location; a first communication control unit that causes the first communication unit to transmit the identification information stored in the memory unit to a server related to the management of the location information; and a second communication control unit that, when the second communication unit receives a reading signal for the environmental information from the reading device, reads the environmental information from the memory unit using power obtained by converting radio waves received in communication with the reading device and causes the second communication unit to transmit the environmental information to the reading device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to transmit environmental information of an object to be managed as location information while suppressing the power consumption of the battery of the device itself. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a location information management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of cargo information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of location management information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of matching information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a position information management communication device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in the position information management communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a position information management communication device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in a communication device for position information management according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication device for position information management according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of output information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in a communication device for position information management according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <<1. First Embodiment>> First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] <1-1. Configuration of location information management system> An example of the configuration of a location information management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a location information management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the location information management system 1 includes a communication device for location information management 10, a cargo management server 20, a Sigfox management server 30, a location information management server 40, a Wi-Fi management server 50, and a user terminal 60. The Sigfox management server 30, the location information management server 40, and the Wi-Fi management server 50 are examples of servers related to the management of location information of managed objects (hereinafter also referred to as "management servers").

[0013] A location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system for grasping the location (location) of a management object. The management object is, for example, a logistics material such as a pallet, a basket cart, a container, or a packing box, or a package, etc. in logistics. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which the managed object is a package 12 (12A, 12B), and the package 12 is transported by a vehicle 14 between a plurality of user bases 2 (2A, 2B).

[0014] The location information management communication device 10 is an electronic device for acquiring location information of the luggage 12. The location information management communication device 10 is attached to the luggage 12, which is a management target whose location information is managed. In other words, the location information indicating the location of the location information management communication device 10 is also the location information indicating the location of the luggage 12. Note that the location on the luggage 12 at which the location information management communication device 10 is attached is not particularly limited. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the location information management communication device 10A is attached to the luggage 12A, and the location information management communication device 10B is attached to the luggage 12B.

[0015] The user base 2 is provided with, for example, a base terminal 13 capable of communicating with the cargo management server 20. The base terminal 13 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or a terminal such as a PC (personal computer). Note that the base terminal 13 is not limited to these examples. For example, the base terminal 13 transmits to the cargo management server 20 identification information of the location information management communication device 10 input by the user and identification information of the luggage 12 to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached. The identification information of the location information management communication device 10 is, for example, an identification ID (Identification) of the location information management communication device 10 (hereinafter also referred to as a "communication device ID"). The identification information of the package 12 is, for example, an identification ID (hereinafter also referred to as a "package ID") of the package 12. The communication device ID and the package ID are, for example, a character string made up of a combination of any characters (alphabet, numbers, symbols, etc.).

[0016] The location information management communication device 10 according to the first embodiment has various communication functions for transmitting and receiving various information to and from other devices. For example, the location information management communication device 10 has a Wi-Fi communication function, a Sigfox communication function, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) communication function.

[0017] The Wi-Fi communication function is a function for communicating with a Wi-Fi access point using Wi-Fi as a communication standard. The access point with which the location information management communication device 10 communicates is, for example, an access point provided within a communication range around the baggage 12. The location information management communication device 10 acquires information about the Wi-Fi access point (hereinafter also referred to as "Wi-Fi information") at a predetermined timing using the Wi-Fi communication function. The predetermined timing for the location information management communication device 10 to acquire the Wi-Fi information is, for example, when the location information management communication device 10 is powered on or when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0018] The Wi-Fi information includes, for example, address information and reception level information. The address information is information indicating the address of an access point. Specifically, the address of an access point is a MAC address (Media Access Control address). In the first embodiment below, an example in which the address information is a MAC address will be described. Furthermore, the reception level information is information indicating the strength of a signal that the location information management communication device 10 receives from an access point.

[0019] The access point from which the location information management communication device 10 obtains Wi-Fi information may be located either inside or outside a building, vehicle, etc., as long as the location information management communication device 10 can receive a signal. Furthermore, when the location information management communication device 10 receives Wi-Fi information from multiple Wi-Fi access points, i.e., when it acquires multiple pieces of Wi-Fi information, it may extract any Wi-Fi information from the acquired Wi-Fi information. For example, the location information management communication device 10 extracts Wi-Fi information according to the signal reception level from the access point. As an example, the location information management communication device 10 preferentially extracts Wi-Fi information received from an access point with a high signal reception level.

[0020] The location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function to a server related to management of location information of the luggage 12. The server related to management of location information of the luggage 12 is, for example, a server that acquires location information of the luggage 12, or a server that manages location information acquired by each server.

[0021] The Sigfox communication function is a function for communicating with the Sigfox management server 30 using Sigfox (an example of a first communication standard) as a communication standard. Sigfox is one of the standards for LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). The location information management communication device 10 transmits a communication device ID and a MAC address acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function to the Sigfox management server 30 at a predetermined timing by the Sigfox communication function. The predetermined timing for the location information management communication device 10 to transmit the communication device ID and the MAC address is, for example, the timing when the MAC address is acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function or the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0022] The LPWA standard used by the location information management communication device 10 when transmitting the communication device ID and MAC address is not limited to Sigfox. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may use standards such as NB-IoT, LoRa (LoRa WAN), ELTRES, ZETA, and Wi-SUN as the LPWA standard. Furthermore, the communication standard used by the location information management communication device 10 is not limited to LPWA. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may use communication standards such as 3G (third generation mobile communication system), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0023] The server to which the location information managing communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and MAC address is a server conforming to the communication standard used by the location information managing communication device 10. In the first embodiment, the communication standard used by the location information managing communication device 10 is Sigfox. Therefore, the location information managing communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and MAC address to the Sigfox management server 30 via a Sigfox base station as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0024] The RFID communication function is a function for communicating with an RFID reader 15 (an example of a reading device) using RFID (an example of a second communication standard) of Near Field Communication (NFC) as a communication standard. RFID can send and receive more information in one communication than LPWA. The RFID reader 15 is a device that communicates with the location information management communication device 10 by RFID and transmits information acquired through this communication to the location information management server 40. The communication device for location information management 10 uses the RFID communication function to transmit the communication device ID to the RFID reader 15 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing at which the communication device for location information management 10 transmits the communication device ID is, for example, the timing at which the communication device for location information management 10 receives a read signal for the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15.

[0025] The cargo management server 20 is a server that manages the correspondence between the location information management communication device 10 and the cargo 12. The cargo management server 20 stores the communication device ID and the cargo ID received from the base terminal 13 in association with each other. Hereinafter, the information in which the communication device ID and the cargo ID are associated with each other is also referred to as "cargo information." The cargo management server 20 may transmit the cargo information to the location information management server 40 to share it.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of cargo information according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the cargo information is composed of a communication device ID and a cargo ID. Note that the cargo information shown in Fig. 2 is an example, and the cargo information is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "001" and the baggage ID is "101." This indicates that the location information managing communication device 10 with the communication device ID "001" is attached to the baggage 12 with the baggage ID "101." 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "002" and the baggage ID is "102." This indicates that the location information managing communication device 10 with the communication device ID "002" is attached to the baggage 12 with the baggage ID "102." 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "003" and the baggage ID is "103." This indicates that the location information managing communication device 10 with the communication device ID "003" is attached to the baggage 12 with the baggage ID "103."

[0027] The Sigfox management server 30 acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10 based on information received from the location information management communication device 10 via a Sigfox base station. For example, the Sigfox management server 30 acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10 by base station positioning. The Sigfox management server 30 acquires the acquired location information of the location information management communication device 10 as the location information of the baggage 12 (management target) to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached.

[0028] The Sigfox management server 30 according to the first embodiment performs base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using Sigfox. The Sigfox management server 30 may perform base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using an LPWA standard other than Sigfox, or may perform base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using a communication standard other than LPWA. The name of the Sigfox management server 30 may be a name according to the communication standard used.

[0029] Hereinafter, the location information of the package 12 obtained by base station positioning will also be referred to as "base station positioning information." The base station positioning information obtained by base station positioning includes, for example, coordinates indicating the latitude and longitude of the current location of the package 12. The base station positioning information may also include reliability. The reliability is indicated, for example, by the radius of a circle centered on the coordinates included in the base station positioning information. The circle indicates the range in which the location of the package 12 may be included. In other words, it can also be said to indicate the positioning error by base station positioning.

[0030] The Sigfox management server 30 transmits information including the acquired base station positioning information to the location information management server 40. The Sigfox management server 30 also transmits the communication device ID and MAC address received from the location information management communication device 10 to the location information management server 40.

[0031] Note that there may be a limit to the amount of information that can be transmitted in one communication between the Sigfox management server 30 and the location information management server 40. Therefore, the Sigfox management server 30 transmits two pieces of information, base station positioning information and Wi-Fi information, to the location information management server 40 according to the amount of information that can be transmitted. For example, if two pieces of information can be included in one signal, the Sigfox management server 30 may include the two pieces of information in one signal and transmit the two pieces of information in one communication. On the other hand, if only one piece of information can be included in one signal, the Sigfox management server 30 may include the two pieces of information in different signals and transmit the two pieces of information in two separate communications. If one piece of information cannot be included in one signal, the Sigfox management server 30 may divide one piece of information according to the amount of information that can be transmitted, and transmit the information in a number of communications according to the number of divisions.

[0032] The location information management server 40 is a location information management device that manages the location information of the luggage 12. The location information management server 40 manages the location information of the luggage 12 based on the cargo information received from the cargo management server 20, and the communication device ID, base station positioning information, and Wi-Fi information received from the Sigfox management server 30.

[0033] For example, the location information management server 40 transmits the MAC address included in the Wi-Fi information to the Wi-Fi management server 50, causing Wi-Fi positioning to be performed. As a result, the location information management server 40 can acquire the location information of the package 12 acquired by Wi-Fi positioning. Hereinafter, the location information of the package 12 acquired by Wi-Fi positioning will also be referred to as "Wi-Fi positioning information." The Wi-Fi positioning information acquired by Wi-Fi positioning includes, for example, coordinates indicating the latitude and longitude of the current location of the package 12. Note that the Wi-Fi positioning information may also include a reliability similar to that of the base station positioning information.

[0034] The location information management server 40 stores the communication device ID and base station positioning information received from the Sigfox management server 30, and the Wi-Fi positioning information acquired from the Wi-Fi management server 50, in association with each other for each acquisition date and time. Hereinafter, the information in which the communication device ID, base station positioning information, Wi-Fi positioning information, and date and time are associated with each other is also referred to as "location management information."

[0035] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of location management information according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the location management information is made up of a communication device ID, base station positioning information, Wi-Fi positioning information, and date and time. In the first record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is “001” and the base station positioning information is (X B1 ,Y B1 ), Wi-Fi positioning information (X W1 ,Y W1 ), and the date and time are "2020 / 12 / 01 10:00:00". This is because the base station positioning information acquired at "2020 / 12 / 01 10:00:00" for the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "001" is (X B1 ,Y B1 ) and the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X W1 ,Y W1 ) In the second record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is “002” and the base station positioning information is (X B2 ,Y B2 ), Wi-Fi positioning information (XW2 ,Y W2 ), and the date and time are "2020 / 12 / 01 11:00:00". This is because the base station positioning information acquired at "2020 / 12 / 01 11:00:00" for the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "002" is (X B2 ,Y B2 ) and the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X W2 ,Y W2 ) In the third record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is “003” and the base station positioning information is (X B3 ,Y B3 ), the Wi-Fi positioning information is "-", and the date and time is "2020 / 12 / 01 14:00:00". This shows that the base station positioning information acquired at "2020 / 12 / 01 14:00:00" for the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "003" is (X B3 ,Y B3 ), which indicates that no Wi-Fi positioning information was obtained. Note that the location management information shown in Fig. 3 is an example, and the location management information is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 3. For example, the base station positioning information and Wi-Fi positioning information of the location management information shown in Fig. 3 may include credibility in addition to coordinates.

[0036] The location information management server 40 estimates the current location of the package 12 based on the generated location management information. Generally, the positioning accuracy of Wi-Fi positioning is higher than that of base station positioning. That is, the positioning error included in the base station positioning information is larger than the positioning error included in the Wi-Fi positioning. Therefore, the location information management server 40 according to the first embodiment estimates the current location of the package 12 by preferentially using the Wi-Fi positioning information among the information included in the location management information. Then, the location information management server 40 transmits information indicating the estimated current location of the package 12 to the user terminal 60.

[0037] For example, the location information management server 40 estimates the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information as the current location of the package 12, and transmits the coordinate information to the user terminal 60 as information indicating the current location of the package 12. Furthermore, the location information management server 40 may estimate the name of the base where the package 12 is stored based on the verification information, and transmit the base name to the user terminal 60 as information indicating the current location of the package 12.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of matching information according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the matching information is composed of a base name and base location information. The base name indicates the name of the base. The base location information indicates the coordinates where the base is located. Note that the matching information shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and the matching information is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4. In the first record of the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base I" and the base location information is (X K1 ,Y K1 ) is shown. This means that "Base I" is (X K1 ,Y K1 ) indicates that it exists. In the second record of the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base II" and the base location information is (X K2 ,Y K2 ) is shown. This is because "Base II" is (X K2 ,Y K2 ) indicates that it exists. In the third record of the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base III" and the base location information is (X K3 ,Y K3 ) is shown. This is because "Base III" is (X K3 ,Y K3 ) indicates that it exists.

[0039] The location information management server 40, for example, compares the verification information with the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information to obtain the name of the base where the package 12 is stored. In the verification, for example, it is determined whether the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information match the coordinates indicated by the base location information in the verification information, and obtains the base name corresponding to the base location information where the coordinates match. After obtaining the name, the location information management server 40 transmits the obtained base name to the user terminal 60. If no matching coordinates exist, the location information management server 40 may not obtain the name of the base where the package 12 is stored, and may output information indicating that the package 12 is not being stored at a base. For example, the location information management server 40 outputs information indicating that the package 12 is being moved (transported) between bases, or is missing due to being lost to a location not included in the verification information, being stolen, or the like.

[0040] The Wi-Fi management server 50 performs Wi-Fi positioning on the location information management communication device 10 based on the MAC address received from the location information management server 40. The Wi-Fi positioning acquires location information of the location information management communication device 10. The Wi-Fi management server 50 acquires the acquired location information of the location information management communication device 10 as Wi-Fi positioning information of the baggage 12 to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached. The Wi-Fi management server 50 transmits the acquired Wi-Fi positioning information to the location information management server 40.

[0041] The user terminal 60 is a device that a user operates to refer to various information. The user terminal 60 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a terminal such as a PC. Note that the user terminal 60 is not limited to these examples.

[0042] Here, an example of communication using each communication function will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, first, at user base 2A, location information management communication device 10A is attached to baggage 12A, and location information management communication device 10B is attached to baggage 12B, and the power of location information management communication devices 10A and 10B is turned on (initial state). At this time, if there is an access point within a range where a signal can be received, location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use their Wi-Fi communication function to acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use their Wi-Fi communication function to acquire Wi-Fi information of access point AP1 installed within user base 2A. After acquiring the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use the Sigfox communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS1.

[0043] Next, as shown in Fig. 1, the luggage 12 is transported between the user site 2A and the user site 2B by the vehicle 14. If an access point is present within a range where a signal can be received while the luggage 12 is being transported, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use their Wi-Fi communication function to acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use their Wi-Fi communication function to acquire Wi-Fi information of access point AP2 installed outside the vehicle 14. After acquiring the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use the Sigfox communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS2.

[0044] Next, as shown in Fig. 1, it is assumed that the luggage 12 is transported to the user location 2B by the vehicle 14. If an access point is present within a signal reception range at the user location 2B, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use their Wi-Fi communication functions to acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use their Wi-Fi communication functions to acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point AP3 installed within the user location 2B. After acquiring the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use the Sigfox communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS3.

[0045] The access points from which the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B obtain Wi-Fi information may be located either inside or outside the user base 2, and may be located either inside or outside the vehicle 14, as long as they are within a range where signals can be received.

[0046] The location information management communication device 10 according to the first embodiment has a built-in battery. The location information management communication device 10 operates using power supplied from the battery and can use Wi-Fi communication and Sigfox communication functions. The location information management communication device 10 is also configured to use the RFID communication function using power obtained through communication with the RFID reader 15 (i.e., a passive configuration). The location information management communication device 10 converts radio waves from the RFID reader 15 into electrical energy and can use the RFID communication function using the obtained electrical energy, so there is no need for a built-in battery to use the RFID communication function. Therefore, even if the power supplied from the battery built into the location information management communication device 10 is insufficient or the battery is dead, the location information management communication device 10 can use the RFID communication function as long as it receives a read from the RFID reader 15.

[0047] When the location information management communication device 10 in the first embodiment is read by the RFID reader 15, it transmits the communication device ID of its own location information management communication device 10 to the RFID reader 15. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the location information management communication device 10B that has been read by the RFID reader 15 transmits the communication device ID of its own location information management communication device 10B to the RFID reader 15. The RFID reader 15 transmits the received communication device ID to the location information management server 40.

[0048] <1-2. Functional configuration of communication device for location information management> An example of the configuration of the location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0049] 5, the location information management communication device 10-1 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1, a Sigfox communication unit 110-1, a control unit 120-1, a storage unit 130-1, a power supply unit 140-1, and an RFID communication control unit 200-1. The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 is an example of a first communication unit.

[0050] (1)Wi-Fi Communication Department 100-1 The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 has a Wi-Fi communication function and has a function of performing communication via Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 communicates with a Wi-Fi access point using a Wi-Fi communication function and acquires Wi-Fi information. In the first embodiment, the acquired Wi-Fi information includes the MAC address of the access point and the reception level of a signal from the access point. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 may store the acquired Wi-Fi information in the storage unit 130-1.

[0051] (2)Sigfox Communication Department 110-1 The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 has a Sigfox communication function and has a function of performing communication by Sigfox. The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 performs communication using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1. The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 transmits, using the Sigfox communication function, transmission information including the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 and the communication device ID of the communication device 10-1 for managing its own location information stored in the memory unit 130-1 to the Sigfox management server 30.

[0052] (3) Control unit 120-1 The control unit 120-1 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the location information management communication device 10-1. The control unit 120-1 operates using power supplied from a power supply unit 140-1. The functions of the control unit 120-1 are realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the location information management communication device 10-1 to execute a program. 5, control unit 120-1 includes transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 and communication control unit 122-1. Communication control unit 122-1 is an example of a first communication control unit.

[0053] (3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 The transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 has a function of acquiring transmission information that the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 transmits to the Sigfox management server 30. The transmission information includes Wi-Fi information and a communication device ID. For example, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires Wi-Fi information from the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 or the storage unit 130-1. The transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 also reads and acquires the communication device ID of the communication device 10-1 for managing its own location information from the storage unit 130-1. The transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires the transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires the transmission information is the timing when the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 acquires the Wi-Fi information, the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed, the timing when the package 12 has moved, etc.

[0054] (3-2) Communication control unit 122-1 The communication control unit 122-1 has a function of controlling communication in the position information management communication device 10-1. For example, the communication control unit 122-1 controls communication in the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 and communication in the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1.

[0055] Specifically, the communication control unit 122-1 causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 to communicate with a Wi-Fi access point and acquire Wi-Fi information. The communication control unit 122-1 causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 to acquire the Wi-Fi information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the communication control unit 122-1 causes the location information management communication device 10-1 to acquire the Wi-Fi information may be when the power of the location information management communication device 10-1 is turned on, when a predetermined time has elapsed, when the baggage 12 is moved, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, the communication control unit 122-1 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit transmission information including the communication device ID of the communication device for managing its own location information, which is acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1, to the Sigfox management server 30. The communication control unit 122-1 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit the transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the communication control unit 122-1 causes the transmission information to be transmitted is the timing when the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires the transmission information, the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed, the timing when the package 12 moves, etc.

[0057] (4) Storage section 130-1 The storage unit 130-1 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 130-1 is configured by a storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media.

[0058] The storage unit 130-1 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1 or power supplied from the RFID communication unit 210-1. The storage unit 130-1 stores, for example, the communication device ID of the communication device for managing its own location information 10-1. Note that the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-1 is identification information different from the identification ID of the RFID communication control unit 200-1. The storage unit 130-1 may also store Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1.

[0059] (5) Power supply section 140-1 The power supply unit 140-1 has a function of supplying power. The power supply unit 140-1 is, for example, a battery such as a cylindrical or button-type dry cell (primary battery) or a battery (secondary battery). The power supply unit 140-1 supplies power to the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1, the Sigfox communication unit 110-1, the control unit 120-1, and the storage unit 130-1.

[0060] (6) RFID communication control unit 200-1 The RFID communication control unit 200-1 has a function of controlling communication by the RFID communication function. The function of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 is realized, for example, by an antenna and an IC (integrated circuit) that the position information management communication device 10-1 has as hardware. The RFID communication control unit 200-1 communicates with the RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication function. The RFID communication control unit 200-1 operates using power generated by communication with the RFID reader 15. Therefore, power is not supplied to the RFID communication control unit 200-1 from the power supply unit 140-1. 5, the RFID communication control unit 200-1 includes an RFID communication unit 210-1 and a control unit 220-1. The RFID communication unit 210-1 is an example of a second communication unit.

[0061] (6-1) RFID communication unit 210-1 The RFID communication unit 210-1 has an RFID communication function and has a function of performing communication by RFID. The function of the RFID communication unit 210-1 is realized, for example, by an antenna provided as hardware in the RFID communication control unit 200-1. The RFID communication unit 210-1 communicates with the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function. The RFID communication unit 210-1 performs communication using power obtained by converting radio waves received in communication with the RFID reader 15. The RFID communication unit 210-1 supplies the obtained power to the control unit 220-1 and the storage unit 130-1. Note that the power obtained by the RFID communication unit 210-1 may be supplied to the storage unit 130-1 only when the power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1 to the storage unit 130-1 is insufficient.

[0062] The RFID communication unit 210-1 transmits, to the RFID reader 15, transmission information including the communication device ID of the communication device for managing its own location information 10-1 stored in the storage unit 130-1, using the RFID communication function.

[0063] (6-2) Control unit 220-1 The control unit 220-1 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the RFID communication control unit 200-1. The control unit 220-1 operates using power supplied from the RFID communication unit 210-1. The functions of the control unit 220-1 are realized, for example, by an IC that the RFID communication control unit 200-1 has as hardware. 5, the control unit 220-1 includes a reading detection unit 221-1, a transmission information acquisition unit 222-1, and a communication control unit 223-1. The communication control unit 223-1 is an example of a second communication control unit.

[0064] (6-2-1) Reading and detecting unit 221-1 The reading detection unit 221-1 has a function of detecting reading by the RFID reader 15. For example, when the RFID communication unit 210-1 receives a reading signal of the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15, the reading detection unit 221-1 detects that the communication device ID has been read by the RFID reader 15.

[0065] (6-2-2) Transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 The transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 has a function of acquiring transmission information transmitted by the RFID communication unit 210-1 to the RFID reader 15. The transmission information includes a communication device ID. For example, when the reading detection unit 221-1 detects that the RFID reader 15 has read data, the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 reads and acquires the communication device ID of the communication device 10-1 for managing its own location information from the storage unit 130-1.

[0066] (6-2-3) Communication control unit 223-1 The communication control unit 223-1 has a function of controlling communication in the RFID communication unit 210-1. For example, the communication control unit 223-1 causes the RFID communication unit 210-1 to transmit transmission information including the communication device ID of the communication device for managing its own location information, which is acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1, to the RFID reader 15. The communication control unit 223-1 causes the RFID communication unit 210-1 to transmit the transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the communication control unit 223-1 causes the RFID communication unit 210-1 to transmit the transmission information to the RFID reader 15 at the timing when the RFID communication unit 210-1 receives a read signal for the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15.

[0067] <1-3. Processing flow> An example of the functional configuration of the location information managing communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the processing flow in the location information managing communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the location information managing communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] 6, first, the reading detection unit 221-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 of the location information management communication device 10-1 detects reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 (step S100). If reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected (step S100 / YES), the process proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, if reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is not detected (step S100 / NO), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0069] When the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 acquires the transmission information to be transmitted by the RFID communication function. The transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 reads the communication device ID of the communication device for managing its own location information 10-1 stored in the storage unit 130-1 and acquires it as the transmission information (step S101).

[0070] After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 223-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 causes the RFID communication unit 210-1 to transmit the transmission information including the communication device ID of the communication device 10-1 for managing its own location information to the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function of the RFID communication unit 210-1 (step S102).

[0071] Regardless of whether or not the RFID reader 15 has detected the reading of the communication device ID, the communication control unit 122-1 determines whether or not it is the predetermined timing (step S103). If it is not the predetermined timing (step S103 / NO), the process repeats from step S100. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing (step S103 / YES), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0072] If it is the predetermined timing, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires the transmission information to be transmitted by the Sigfox communication function. The communication control unit 122-1 acquires, as the transmission information, the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 and the communication device ID of the communication device for managing its own location information 10-1 stored in the storage unit 130-1 (step S104).

[0073] After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 122-1 causes the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit the transmission information including the Wi-Fi information and the communication device ID of the communication device 10-1 for managing its own location information from the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to the Sigfox management server 30 (step S105). After transmitting the transmission information, the process is repeated from step S100.

[0074] As described above, the position information managing communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment includes a storage unit 130-1, a communication control unit 122-1, an RFID communication unit 210-1, and a communication control unit 223-1. The storage unit 130-1 stores the communication device ID of the communication device 10-1 for managing its own location information. The communication control unit 122-1 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-1, which performs communication using Sigfox with power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1, to transmit the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-1 to the management server. The RFID communication unit 210-1 performs communication using RFID, which is a communication standard different from LPWA, with the RFID reader 15. When the RFID communication unit 210-1 receives a read signal for the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15, the communication control unit 223-1 reads the communication device ID from the storage unit 130-1 using power obtained by converting radio waves received in communication with the RFID reader 15, and causes the RFID communication unit 210-1 to transmit the communication device ID to the RFID reader 15.

[0075] With this configuration, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment can read the communication device ID of its own location information management communication device 10-1 from the storage unit 130-1 using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1 and transmit it to the management server via the Sigfox communication unit 110-1. The location information management communication device 10-1 can also read the communication device ID of its own location information management communication device 10-1 from the storage unit 130-1 and transmit it to the RFID reader 15 via the RFID communication unit 210-1 using power obtained by converting radio waves received in communication with the RFID reader 15. As a result, when the power supply unit 140-1 has enough power remaining to enable the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit the communication device ID, the user can obtain the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10-1 from at least either the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 or the RFID communication unit 210-1 and grasp the position of the object to which the location information management communication device 10-1 is attached. On the other hand, even when the power supply unit 140-1 does not have enough power remaining to enable the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit the communication device ID, the user can obtain the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10-1 from the RFID communication unit 210-1 and grasp the position of the object to which the location information management communication device 10-1 is attached. Note that the communication control units 122-1 and 223-1 of the location information management communication device 10-1 share the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-1, and therefore the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 and the RFID communication unit 210-1 each transmit the same communication device ID to the management server. Therefore, the management server can manage the location information of the package 12 in the same way regardless of whether it receives the communication device ID from the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 or the RFID communication unit 210-1.

[0076] Therefore, the location information managing communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment can grasp the location of the target regardless of the remaining battery power of the device itself.

[0077] <<2. Second Embodiment>> Having described the first embodiment of the present invention, a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which, when reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the communication device for location information management 10-1 transmits the communication device ID to the RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication function. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which, when reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 installed at a management target location is detected, the communication device for location information management 10-1 transmits the communication device ID to the Sigfox management server 30 by the Sigfox communication function. The location to be managed is, for example, the destination to which the package 12 is to be transported, a stopover point when transporting the package 12 to the destination, etc. Examples of the destination and stopover point include a base where the package 12 is stored and a facility to which the package 12 is to be delivered. The base and facility are, for example, a factory, warehouse, office, etc. Note that the base and facility may be owned by either the company (the company itself) to which the deliverer (the party requesting the transport) belongs or another company. Note that explanations that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0078] <2-1. Configuration of location information management system> The configuration of the location information management system according to the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] <2-2. Functional configuration of communication device for location information management> Next, an example of the functional configuration of the location information managing communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information managing communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, the position information management communication device 10-2 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2, a Sigfox communication unit 110-2, a control unit 120-2, a storage unit 130-2, a power supply unit 140-2, and an RFID communication control unit 200-2.

[0081] (1)Wi-Fi communication department 100-2 The functions of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2 are similar to the functions of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] (2)Sigfox Communication Department 110-2 The function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 is similar to the function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. When the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 detects that the communication device ID has been read by the RFID reader 15, the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 transmits transmission information including the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-2 to the Sigfox management server 30 using the Sigfox communication function.

[0083] (3) Control unit 120-2 The function of the control unit 120-2 is similar to the function of the control unit 120-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. 7, control unit 120-2 includes transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 and communication control unit 122-2. Communication control unit 122-2 is an example of a first communication control unit.

[0084] (3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 The function of the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 is similar to the function of the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. When reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 acquires, as transmission information, the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-2 and read information input from the read detection unit 221-1, which will be described later. The read information is information indicating that reading by the RFID reader 15 has been performed. The read information may include the identification ID of the RFID reader 15 and the date and time when reading by the RFID reader 15 has been performed. Furthermore, the read information may also include Wi-Fi information stored in the storage unit 130-2 in addition to the identification ID of the RFID reader 15 and the date and time when reading has been performed.

[0085] (3-2) Communication control unit 122-2 The function of the communication control unit 122-2 is similar to the function of the communication control unit 122-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. When the communication control unit 122-2 detects that the communication device ID has been read by the RFID reader 15, it causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 to transmit transmission information including the communication device ID and the read information to the Sigfox management server 30. The Sigfox management server 30 transmits the received communication device ID and the read information to the location information management server 40.

[0086] With this configuration, the location information management server 40 can acquire the baggage ID associated with the received communication device ID by referring to the cargo information stored in the cargo management server 20. The location information management server 40 can associate each piece of acquired information and generate output information to be output to the user terminal 60. By referring to the output information output to the user terminal 60, the user can identify the baggage 12 equipped with the location information management communication device 10-2 whose communication device ID was read by the RFID reader 15. For example, suppose that a user transports a package 12, which is a delivery item to a customer and is equipped with a location information management communication device 10-2, in a vehicle 14. When the package 12 arrives at the customer's location, a person in charge at the customer's location reads the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10-2 using an RFID reader 15 to check the delivery. At this time, the location information management communication device 10-2, whose communication device ID was read at the customer's location, transmits the read information to the management server. The location information management server 40 generates output information indicating the package ID acquired based on the communication device ID and transmits it to the user terminal 60. The user can then easily check whether the package 12 has been safely delivered to the customer by referring to the output information output by the user terminal 60.

[0087] (4) Storage section 130-2 The function of the storage unit 130-2 is similar to the function of the storage unit 130-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] (5) Power supply section 140-2 The function of the power supply unit 140-2 is similar to the function of the power supply unit 140-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] (6) RFID communication control unit 200-2 The function of the RFID communication control unit 200-2 is similar to the function of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. 7, the RFID communication control unit 200-2 includes an RFID communication unit 210-2 and a control unit 220-2. The RFID communication unit 210-2 is an example of a second communication unit.

[0090] (6-1) RFID communication unit 210-2 The function of the RFID communication unit 210-2 is similar to the function of the RFID communication unit 210-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. The RFID communication unit 210-2 may receive the identification ID of the RFID reader 15 from the RFID reader 15.

[0091] (6-2) Control unit 220-2 The function of the control unit 220-2 is similar to the function of the control unit 220-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. 7, the control unit 220-2 includes a reading detection unit 221-2, a transmission information acquisition unit 222-2, and a communication control unit 223-2. The communication control unit 223-2 is an example of a second communication control unit.

[0092] (6-2-1) Reading and detecting unit 221-2 The function of the reading and detecting unit 221-2 is similar to the function of the reading and detecting unit 221-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. When the read detection unit 221-2 detects that the communication device ID has been read by the RFID reader 15, it outputs the read information to the control unit 120-2.

[0093] (6-2-2) Transmission information acquisition unit 222-2 The function of the transmission information acquisition unit 222-2 is similar to the function of the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] (6-2-3) Communication control unit 223-2 The function of the communication control unit 223-2 is similar to the function of the communication control unit 223-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] <2-3. Processing flow> An example of the functional configuration of the location information managing communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the processing flow in the location information managing communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the location information managing communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment.

[0096] 8, first, the reading detection unit 221-2 of the RFID communication control unit 200-2 of the location information management communication device 10-2 detects reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 (step S200). If reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected (step S200 / YES), the process proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is not detected (step S200 / NO), the process proceeds to step S203.

[0097] When it is detected that the communication device ID has been read by the RFID reader 15, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 acquires transmission information to be transmitted by the Sigfox communication function. The transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 acquires, as transmission information, the read information input from the read detection unit 221-2 of the RFID communication control unit 200-2 and the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-1 (step S201).

[0098] After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 122-2 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 to transmit the transmission information including the read information and the communication device ID to the Sigfox management server 30 using the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 (step S202).

[0099] Regardless of whether or not the RFID reader 15 has detected the reading of the communication device ID, the communication control unit 122-2 determines whether or not it is the predetermined timing (step S203). If it is not the predetermined timing (step S203 / NO), the process repeats from step S200. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing (step S203 / YES), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0100] If it is the predetermined timing, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 acquires the transmission information to be transmitted by the Sigfox communication function. The communication control unit 122-1 acquires, as the transmission information, the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2 and the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-2 (step S204).

[0101] After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 122-2 causes the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 to transmit the transmission information including the Wi-Fi information and the communication device ID from the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 to the Sigfox management server 30 (step S205). After transmitting the transmission information, the process is repeated from step S200.

[0102] The processes of steps S201 and S202 may be performed at predetermined time intervals. This allows the communication device for location information management 10-2 to reduce the frequency of acquiring read information and the communication device ID and communicating using Sigfox when reading of the communication device ID by RFID reader 15 is detected in step S200. This allows the communication device for location information management 10-2 to reduce the power consumption of the power supply unit 140-2 due to acquiring read information and the communication device ID and communicating using Sigfox.

[0103] As described above, the position information managing communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment includes a storage unit 130-2, a Sigfox communication unit 110-2, an RFID communication unit 210-2, a communication control unit 122-2, and a communication control unit 223-2. The storage unit 130-2 stores the communication device ID of the communication device 10-2 for location information management. The Sigfox communication unit 110-2 performs communication using Sigfox. The RFID communication unit 210-2 performs communication using RFID with the RFID reader 15 set in the location to be managed. When the RFID communication unit 210-2 receives a read signal for the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15, the communication control unit 122-1 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 to transmit the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-2 and read information indicating that reading by the RFID reader 15 has been performed to the management server. The communication control unit 223-2 causes the RFID communication unit 210-2 to transmit the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-2 to the RFID reader 15.

[0104] With this configuration, the management server can obtain information indicating that the RFID reader 15 has read the information at the location to be managed, i.e., information indicating that the package 12 is present at the location to be managed, by using the Sigfox communication function of the communication device for location information management 10-2. By checking the information obtained by the management server, the user can understand that the package 12 is present at the location to be managed.

[0105] Therefore, the position information managing communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment can know that the managed object exists in the place where the reader is installed without directly communicating with the reader.

[0106] <<3. Third Embodiment>> Having described the second embodiment of the present invention above, a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which, when reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the location information management communication devices 10-1 and 10-2 transmit the communication device ID to the RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication function. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which, when reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the location information management communication device 10-3 transmits environmental information to the RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication function. The environmental information is information about the environment of the luggage 12 (location information management communication device 10-3). The environmental information includes, for example, the temperature around the luggage 12 or the temperature of the location information management communication device 10-3, the humidity around the luggage 12, the number of impacts applied to the luggage 12, etc. Note that explanations that overlap with the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0107] <3-1. Configuration of location information management system> The configuration of the location information management system according to the third embodiment is similar to the configuration of the location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] <3-2. Functional configuration of communication device for location information management> Next, an example of the functional configuration of the location information managing communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information managing communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 9, the location information management communication device 10-3 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100-3, a Sigfox communication unit 110-3, a control unit 120-3, a memory unit 130-3, a power supply unit 140-3, an environmental information detection unit 150, and an RFID communication control unit 200-3.

[0110] (1)Wi-Fi Communication Department 100-3 The functions of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-3 are similar to the functions of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again.

[0111] (2)Sigfox Communication Department 110-3 The functions of the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 are similar to the functions of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again.

[0112] (3) Control unit 120-3 The functions of the control unit 120-3 are similar to those of the control unit 120-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the control unit 120-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be repeated. 9, control unit 120-3 includes transmission information acquisition unit 121-3, communication control unit 122-3, and environmental information acquisition unit 123. Communication control unit 122-3 is an example of a first communication control unit.

[0113] (3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121-3 The functions of the transmission information acquisition unit 121-3 are similar to those of the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again.

[0114] (3-2) Communication control unit 122-3 The functions of the communication control unit 122-3 are similar to those of the communication control unit 122-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the communication control unit 122-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again.

[0115] (3-3)Environmental information acquisition section 123 The environmental information acquisition unit 123 has a function of acquiring environmental information. For example, the environmental information acquisition unit 123 acquires, as environmental information, information detected by the environmental information detection unit 150 (described later). The environmental information acquisition unit 123 stores the acquired environmental information in the storage unit 130-3.

[0116] (4) Storage section 130-3 The functions of the memory unit 130-3 are similar to those of the memory unit 130-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the memory unit 130-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted. The storage unit 130-3 stores the environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 123.

[0117] (5) Power supply section 140-3 The function of the power supply unit 140-3 is similar to the function of the power supply unit 140-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the function of the power supply unit 140-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] (6) Environmental information detection unit 150 The environmental information detection unit 150 has a function of detecting environmental information. The function of the environmental information detection unit 150 is realized by various sensor devices that the location information management communication device 10-3 has as hardware (attached to the location information management communication device 10-3). For example, if the location information management communication device 10-3 has a temperature sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 uses the temperature sensor to detect the temperature around the luggage 12 or the temperature of the location information management communication device 10-3. If the location information management communication device 10-3 has a humidity sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 uses the humidity sensor to detect the humidity around the luggage 12. If the location information management communication device 10-3 has an acceleration sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 uses the acceleration sensor to detect the acceleration of the luggage 12. The environmental information detection unit 150 may, for example, detect the number of times acceleration is detected as the number of times impacts are applied to the luggage 12.

[0119] The types of sensor devices provided as hardware in the location information management communication device 10-3 are not limited to the above example. Furthermore, the number of sensor devices provided as hardware in the location information management communication device 10-3 is not particularly limited. That is, the types of environmental information detected by the environmental information detection unit 150 are not limited to the above example, and the number of environmental information items to be detected is not limited either.

[0120] (7) RFID communication control unit 200-3 The functions of the RFID communication control unit 200-3 are similar to those of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the RFID communication control unit 200-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted. 9, the RFID communication control unit 200-3 includes an RFID communication unit 210-3 and a control unit 220-3. The RFID communication unit 210-3 is an example of a second communication unit.

[0121] (7-1) RFID communication unit 210-3 The functions of the RFID communication unit 210-3 are similar to those of the RFID communication unit 210-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the RFID communication unit 210-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted. When the RFID communication unit 210-3 detects that the RFID reader 15 has read the environmental information, the RFID communication unit 210-3 transmits the transmission information including the environmental information stored in the storage unit 130-3 to the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function.

[0122] (7-2) Control unit 220-3 The functions of the control unit 220-3 are similar to those of the control unit 220-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the control unit 220-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted. 9, the control unit 220-3 includes a reading detection unit 221-3, a transmission information acquisition unit 222-3, and a communication control unit 223-3. The communication control unit 223-3 is an example of a second communication control unit.

[0123] (7-2-1) Reading and detecting unit 221-3 The functions of the reading detection unit 221-3 are similar to those of the reading detection unit 221-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the reading detection unit 221-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted. When the RFID communication unit 210-3 receives a read signal of the environmental information from the RFID reader 15, the read detection unit 221-3 detects that the environmental information has been read by the RFID reader 15.

[0124] (7-2-2) Transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 The functions of the transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 are similar to those of the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the transmission information acquisition unit 222-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted. When reading by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 acquires the communication device ID and environmental information stored in the storage unit 130-3 as transmission information. The transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 may include the read information in the transmission information.

[0125] (7-2-3) Communication control unit 223-3 The functions of the communication control unit 223-3 are similar to those of the communication control unit 223-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the communication control unit 223-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted. When the communication control unit 223-3 detects that the RFID reader 15 has read the environmental information, it causes the RFID communication unit 210-3 to transmit transmission information including the communication device ID and the environmental information to the RFID reader 15. The RFID reader 15 transmits the received communication device ID and environmental information to the location information management server 40.

[0126] With this configuration, the location information management server 40 can acquire the baggage ID associated with the received communication device ID by referencing the cargo information stored in the cargo management server 20. The location information management server 40 can associate each piece of acquired information and generate output information to be output to the user terminal 60. By referring to the output information output to the user terminal 60, the user can easily understand information about the baggage 12 equipped with the location information management communication device 10-3 that was read by the RFID reader 15.

[0127] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of output information according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the output information is composed of, for example, a communication device ID, a baggage ID, environmental information, and a read date and time. The communication device ID is information received by the location information management server 40 from the location information management communication device 10-3. The baggage ID is information acquired by the location information management server 40 from the cargo information. The environmental information is information received by the location information management server 40 from the location information management communication device 10-3. The environmental information includes, for example, temperature, humidity, the number of impacts, and the acquisition date and time. The read date and time is the date and time when reading was performed by the RFID reader 15, and is information included in the read information. Note that the output information shown in FIG. 10 is an example, and the output information is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10. 10 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "001," the baggage ID is "101," the temperature is "12°C," the humidity is "61%, the number of impacts is "0," the acquisition date and time is "2020 / 12 / 01 10:00:00," and the read date and time is "2020 / 12 / 02 9:00:00." This shows that for the baggage 12 with baggage ID "101" equipped with the location information management communication device 10-3 with communication device ID "001," specific environmental information was acquired at "2020 / 12 / 01 11:00:00," and reading was performed by the RFID reader 15 at "2020 / 12 / 02 9:00:00." The acquired environmental information specifically indicates that the temperature around the luggage 12 is "12°C", the humidity is "61%", and the number of impacts applied to the luggage 12 is "0 times". The second record in the table shown in FIG. 10 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "002," the baggage ID is "102," the temperature is "5°C," the humidity is "52%, the number of impacts is "1," the acquisition date and time is "2020 / 12 / 01 12:00:00," and the read date and time is "-." This shows that specific environmental information was acquired on "2020 / 12 / 01 12:00:00" for baggage 12 with baggage ID "102" equipped with location information management communication device 10-3 with communication device ID "002," and that reading by RFID reader 15 was not performed. The acquired environmental information specifically indicates that the temperature around baggage 12 was "5°C," the humidity was "52%, and the number of impacts applied to baggage 12 was "1." 10 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "003," the baggage ID is "103," the temperature is "25°C," the humidity is "90%," the number of impacts is "5," the acquisition date and time is "2020 / 12 / 01 15:00:00," and the read date and time is "2020 / 12 / 03 18:00:00." This indicates that specific environmental information was acquired at "2020 / 12 / 01 15:00:00" for baggage 12 with baggage ID "103" and equipped with location information management communication device 10-3 with communication device ID "003," and that reading was performed by RFID reader 15 at "2020 / 12 / 03 18:00:00." The acquired environmental information specifically indicates that the temperature around the luggage 12 is "25°C", the humidity is "90%", and the number of times that the luggage 12 has been impacted is "5 times".

[0128] Furthermore, the RFID communication unit 210-3 can handle a larger amount of information in a single communication than the Sigfox communication unit 110-3. Therefore, the location information management communication device 10-3 may be able to transmit, in a single communication, information that is too large for the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 to transmit. In this case, the location information management communication device 10-3 transmits information from the RFID communication unit 210-3 to the management server via the RFID reader 15, so that even information that is too large for the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 to transmit can be transmitted to the management server without increasing the number of communications. This allows the location information management server 40 to acquire more information about the package 12 while reducing power consumption.

[0129] <3-3. Processing flow> An example of the functional configuration of the location information managing communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the processing flow in the location information managing communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the location information managing communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment.

[0130] 11, first, the reading detection unit 221-3 of the RFID communication control unit 200-3 of the position information management communication device 10-3 detects reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 (step S300). If reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is detected (step S300 / YES), the process proceeds to step S301. On the other hand, if reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is not detected (step S300 / NO), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0131] When reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 of the RFID communication control unit 200-3 acquires transmission information to be transmitted by the RFID communication function. The transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 acquires the environmental information and the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-3 as transmission information (step S301).

[0132] After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 223-3 of the RFID communication control unit 200-3 causes the RFID communication unit 210-3 to transmit the transmission information including the environmental information and the communication device ID to the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function of the RFID communication unit 210-3 (step S302).

[0133] Regardless of whether or not the RFID reader 15 has detected the reading of the environmental information, the communication control unit 122-3 determines whether or not it is the predetermined timing (step S303). If it is not the predetermined timing (step S303 / NO), the process repeats from step S300. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing (step S303 / YES), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0134] If it is the predetermined timing, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-3 acquires the transmission information to be transmitted by the Sigfox communication function. The communication control unit 122-3 acquires, as the transmission information, the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-3 and the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-3 (step S304).

[0135] After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 122-3 causes the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 to transmit the transmission information including the Wi-Fi information and the communication device ID from the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 to the Sigfox management server 30 (step S305). After transmitting the transmission information, the process is repeated from step S300.

[0136] As described above, the location information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment includes a memory unit 130-3, an environmental information acquisition unit 123, a Sigfox communication unit 110-3, an RFID communication unit 210-3, a communication control unit 122-3, and a communication control unit 223-3. The storage unit 130-3 stores the communication device ID of the position information management communication device 10-3. The environment information acquisition unit 123 acquires environment information indicating information related to the environment of the baggage 12 detected by a sensor device attached to the position information management communication device 10-3, and stores the information in the storage unit 130-3. The Sigfox communication unit 110-3 performs communication by Sigfox using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-3. The RFID communication unit 210-3 performs communication by RFID with the RFID reader 15. The communication control unit 122-3 causes the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-3 to be transmitted from the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 to the management server. When the RFID communication unit 210-3 receives a read signal for environmental information from the RFID reader 15, the communication control unit 223-3 reads the environmental information from the memory unit 130-3 using the power obtained by converting the radio waves received in communication with the RFID reader 15, and causes the RFID communication unit 210-2 to transmit the environmental information to the RFID reader 15.

[0137] With this configuration, the communication device 10-3 for location information management according to the third embodiment can transmit only information necessary for grasping the location information of the luggage 12 (e.g., communication device ID) to the management server using the power of the power supply unit 140-3, and can transmit additional information (e.g., environmental information) that is not necessarily necessary for grasping the location information to the management server without using the power of the power supply unit 140-3.

[0138] Therefore, the position information managing communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment can transmit environmental information of the location information management target while suppressing the power consumption of the battery of its own device.

[0139] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Note that each configuration described in each embodiment may be applied in place of a configuration described in another embodiment, or may be applied in addition to a configuration described in each embodiment.

[0140] In the above-described embodiments, the object of management is the luggage 12, and the location information of the luggage 12 is managed by attaching the location information management communication device 10 to the luggage 12. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the object of management may be logistics materials such as a cart, a pallet, a container, or a packing box. The location information of each logistics material may be managed by attaching a location information management communication device 10 to each logistics material. The location at which the location information management communication device 10 is attached to each logistics material is not particularly limited, and the location may be attached at any location. When the object to be managed is a logistics material, a logistics material ID (for example, a basket ID if the logistics material is a basket cart) that is an identification ID of the logistics material to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached is associated with the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10. This makes it possible to manage the location information of the logistics material to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached based on the communication device ID, similar to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, a parcel ID may be associated with a logistics material ID. For example, if the logistics material is a cart, the parcel ID of the parcel 12 loaded on the cart is associated with the cart ID of the cart. This makes it possible to manage the location information of the parcels 12 loaded on the cart based on the communication device ID and the logistics material ID. Furthermore, when managing multiple parcels 12, there is no need to install a location information management communication device 10 for each parcel 12, which reduces the cost required for the location information management communication device 10 when managing the location information of multiple parcels 12.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which RFID is used as the second communication standard, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the second communication standard may be Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark). When BLE is used as the second communication standard, the location information management communication device 10 has a configuration capable of supplying power for using BLE, in addition to the power supply unit 140. For example, the configuration is capable of generating power by energy harvesting. Specifically, the configuration is capable of converting vibrations, light such as indoor light or sunlight, and heat such as waste heat into electricity.

[0142] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the location information management communication device 10 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100 for performing Wi-Fi positioning and a Sigfox communication unit 110 for performing base station positioning as a configuration for determining the location of the baggage 12, but is not limited to such an example. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may have a configuration capable of performing GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning. Specifically, the location information management communication device 10 may include a receiving unit capable of receiving GPS signals from a GPS.

[0143] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the components of the location information management communication device 10 in each of the above-described embodiments may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing these functions may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over a network such as the Internet or a telephone line, or devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may be designed to implement some of the above-described functions, or may be capable of implementing the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system, or may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0144] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 Location Information Management System 2A, 2B user locations 10, 10A, 10B, 10-1~10-3 Communication device for location information management 12A, 12B Luggage 13 Base terminal 14 vehicles 15 RFID Reader 20 Cargo management server 30 Sigfox Management Server 40 Location information management server 50 Wi-Fi Management Server 60 User terminals 100-1~100-3 Wi-Fi communication department 110-1~110-3 Sigfox Communication Department 120-1~120-3 Control unit 121-1 to 121-3 Transmission information acquisition unit 122-1~122-3 Communication control unit 123 Environmental Information Acquisition Department 130-1~130-3 Storage section 140-1~140-3 Power supply section 150 Environmental information detection unit 200-1~200-3 RFID communication control unit 210-1~210-3 RFID communication unit 220-1~220-3 Control unit 221-1 to 221-3 Reading detection unit 222-1 to 222-3 Transmission information acquisition unit 223-1~223-3 Communication control unit AP1, AP2, AP3 access points BS1, BS2, BS3 Sigfox base station

Claims

1. A location information management communication device provided in a management target whose location information is managed, a storage unit for storing identification information of the location information management communication device; an environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information indicating information related to the environment of the management target detected by a sensor device attached to the location information management communication device, and stores the environmental information in the storage unit; a first communication unit that performs communication according to a first communication standard using power supplied from a power supply unit; a second communication unit that communicates with a reading device installed at a management target location to read the environmental information from the location information management communication device installed at the management target location, the second communication unit communicating with the reading device at the management target location using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; a first communication control unit that causes the identification information stored in the storage unit to be transmitted from the first communication unit to a server related to management of the location information; a second communication control unit that, when the second communication unit receives a read signal of the environmental information from the reading device, reads the environmental information from the storage unit using power obtained by converting radio waves received in communication with the reading device, and causes the second communication unit to transmit the environmental information to the reading device; A location information management communication device comprising:

2. when the second communication unit receives a read signal of the identification information from the reading device installed in the management target location, the second communication control unit reads the identification information from the storage unit and causes the second communication unit to transmit the identification information to the reading device; The location information management communication device according to claim 1 .

3. When the second communication unit receives a read signal of the identification information from the reading device, the first communication control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit the identification information stored in the storage unit and read information indicating that reading by the reading device has been performed to the server.

3. The location information management communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

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