Adsorption device and adsorption system

Abstract

To provide a suction device capable of reducing such risk that a mobile device is stolen.SOLUTION: A suction device 1 includes: a fixing part 12 used for fixing the suction device 1 to a mobile device 2; a suction part 13 used for sticking the suction device 1 to an object in a sucked manner; a theft determination part 17 for determining whether the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state on the basis of a suction state of the suction part 13; and a communication part 11 for executing notification to a terminal device via the mobile device 2 when the mobile device 2 is determined to be in the stolen state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to adsorption devices and adsorption systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, remote work, where people work outside the office using mobile devices such as laptops, has become popular. Mobile device users can bring their mobile devices into cafes, coworking spaces, and other locations to work.

[0003] Users may temporarily leave their desks and mobile devices for breaks or other reasons. There are known techniques for preventing theft of mobile devices in such cases. For example, a security wire is commonly used to prevent theft of laptop PCs. The user wraps the wire around a desk leg or other immovable object and attaches the metal fitting at the end of the wire to a hole called a security slot on the laptop PC. The user can then lock the laptop using a combination lock or other locking mechanism to prevent theft.

[0004] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle information processing device equipped with an adhesion unit consisting of multiple adhesion bodies that are placed in a negative pressure state inside. When the adhesion unit on switch is pressed, the adhesion body is placed in a negative pressure state, and the main body adheres to the adhesion target surface (e.g., the dashboard) inside the vehicle. This prevents anyone other than the user from removing the in-vehicle information processing device from the adhesion target surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-079854 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Even if the mobile device is secured to a predetermined object using the above-described technology when the user leaves his / her seat, there is a risk that a third party may forcibly remove the mobile device from the object.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an adsorption device and an adsorption system that can reduce the risk of mobile devices being stolen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The adsorption device according to the present disclosure comprises: a fixing portion used to fix the suction device and the mobile device; an adsorption unit used to adsorb an object to the adsorption device; a theft determination unit that determines whether the mobile device is in a stolen state based on the suction state of the suction unit; The mobile device includes a communication unit that, when it is determined that the mobile device is in a stolen state, notifies a terminal device of the stolen state via the mobile device.

[0009] The adsorption system according to the present disclosure comprises: Mobile devices and an adsorption device that adsorbs the mobile device to an object; Equipped with The adsorption device is a fixing portion used to fix the suction device and the mobile device; an adsorption unit used to adsorb the object and the adsorption device; a theft determination unit that determines whether the mobile device is in a stolen state based on the suction state of the suction unit; a communication unit that notifies a terminal device of a theft state via the mobile device when the mobile device is determined to be in a stolen state; It has the following characteristics. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The suction device and suction system according to the present disclosure can reduce the risk of mobile devices being stolen. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an adsorption system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an adsorption system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the adsorption system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an adsorption device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the adsorption system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the suction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an adsorption system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the adsorption system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an adsorption system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the adsorption system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an adsorption system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the adsorption system according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals. For clarity of explanation, duplicated explanations will be omitted as necessary. <Embodiment 1> First, a description will be given of an adsorption system 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the adsorption system 100 according to this embodiment. (Adsorption system 100) An overview of the system configuration of the adsorption system 100 will be described. The adsorption system 100 includes an adsorption device 1 and a mobile device 2. The mobile device 2 is a device that is the target of theft prevention. The mobile device 2 is, for example, a laptop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. However, the mobile device 2 is not limited to these, and may be various other devices.

[0013] The adhesion device 1 is a device that adheres the mobile device 2 to an object. The adhesion device 1 and the mobile device 2 are fixed together. When the adhesion device 1 adheres to the object, the mobile device 2 is adhered to the object via the adhesion device 1.

[0014] The object refers to a target onto which the mobile device 2 is attached via the attachment device 1. For example, the object has a shape on which the mobile device 2 can be placed. The object may be furniture or equipment provided in the environment in which the mobile device 2 is used. The object is, for example, a desk or table. The object is not limited to these, and may be anything that becomes difficult to carry when the mobile device 2 is attached. The object may also be a wall surface onto which the mobile device 2 is attached. Here, the desk D shown in the figure is used as an example of an object.

[0015] The housings of the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2 are fixed together in advance in some way so that they cannot be easily separated. When the adsorption system 100 is in use, wireless communication is performed between the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2. Note that wired communication may be used instead of wireless communication.

[0016] The mobile device 2 controls the adsorption operation of the adsorption device 1. The adsorption operation refers to the operation of the adsorption device 1 adsorbing to the desk D. The mobile device 2 controls the start and end of the adsorption of the adsorption device 1 to the desk D. In the following, the start of adsorption may be indicated by the adsorption operation being "ON," and the end of adsorption may be indicated by the adsorption operation being "OFF."

[0017] Suppose that the mobile device 2 turns on the adsorption operation when the adsorption device 1 is not adsorbed to the desk D. In this case, the adsorption device 1 starts adsorbing to the desk D. The adsorption device 1 continues adsorbing to the desk D until the adsorption operation is turned off. As a result, the adsorption device 1 is fixed to the desk D. When the adsorption operation is turned off, the adsorption device 1 stops adsorbing to the desk D. As a result, the adsorption device 1 is no longer fixed to the desk D. In this way, the adsorption device 1 starts and stops adsorbing to the desk D by turning on / off the adsorption operation. As a result, the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2 can be temporarily fixed to the desk D.

[0018] Suppose that, while using the adsorption system 100, the user who owns the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2 temporarily leaves his / her seat. At this time, the mobile device 2 turns on the adsorption operation of the adsorption device 1, and fixes the adsorption device 1 to the desk D. In addition, the mobile device 2 is set in a state in which a third party other than the user cannot operate the mobile device 2.

[0019] Suppose that an attempt is made to forcibly remove the adhesion of the adhesion device 1 while the adhesion device 1 is attached to the desk D. In this case, the adhesion device 1 detects the attempt to forcibly remove the adhesion of the adhesion device 1 using a sensor or the like, and issues an alert sound or the like to those nearby. In this way, it is possible to prevent a third party from turning off the adhesion operation of the adhesion device 1.

[0020] In this way, the adhesion device 1 itself does not control the ON / OFF of the adhesion operation. Furthermore, if an attempt is made to forcibly remove the adhesion, the adhesion device 1 issues an alert. In this way, the adhesion system 100 makes it difficult for a third party to take away the mobile device 2.

[0021] A specific example of the adsorption system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the adsorption system 100. Fig. 3 is a rear view of the adsorption system 100 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the adsorption device 1.

[0022] For ease of explanation, a three-dimensional coordinate system is also shown in Figs. 2 to 4. The X-axis direction indicates the width direction of the pickup device 1 and the mobile device 2. The Y-axis direction indicates the depth direction of the pickup device 1 and the mobile device 2. The Z-axis direction indicates the height direction of the pickup device 1 and the mobile device 2. The top surface of the desk D on which the pickup device 1 and the mobile device 2 are placed is approximately parallel to the XY plane. Therefore, the contact surface between the pickup device 1 and the desk D is approximately parallel to the XY plane.

[0023] 3 and 4, the suction device 1 includes suction pads 1A and 1B that vacuum-suck to a desk D. The suction device 1 also includes a vacuum pump (not shown). The vacuum pump sucks the suction device 1 to the desk D by removing air between the desk D and each of the suction pads 1A and 1B.

[0024] The number of suction pads included in the suction device 1 is not limited to two. The number of suction pads may be any integer greater than or equal to 1. Similarly, the number of vacuum pumps may be any integer greater than or equal to 1. The suction device 1 may be configured such that one vacuum pump removes air from multiple suction pads. Furthermore, the suction device 1 may include vacuum pumps corresponding to each of the multiple suction pads.

[0025] 4, the fixing surface 1C that fixes the suction device 1 and the mobile device 2 may be inclined with respect to the XY plane. Specifically, the fixing surface 1C may be provided so that the rear side is higher (the front side is lower) as seen from the user. By providing an inclination to the fixing surface 1C in this way, the user can easily type on the keyboard of the mobile device 2. However, the fixing surface 1C may be provided substantially horizontally with the desk D.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the suction system 100 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the suction system 100 in detail. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the suction device 1 is attached to a desk D using an electrically driven suction pad. A laptop PC is used as an example of the mobile device 2. The mobile device 2 controls the suction device 1 to cause it to be attached to the desk D. As a result, the suction device 1 and the mobile device 2 are attached to the desk D. (Adsorption device 1) The suction device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a fixing unit 12, a suction unit 13, a notification unit 14, a battery unit 15, a suction control unit 16, a theft determination unit 17, and a notification control unit 18.

[0027] The adsorption device 1 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing of this embodiment. The processor can load the computer program from the storage device into the memory and execute the computer program. This allows the processor to realize the functions of an adsorption control unit 16, a theft determination unit 17, and a notification control unit 18.

[0028] The adsorption control unit 16, the theft determination unit 17, and the notification control unit 18 may each be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and programs. Furthermore, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., may be used as the processor.

[0029] Furthermore, when some or all of the components are realized by a plurality of information processing devices, circuits, etc., the plurality of information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, etc., in which each device is connected via a communication network.

[0030] The communication unit 11 communicates with the mobile device 2. The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark, the same applies hereinafter), NFC (Near Field Communication), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Here, an example using Bluetooth will be described.

[0031] The communication unit 11 may be a communication interface for performing wired communication with the mobile device 2. For example, the communication unit 11 includes a terminal for connecting the adsorption device 1 by wire. When the communication unit 11 communicates with the mobile device 2 using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like, there is a risk that a third party may unplug the cable. Therefore, it is desirable for the communication unit 11 to perform wired communication in a manner that is not visible from the outside.

[0032] The fixing part 12 is used to fix the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2. The fixing part 12 is provided, for example, on the contact surface with the mobile device 2. The contact surface with the mobile device 2 may be the top surface of the adsorption device 1. For example, the fixing part 12 fixes the bottom surface of the mobile device 2 and the top surface of the adsorption device 1.

[0033] The fixing unit 12 fixes the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2, for example, using double-sided tape or adhesive on the contact surface with the mobile device 2. The double-sided tape or adhesive used is one that can strongly fix the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2 to an extent that a third party cannot easily peel the mobile device 2 from the adsorption device 1. The fixing force of the fixing unit 12 is stronger than the maximum suction force of the adsorption unit 13.

[0034] Another suction unit 13 may be added to the suction device 1, and the added suction unit 13 may be configured as the fixing unit 12. The fixing unit 12 may fix the suction device 1 and the mobile device 2 by having the added suction unit 13 always stick to the mobile device 2.

[0035] The mobile device 2 may also have a built-in suction device 1. In this case, the fixing unit 12 is configured to fix the suction device 1 and the mobile device 2 together during the manufacturing stage.

[0036] The suction unit 13 is used to suction the desk D and the suction device 1. The suction unit 13 suctions the suction device 1 to the desk D under the control of the suction control unit 16. The suction unit 13 has a suction pad that vacuum-sucks to the desk D on the contact surface with the desk D. The suction unit 13 also has a vacuum pump that removes air from the suction pad and a vacuum sensor that measures the degree of vacuum in the suction pad.

[0037] The vacuum pump removes air from the space inside the suction pad, reducing the pressure in that space. This causes the suction pad to adhere to the desk D. The state inside the suction pad does not have to be a vacuum. The suction unit 13 only needs to create a negative pressure inside the suction pad to the extent that the suction pad is not easily peeled off from the desk D. The vacuum sensor detects the degree of vacuum inside the suction pad. The vacuum sensor detects the degree of vacuum inside the suction pad at predetermined time intervals and outputs the detection result to the suction control unit 16.

[0038] Some cafes and other stores where remote work is performed may not have desk legs around which the security wire can be wrapped. In such stores, theft prevention measures using wires are not possible. In contrast, the suction device 1 can be fixed to desks and other items in the store using the suction portion 13, so it can be used as a security measure regardless of whether the desk has legs or not.

[0039] Even if there are desk legs around which the wire can be wrapped, the user still has to go through the trouble of wrapping the wire around it and locking it every time they leave their desk.In contrast, the suction device 1 can be attached to a desk or the like using the suction portion 13, so the user does not have to go through the trouble of wrapping the wire around it or locking it.

[0040] Furthermore, there is a risk that the wire may be cut by nippers, etc. In contrast, the suction device 1 does not include a wire, so there is no risk that the wire may be cut and the mobile device 2 may be stolen.

[0041] The notification unit 14 issues a notification under the control of the notification control unit 18. The notification unit 14 may be an audio output device that outputs audio information for issuing a notification. The audio output device is, for example, a speaker or a buzzer. The notification unit 14 may also include a display device that outputs display information for issuing a notification. The display device is, for example, a display or a lamp. For example, the notification unit 14 may output light from an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The notification unit 14 may issue a notification using both audio and light.

[0042] The battery unit 15 includes a battery that stores power for operating the vacuum pump, power for operating the vacuum sensor, and power for outputting audio, etc. The battery unit 15 supplies power to each unit.

[0043] The battery unit 15 is preferably a repeatedly rechargeable lithium-ion battery, but may also be a secondary battery or a primary battery such as a dry cell battery. Alternatively, if the mobile device 2 has a function as a wireless charger, the adhesion device 1 may be provided with a wireless charging reception function. It is also possible to have the adhesion device 1 not have a battery and instead have the mobile device 2 supply power to the adhesion device 1 via USB to perform adhesion, but this is not preferred because there is a possibility that a third party may cut off the power supply and release the adhesion.

[0044] The suction control unit 16 controls the vacuum pump and the vacuum sensor to control ON / OFF of the suction operation of the suction unit 13. The suction control unit 16 acquires the detection result from the vacuum sensor and monitors the vacuum level inside the suction pad.

[0045] If the desk D is uneven, air will enter through the gap between the suction pad and the desk D, gradually weakening the degree of vacuum inside the suction pad. If the degree of vacuum weakens, the suction control unit 16 controls the vacuum pump to again remove air from the space inside the suction pad. The suction control unit 16 may use a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the degree of vacuum has weakened.

[0046] In this way, by monitoring the degree of vacuum inside the suction pad, the suction control unit 16 maintains the state in which the suction device 1 is adsorbed to the desk D. Therefore, even if the desk D is made of wood or other material that has some unevenness, the suction control unit 16 can maintain the state in which the suction device 1 is adsorbed to the desk D. Therefore, the material of the desk D does not matter as long as the top surface of the desk D is relatively flat.

[0047] The suction control unit 16 controls the ON / OFF of the suction operation via the communication unit 11 of the suction device 1 and the communication unit 21 of the mobile device 2. For example, when a user leaves his / her seat, the user causes the mobile device 2 to transition to a sleep state. The mobile device 2 is configured to cut off communication with the suction device 1 by transitioning to the sleep state. When the mobile device 2 transitions to the sleep state, the suction control unit 16 detects that wireless communication has been cut off. At this time, the suction control unit 16 turns on the suction operation of the suction unit 13.

[0048] Thereafter, when the user returns to his / her seat and logs in to the mobile device 2, the adsorption control unit 16 receives a notification from the mobile device 2 that the user has logged in. At this time, the adsorption control unit 16 turns off the adsorption operation of the adsorption unit 13. The trigger for turning on / off the adsorption operation is not limited to this. The adsorption control unit 16 may turn on / off the adsorption operation via an operation from an app on the mobile device 2. The user may make an input for turning on / off the adsorption operation via an input unit (not shown) provided in the mobile device 2. The input unit is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0049] The theft determination unit 17 determines whether the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state based on the suction state of the suction unit 13. The suction state indicates the state of suction of the suction unit 13 to the desk D. The suction state includes the strength of suction of the suction unit 13 to the desk D. The suction state may be determined based on the detection result of a vacuum sensor provided in the suction unit 13. The suction state may be expressed as a numerical value or a level representing the strength of suction. The suction state may also be expressed as a status such as "sucked," "not stuck," "strong suction," or "weak suction." The theft state indicates a state in which the mobile device 2 has been stolen. The theft state includes a state in which the mobile device 2 is about to be stolen.

[0050] The theft determination unit 17 determines whether the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state based on the rate of change in the adhesion state. The rate of change indicates the amount of change in the adhesion state per unit time. If a third party uses a strong force to remove the adhesion while the adhesion device 1 is attached to the desk D, the degree of vacuum measured by the vacuum sensor will drop sharply.

[0051] For example, the theft determination unit 17 determines that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state when the rate at which the degree of vacuum in the suction pad decreases is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Hereinafter, this predetermined threshold may be referred to as the "vacuum degree decrease rate threshold." The vacuum degree decrease rate threshold may be set in advance.

[0052] The theft determination unit 17 may use a vibration sensor instead of a vacuum sensor to determine whether the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state. The theft determination unit 17 may determine that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state when it detects vibrations equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The theft determination unit 17 may use both a vacuum sensor and a vibration sensor.

[0053] The notification control unit 18 issues a notification when the theft determination unit 17 determines that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state. Specifically, the notification control unit 18 issues a notification by controlling the notification unit 14. For example, the notification control unit 18 causes the notification unit 14 to output a loud alert. This allows the notification control unit 18 to issue a notification to a third party attempting to steal the mobile device 2 and to people nearby.

[0054] Furthermore, when a user who has returned to their desk logs in to the mobile device 2, the notification control unit 18 receives a notification from the mobile device 2 that the user has logged in. If an alert was output while the user was away from their desk, the notification control unit 18 stops the alert. The notification control unit 18 may stop the alert by receiving an input from the user requesting that the alert output be stopped. This allows the user to manually stop the alert. (Mobile Device 2) The mobile device 2 includes a communication unit 21 and a user authentication unit 22. Similar to the adhesion device 1, the mobile device 2 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device, which are not shown in the figure. The processor loads a computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program, thereby realizing the function of the user authentication unit 22.

[0055] The communication unit 21 communicates with the adsorption device 1. Like the communication unit 11, the communication unit 21 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication using a communication method such as Bluetooth. The communication unit 21 may also communicate with the adsorption device 1 using wired communication.

[0056] The user authentication unit 22 authenticates the user. Based on the authentication result, the user authentication unit 22 determines whether the user who was away from his / her seat has returned to his / her seat. The user authentication unit 22 detects, for example, whether the user has logged in to the mobile device 2. The mobile device 2 may authenticate the user using password authentication or biometric authentication. If the authentication is successful, the user authentication unit 22 detects that the user has logged in to the mobile device 2.

[0057] If the authentication is successful, the user authentication unit 22 determines that the user has returned to their seat. The user authentication unit 22 notifies the adhesion device 1 that the user has returned to their seat. In the adhesion device 1, the adhesion control unit 16 receives the notification and controls the adhesion operation. If the authentication fails, the user authentication unit 22 may detect that a third party has attempted to log in.

[0058] Although the configuration of the adsorption system 100 has been described above, the configuration of the adsorption system 100 is not limited to the above. For example, the adsorption system 100 may be configured such that the adsorption device 1 and the desk D are fixed with strong double-sided tape or the like, and the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2 are adsorbed to each other. For example, this configuration can be used when the adsorption device 1 is installed on the desk D. (Processing of Adsorption Device 1) Next, the processing performed by the adhesion device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the adhesion device 1. First, the communication unit 11 starts wireless communication between the adhesion device 1 and the mobile device 2 (S1). Note that the communication unit 11 may perform wired communication instead of wireless communication.

[0059] Next, the adsorption control unit 16 determines whether or not disconnection of wireless communication has been detected (S2). For example, the adsorption control unit 16 detects disconnection of wireless communication when the mobile device 2 transitions to a sleep state when the user leaves his / her seat.

[0060] If it is determined that a disconnection of wireless communication has not been detected (NO in S2), the suction control unit 16 repeats the process of step S2. If it is determined that a disconnection of wireless communication has been detected (YES in S2), the suction control unit 16 starts the suction operation (S3). The suction control unit 16 uses the vacuum pump of the suction unit 13 to remove the air from inside the suction pad. As a result, the suction device 1 is adsorbed to the desk D. The suction control unit 16 monitors the degree of vacuum inside the suction pad with a vacuum sensor, and if the degree of vacuum weakens, it again removes the air from the space inside the suction pad, thereby maintaining the state in which the suction device 1 is adsorbed to the desk D.

[0061] Next, the adsorption control unit 16 determines whether the adsorption operation has been turned off (S4). For example, when the user returns to his / her seat and logs in to the mobile device 2, the adsorption control unit 16 receives a notification from the mobile device 2 that the user has logged in and turns off the adsorption operation. The adsorption control unit 16 may turn off the adsorption operation via an operation from an app on the mobile device 2, for example.

[0062] If it is determined that the suction operation is not turned off (NO in S4), the theft determination unit 17 determines whether or not the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state (S5). The theft determination unit 17 determines whether or not the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state based on the suction state of the suction unit 13. For example, the theft determination unit 17 determines that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state when the rate at which the degree of vacuum in the suction pad decreases is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value for the rate at which the degree of vacuum decreases.

[0063] If it is determined that the mobile device 2 is not in a stolen state (NO in S5), the adhesion device 1 returns to step S4 and repeats the process. If it is determined that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state (YES in S5), the notification control unit 18 outputs an alert (S6). For example, the notification control unit 18 causes the notification unit 14 to output a loud alert. Furthermore, the adhesion device 1 returns to step S4 and repeats the process.

[0064] If it is determined that the suction operation has been turned off (YES in S4), the notification control unit 18 determines whether or not an alert has been output (S7). If it is determined that an alert has not been output (NO in S7), the suction control unit 16 ends the suction operation (S9). If it is determined that an alert has been output (YES in S7), the notification control unit 18 stops the alert (S8). Furthermore, the suction control unit 16 ends the suction operation (S9).

[0065] Here, the method in which the adhesion control unit 16 starts the adhesion operation when a disconnection of wireless communication is detected in step S2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The adhesion control unit 16 may perform the adhesion operation at all times, not just while the user is away from his / her seat. In this way, even if a disconnection of wireless communication is not detected for some reason, the theft determination unit 17 can determine whether or not the mobile device 2 has been stolen. Furthermore, if the mobile device 2 is a small device such as a smartphone, there is a high risk that the mobile device 2 will be stolen even while the user is at his / her seat. In such a case, the adhesion device 1 can be constantly attached to the desk D to prevent theft.

[0066] As described above, in the suction system 100 according to this embodiment, the suction device 1 fastens the mobile device 2 to the fastening unit 12. The suction unit 13 suctions the suction device 1 to an object. For example, the suction unit 13 suctions the suction device 1 using a suction pad that vacuum-sucks to the object. The theft determination unit 17 determines whether the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state based on the suction state of the suction unit 13. For example, the theft determination unit 17 determines that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state when the rate at which the degree of vacuum in the suction pad decreases is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The notification control unit 18 issues a notification when it is determined that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state.

[0067] With this configuration, the adsorption device 1 can output an alert to those around it when the mobile device 2 is being forcibly removed from the object. Therefore, the adsorption system 100 can reduce the risk of the mobile device 2 being stolen. <Embodiment 2> Next, a description will be given of an attraction system 100a according to embodiment 2. The attraction system 100a according to this embodiment is an example in which the attraction method in embodiment 1 is changed to attraction using a magnet.

[0068] The configuration of the adsorption system 100a is generally similar to the configuration of the adsorption system 100 shown in Figures 1 and 5, and therefore is not shown in the figures. The configuration of the adsorption system 100a can be explained by replacing the adsorption system 100 shown in Figures 1 and 5 with the adsorption system 100a. The adsorption system 100a includes an adsorption device 1 and a mobile device 2.

[0069] The following mainly describes the differences from embodiment 1, and omits redundant explanations as appropriate. The differences from embodiment 1 are mainly the configurations of the adsorption unit 13 and adsorption control unit 16, and the method of determining whether the theft state is present in the theft determination unit 17.

[0070] The attraction unit 13 includes a magnet that magnetically attracts an object. Here, the object includes a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the explanation is based on the premise that the top plate of the desk D on which the mobile device 2 is placed is made of a magnetic material or that a magnetic material is embedded inside the top plate. The magnet may be an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. Here, the explanation is mainly based on an example in which the attraction unit 13 includes an electromagnet.

[0071] The attraction unit 13 includes an iron core, a coil, and a magnetic sensor. The coil is wound around the axis of the iron core. Under the control of the attraction control unit 16, the attraction unit 13 passes a current through the coil to generate a magnetic field. This causes the coil to function as an electromagnet. The attraction unit 13 is magnetically attracted to the desk D.

[0072] The magnetic sensor detects changes in the magnetic field generated by the magnet. The magnetic sensor detects changes in the magnetic field at predetermined time intervals and outputs the detection result to the attraction control unit 16. The magnetic sensor is, for example, a Hall sensor. However, the magnetic sensor is not limited to this, and may be an MR sensor or the like.

[0073] The attraction control unit 16 controls the flow of current through the coil of the attraction unit 13. The attraction control unit 16 controls the ON / OFF of the attraction operation of the attraction unit 13 by controlling the supply of current to the coil. The attraction control unit 16 acquires the detection result from the magnetic sensor and monitors the change in the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.

[0074] As in the first embodiment, the theft determination unit 17 determines whether the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state based on the rate of change in the attraction state. In this embodiment, the theft determination unit 17 determines that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state when the rate of change of the magnetic field generated by the magnet is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Hereinafter, this predetermined threshold may be referred to as the "magnetic field change rate threshold." The magnetic field change rate threshold may be set in advance.

[0075] While the adhesion device 1 is attached to the desk D, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet hardly changes. In contrast, if a third party uses a strong force to remove the attachment, the magnetic field measured by the Hall sensor changes suddenly. For example, when the mobile device 2 is about to be removed from the desk D, the distance between the adhesion device 1 and the desk D increases, causing the magnetic field strength to drop suddenly. The theft determination unit 17 determines that the mobile device 2 is in a stolen state when the rate of change of the magnetic field is equal to or greater than the magnetic field change rate threshold.

[0076] The process performed by the suction device 1 in this embodiment is the same as the process in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] In the above description, the attraction unit 13 applies a current to the coil when attracting the attraction device 1 to the desk D, but this is not limiting. For example, the attraction unit 13 may be configured to include both an electromagnet and a permanent magnet and constantly attract the attraction device 1 to the desk D using the permanent magnet. In this case, the attraction unit 13 first attracts the attraction device 1 to the desk D using the permanent magnet. The attraction unit 13 then applies a current to the coil to magnetize the iron core in a direction that repels the permanent magnet. This causes the attraction unit 13 to release the attraction by the permanent magnet. In this way, the attraction device 1 can save power consumption required for attraction. <Embodiment 3> Next, an adsorption system 100b according to a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the adsorption system 100b according to this embodiment. In the adsorption system 100b, a control device 3 for controlling ON / OFF of the adsorption operation of the adsorption device 1 is provided separately from the mobile device 2. The control device 3 is a device used by a user, similar to the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and overlapping points will not be described as appropriate.

[0078] In the adsorption system 100b, communication is not performed between the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2, but wireless communication is performed only between the adsorption device 1 and the control device 3. Note that, as in the first embodiment, wired communication may be performed instead of wireless communication.

[0079] When the user leaves his / her seat temporarily, the control device 3 turns on the suction operation of the suction device 1, causing the suction device 1 to stick to the desk D. The user leaves his / her seat while carrying the control device 3. Suppose that an attempt is made to forcibly remove the suction while the suction operation is on. In this case, the suction device 1 detects this attempt to forcibly remove the suction of the suction device 1 using a sensor or the like, and issues an alert or the like to those nearby. This prevents a third party from turning off the suction operation of the suction device 1.

[0080] In this embodiment, the mobile device 2 is not involved in controlling the adsorption operation. The operations performed by the mobile device 2 in the first embodiment are performed by the control device 3. The differences from the first embodiment are mainly in the communication means and the trigger for turning on / off the adsorption operation of the adsorption device 1.

[0081] The configuration of the suction system 100b will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the suction system 100b in detail. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an example will be described in which the suction device 1 is attached to a desk D using an electrically driven suction pad. In addition, a laptop PC is used as an example of the mobile device 2, and a smartphone is used as an example of the control device 3. The control device 3 controls the suction device 1 to cause the suction device 1 to be attached to the desk D. As a result, the mobile device 2 is attached to the desk D via the suction device 1. (Adsorption device 1) As in the first embodiment, the suction device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a fixing unit 12, a suction unit 13, a notification unit 14, a battery unit 15, a suction control unit 16, a theft determination unit 17, and a notification control unit 18. However, the suction control unit 16 has a different function from that in the first embodiment.

[0082] When using the adsorption system 100b, the user leaves the seat carrying the control device 3. When the adsorption device 1 and the control device 3 are separated by a predetermined distance or more, the connection between the adsorption device 1 and the control device 3 is cut off.

[0083] The suction control unit 16 detects that the connection between the suction device 1 and the control device 3 has been cut off, and turns on the suction operation of the suction unit 13. When the user returns to his / her seat, the connection between the suction device 1 and the control device 3 is restored. The suction control unit 16 detects that the connection has been restored, and turns off the suction operation of the suction unit 13.

[0084] The adhesion device 1 and the control device 3 communicate with each other via their respective wireless communication units, for example, Bluetooth. The communication means between the adhesion device 1 and the control device 3 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, NFC. When NFC is used, the communication unit 11 communicates between the adhesion device 1 and the control device 3 at predetermined time intervals. In this case, it is desirable that the adhesion control unit 16 controls adhesion so that the adhesion operation of the adhesion unit 13 is turned off when communication is successful, and the adhesion operation is turned on when communication fails a predetermined number of times or more.

[0085] This is because NFC has a shorter communication distance than Bluetooth. The maximum communication distance for NFC is generally about 10 cm. Therefore, if the adsorption operation is turned on every time communication fails, the adsorption control unit 16 may turn on the adsorption operation simply by the user holding the control device 3 in their hand. In this case, it is considered that the adsorption operation is turned on and off frequently. Therefore, the adsorption control unit 16 performs control so that the adsorption operation is turned on when the number of communication failures reaches a predetermined number. (Mobile Device 2) A description of the configuration of the mobile device 2 will be omitted. The mobile device 2 may include a communication unit 21 and a user authentication unit 22, similar to the first embodiment. (Control Device 3) The control device 3 includes a communication unit 31 and a user authentication unit 32. The communication unit 31 and the user authentication unit 32 correspond to the communication unit 21 and the user authentication unit 22 of the mobile device 2 in the first embodiment, respectively. Therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted here. (Processing of Adsorption Device 1) The process performed by the suction device 1 in this embodiment is generally similar to the process performed by the suction device 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, so illustrations thereof will be omitted and only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0086] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 3 performs the processing performed by the mobile device 2 in embodiment 1. Therefore, for example, in step S1, the communication unit 11 starts wireless communication between the adhesion device 1 and the control device 3. In addition, in step S2, the adhesion control unit 16 detects that the adhesion device 1 and the control device 3 have been disconnected because the adhesion device 1 and the control device 3 have become separated by a predetermined distance or more. As a result, the adhesion control unit 16 determines whether or not disconnection of wireless communication has been detected.

[0087] In step S4, the suction control unit 16 determines whether the suction operation has been turned off due to the recovery of the connection between the suction device 1 and the control device 3. The processing of the suction device 1 according to this embodiment can be realized by performing processing corresponding to that of the first embodiment other than the processing described above.

[0088] As described above, the adsorption system 100b according to this embodiment includes the control device 3 that is different from the mobile device 2, and the control device 3 controls the adsorption operation of the adsorption device 1. This prevents a third party from operating the mobile device 2 to turn off the adsorption operation of the adsorption device 1 when the user leaves their seat. This allows the adsorption system 100b to further reduce the risk of the mobile device 2 being stolen.

[0089] Each functional component of the above-described suction device 1, mobile device 2, and control device 3 may be realized by hardware (e.g., hardwired electronic circuits) that realizes each functional component, or by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it). For example, any process in the present disclosure can be realized by having a CPU execute a computer program.

[0090] It is also possible to combine embodiment 3 with embodiment 2. That is, in embodiment 3, the attraction method may be changed to an attraction method using a magnet, as in embodiment 2. <Embodiment 4> An adsorption system 100c according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the adsorption system 100c according to this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the adsorption system 100c in detail. The adsorption system 100c includes a mobile device 2c instead of the mobile device 2 of the adsorption system 100. The mobile device 2c further includes an imaging unit 23 and a user recognition unit 24 in addition to the mobile device 2. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and overlapping points will not be described as appropriate.

[0091] The mobile device 2c is equipped with an imaging unit 23 positioned so that it can capture an image of the user's face. The user recognition unit 24 stores the facial image captured when the user authentication unit 22 authenticates the user as the user's face, and compares the stored facial information with the image captured by the imaging unit 23 to recognize the user. Thereafter, the user recognition unit 24 determines at predetermined time intervals whether the user can be recognized based on the image captured by the imaging unit 23. If the user recognition unit 24 determines that the user cannot be recognized, it notifies the adsorption control unit 16 via the communication unit 21 of the mobile device 2c and the communication unit 11 of the adsorption device 1 that the user cannot be recognized.

[0092] The suction control unit 16 controls ON / OFF of the suction operation of the suction unit 13 based on the image capture result of the imaging unit 23 included in the mobile device 2c. When the suction control unit 16 receives a notification that the user cannot be recognized, it turns ON the suction operation of the suction unit 13. With this configuration, even if the user leaves the mobile device 2c without putting it into a sleep state, the suction control unit 16 can automatically turn ON the suction operation of the suction unit 13.

[0093] The user recognition unit 24 determines whether the user can be recognized, for example, every second, and if it determines that the user cannot be recognized for five consecutive seconds, notifies the adsorption control unit 16 that the user cannot be recognized. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary adsorption operations when, for example, the user turns their face away from the mobile device 2c for a short period of time.

[0094] The user recognition unit 24 may detect whether the user is dozing off based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 23. When it detects that the user is dozing off, it notifies the adsorption control unit 16 of the dozing detection. When the adsorption control unit 16 receives the dozing detection notification, it turns on the adsorption operation of the adsorption unit 13. With this configuration, even if the user is dozing off, the adsorption control unit 16 can automatically turn on the adsorption operation of the adsorption unit 13. <Embodiment 5> An adsorption system 100d according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the adsorption system 100d according to this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the adsorption system 100d in detail. The adsorption system 100d includes an adsorption device 1d and a mobile device 2d instead of the adsorption device 1 and the mobile device 2 of the adsorption system 100. The adsorption system 100d also includes a terminal device 4 that receives a theft status notification of the mobile device 2d. The terminal device 4 is, for example, a communication device such as a smartphone carried by a user.

[0095] The adhesion device 1d does not have the notification unit 14 and the notification control unit 18 that the adhesion device 1 has. The mobile device 2d further has a second communication unit 25 in comparison with the mobile device 2. The second communication unit 25 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The terminal device 4 has a communication unit 41, a notification unit 42, and a notification control unit 43. The communication unit 41 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 41 communicates with the second communication unit 25 of the mobile device 2d. The following will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment, and will omit explanations of overlapping points as appropriate.

[0096] When the theft determination unit 17 of the adhesion device 1d determines that the mobile device 2d is in a stolen state, it notifies the second communication unit 25 of the mobile device 2d via the communication unit 11 of the adhesion device 1d and the communication unit 21 of the mobile device 2d. The second communication unit 25 of the mobile device 2d then forwards the received theft state notification to the communication unit 41 of the terminal device 4, which is a preset forwarding destination.

[0097] When the communication unit 41 of the terminal device 4 receives the theft status notification, it notifies the notification control unit 43. The notification unit 42 issues a notification under the control of the notification control unit 43. The notification unit 42 may be an audio output device that outputs audio information for issuing a notification. The audio output device is, for example, a speaker or a buzzer. The notification unit 42 may also include a display device that outputs display information for issuing a notification. The display device is, for example, a display or a lamp. For example, the notification unit 42 may output light from an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The notification unit 42 may issue a notification using a combination of audio and light.

[0098] According to the adsorption system 100d, the theft status of the mobile device 2d can be notified to the terminal device 4 carried by the user. Therefore, even if the user is in a location far from the adsorption device 1d and the mobile device 2d, the user can know the theft status of the mobile device 2d.

[0099] The program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on various types of transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0100] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined in any desired manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1.1d Adsorption device 1A, 1B suction pads 1C Adhesion surface 2, 2c, 2d mobile devices 3 Control Device 4 Terminal Devices 11, 21, 31, 41 Communications Department 12 Fixing part 13 Adsorption part 14, 42 Information Department 15 Battery section 16. Suction control unit 17 Theft Determination Department 18, 43 Notification control section 22, 32 User authentication section 23 Imaging unit 24 User Recognition Unit 25 Second Communications Department 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d Adsorption Systems D desk

Claims

1. a fixing portion used to fix the suction device and the mobile device; an adsorption unit used to adsorb an object to the adsorption device; a theft determination unit that determines whether the mobile device is in a stolen state based on the suction state of the suction unit; a communication unit that communicates with the mobile device, When the mobile device is determined to be in a stolen state, the communication unit notifies the terminal device of the stolen state via the mobile device. Adsorption device.

2. The theft determination unit determines whether the mobile device is in a stolen state based on the rate of change of the attraction state. The adsorption device of claim 1 .

3. the suction unit has a suction pad that vacuum-sucks onto the object, The theft determination unit determines that the mobile device is in a stolen state when the rate at which the degree of vacuum in the suction pad decreases is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The adsorption device according to claim 2 .

4. the object includes a magnetic material; the attraction unit has a magnet that is magnetically attracted to the object, The theft determination unit determines that the mobile device is in a stolen state when a rate of change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The adsorption device according to claim 2 .

5. Mobile devices and an adsorption device that adsorbs the mobile device to an object; Equipped with The adsorption device is a fixing portion used to fix the suction device and the mobile device; an adsorption unit used to adsorb the object and the adsorption device; a theft determination unit that determines whether the mobile device is in a stolen state based on the suction state of the suction unit; a communication unit that communicates with the mobile device, The communication unit notifies a terminal device of the theft state via the mobile device when the mobile device is determined to be in a stolen state. Adsorption system.

Images