Information processing device, terminal, information processing method, alarm method, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a terminal, an information processing method, an alarm method, and an information processing system that set or cancel a geofence depending on a situation.SOLUTION: An alarm system 1 as an information processing system comprises a positioning terminal 10, a host server 20, a reference station data distribution server 30, and a monitor device 40. The positioning terminal 10 measures a position of a worker or a construction vehicle at a work site, and transmits the measured positioning result to the host server 20. The host server 20 receives the positioning result transmitted from the positioning terminal 10, determines an intrusion and approach of the worker or the construction vehicle into a dangerous area of the positioning terminal 10 carried by the worker or mounted on the construction vehicle based on the set dangerous area and the received positioning results, and notifies the positioning terminal 10 that an alarm event has occurred when the alarm event is detected from the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a terminal, an information processing method, an alarm method, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology that sets a specific area as a "geofence," which refers to an area surrounded by a virtual boundary, and generates an event when a mobile object enters or leaves the geofence. For example, there is a technology that issues an alarm when a mobile object enters or leaves the geofence.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an alarm command is output when even one worker who is the target of an approach notification is present within an approach notification target area, which is an example of a geofence, and no alarm command is output when no worker is present. At this time, it also discloses that the type of alarm is changed in stages depending on information such as the number of workers detected in the approach notification target area and the distance from the hydraulic excavator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 117268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional technology, whether or not a geofence is set is preset. Therefore, manual operation by an administrator or the like is required to set or deactivate a geofence. As a result, if the administrator or the like fails to act in time, an alarm may be issued even when it is no longer necessary, or an alarm may not be issued even when an alarm is required. For example, even if construction vehicles or other workers move and there is no longer any risk of collision with others, an alarm may still be issued until the administrator deactivates the geofence. Furthermore, even if construction vehicles or workers suddenly gather and the risk of collision increases, an alarm may not be issued until the administrator deactivates the geofence in that area. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can set or deactivate geofences according to the situation.

[0006] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure contribute to providing an information processing device, a terminal, an information processing method, an alarm method, and an information processing system that set or release a geofence, which serves as an opportunity to appropriately issue an alarm to a moving object, depending on the situation of the moving object, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires the number of terminals present within a specified area or the weight of a moving body associated with a terminal present within the specified area, and a processing unit that determines whether to generate a geofence depending on whether at least one of the number of terminals and the weight of the moving body exceeds a specified threshold.

[0008] A terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit and an alarm unit, and the communication unit receives information indicating that the terminal has entered a geofence that is set based on the number of terminals present within a specified area or the weight of a moving object associated with a terminal present within the specified area, and the alarm unit issues an alarm when the information is received.

[0009] In an information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device acquires the number of terminals present within a specified area or the weight of a moving body associated with a terminal present within the specified area, and determines whether to generate a geofence depending on whether at least one of the number of terminals and the weight of the moving body exceeds a specified threshold.

[0010] In an alarm method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal receives information indicating that the terminal has entered a geofence that is set based on the number of terminals present within a specified area or the weight of a moving object associated with a terminal present within the specified area, and issues an alarm when the information is received.

[0011] An information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a plurality of terminals, acquires the number of terminals present within a specified area or the weight of a moving body associated with a terminal present within the specified area, and determines whether to generate a geofence depending on whether at least one of the number of terminals and the weight of the moving body exceeds a specified threshold.

[0012] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in an area that is a candidate for setting (generating) a geofence, whether or not to set a geofence is switched depending on the number of terminals or the weight of moving objects (for example, workers or construction vehicles associated with terminals). This allows a geofence to be set or released depending on the actual level of danger, so that a geofence can be set appropriately in accordance with the actual situation.

[0014] Further advantages and benefits of certain aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an alarm system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a positioning terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a higher-level server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the positioning terminal according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an alarm system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a positioning terminal according to a second embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a higher-level server according to a second embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a positioning terminal according to the second embodiment; [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the second embodiment; [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the second embodiment; [Figure 12C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the second embodiment; [Figure 13A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the second embodiment; [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the second embodiment; [Figure 13C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a higher-level server according to the second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0017] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an alarm system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. One example of a scenario in which the alarm system 1 is used is when a worker or a construction vehicle (an example of a work vehicle) at a work site enters or approaches a dangerous area (i.e., a geofence). The dangerous area may also be referred to as an area where entry (entry) is prohibited. The following describes the automatic setting of a dangerous area and the entry and approach to the dangerous area, taking such a scenario as an example.

[0019] 1, the warning system 1 includes a positioning terminal 10, an upper server 20, a reference station data distribution server 30, and a monitor device 40. The warning system 1 may also be called an information processing system or the like.

[0020] When the positioning terminal 10 is carried (held or owned) by a worker, the positioning terminal 10 may be, for example, a wireless terminal such as a dedicated positioning terminal, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device (including, for example, a watch-type (or wristband-type or ring-type) terminal), a head-mounted display (or eyeglass-type or goggle-type) terminal, an earphone-type terminal, a clothing-type terminal, a sock-type terminal, etc.). The positioning terminal 10 may also be mounted on a construction vehicle as, for example, a dedicated positioning terminal, a personal computer with positioning function, a server computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or other wireless terminal. The positioning terminal 10 may also be referred to as an alarm device, etc. The positioning terminal 10 is an example of a terminal, a first terminal, a second terminal, or an information processing device (corresponding to the representative positioning terminal 10 described later) according to the present disclosure.

[0021] There may be a plurality of positioning terminals 10 in the warning system 1. For example, two or more of the plurality of positioning terminals 10 may be carried by each of two or more workers and associated with each worker, and the remaining positioning terminals 10 of the plurality of positioning terminals 10 may be mounted on each construction vehicle and associated with each construction vehicle.

[0022] The positioning terminal 10 may access a network including a mobile communication network using a communication method such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G, Beyond 5G, 6G, WiFi (registered trademark), WiGig (registered trademark), or WiMAX (registered trademark), and connect to the upper server 20 and the reference station data distribution server 30 via the network.

[0023] The positioning terminal 10 receives radio waves (which may be referred to as "satellite signals" or "positioning signals") transmitted from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites (not shown), and generates positioning data (which may be referred to as "positioning terminal positioning data" or "positioning terminal data") for the positioning terminal 10 using the received satellite signals. The positioning terminal 10 receives correction data from the reference station data distribution server 30 for performing RTK (Real Time Kinematic) calculations to measure the position of the positioning terminal 10 (to position the positioning terminal 10).

[0024] The positioning terminal 10 performs RTK calculation using the positioning terminal positioning data and correction data to measure the position of the positioning terminal 10 (and in some cases, the speed and acceleration). The position may also be referred to as coordinates (on the earth). The coordinates may be, for example, three-dimensional coordinates of latitude, longitude, and altitude, or two-dimensional coordinates represented by two of latitude, longitude, and altitude (for example, latitude and longitude). In the following description, the coordinates are described as two-dimensional coordinates represented by latitude and longitude. The expression "measuring a position" may also be interpreted as "determining a position (or coordinates)," "finding a position (or coordinates)," "estimating a position (or coordinates)," "detecting a position (or coordinates)," "calculating a position (or coordinates)," "calculating a position (or coordinates)," or "deriving a position (or coordinates)." Details of positioning using RTK calculation will be described later. By using RTK calculation in this way, highly accurate position information, etc. can be obtained.

[0025] The positioning terminal 10 transmits the positioning results to the host server 20. The positioning terminal 10 receives an alarm issuance command from the host server 20 to warn that the positioning terminal 10 is entering or approaching a dangerous area (which may be referred to as an "alarm event"). The alarm issuance command may be expressed as a signal for causing the positioning terminal 10 to issue an alarm.

[0026] In accordance with the alarm issuance command, the positioning terminal 10 issues an alarm, for example, to a worker associated with the positioning terminal 10 (a worker carrying the positioning terminal 10) or a worker driving a construction vehicle associated with the positioning terminal 10 (a construction vehicle equipped with the positioning terminal 10).

[0027] The host server 20 may be configured with, for example, one or more server computers. The host server 20 may also be called a cloud server. The host server 20 is an example of an information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0028] For example, when an overcrowding detection target area is set, the host server 20 automatically generates and sets a danger area, which is a circular area with a predetermined radius (equal to the overcrowding determination distance described below) centered on the position (coordinates) of the positioning terminal 10 present within the overcrowding detection target area, in accordance with the conditions for determining whether an overcrowding state exists, as described below. Furthermore, when an overload detection target area is set, the host server 20 automatically sets the overload detection target area as a danger area in accordance with the conditions for determining whether an overload state exists. Here, unless otherwise specified, the overload state is a type of overcrowding state, as described below, and particularly refers to a state determined based on weight. The overload detection target area may also be referred to as a danger area candidate. The shapes of the overcrowding detection target area, overload detection target area, and danger area include, for example, a perfect circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, etc., but are not limited to these. In the following description, the shapes of the overload detection target area and danger area are assumed to be perfect circles.

[0029] The host server 20 receives the positioning results transmitted from the positioning terminal 10. Based on the set dangerous area, the received positioning results, etc., the host server 20 determines whether the positioning terminal 10 carried by a worker or mounted on a construction vehicle has entered or approached the dangerous area (in other words, detects an alarm event). When the host server 20 detects an alarm event, it generates an alarm issuing command to alert the worker associated with the positioning terminal 10 (and in some cases the worker driving the construction vehicle) that an alarm event has occurred, and transmits the command to the positioning terminal 10.

[0030] The upper server 20 may manage multiple positioning terminals 10 by associating the identification information of the positioning terminal 10 with the identification information of the worker or construction vehicle, for example, in table format or list format, and storing the information in a storage device provided in the upper server 20.

[0031] The host server 20 transmits information such as the set dangerous area, the received positioning result, and the positioning terminal 10 to which the alarm issuing command is to be sent to the monitor device 40 so that the information is displayed.

[0032] The reference station data distribution server 30 transmits correction data for performing RTK calculations to the positioning terminal 10 to position the positioning terminal 10. The correction data may be generated by a reference station (not shown) and transmitted to the reference station data distribution server 30. The reference station may generate positioning data of the reference station (which may also be referred to as "correction data," "reference station positioning data," or "reference station data") based on satellite signals transmitted from GNSS satellites. The reference station may transmit the generated correction data to the reference station data distribution server 30 periodically (for example, at a transmission period on the order of seconds or less).

[0033] The monitor device 40 receives information such as the danger area, the positioning result, and the positioning terminal 10 to which the alarm issuance command is to be sent from the host server 20. The monitor device 40 displays this information on a display provided in the monitor device 40. The monitor device 40 may be included in the host server 20, or may be included in a user's computer such as that of a work manager, or may be mounted on a construction vehicle.

[0034] <Configuration of positioning device> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the positioning terminal 10 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the positioning terminal 10 includes a processor 101, a storage unit 102, an alarm unit 103, a GNSS receiver 104, a communication unit 105, an output unit 106, and a bus 107.

[0035] The processor 101 may be realized by a processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 101 controls the overall operation of the positioning terminal 10 (for example, other elements of the positioning terminal 10). The processor 101 may also be referred to as a processing unit, a control unit, an arithmetic unit, a controller, etc.

[0036] The processor 101 generates positioning terminal positioning data using satellite signals from GNSS satellites. Note that the positioning terminal positioning data may be generated by the GNSS receiver 104 and output to the processor 101.

[0037] The processor 101 performs RTK calculations using the positioning terminal positioning data and correction data from the reference station data distribution server 30 to measure (determine) the position, speed, acceleration, and traveling direction of the positioning terminal 10. If the positioning terminal 10 is equipped with a speed sensor and an acceleration sensor, the speed and acceleration of the positioning terminal 10 may be measured by the speed sensor and the acceleration sensor, respectively, and the processor 101 may acquire the speed and acceleration from the speed sensor and the acceleration sensor, respectively, and determine the speed and acceleration of the positioning terminal 10. Furthermore, these measurements may be performed when a satellite signal is received from a GNSS satellite, or may be performed at a predetermined cycle, for example, every 0.2 seconds, every 0.5 seconds, or every 1 second. The processor 101 outputs (i.e., stores) the positioning result to the memory unit 102. In the present disclosure, the positioning result for the positioning terminal 10 includes the position (latitude and longitude), speed, and traveling direction of the positioning terminal 10.

[0038] Every time a measurement is performed, the processor 101 transmits the positioning result to the host server 20 via the communication unit 105. The processor 101 receives an alarm issuance command from the host server 20 via the communication unit 105.

[0039] When the processor 101 receives an alarm issuing command from the upper server 20, it controls the alarm unit 103 to issue an alarm in accordance with the alarm issuing command. As will be described below, as an example, the alarm issuing command includes an alarm issuing command to issue an alarm when the positioning terminal 10 enters or approaches a dangerous area.

[0040] The storage unit 102 may be, for example, one or more of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage unit 102 acquires various information from other elements and stores the information temporarily or permanently. The storage unit 102 is a general term for so-called primary storage devices and secondary storage devices. A plurality of storage units 102 may be physically arranged.

[0041] The memory unit 102 stores, for example, a program executed by the processor 101 to operate the positioning terminal 10, data necessary for the operation of the positioning terminal 10, data generated by the processor 101, satellite signals transmitted from GNSS satellites, positioning terminal positioning data, correction data transmitted from the reference station data distribution server 30, positioning results by the processor 101, and alarm issuance commands transmitted from the upper server 20.

[0042] The alarm unit 103 issues an alarm when the positioning terminal 10 enters a dangerous area. The alarm unit 103 also issues an alarm when the positioning terminal 10 approaches a dangerous area. For example, the alarm unit 103 may issue an alarm in different ways depending on the predicted time at which the positioning terminal 10 will enter the dangerous area. For example, the alarm unit 103 may issue an alarm by sounding a buzzer, vibrating the positioning terminal 10, outputting an alarm sound via the output unit 106, or any combination of these.

[0043] The GNSS receiver 104 receives satellite signals transmitted from GNSS satellites. The GNSS receiver 104 may generate positioning terminal positioning data for the positioning terminal 10 using the received satellite signals. The GNSS receiver 104 outputs the satellite signals to the processor 101 and the storage unit 102. When the GNSS receiver 104 generates positioning terminal positioning data, it outputs the positioning terminal positioning data to the processor 101 and the storage unit 102.

[0044] For example, the communication unit 105 may be configured using a communication interface capable of communicating with a communication network such as a cellular communication network. The communication unit 105 communicates with external devices via a communication path. Devices with which the communication unit 105 communicates (communication targets) include, for example, the upper server 20 and the reference station data distribution server 30.

[0045] The communication unit 105 receives correction data transmitted from the reference station data distribution server 30. The communication unit 105 receives an alarm issuance command transmitted from the upper server 20. The communication unit 105 outputs the received correction data and alarm issuance command to the processor 101 and the storage unit 102. The communication unit 105 transmits the positioning results to the upper server 20.

[0046] The output unit 106 may be configured using an output interface such as a display, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the output unit 106 may be configured using an output interface for sound, vibration, etc. The output unit 106 presents or provides information to the outside. The information presented or provided by the output unit 106 includes the positioning results by the processor 101, etc.

[0047] The processor 101, the storage unit 102, the alarm unit 103, the GNSS receiver 104, the communication unit 105, and the output unit 106 are connected to one another via a bus 107 so as to be able to communicate with one another.

[0048] The above configuration of the positioning terminal 10 is an example. Some of the components of the positioning terminal 10 may be integrated. Some of the components of the positioning terminal 10 may be divided into multiple elements. Some of the components of the positioning terminal 10 may be omitted. Other elements may be added to the positioning terminal 10. For example, an input unit such as a touch display, a keyboard, or a mouse may be added to the positioning terminal 10.

[0049] [Positioning data] Next, the positioning data will be described. The positioning data includes, for example, pseudorange information, carrier phase information, and Doppler frequency information.

[0050] Pseudo-range information is information about the distance between a satellite and a receiver (for example, a reference station or a positioning terminal 10). The receiver can calculate the distance to the satellite by analyzing the positioning signal. For example, the receiver determines the arrival time of the positioning signal based on the following information:

[0051] (1) The difference between the code pattern carried by the positioning signal and the code pattern (replica) generated by the receiver. (2) The time when the satellite generated the signal and the time when the receiver received the signal The time when the satellite signal was generated is included in the message (NAVDATA) of the positioning signal.

[0052] The receiver calculates the pseudorange between the satellite and the receiver by multiplying the arrival time of the positioning signal by the speed of light. The pseudorange contains errors caused by the difference between the satellite clock and the receiver clock. To reduce errors, pseudorange information is generated for four or more satellites.

[0053] The carrier wave phase information is the phase of the positioning signal received by the receiver. The positioning signal is a predetermined sine wave. The receiver can calculate the phase of the positioning signal by analyzing the received positioning signal.

[0054] Doppler frequency information is information about the relative velocity between the satellite and the receiver. The receiver can generate the Doppler frequency information by analyzing the positioning signal.

[0055] [RTK calculation] Next, we will explain the RTK calculation. The RTK calculation is a calculation to execute the RTK method, which is one of the interferometric positioning methods.

[0056] The RTK method is a positioning method that uses the carrier wave phase integration value of the positioning signal transmitted by the satellite to determine the position of a specified point. The carrier wave phase integration value is expressed as the sum of (1) the number of waves of the positioning signal from the satellite to the specified point and (2) its phase.

[0057] Once the carrier wave phase integration value is obtained, the distance between the satellite and a given point can be calculated because the frequency (and wavelength) of the positioning signal is known. The number of waves in the positioning signal is unknown, so it is called integer ambiguity or integer value bias.

[0058] In the RTK method, noise removal and integer ambiguity estimation (or determination) are performed.

[0059] For example, in the RTK method, noise can be removed by calculating a difference called a double difference. A double difference is the difference between the values ​​calculated between two receivers (for example, a reference station and a positioning terminal 10) of the difference (single difference) between the carrier phase integrated values ​​of one receiver for two satellites. Since four or more satellites are used in positioning using the RTK method, double differences are calculated as many times as the number of combinations of four or more satellites. For example, reference station positioning data generated by the reference station and positioning terminal positioning data generated by the positioning terminal 10 are used to calculate the double difference.

[0060] In the RTK method, various methods are applied to estimate integer ambiguities. For example, integer ambiguities are estimated by performing the following procedures: (1) estimating a float solution using the least squares method, and (2) testing a fixed solution based on the float solution.

[0061] The float solution is estimated by the least squares method by creating simultaneous equations using a combination of double differences generated for each time unit, and then solving the created simultaneous equations by the least squares method. In this calculation, for example, the reference station positioning data generated by the reference station, the positioning terminal positioning data generated by the positioning terminal 10, and the known coordinates of the reference station are used. The real number estimated value of the integer ambiguity estimated in this way is called the float solution (predicted solution).

[0062] The float solution obtained in this way is a real number, while the true value of the integer ambiguity is an integer. Therefore, the float solution is converted to an integer value by "rounding." Here, there are several possible combinations for rounding the float solution.

[0063] The correct integer value is verified from among multiple candidates. The solution that is found to be most likely as an integer value bias by the verification is called a fixed solution (precise positioning solution). In one example, a quality check is performed using the AR (Ambiguity Ratio) value obtained by RTK calculation, and the correct integer value is verified based on the results of the quality check. To efficiently narrow down the integer value candidates, reference station positioning data generated by the reference station may be used.

[0064] [Positioning terminal position measurement (determination) using RTK calculation] Next, the measurement (determination) of the position (coordinates on the earth) of the positioning terminal 10 by the processor 101 of the positioning terminal 10 will be described.

[0065] The processor 101 performs interferometric positioning (RTK calculation) using, for example, the positioning terminal positioning data of the positioning terminal 10 and the reference station positioning data of the reference station (i.e., correction data transmitted from the reference station data distribution server 30) by the RTK method, and calculates a positioning solution (fixed solution or float solution). The positioning solution obtained by the RTK calculation may be referred to as an "RTK positioning solution."

[0066] The processor 101 performs a quality check using the AR value obtained by the RTK calculation, and if the AR value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (e.g., 3.0), it determines that a correct fixed solution has been obtained and outputs the fixed solution, and if the AR value is less than the predetermined threshold, it determines that a correct positioning solution has not been obtained and outputs a float solution.

[0067] Then, the processor 101 determines the RTK solution as the position of the positioning terminal 10 (coordinates on the Earth).

[0068] <Configuration of upper server> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the host server 20 according to embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the host server 20 includes a processor 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, and a bus 204.

[0069] The processor 201 may be realized by a processing device such as a CPU. The processor 201 controls the overall operation of the host server 20 (for example, other elements of the host server 20). The processor 201 may also be called a processing unit, a control unit, an arithmetic unit, a controller, etc.

[0070] As described above, the processor 201 automatically sets a risk area according to the conditions. For example, when an overcrowding detection target area is set, if a predetermined number (also referred to as an overcrowding determination number or threshold) or more of other positioning terminals 10 exist within an area having a circular shape with a predetermined radius (overcrowding determination distance) centered on the position of a certain positioning terminal 10 (or if there are other positioning terminals 10 exceeding the overcrowding determination number), the processor 201 automatically sets the area having the circular shape as a risk area. More specifically, for example, the processor 201 may acquire the position of the positioning terminal 10 via the communication unit 203 and compare the acquired position of the positioning terminal 10 with the position of the area having the circular shape, thereby calculating or acquiring the number of other positioning terminals 10 existing within the area having the circular shape. In an overcrowded (terminal) situation where there are more positioning terminals 10 within a circular area of ​​a predetermined radius than the number of terminals required for overcrowding, it is desirable to issue an alarm to the positioning terminals 10 present within the area to reduce the possibility of contact (or collision) between workers carrying positioning terminals 10, contact between construction vehicles equipped with positioning terminals 10, and contact between a worker carrying a positioning terminal 10 and a construction vehicle equipped with a positioning terminal 10. The positioning terminal 10 at the center of the dangerous area may be the positioning terminal 10 carried by the construction vehicle or worker carrying the positioning terminal 10 that is the most dangerous to approach, among construction vehicles equipped with positioning terminals 10 or workers carrying positioning terminals 10. Examples of such a positioning terminal 10 include construction vehicles that perform large movements, such as crane trucks, and workers performing work that poses a risk to the surrounding area, such as cutting or welding. This allows for more reliable warnings to be issued to construction vehicles or workers approaching the dangerous area to avoid danger. The processor 201 is an example of an acquisition unit according to the present disclosure. The number of other positioning terminals 10 that exist within an area having a predetermined radius centered on the position of a certain positioning terminal 10 is an example of the "number of terminals that exist within a predetermined area" according to the present disclosure.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, when an excessive load detection target area is set, if the combined weight of the worker carrying the positioning terminal 10 and the construction vehicle equipped with the positioning terminal 10 that are present within the excessive load detection target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined weight (also referred to as an excessive load determination threshold, threshold, or maximum weight) (or if the combined weight exceeds the excessive load determination threshold), the processor 201 automatically sets the excessive load detection target area as a dangerous area. In this case, the upper server 20 may store the weights of the worker carrying the positioning terminal 10 and the construction vehicle equipped with the positioning terminal 10, which are input by a user such as a work manager, in association with the identification information of each positioning terminal 10, and obtain the weight of the worker or construction vehicle by obtaining the weight of the worker or construction vehicle associated with the identification information of each positioning terminal 10 that is present within the excessive load detection target area. More specifically, for example, the processor 201 may acquire the identification information and location of the positioning terminal 10 via the communication unit 203, and compare the acquired location of the positioning terminal 10 with the location of the excessive load detection target area to determine the positioning terminal 10 present within the excessive load detection target area based on the acquired identification information of the positioning terminal 10. The processor 201 may then acquire the weight of the worker or construction vehicle associated with the identification information of each positioning terminal 10 present within the excessive load detection target area from the acquired identification information of the positioning terminal 10, the identification information of the positioning terminal 10 stored in the memory unit 202, and the weight of the worker and construction vehicle associated with the identification information. In this way, the weight of the worker and construction vehicle can be acquired without directly measuring the weight of the worker or construction vehicle in the excessive load detection target area. The processor 201 is an example of an acquisition unit according to the present disclosure. The weight of at least one of the workers and construction vehicles associated with the identification information of all positioning terminals 10 present in the overload detection target area is an example of "weight of moving bodies associated with terminals present in a predetermined area" according to the present disclosure. Because the combined weight of the workers and construction vehicles is equal to or greater than the overload determination threshold (or the combined weight exceeds the overload determination threshold), it can be interpreted that there are many positioning terminals 10 present in the overload detection target area, and as explained regarding the overcrowded detection target area, it is inferred that the overload detection target area is in an overcrowded state in terms of the number of positioning terminals 10.In an overloaded (terminal) state (hence overcrowded) where the combined weight of workers and construction vehicles present within an overload detection target area is equal to or exceeds an overload determination threshold, it is desirable to issue an alarm to the positioning terminals 10 present within the area in order to reduce the possibility of contact between workers carrying positioning terminals 10, between construction vehicles equipped with positioning terminals 10, and between workers carrying positioning terminals 10 and construction vehicles equipped with positioning terminals 10. Furthermore, at work sites such as construction sites, temporary scaffolding is often erected, and in such cases, weight limits are often imposed to ensure work safety. Therefore, in such cases, it is desirable to issue an alarm to the positioning terminals 10 present within the overload detection target area in an overloaded state in order to further ensure work safety.

[0072] The processor 201 may output, for example, the location information of the overcrowding detection target area, the overcrowding judgment distance, the number of vehicles for overcrowding judgment, the location information of the overload detection target area, the overload judgment threshold, the weight of the worker carrying the positioning terminal 10, and the weight of the construction vehicle on which the positioning terminal 10 is mounted, which are input by a user such as a work manager via the input unit, to the storage unit 202. The overcrowding state and the overload state may also be referred to as a (potential) contact risk state, a (potential) collision risk state, a (potential) accident risk state, or the like.

[0073] The processor 201 may set one threshold or multiple, stepped thresholds for determining whether the positioning terminal 10 is approaching a dangerous area. Such one or multiple thresholds may be referred to as a predicted intrusion time threshold. That is, the predicted intrusion time threshold is a threshold to be compared with a predicted intrusion time of the positioning terminal 10 into a dangerous area, which will be described below. The processor 201 may also determine not to cause the positioning terminal 10 to issue an alarm if the distance between the positioning terminal 10 and the center of the dangerous area is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. The processor 201 may set the predetermined distance as a threshold. This threshold may be referred to as a no-alarm distance threshold. For example, the processor 201 may set thresholds input by a user, such as a work manager, via the input unit as the predicted intrusion time threshold and the no-alarm distance threshold. The processor 201 may output the predicted intrusion time threshold and the no-alarm distance threshold to the memory unit 202.

[0074] For example, when the processor 201 receives a positioning result from the positioning terminal 10, it may predict the intrusion time of the positioning terminal 10 into the dangerous area (i.e., the predicted time to reach the dangerous area) based on the positioning result and the set dangerous area. Note that the expression "predicting the intrusion time" may be interpreted as "estimating the intrusion time," "guessing the intrusion time," "determining the intrusion (predicted) time," "finding the intrusion (predicted) time," "calculating the intrusion (predicted) time," "calculating the intrusion (predicted) time," or "deriving the intrusion (predicted) time."

[0075] The processor 201 automatically sets a danger area based on, for example, at least one of the latest positioning result of the positioning terminal 10 received, the overcrowding judgment distance, the number of devices to be judged as overcrowding, the overload detection target area, the total weight value, and the overload judgment threshold. Then, the processor 201 determines whether the positioning terminal 10 has entered or approached the danger area (detects an alarm event) based on the positioning result of the positioning terminal 10 and the position of the danger area, and further based on at least one of the predicted intrusion time threshold and the no-alarm distance threshold.

[0076] The processor 201 generates an alarm issuance command to warn the worker associated with the positioning terminal 10 (and possibly the worker driving the construction vehicle) that the detected alarm event has occurred. The processor 201 outputs the alarm issuance command to the storage unit 202. The processor 201 transmits the alarm issuance command to the positioning terminal 10 via the communication unit 203.

[0077] For example, each time a positioning result is received from the positioning terminal 10, the processor 201 transmits the information to the monitor device 40 via the communication unit 203 so as to display information on the set danger area, the received positioning result, and the target positioning terminal 10 to which the alarm issuance command is to be sent.

[0078] The storage unit 202 may be, for example, one or more of a DRAM, an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 202 acquires various information from other elements and stores the information temporarily or permanently. The storage unit 202 is a general term for so-called primary storage devices and secondary storage devices. Multiple storage units 202 may be physically located.

[0079] The memory unit 202 stores, for example, a program executed by the processor 201 to operate the upper server 20, data necessary for the operation of the upper server 20, data generated by the processor 201, positioning results transmitted from the positioning terminal 10, the weight of the worker carrying the positioning terminal 10, the weight of the construction vehicle on which the positioning terminal 10 is mounted, location information of the overcrowding detection target area, location information of the overcrowding detection target area, overcrowding judgment distance, number of vehicles to be judged as overcrowding, overcrowding judgment threshold, predicted intrusion time threshold, no-alarm distance threshold, information on the set dangerous area, generated alarm issuance command, etc.

[0080] The communication unit 203 receives the positioning result transmitted from the positioning terminal 10. The communication unit 203 outputs the received positioning result to the processor 201 and the storage unit 202. The communication unit 203 transmits an alarm issuing command to the positioning terminal 10.

[0081] The processor 201, the storage unit 202, and the communication unit 203 are connected to one another via a bus 204 so as to be able to communicate with one another.

[0082] The above configuration of the host server 20 is an example. Some of the components of the host server 20 may be integrated. Some of the components of the host server 20 may be divided into multiple elements. Some of the components of the host server 20 may be omitted. Other elements may be added to the host server 20. For example, an input unit such as a touch display, keyboard, or mouse may be added to the host server 20.

[0083] [Prediction of intrusion time (calculation of predicted intrusion time)] Next, calculation of the predicted time for the positioning terminal 10 to enter the dangerous area will be described.

[0084] Based on the (current) position, (current) speed and (current) direction of travel of the positioning terminal 10 received and the position of the boundary line (circumference) of the set dangerous area, the processor 201 determines whether the positioning terminal 10 will enter a dangerous area if it moves straight ahead from its (current) position in the (current) direction of travel at the (current) speed.

[0085] When the processor 201 determines that the positioning terminal 10 is entering a dangerous area, it calculates the time (i.e., predicted intrusion time) (for example, in seconds) it will take for the positioning terminal 10 to reach the point closest to the positioning terminal 10 on the boundary line (circumference) of the dangerous area if the positioning terminal 10 moves straight from its (current) position at its (current) speed in its (current) direction of travel, based on the (current) position, (current) speed, and (current) direction of travel received by the positioning terminal 10 and the position of the boundary line (circumference) of the set dangerous area.

[0086] [Determining approach to dangerous areas] Next, a description will be given of how to determine whether the positioning terminal 10 is approaching a dangerous area.

[0087] As described above, the processor 201 may set a plurality of stepped predicted intrusion time thresholds (e.g., in seconds) and no-alarm distance thresholds (e.g., in meters). An example in which the number of predicted intrusion time thresholds is two will be described below, but it is clear that the number of predicted intrusion time thresholds may be three or more. Alternatively, instead of using a plurality of predicted intrusion time thresholds, a single predicted intrusion time threshold may be used. Hereinafter, the two predicted intrusion times are referred to as a first predicted intrusion time threshold and a second predicted intrusion time threshold, and the first predicted intrusion time threshold is set to be less than the second predicted intrusion time threshold.

[0088] When the position (latitude and longitude) of the positioning terminal 10 is outside the set danger area, the processor 201 calculates the distance 1 (for example, in meters) from the position of the positioning terminal 10 to the point closest to the positioning terminal 10 where the straight line connecting the position of the positioning terminal 10 and the center (coordinates) of the danger area intersects with the boundary line (circumference) of the danger area.

[0089] The processor 201 does not generate an alarm issuing command if the no-alarm distance threshold is less than or equal to the distance l.

[0090] When the distance 1<the no-alarm distance threshold and the predicted intrusion time<the first predicted intrusion time threshold, the processor 201 detects a first approach state and an alarm event.

[0091] When the distance 1<the no-alarm distance threshold and the first predicted intrusion time threshold≦the predicted intrusion time<the second predicted intrusion time threshold, the processor 201 detects a second approach state and an alarm event.

[0092] The first approach state is a state in which the positioning terminal 10 is predicted to reach the dangerous area earlier than in the second approach state.

[0093] In the conditions described above, "≦" may be replaced with "<" as appropriate, and "<" may be replaced with "≦" as appropriate.

[0094] Also, when the number of multiple predicted intrusion time thresholds is n (n: an integer greater than or equal to 3), the processor 201 can detect an alarm event as the kth approach state (k=1, 2, ..., n) in the same manner as described above.

[0095] By setting the no-alarm distance threshold in this manner, if the distance between the center of the dangerous area and the position of the positioning terminal 10 is equal to or greater than the no-alarm distance threshold (or exceeds the no-alarm distance threshold), no alarm will be issued, thereby preventing excessive issuance of alarms.

[0096] Furthermore, if the distance between the center of the danger area and the position of the positioning terminal 10 is smaller than the no-alarm distance threshold, an alarm is issued by distinguishing the approach state according to the predicted intrusion time, so that the user of the positioning terminal 10 can be intuitively informed of the level of vigilance required.

[0097] Furthermore, if the predicted intrusion time is very long (specifically, if it is equal to or longer than the first predicted intrusion time), no alarm is issued, thereby preventing excessive issuance of alarms to positioning terminals 10 that are unlikely to intrude into a dangerous area.

[0098] [Generate an alert command] Next, the generation of an alarm issuing command will be described.

[0099] First, the generation of an alarm issuing command when the positioning terminal 10 is in a dangerous area will be described.

[0100] If the position (latitude and longitude) of the positioning terminal 10 is within the set danger area, the processor 201 calculates the distance L (for example, in meters) between the position of the positioning terminal 10 and the center (coordinates) of the danger area.

[0101] The processor 201 determines the intrusion alarm pattern according to the calculated distance. For example, when the radius of the danger area is r (e.g., unit: meter), whether 0 < L ≤ r / 4 (alarm event in the first intrusion state), r / 4 < L ≤ r / 2 (alarm event in the second intrusion state), r / 2 < L ≤ 3r / 4 (alarm event in the third intrusion state), or 3r / 4 < L ≤ r (alarm event in the fourth intrusion state), at least one of the volume of the buzzer sounded by the alarm unit 103 of the positioning terminal 10 and the beep sound period may be changed. In other words, the closer the positioning terminal 10 is to the center of the danger area, the louder the volume of the buzzer may be, the shorter the beep sound period of the buzzer may be, or both may be the case. That is, the closer the positioning terminal 10 is to the center of the danger area, an alarm with increasing intensity may be given.

[0102] Alternatively, a criterion different from the radius r of the danger area may be used. For example, whether 0m < L ≤ 0.5m (alarm event in the first intrusion state), 0.5m < L ≤ 0.8m (alarm event in the second intrusion state), 0.8m < L ≤ 0.9m (alarm event in the third intrusion state), or 0.9m < L ≤ r (alarm event in the fourth intrusion state), the volume of the buzzer sounded by the alarm unit 103 of the positioning terminal 10 and the beep sound period may be changed. Also in this case, the closer the positioning terminal 10 is to the center of the danger area, the louder the volume of the buzzer may be, the shorter the beep sound period of the buzzer may be, or both may be the case. That is, the closer the positioning terminal 10 is to the center of the danger area, an alarm with increasing intensity may be given.

[0103] Note that in the conditions described above, "≤" may be appropriately replaced by "<", and "<" may be appropriately replaced by "≤".

[0104] Also, in the above, an example of giving an alarm in four levels has been described, but an alarm may be given in two or three levels, or an alarm may be given in five or more levels. Also, the conditions for dividing into multiple levels are not limited to the above examples.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above, the intrusion state is distinguished based on the distance from the center of the dangerous area, but the intrusion state may also be distinguished based on the distance between the positioning terminal 10 and the outer periphery of the dangerous area. In this case, the positioning terminal 10 may be controlled to issue a strong warning when the distance between the positioning terminal 10 and the dangerous area is a negative value, that is, when the positioning terminal 10 has entered the dangerous area. In particular, when the entire dangerous area is dangerous, issuing a warning in this manner can reduce the danger to the user.

[0106] The processor 201 then generates an alarm command to issue an intrusion alarm in the determined format.

[0107] Secondly, the generation of an alarm issuing command when the positioning terminal 10 is outside the danger area will be described.

[0108] When the positioning terminal 10 is in the first approach state described above, the processor 201 generates an alarm issuing command corresponding to the first approach state (the alarm may be referred to as a first attention alert). The style of the first attention alert corresponding to the first approach state may be different from the style of the intrusion alert described above. For example, the first attention alert corresponding to the first approach state may have a volume that is even lower than the volume of the buzzer in the style described above, or may limit the number of times the buzzer sounds to once, twice, etc., or may be both of these.

[0109] When the positioning terminal 10 is in the second approach state described above, the processor 201 generates an alarm issuing command corresponding to the second approach state (the alarm may be referred to as a second attention alert). The style of the second attention alert corresponding to the second approach state may be different from the style of the intrusion alert and the style of the first attention alert described above. For example, the second attention alert corresponding to the second approach state may be lower in volume than the buzzer for the first attention alert, or may further limit the number of times the buzzer for the first attention alert sounds, or may be both.

[0110] In this way, the processor 201 generates an alarm issuance command to issue an alarm when the positioning terminal 10 enters or approaches a dangerous area, and the communication unit 203 transmits these alarm issuance commands to the positioning terminal 10.

[0111] In addition, the processor 201 generates different alarm issuance commands depending on the predicted time so that different types of alarms are issued depending on the predicted time when the positioning terminal 10 will enter the dangerous area, and the communication unit 203 transmits these alarm issuance commands to the positioning terminal 10.

[0112] By setting a plurality of stepped predicted intrusion time thresholds in this way, an alarm is issued in stages according to the predicted intrusion time, so that the positioning terminal 10 can be effectively prevented from intruding into a dangerous area.

[0113] Furthermore, by changing the behavior of the alarm depending on whether the user is inside or outside the dangerous area, it is possible to effectively encourage the user to leave the dangerous area.

[0114] Note that the word "style" may be read as "mode."

[0115] <Alarm system operation> Next, an example of the operation of the alarm system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6A to 6C, and 7A to 7C.

[0116] [Positioning device operation] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the positioning terminal 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0117] In step S401, the GNSS receiver 104 receives a satellite signal transmitted from a GNSS satellite.

[0118] In step S402 , the communication unit 105 receives the correction data transmitted from the reference station data distribution server 30 .

[0119] In step S403, the processor 101 performs RTK calculation using the positioning terminal positioning data and correction data based on the satellite signals to calculate the RTK positioning solution and obtain the positioning result.

[0120] In step S404, the communication unit 105 transmits the positioning results including the RTK solutions to the upper server 20.

[0121] In step S405, the processor 101 or the communication unit 105 determines whether or not the communication unit 105 has received an alarm issuing command (for example, within a predetermined time after transmitting the positioning result).

[0122] If the communication unit 105 receives an alarm issuing command (for example, within a predetermined time after transmitting the positioning result) (YES in step S405), in step S406 the alarm unit 103 issues an alarm in the format specified (determined) by the upper server 20 in accordance with the alarm issuing command. Then, the flow ends.

[0123] On the other hand, if the communication unit 105 does not receive an alarm issuing command (for example, within a predetermined time after transmitting the positioning result) (NO in step S405), the flow ends.

[0124] Thereafter, the process of FIG. 4 is repeated.

[0125] [Upstream server operation] 5, 6A to 6C, and 7A to 7C are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the host server 20 according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

[0126] In step S501, the processor 201 registers the weight of the worker carrying the positioning terminal 10 and the weight of the construction vehicle on which the positioning terminal 10 is mounted in association with the corresponding positioning terminal 10 (stores them in the memory unit 202).

[0127] In step S502, the processor 201 sets an overcrowding detection target area, an overcrowding determination distance, an overcrowding determination number, an overcrowding detection target area, an overcrowding determination threshold, an intrusion prediction time threshold, or a no-alarm distance threshold. Then, the processing in FIG. 5 ends.

[0128] The information registered in step S501 may be registered, for example, through a user input, and the information set in step S502 may be set statically or semi-statically through a user input, or may be fixed in the alarm system 1.

[0129] Next, with reference to Figures 6A to 6C, another example of the operation of the host server 20 will be described. Note that, hereinafter, assuming that all the positioning terminals 10 (positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N) are present within the overcrowding detection target area, an example of the operation of the host server 20 will be described using the example of the positioning terminal 10 entering a dangerous area.

[0130] In step S601, the communication unit 203 receives the positioning results of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N transmitted from each of the positioning terminals 10 (in this example, N (N is an integer of 2 or more) positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N).

[0131] In step S602, the processor 201 sets a variable n to 1 (n=1).

[0132] In step S603, the processor 201 determines whether the value set in the variable n is greater than N (determines whether n>N).

[0133] If the value set in the variable n is greater than N (YES in step S603), the flow ends.

[0134] On the other hand, if the value set in variable n is not greater than N (NO in step S603), the flow proceeds to step S604. If step S603 is executed after step S602, n (=1)≦N (an integer of 2 or more), so the flow proceeds to step S604.

[0135] In step S604, the processor 201 checks whether a dangerous area n centered on the position (coordinates) of the positioning terminal 10-n has already been set (stored in the storage unit 202).

[0136] If the confirmation result shows that dangerous area n has not yet been set (NO in step S605), in step S606, the processor 201 counts the number of other positioning terminals that exist within the overcrowding judgment distance from the position of the positioning terminal 10-n, based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N received in step S601.

[0137] In step S607, the processor 201 determines whether the counted number of other positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the number for determining overcrowding.

[0138] If the counted number of other positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the overcrowding determination number (YES in step S607), in step S608, the processor 201 decides to set a danger area, and generates and sets a circular danger area n with the position of the positioning terminal 10-n as its center and the overcrowding determination distance as its radius. Note that the danger area n is an example of a "specific area that is set (or has been set) according to the positions of multiple terminals and includes the positions" according to the present disclosure. In this way, by setting a danger area that is in an overcrowded state, the possibility of contact, collision, or accident can be reduced.

[0139] In step S609, the processor 201 stores all positioned terminals present in the danger area n as a stay permitted group n in the storage unit 202 based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N received in step S601 and the position of the danger area n. Next, the flow proceeds to step S616. Here, a stay permitted group is a group for which an alarm does not need to be issued even if the terminal is present in the danger area n. If the stay permitted group is not set, for example, a terminal that has been present in the danger area n before the danger area n is set will suddenly be issued an alarm as soon as the danger area n is set. Such an alarm may confuse the terminal owner, so in this embodiment, positioned terminals that have been present in the danger area n before the danger area n is set are included in the stay permitted group.

[0140] On the other hand, if the counted number of other positioning terminals is not equal to or greater than the congestion determination number (NO in step S607), the flow proceeds to step S616.

[0141] If it is determined in step S604 that the dangerous area n has already been set (YES in step S605), the flow proceeds to step S610.

[0142] In step S610, the processor 201 counts the number of positioning terminals present in the danger area n, based on the positioning results of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N received in step S601.

[0143] In step S611, the processor 201 determines whether the counted number of positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the number of terminals for determining overcrowding.

[0144] If the number of counted positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the overcrowding judgment number (YES in step S611), in step S612, the processor 201 checks whether any positioning terminals other than the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permitted group n are present in the danger area n based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N (excluding the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permitted group n) received in step S601 and the location of the danger area n.

[0145] If the confirmation result indicates that a positioning terminal other than the positioning terminal belonging to the stay permission group n is present in the danger area n (YES in step S613), in step S614, the processor 201 issues an alarm issuance command for an intrusion alarm to all positioning terminals present in the danger area n other than the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permission group n. In response, the communication unit 203 transmits the alarm issuance command to the positioning terminal. Next, the flow proceeds to step S616.

[0146] On the other hand, if the confirmation result indicates that no positioning terminals other than those belonging to stay permitted group n exist in dangerous area n (NO in step S613), the flow proceeds to step S616.

[0147] In step S611, if the counted number of positioning terminals is not equal to or greater than the overcrowding determination number (NO in step S611), in step S615, processor 201 decides to cancel the setting of danger area n and deletes the set danger area n (stored in memory unit 202). Processor 201 also deletes stay permitted group n. In this way, by canceling the setting of a danger area that is no longer in an overcrowded state (the possibility of contact, collision, or accident has decreased), it is possible to prevent excessive issuance of alarms. Next, the flow proceeds to step S616.

[0148] After steps S607 (if NO), S609, S613 (if NO), S614, and S615, in step S616, the processor 201 sets the variable n to n+1 (n=n+1). If the flow proceeds to step S616 through the series of processes described above after step S602, the processor 201 sets the variable n to 2. Then, the flow proceeds to step S603. Thereafter, the above-described processes are repeated.

[0149] The check in step S612 is performed so that the processor 201 can determine whether to issue an alert to a positioning terminal present in the risk area n, depending on whether the positioning terminal belongs to stay permission group n. Then, in step S614, if the positioning terminal present in the risk area n does not belong to stay permission group n, the processor 201 determines to issue an alert to the positioning terminal, and if the positioning terminal present in the risk area n belongs to stay permission group n, the processor 201 determines not to issue an alert to the positioning terminal. In this way, by reducing the number of positioning terminals for which an alert is to be issued, it is possible to reduce the possibility of confusion caused by alerts being issued in many places in the risk area.

[0150] In this manner, the processes of FIGS. 6A to 6C are repeated.

[0151] 7A to 7C, a further example of the operation of the host server 20 will be described. Note that the following describes an example of the operation of the host server 20, taking the intrusion of the positioning terminal 10 into a dangerous area as an example.

[0152] In step S701, the communication unit 203 receives the positioning results of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N transmitted from each of the positioning terminals 10 (in this example, N (N is an integer of 2 or more) positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N).

[0153] In step S702, the processor 201 sets a variable m to 1 (m=1).

[0154] In step S703, the processor 201 determines whether the value set in the variable m is greater than M (determines whether m>M). Here, the value M represents the number of overload detection target areas that have been set, and M is an integer equal to or greater than 1.

[0155] If the value set in the variable m is greater than M (YES in step S703), the flow ends.

[0156] On the other hand, if the value set in the variable m is not greater than M (NO in step S703), the flow proceeds to step S704. If step S703 is executed after step S702, m (=1)≦M (an integer equal to or greater than 1), so the flow proceeds to step S704.

[0157] In step S704, the processor 201 checks whether the dangerous area m has already been set (whether it has been stored in the storage unit 202).

[0158] If the check shows that the danger area m has not yet been set (NO in step S705), in step S706, the processor 201 adds up the weights of the workers carrying positioning terminals and the construction vehicles equipped with positioning terminals that are present within the excessive load detection target area m, based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N received in step S701 and the location of the excessive load detection target area m. The "worker carrying a positioning terminal that is present within the excessive load detection target area m" is an example of a "person associated with a terminal present within the area" according to the present disclosure. The "construction vehicle equipped with a positioning terminal that is present within the excessive load detection target area m" is an example of an "object associated with a terminal present within the area" according to the present disclosure.

[0159] In step S707, the processor 201 determines whether the total weight is equal to or greater than the overweight determination threshold.

[0160] If the combined weight is equal to or greater than the overload determination threshold (YES in step S707), in step S708, the processor 201 determines to set a danger area and sets the overload detection target area m as the danger area m. Note that the danger area m is an example of a "specific area that is set (or has been set) according to the locations of multiple terminals and that includes those locations" according to the present disclosure. In this way, by setting a danger area that is in an overload state (and therefore an overcrowded state), it is possible to reduce the possibility of contact, collision, or accident, and to further ensure the safety of work by workers when there is a weight limit.

[0161] Next, in step S709, the processor 201 stores all the positioning terminals present in the dangerous area m as stay permitted group m in the storage unit 202 based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N received in step S701 and the position of the dangerous area m. Then, the flow proceeds to step S716.

[0162] On the other hand, if the total weight is not equal to or greater than the excess weight determination threshold (NO in step S707), the flow proceeds to step S716.

[0163] If it is determined in step S704 that the dangerous area m has already been set (YES in step S705), the flow proceeds to step S710.

[0164] In step S710, the processor 201 adds up the weights of the workers carrying the positioning terminals and the construction vehicles equipped with the positioning terminals that are present within the dangerous area m, based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N received in step S701 and the position of the dangerous area m.

[0165] In step S711, the processor 201 determines whether the total weight is equal to or greater than the overweight determination threshold.

[0166] If the combined weight is equal to or greater than the overload determination threshold (YES in step S711), in step S712, the processor 201 checks whether any positioning terminals other than the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permitted group m are present in the dangerous area m based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10-1 to 10-N (excluding the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permitted group m) received in step S701 and the location of the dangerous area m.

[0167] If the confirmation result indicates that positioning terminals other than those belonging to stay permission group m are present within the dangerous area m (YES in step S713), in step S714, processor 201 issues an intrusion alarm issuing command to all positioning terminals present within the dangerous area m other than those belonging to stay permission group m. In response, communication unit 203 transmits the alarm issuing command to the positioning terminals. Next, the flow proceeds to step S716.

[0168] On the other hand, if the confirmation result indicates that no positioning terminals other than those belonging to stay permission group m exist in dangerous area m (NO in step S713), the flow proceeds to step S716.

[0169] In step S711, if the total weight is not equal to or greater than the overload determination threshold (NO in step S711), in step S715, processor 201 decides to cancel the setting of danger area m and deletes the set danger area m (stored in memory unit 202). Processor 201 also deletes stay permitted group m. In this way, by canceling the setting of a danger area that is no longer in an overload state (and therefore no longer in an overcrowded state) (the possibility of contact, collision, or accident has decreased), it is possible to prevent excessive issuance of alarms. Next, the flow proceeds to step S716.

[0170] After steps S707 (if NO), S709, S713 (if NO), S714, and S715, in step S716, the processor 201 sets the variable m to m+1 (m=m+1). If the flow proceeds to step S716 through the series of processes described above after step S702, the processor 201 sets the variable m to 2. Then, the flow proceeds to step S703. Thereafter, the above-described processes are repeated.

[0171] The check in step S712 is performed so that the processor 201 can determine whether to issue an alert to a positioning terminal present in the risk area m, depending on whether the positioning terminal belongs to stay permission group m. Then, in step S714, if the positioning terminal present in the risk area m does not belong to stay permission group m, the processor 201 determines to issue an alert to the positioning terminal, and if the positioning terminal present in the risk area m belongs to stay permission group m, the processor 201 determines not to issue an alert to the positioning terminal. In this way, by reducing the number of positioning terminals for which an alert is to be issued, it is possible to reduce the possibility of confusion caused by alerts being issued in many places in the risk area.

[0172] In this manner, the processes of FIGS. 7A to 7C are repeated.

[0173] 6A to 6C and the process shown in Figures 7A to 7C may be executed independently, or may be executed in parallel (for example, as separate threads) or sequentially (when both an overcrowded detection target area and an overload detection target area are set). Alternatively, the process shown in Figures 6A to 6C may be incorporated into the process flow shown in Figures 7A to 7C, or the process shown in Figures 7A to 7C may be incorporated into the process flow shown in Figures 6A to 6C.

[0174] <Modification> [Variation 1-1] In the process illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C above, an example has been described in which a dynamic (or adaptive) circular area centered on the position of the positioning terminal 10 is set. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, as in the process illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7C above, a static (fixed) (or semi-static) area set via, for example, user input may be a potential danger area. An example of a static area may be an area centered on a location where a dangerous device or the like is installed. In this way, if the positioning terminal 10 approaches the dangerous device or the like, it will definitely enter the danger area, so a warning to avoid danger can be reliably issued. Alternatively, the entire overcrowding detection target area may be used as the static area. In this way, a warning can be issued to all positioning terminals 10 that may be in danger. When a static area is determined to be a potential danger area, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the host server 20 may compare the number of positioning terminals 10 present in the static area with a threshold and set the static area as a danger area depending on the comparison result. The risk area is an example of a "specific area that is set (or is set) according to the locations of multiple terminals and includes the locations" according to the present disclosure. Dynamic areas and static areas may be mixed.

[0175] [Variation 1-2] 6A to 6C, an example has been described in which a dynamic (or adaptive) circular area is set with the position of the positioning terminal 10 at its center. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, similar to the above, if no danger area is set for a certain positioning terminal 10, and the number of positioning terminals 10 located within a circular area of ​​a predetermined radius centered on the certain positioning terminal 10 and located at a distance equal to or less than a predetermined distance (or shorter than the predetermined distance) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the positioning terminal 10 is considered to be congested in terms of the number of positioning terminals 10. The host server 20 may generate and set, as the danger area, a dynamic circular area of ​​a predetermined radius centered on the center of gravity of a polygon whose vertices are the positions of the positioning terminals 10 that satisfy this condition. This danger area is an example of a "specific area including the position that is set (or has been set) according to the positions of multiple terminals" according to the present disclosure.

[0176] [Variation 1-3] 6A to 6C, an example has been described in which a dynamic (or adaptive) circular area is set with the position of the positioning terminal 10 at its center, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, when an overcrowding detection target area is set, the upper server 20 may generate and set static (or semi-static) rectangular mesh areas by dividing the overcrowding detection target area into a mesh and rectangular areas, compare the number of positioning terminals 10 present in each rectangular mesh area with a threshold, and set each static rectangular mesh area as a risk area depending on the comparison result. The risk area is an example of a "specific area that includes the position that is set (or is set) depending on the positions of multiple terminals" according to the present disclosure.

[0177] [Variation 1-4] Although the above describes an example in which the shape of the danger area is a perfect circle, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. As suggested above, the shape of the danger area may be a part of a perfect circle (such as a sector or a bow), an ellipse or a part thereof (such as half of an ellipse), a polygon such as a triangle or a rectangle, or other shapes. In such cases, the center of the danger area may be replaced with the center of gravity of the danger area.

[0178] [Variation 1-5] Furthermore, although the above description assumes that the danger areas have the same shape, they may also have different shapes. Particularly at construction sites, danger areas need to correspond to areas where construction vehicles are in operation, dangerous parts of scaffolding, etc., so if standard shapes such as a perfect circle or square are used, there is a risk that non-dangerous areas may be included in the danger area, or that dangerous areas may be excluded from the danger area. The shape of the danger area may be selected (set) to avoid such situations.

[0179] [Variation 1-6] In the first embodiment, the positioning terminal 10 that issues an alarm does not necessarily have to be all of the multiple positioning terminals 10. For example, if a construction vehicle or the like on which the positioning terminal 10 is mounted can only move on a set rail or does not have a mechanism for changing the speed, it is difficult to take action to avoid danger even if an alarm is issued. Issuing an alarm in such a case may cause confusion with other alarms and may actually lead to danger, so it is not necessarily beneficial to issue an alarm from all of the multiple positioning terminals 10. The positioning terminal 10 that should issue an alarm may be changeable by designation from a work manager or the like.

[0180] [Variation 1-7] 6A to 6C, the number of other positioning terminals counted is compared with the number of terminals for which congestion is determined, but the number of other positioning terminals counted may be compared with (the number of terminals for which congestion is determined - 1) to be consistent with step S611 in Figures 6A to 6C. Alternatively, the number of terminals for which congestion is determined in step S607 and the number of terminals for which congestion is determined in step S611 may be set separately.

[0181] [Variation 1-8] 6A to 6C, when a risk area has not yet been set and the number of other positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the number for determining overcrowding, an example has been described in which a risk area is generated and set, and an alarm issuance command is not transmitted to positioning terminals 10 present in the risk area at that time. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, an alarm issuance command may be transmitted to all positioning terminals 10 present in the risk area without executing step S609 (without determining (storing) a stay permitted group). Therefore, when a risk area has already been set and the number of other positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the number for determining overcrowding, an alarm issuance command may be transmitted to all positioning terminals 10 present in the risk area at steps S605 and S610 to S614 in FIG. 6A to 6C.

[0182] [Variation 1-9] In the above, an example has been described in which, in steps S705 to S709 in FIGS. 7A to 7C, if a hazardous area has not yet been set and the combined weight of the workers and construction vehicles associated with the positioning terminals 10 present in the excessive load detection target area is equal to or greater than the excessive load determination threshold, the hazardous area is set and an alarm issuance command is not transmitted to the positioning terminals 10 present in the hazardous area. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, an alarm issuance command may be transmitted to all positioning terminals 10 present in the hazardous area without executing step S709 (without determining (storing) a stay permitted group). Therefore, in steps S705 and S710 to S714 in FIGS. 7A to 7C, if a hazardous area has already been set and the combined weight of the workers and construction vehicles associated with the positioning terminals 10 present in the hazardous area is equal to or greater than the excessive load determination threshold, an alarm issuance command may be transmitted to all positioning terminals 10 present in the hazardous area.

[0183] [Variation 1-10] Although the above describes an example in which at least one of an overcrowding detection target area and an overload detection target area is set, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, when the positioning terminal 10 is outside the overcrowding detection target area and the overload detection target area, the processor 201 may determine whether the positioning terminal 10 is entering or approaching another geofence (such as an area under construction where earth and sand have accumulated, an area where work tools are gathered, or an area where the positioning terminal 10 may interfere with equipment or the like that may cause an accident such as injury if it comes into contact with the other geofence), and in response to the determination of the entry or approach, a command to issue an alarm indicating the entry or approach may be provided from the upper server 20 to the positioning terminal 10.

[0184] [Variation 1-11] In the above example, the weights of the workers or construction vehicles associated with the identification information of the positioning terminals are acquired to determine whether the combined weight is equal to or greater than the excessive weight determination threshold. However, if the weight can be measured directly using a weighing scale or the like installed in the excessive weight detection target area, the measured weight may be compared with the excessive weight determination threshold regardless of whether the worker has a positioning terminal. In this way, even if there are workers without positioning terminals or construction vehicles without positioning terminals installed, it is possible to determine whether a weight greater than the excessive weight determination threshold has occurred, i.e., whether a danger area should be set.

[0185] [Variation 1-12] In the above, the overload state was treated as a type of overcrowding state, but it is also possible to distinguish between the overload state and the overcrowded state. In this case, the overcrowding state may be determined based on the number of positioning devices present, regardless of weight. For example, when a very heavy construction vehicle is installed on a flimsy scaffolding, the number of positioning devices and the weight on the overload detection target area may not be proportional. In such a case, the number of positioning devices may not be considered overcrowded, but the total weight may indicate an overload state. Furthermore, in this case, because adding additional weight to the scaffolding could lead to an accident, it is desirable to set a danger area even if the number is not overcrowded. If the overload detection target area is crowded with light workers, the number of positioning devices may indicate an overcrowded state even if an overload state does not occur. In this case, if it is necessary to prevent collisions between workers, it is desirable to set a danger area regardless of the total weight. In other words, whether to use the number of positioning terminals or the weight on the overcrowded area, or both, may be changed at the instruction of an administrator, etc., depending on the situation in which the system should set a danger area.

[0186] [Variation 1-13] In the above description, all positioning devices that were present in the location where the danger area was set before the danger area was set were included in the stay permission group. However, even if a positioning device was present in the location before the danger area was set, some may be included in the stay permission group and some may not. For example, a manager who supervises workers or a construction vehicle that is difficult to move around may need to stay in the location before and after the danger area is set. However, a worker who is visiting the location where the danger area is set for temporary support from another location or a worker who happens to stop by the location may not need to stay there after the danger area is set. In such cases, the system may be controlled so that users or construction vehicles corresponding to positioning devices that are previously permitted to remain in the location where the danger area was set or in the candidate danger area are included in the stay permission group, while users or construction vehicles corresponding to other positioning devices are not included in the stay permission group (i.e., they are subject to an alert). This allows workers or construction vehicles that do not need to remain in the danger area to be prompted to leave the danger area.

[0187] [Variation 1-14] In the above example, a danger area is not set unless a predetermined condition is met, but is set only when a predetermined condition is met. However, this is not limiting. Generally, the degree of danger increases as the degree of overcrowding or overload increases. Therefore, the danger area may be expanded as the degree of overcrowding or overload increases. Furthermore, when overcrowding and overload are distinguished as in Modification Example 1-12, a situation in which both overcrowding and overload occur is considered more dangerous than a situation in which only one of the conditions occurs. Therefore, the size of the danger area when both overcrowding and overload conditions are met may be expanded compared to the size of the danger area when only one of the conditions is met. Similarly, control may be performed to issue a stronger alarm in more dangerous situations depending on the degree of overcrowding or overload, or whether both overcrowding and overload occur. The size of the danger area and the intensity of the alarm may both be changed, or either one may be changed. The intensity of the alarm may be changed, for example, as described in the following (further modifications of the embodiment).

[0188] [Variation 1-15] In the above example, the positioning terminal 10 issues an alarm based on an alarm issuing command. However, the positioning terminal 10 may receive information indicating that the positioning terminal 10 is entering a dangerous area (including both cases where the positioning terminal 10 has already entered and cases where the positioning terminal 10 is predicted to enter), and issue an alarm when the positioning terminal 10 receives the information. In this case, the positioning terminal 10 may be further controlled not to issue an alarm if the positioning terminal 10 itself is in a location where a dangerous area has been set before the dangerous area is set. Furthermore, if the positioning terminal 10 itself records information indicating whether it is permitted to remain in the dangerous area, the positioning terminal 10 may not issue an alarm if permitted, and may not issue an alarm if not permitted. In this case, the upper server 20 may not send an alarm issuing command, but may instead send information indicating that the positioning terminal 10 is entering a dangerous area.

[0189] [Variation 1-16] Although the above describes an example in which the host server 20 executes the processes according to the present disclosure, such as setting a dangerous area and determining approach to and entry into the dangerous area, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, instead of the host server 20, a representative positioning terminal 10 among the multiple positioning terminals 10 may receive positioning results from each of the positioning terminals 10 and execute the processes according to the present disclosure.

[0190] Furthermore, each positioning terminal 10 may execute processing related to the present disclosure, such as determining approach to and entry into a dangerous area. In this case, each positioning terminal 10 may, for example, share its own position with the upper server 20 or the like to acquire location information of dangerous areas present around itself, and perform processing such as determination based on this information.

[0191] <Effects> According to the first embodiment, in an area that is a candidate for setting (generating) a danger area, whether or not to set a danger area is switched depending on the number of position terminals of the positioning terminal 10 or the weight of moving bodies (for example, workers or construction vehicles associated with the positioning terminal 10). This allows a danger area to be set or canceled depending on the actual degree of danger, so that a danger area can be set appropriately in accordance with the actual situation (for example, overcrowding or overload).

[0192] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the RTK calculation is performed by the upper server rather than the positioning terminal, that is, the processor of the upper server measures (determines) the position of the positioning terminal using the RTK calculation described above. Note that the configurations of the warning system 1', positioning terminal 10', and upper server 20' according to the second embodiment are similar to the configurations of the warning system 1, positioning terminal 10, and upper server 20 according to the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0193] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an alarm system 1' according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 8, the alarm system 1' includes a positioning terminal 10', an upper server 20', a reference station data distribution server 30', and a monitor device 40. The alarm system 1' may also be called an information processing system or the like.

[0194] Unlike the first embodiment, the positioning terminal 10' does not perform RTK calculation to position the positioning terminal 10'. Therefore, the positioning terminal 10' does not need to receive correction data from the reference station data distribution server 30', and transmits positioning terminal positioning data generated based on satellite signals received from GNSS satellites to the host server 20'. If the positioning terminal 10' is equipped with a speed sensor and an acceleration sensor, the positioning terminal 10' may transmit the speed and acceleration from the speed sensor and the acceleration sensor to the host server 20'. The positioning terminal 10' is an example of a terminal, a first terminal, a second terminal, or an information processing device (corresponding to a representative positioning terminal 10' described later) according to the present disclosure.

[0195] The upper server 20' receives the positioning terminal positioning data transmitted from the positioning terminal 10' and receives correction data for performing RTK calculation to position the positioning terminal 10' from the reference station data distribution server 30'. The upper server 20' is an example of an information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0196] The host server 20' performs RTK calculations using the received positioning terminal positioning data and correction data to measure the position of the positioning terminal 10' (and in some cases, the speed and acceleration). Based on the set dangerous area, the positioning results, etc., the host server 20' determines whether the positioning terminal 10' carried by a worker or mounted on a construction vehicle has entered or approached the dangerous area (in other words, detects an alarm event). Note that the host server 20' may be equipped with some or all of the functions of the reference station data distribution server 30'. For example, the host server 20' may receive correction data generated by the reference station from the reference station without going through the reference station data distribution server 30'.

[0197] The reference station data distribution server 30' performs RTK calculations and transmits correction data for positioning the positioning terminal 10' to the upper server 20'.

[0198] <Configuration of positioning device> 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a positioning terminal 10′ according to embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 9, the positioning terminal 10′ includes a processor 101′, a storage unit 102′, an alarm unit 103, a GNSS receiver 104, a communication unit 105′, an output unit 106, and a bus 107.

[0199] As described above, the positioning terminal 10′ does not perform positioning using RTK calculation. Therefore, every time a satellite signal is received from a GNSS satellite, the processor 101′ generates positioning terminal positioning data based on the satellite signal and outputs the data to the storage unit 102′ and the communication unit 105′.

[0200] The storage unit 102' does not need to store the correction data from the reference station data distribution server 30'. The storage unit 102' stores the positioning terminal positioning data.

[0201] The communication unit 105' transmits the positioning terminal positioning data input from the processor 101' to the host server 20' every time a satellite signal is received from a GNSS satellite. The communication unit 105' may receive the positioning result of the positioning terminal 10' transmitted from the host server 20' and output the received positioning result to the storage unit 102'.

[0202] The processor 101', the storage unit 102', the alarm unit 103, the GNSS receiver 104, the communication unit 105', and the output unit 106 are connected to one another via a bus 107 so as to be able to communicate with one another.

[0203] <Configuration of upper server> 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upper server 20′ according to embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper server 20′ includes a processor 201′, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203′, and a bus 204.

[0204] Unlike the first embodiment, for example, every time the processor 201' receives positioning terminal positioning data from the positioning terminal 10', the processor 201' performs RTK calculation based on the positioning terminal positioning data and correction data received from the reference station data distribution server 30' to measure (determine) the position, speed, acceleration, and traveling direction of the positioning terminal 10'. The processor 201' outputs the positioning result thus measured to the communication unit 203' and the storage unit 202. The processor 201' predicts the entry time of the positioning terminal 10' into the dangerous area (i.e., the predicted time to arrive at the dangerous area) based on the positioning result and the set dangerous area.

[0205] The processor 201' automatically sets a danger area based on at least one of the positioning result of the positioning terminal 10', the overcrowding judgment distance, the number of devices to be judged as overcrowding, the overload detection target area, the total weight value, and the overload judgment threshold. Then, the processor 201' judges whether the positioning terminal 10' has entered or approached the danger area (detects an alarm event) based on the positioning result of the positioning terminal 10' and the position of the danger area, and further based on at least one of the predicted intrusion time threshold and the no-alarm distance threshold.

[0206] The processor 201' transmits the information of the set danger area, the positioning result of the positioning terminal 10', and the positioning terminal 10' to which the alarm issuance command is to be sent to the monitor device 40 via the communication unit 203' so as to display the information.

[0207] The communication unit 203' receives positioning terminal positioning data transmitted from the positioning terminal 10'. The communication unit 203' outputs the positioning terminal positioning data to the processor 201' and the storage unit 202. The communication unit 203' may transmit the positioning result to the positioning terminal 10'. The communication unit 203' also receives correction data transmitted from the reference station data distribution server 30'. The communication unit 203' outputs the correction data to the processor 201' and the storage unit 202.

[0208] The processor 201', the storage unit 202, and the communication unit 203' are connected to one another via a bus 204 so as to be able to communicate with one another.

[0209] <Alarm system operation> Next, an example of the operation of the alarm system 1' according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11, Figs. 12A to 12C, and Figs. 13A to 13C.

[0210] [Positioning device operation] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the positioning terminal 10' according to the second embodiment.

[0211] In step S1101, the GNSS receiver 104 receives a satellite signal transmitted from a GNSS satellite.

[0212] In step S1102, the processor 101' generates positioning terminal positioning data based on the satellite signals.

[0213] In step S1103, the communication unit 105' transmits the positioning terminal positioning data to the upper server 20'.

[0214] In step S1104, the processor 101' or the communication unit 105' determines whether or not the communication unit 105' has received an alarm issuing command (for example, within a predetermined time after transmitting the positioning terminal positioning data).

[0215] If the communication unit 105' receives an alarm issuing command (for example, within a predetermined time after transmitting the positioning terminal positioning data) (YES in step S1104), in step S1105, the alarm unit 103 issues an alarm in the format specified (determined) by the upper server 20' in accordance with the alarm issuing command. Then, the flow ends.

[0216] On the other hand, if the communication unit 105' does not receive an alarm issuing command (for example, within a predetermined time after transmitting the positioning terminal positioning data) (NO in step S1104), the flow ends.

[0217] Thereafter, the process of FIG. 11 is repeated.

[0218] [Upstream server operation] The processing relating to registration and setting by the upper server 20' is the same as the processing already explained using FIG. 5, and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted here.

[0219] 12A to 12C are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the host server 20' according to embodiment 2. In the following, assuming that all the positioning terminals 10' (positioning terminals 10'-1 to 10'-N) are present in the overcrowding detection target area, an example of the operation of the host server 20' will be described using the example of the positioning terminal 10' entering a dangerous area.

[0220] In step S1201, the communication unit 203′ receives the positioning terminal positioning data of the positioning terminals 10′-1 to 10′-N transmitted from each of the positioning terminals 10′ (in this example, N (N is an integer of 2 or more) positioning terminals 10′-1 to 10′-N).

[0221] In step S1202, the communication unit 203' receives the correction data transmitted from the reference station data distribution server 30'.

[0222] In step S1203, the processor 201′ performs RTK calculation using the positioning terminal positioning data and correction data to calculate the RTK solution and obtain the positioning result.

[0223] In step S1204, the processor 201′ sets the variable n to 1 (n=1).

[0224] In step S1205, the processor 201' determines whether the value set in the variable n is greater than N (determines whether n>N).

[0225] If the value set in the variable n is greater than N (YES in step S1205), the flow ends.

[0226] On the other hand, if the value set for variable n is not greater than N (NO in step S1205), the flow proceeds to step S1206. If step S1205 is executed after step S1204, n (=1)≦N (an integer of 2 or more), so the flow proceeds to step S1206.

[0227] In step S1206, the processor 201' checks whether a dangerous area n centered on the position (coordinates) of the positioning terminal 10'-n has already been set (stored in the storage unit 202).

[0228] If the result of the confirmation is that the dangerous area n has not yet been set (NO in step S1207), in step S1208, the processor 201' counts the number of other positioning terminals that exist within the overcrowding judgment distance from the position of the positioning terminal 10'-n based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10'-1 to 10'-N obtained in step S1203.

[0229] In step S1209, the processor 201' determines whether the counted number of other positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the number for determining overcrowding.

[0230] If the counted number of other positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the overcrowding determination number (YES in step S1209), in step S1210, the processor 201' determines to set a danger area and generates and sets a circular danger area n with the position of the positioning terminal 10'-n as its center and the overcrowding determination distance as its radius. Note that the danger area n is an example of a "specific area that includes the positions of multiple terminals and is set (or has been set) in accordance with the positions of the terminals" according to the present disclosure. In this way, by setting a danger area in an overcrowded state, the possibility of contact, collision, or accident can be reduced.

[0231] In step S1211, the processor 201′ stores all positioning terminals present in the dangerous area n as stay permitted group n in the storage unit 202 based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10′-1 to 10′-N obtained in step S1203 and the position of the dangerous area n. Then, the flow proceeds to step S1218.

[0232] On the other hand, if the counted number of other positioning terminals is not equal to or greater than the number for determining overcrowding (NO in step S1209), the flow proceeds to step S1218.

[0233] If it is determined in step S1206 that the dangerous area n has already been set (YES in step S1207), the flow proceeds to step S1212.

[0234] In step S1212, the processor 201' counts the number of positioned terminals present in the dangerous area n based on the positioning results of the positioned terminals 10'-1 to 10'-N obtained in step S1203.

[0235] In step S1213, the processor 201' determines whether the counted number of positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the number of terminals for determining overcrowding.

[0236] If the number of counted positioning terminals is equal to or greater than the overcrowding judgment number (YES in step S1213), in step S1214, the processor 201' checks whether any positioning terminals other than the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permitted group n are present in the danger area n based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10'-1 to 10'-N (excluding the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permitted group n) obtained in step S1203 and the location of the danger area n.

[0237] If the confirmation result indicates that positioning terminals other than those belonging to stay permitted group n are present within risk area n (YES in step S1215), then in step S1216, processor 201' issues an intrusion alarm issuing command to all positioning terminals present within risk area n other than those belonging to stay permitted group n. In response, communication unit 203' transmits the alarm issuing command to the positioning terminals. Then, the flow proceeds to step S1218.

[0238] On the other hand, if the confirmation result indicates that no positioning terminals other than those belonging to stay permitted group n exist in dangerous area n (NO in step S1215), the flow proceeds to step S1218.

[0239] In step S1213, if the counted number of positioning terminals is not equal to or greater than the overcrowding determination number (NO in step S1213), in step S1217, processor 201' decides to cancel the setting of danger area n and deletes the set danger area n (stored in memory unit 202). Processor 201' also deletes stay permitted group n. In this way, by canceling the setting of a danger area that is no longer in an overcrowded state (the possibility of contact, collision, or accident has decreased), it is possible to prevent excessive issuance of alarms. Next, the flow proceeds to step S1218.

[0240] After steps S1209 (if NO), S1211, S1215 (if NO), S1216, and S1217, in step S1218, the processor 201′ sets the variable n to n+1 (n=n+1). If the flow proceeds to step S1218 through the series of processes described above after step S1204, the processor 201′ sets the variable n to 2. Then, the flow proceeds to step S1205. Thereafter, the processes described above are repeated.

[0241] The confirmation in step S1214 above is performed so that the processor 201' can determine whether to issue an alert to a positioning terminal present in the risk area n, depending on whether the positioning terminal belongs to stay permission group n. Then, in step S1216, if the positioning terminal present in the risk area n does not belong to stay permission group n, the processor 201' determines to issue an alert to the positioning terminal, and if the positioning terminal present in the risk area n belongs to stay permission group n, the processor 201' determines not to issue an alert to the positioning terminal. In this way, by reducing the number of positioning terminals for which an alert is to be issued, it is possible to reduce the possibility of confusion caused by alerts being issued in many places in the risk area.

[0242] In this manner, the processes of FIGS. 12A to 12C are repeated.

[0243] Next, another example of the operation of the host server 20' will be described with reference to Figures 13A to 13C. Note that, below, an example of the operation of the host server 20' will be described using the intrusion of the positioning terminal 10' into a dangerous area as an example.

[0244] In step S1301, the communication unit 203′ receives the positioning terminal positioning data of the positioning terminals 10′-1 to 10′-N transmitted from each of the positioning terminals 10′ (in this example, N (N is an integer of 2 or more) positioning terminals 10′-1 to 10′-N).

[0245] In step S1302, the communication unit 203' receives the correction data transmitted from the reference station data distribution server 30'.

[0246] In step S1303, the processor 201′ performs RTK calculation using the positioning terminal positioning data and correction data to calculate the RTK solution and obtain the positioning result.

[0247] In step S1304, the processor 201′ sets the variable m to 1 (m=1).

[0248] In step S1305, the processor 201′ determines whether the value set in the variable m is greater than M (determines whether m>M). Here, the value M represents the number of overload detection target areas that have been set, and M is an integer equal to or greater than 1.

[0249] If the value set in the variable m is greater than M (YES in step S1305), the flow ends.

[0250] On the other hand, if the value set in variable m is not greater than M (NO in step S1305), the flow proceeds to step S1306. If step S1305 is executed after step S1304, m (=1)≦M (an integer equal to or greater than 1), so the flow proceeds to step S1306.

[0251] In step S1306, the processor 201' checks whether the dangerous area m has already been set (whether it has been stored in the storage unit 202).

[0252] If the check shows that the danger area m has not yet been set (NO in step S1307), in step S1308, the processor 201′ adds up the weights of the workers carrying positioning terminals and the construction vehicles equipped with positioning terminals that are present within the excessive load detection target area m, based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10′-1 to 10′-N obtained in step S1303 and the location of the excessive load detection target area m. The “worker carrying a positioning terminal that is present within the excessive load detection target area m” is an example of a “person associated with a terminal present within the area” according to the present disclosure. The “construction vehicle equipped with a positioning terminal that is present within the excessive load detection target area m” is an example of an “object associated with a terminal present within the area” according to the present disclosure.

[0253] In step S1309, the processor 201' determines whether the total weight is equal to or greater than the overweight determination threshold.

[0254] If the combined weight is equal to or greater than the overload determination threshold (YES in step S1309), in step S1310, the processor 201′ determines to set a danger area and sets the overload detection target area m as the danger area m. Note that the danger area m is an example of a "specific area that is set (or has been set) according to the locations of multiple terminals and that includes those locations" according to the present disclosure. In this way, by setting a danger area that is in an overload state (and therefore an overcrowded state), it is possible to reduce the possibility of contact, collision, or accident, and to further ensure the safety of work by workers when there is a weight limit.

[0255] Next, in step S1311, the processor 201′ stores all positioning terminals present in the dangerous area m as stay permitted group m in the storage unit 202 based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10′-1 to 10′-N obtained in step S1303 and the position of the dangerous area m. Next, the flow proceeds to step S1318.

[0256] On the other hand, if the total weight is not equal to or greater than the excess weight determination threshold (NO in step S1309), the flow proceeds to step S1318.

[0257] If it is determined in step S1306 that the dangerous area m has already been set (YES in step S1307), the flow proceeds to step S1312.

[0258] In step S1312, the processor 201' adds up the weights of the workers carrying positioning terminals and the construction vehicles equipped with positioning terminals that are present within the dangerous area m, based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10'-1 to 10'-N obtained in step S1303 and the position of the dangerous area m.

[0259] In step S1313, the processor 201' determines whether the total weight is equal to or greater than the overweight determination threshold.

[0260] If the combined weight is equal to or greater than the overload determination threshold (YES in step S1313), in step S1314, the processor 201' checks whether any positioning terminals other than the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permitted group m are present in the dangerous area m based on the positioning results of each of the positioning terminals 10'-1 to 10'-N (excluding the positioning terminals belonging to the stay permitted group m) obtained in step S1303 and the location of the dangerous area m.

[0261] If the confirmation result indicates that positioning terminals other than those belonging to stay permission group m are present within risk area m (YES in step S1315), then in step S1316, processor 201' issues an intrusion alarm issuing command to all positioning terminals present within risk area m other than those belonging to stay permission group m. In response, communication unit 203' transmits the alarm issuing command to the positioning terminals. Then, the flow proceeds to step S1318.

[0262] On the other hand, if the confirmation result indicates that no positioning terminals other than those belonging to stay permission group m exist in dangerous area m (NO in step S1315), the flow proceeds to step S1318.

[0263] In step S1313, if the total weight is not equal to or greater than the overload determination threshold (NO in step S1313), in step S1317, the processor 201' decides to cancel the setting of the dangerous area m, and deletes the set dangerous area m (stored in the memory unit 202). The processor 201' also deletes the stay permitted group m. In this way, by canceling the setting of a dangerous area that is no longer in an overloaded state (and therefore no longer in an overcrowded state) (the possibility of contact, collision, or accident has decreased), it is possible to prevent excessive issuance of alarms. Next, the flow proceeds to step S1318.

[0264] After steps S1309 (if NO), S1311, S1315 (if NO), S1316, and S1317, in step S1318, the processor 201' sets the variable m to m+1 (m=m+1). If the flow proceeds to step S1318 through the series of processes described above after step S1304, the processor 201' sets the variable m to 2. Then, the flow proceeds to step S1305. Thereafter, the above-described processes are repeated.

[0265] The check in step S1314 above is performed so that the processor 201' can determine whether to issue an alert to a positioning terminal present in the risk area m, depending on whether the positioning terminal belongs to stay permission group m. Then, in step S1316, if the positioning terminal present in the risk area m does not belong to stay permission group m, the processor 201' determines to issue an alert to the positioning terminal, and if the positioning terminal present in the risk area m belongs to stay permission group m, the processor 201' determines not to issue an alert to the positioning terminal. In this way, by reducing the number of positioning terminals for which an alert is to be issued, it is possible to reduce the possibility of confusion caused by alerts being issued in many places in the risk area.

[0266] In this manner, the processes of FIGS. 13A to 13C are repeated.

[0267] 12A to 12C and the process shown in Figures 13A to 13C may be executed independently, or may be executed in parallel (for example, as separate threads) or sequentially (when both an overcrowded detection target area and an overload detection target area are set). Alternatively, the process shown in Figures 12A to 12C may be incorporated into the process flow shown in Figures 13A to 13C, or the process shown in Figures 13A to 13C may be incorporated into the process flow shown in Figures 12A to 12C.

[0268] <Modification> [Variation 2-1] Modification 1-1 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0269] [Variation 2-2] Modification 1-2 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0270] [Variation 2-3] Modifications 1-3 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0271] [Variation 2-4] Modifications 1-4 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0272] [Variation 2-5] Modifications 1-5 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0273] [Variation 2-6] Modifications 1-6 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0274] [Variation 2-7] Modifications 1-7 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0275] [Variation 2-8] Modifications 1-8 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0276] [Variation 2-9] Modifications 1-9 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0277] [Variation 2-10] Modifications 1-10 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0278] [Variation 2-11] Modifications 1-11 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0279] [Variation 2-12] Modifications 1-12 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0280] [Variation 2-13] Modifications 1-13 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0281] [Variation 2-14] Modifications 1-14 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0282] [Variation 2-15] Modifications 1-15 of the first embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0283] [Variation 2-16] Although the above describes an example in which the host server 20' executes the processes according to the present disclosure, such as setting a dangerous area and determining approach and intrusion into the dangerous area, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, instead of the host server 20', a representative positioning terminal 10' among the multiple positioning terminals 10' may receive positioning terminal positioning data from each of the positioning terminals 10' and execute the processes according to the present disclosure.

[0284] <Effects> According to the second embodiment, in an area that is a candidate for setting (generating) a danger area, whether or not to set a danger area is switched depending on the number of position terminals of the positioning terminal 10' or the weight of moving objects (for example, workers or construction vehicles associated with the positioning terminal 10'). This makes it possible to set or cancel a danger area depending on the actual degree of danger, so that a danger area can be set appropriately in accordance with the actual situation (for example, overcrowding or overload).

[0285] Furthermore, according to embodiment 2, the RTK calculation for positioning the positioning terminal 10' is performed in the upper server 20' or the representative positioning terminal 10' rather than in the positioning terminal 10', thereby reducing the processing load on each individual positioning terminal 10'.

[0286] (Further Modification of the Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the positions of the positioning terminals 10 and 10' are calculated using RTK calculation. However, other positioning methods may be used. Examples of other positioning methods include a conventional GPS method that calculates the position of the positioning terminals 10 and 10' solely from signals from satellites, a differential GPS method that uses correction data different from RTK calculation, and a method that uses signals from beacons located in the vicinity without using signals from satellites. Furthermore, rather than using only a single positioning method, the positions of the positioning terminals 10 and 10' may be calculated using multiple positioning methods. For example, it may be possible to switch the method for calculating the positions of the positioning terminals 10 and 10' between an environment where satellite signals can be received well, such as outdoors, and an environment where the quality of satellite signals is likely to deteriorate, such as indoors. That is, in the above-described embodiment, it is sufficient that the positions of the positioning terminals 10 and 10' are calculated using some positioning method, and the type of positioning method used is not important. However, RTK calculation can calculate a position with higher accuracy than other positioning methods in an environment where high-quality signals can be received from satellites. Therefore, it is preferable to use RTK calculations in environments such as outdoor construction sites where there are few objects blocking signals from satellites and where position errors are likely to lead to accidents.

[0287] In the above-described embodiment, the intrusion alarm is issued by a buzzer or beep, but the intrusion alarm may be issued in other ways. For example, the intrusion alarm may be issued by other sounds, such as "You are approaching a dangerous area." The alarm does not have to be audio. If the positioning terminal 10, 10' is equipped with a light-emitting element such as an LED, the intrusion alarm may be issued by controlling the blinking or light intensity of the light-emitting element. If the positioning terminal 10, 10' is equipped with a vibrator, the intrusion alarm may be issued by controlling the frequency or intensity of vibration of the positioning terminal 10, 10'. The above-described intrusion alarms may also be combined. When issuing an alarm in a manner other than audio, the intensity of the alarm may be changed by increasing the light intensity or vibration intensity or shortening the alarm frequency.

[0288] In the above-described embodiment, approach to a dangerous area is determined based on the predicted intrusion time, but other methods may be used. For example, it may be determined that an approach has occurred if the current location is within the area. Similarly, it is not necessary to set a no-alarm distance threshold.

[0289] In the above-described embodiment, a worker and a construction vehicle at a work site have been described as an example, but the present disclosure may be applied to other environments in which an alarm needs to be issued for the movement of a person carrying a positioning terminal 10, 10' or a vehicle equipped with a positioning terminal 10, 10'. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to a firefighter and a fire engine in a firefighting activity, or a pedestrian and a car in an autonomous driving situation.

[0290] In the above-described embodiment, geofences are used to set danger areas at construction sites that are subject to warnings. However, the use of geofences is not necessarily limited to defining warning ranges. For example, geofences may be used on public roads or in commercial facilities to count the number of positioning devices that enter or pass through a geofence. In this way, information that can be used for traffic volume surveys or marketing can be collected. There are various known uses for geofences other than those listed above, and the technology of the above-described embodiment can be applied to the various known uses of geofences.

[0291] (Summary of the embodiment) An information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10, 10', upper server 20, 20') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit (processor 101, 101', 201, 201') that acquires the number of terminals (positioning terminals 10, 10') present within a predetermined area (danger area, area before the danger area is set) or the weight of moving objects (workers, construction vehicles) associated with the terminals present within the predetermined area, and a processing unit (processor 101, 101', 201, 201') that decides whether to generate a geofence (danger area) depending on whether at least one of the number of terminals and the weight of the moving objects exceeds a predetermined threshold (number of vehicles for determining overcrowding, overload determination threshold).

[0292] With the above configuration, whether or not to set a geofence is switched depending on the number of devices or the weight of moving objects in a candidate area for setting (generating) a geofence. This allows a geofence to be set or released depending on the actual level of danger, so that a geofence can be set appropriately according to the actual situation.

[0293] In this information processing device, the information processing device further includes a communication unit (communication unit 105, 105', 203, 203') that transmits a signal (alert issuance command) to a terminal located within the geofence to issue an alert to the terminal, and the processing unit determines to transmit a signal to issue an alert to a terminal that enters the geofence after generating the geofence.

[0294] With the above configuration, a signal to issue an alarm is sent to a terminal that enters an area where the risk of collisions, etc. has increased, so that the terminal (and therefore, for example, a worker associated with the terminal) can be notified of the increased risk.

[0295] In this information processing device, the processing unit decides not to issue the alert to terminals (positioning terminals 10, 10' belonging to the stay-permitted group) that were present within the area in which the geofence was set before the geofence was set.

[0296] The above configuration can prevent a sudden alarm from being issued to a device that was within the geofence before the geofence was set, thereby reducing the possibility of confusion for the device owner. Furthermore, by reducing the number of devices that are the target of issuing an alarm, the possibility of confusion for the device owner can be reduced.

[0297] In this information processing device, the processing unit decides not to issue the alert to terminals that have been present within the area in which the geofence is set before the geofence is set and that have been previously permitted to be within the area (positioning terminals 10, 10' that belong to a permitted stay group), and decides to issue the alert to terminals that are not permitted to be within the area.

[0298] With the above configuration, a signal to issue an alarm is transmitted to a terminal entering an area where the risk of collision or the like has increased, so that the terminal (and therefore, for example, a worker associated with the terminal) can be notified of the increased risk. Furthermore, since it is possible to avoid a sudden alarm being issued to a terminal that was within the set geofence before the geofence was set, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing confusion to the terminal owner. Furthermore, by reducing the number of terminals for which an alarm is issued, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing confusion to the terminal owner.

[0299] In this information processing device, the processing unit changes the intensity of the alert to be issued depending on the number of terminals present within the specified area or the weight of moving objects associated with terminals present within the specified area.

[0300] With the above configuration, for example, a stronger alarm can be issued in more dangerous cases, which increases the possibility of dealing with more dangerous situations, and also makes it easier for workers associated with the terminal to intuitively grasp the degree of danger.

[0301] In this information processing device, when the number of terminals present within the specified area exceeds a first threshold and the weight of a moving object associated with a terminal present within the specified area exceeds a second threshold, the processing unit decides to issue an alert with a stronger intensity than when either the number of the terminals or the weight of the moving object is equal to or less than the first threshold or the second threshold.

[0302] With the above configuration, for example, a stronger alarm can be issued in a more dangerous case where the situation is both overcrowded and overloaded than in a case where the situation is overcrowded or overloaded, thereby increasing the possibility of dealing with a more dangerous situation and making it easier for workers associated with the terminal to intuitively grasp the degree of danger.

[0303] In this information processing device, the processing unit changes the size of the geofence depending on the number of terminals present within the specified area or the weight of moving objects associated with terminals present within the specified area.

[0304] With the above configuration, for example, the geofence can be made wider in more dangerous cases, thereby increasing the possibility of dealing with more dangerous situations, for example.

[0305] In this information processing device, when the number of terminals present within the specified area exceeds a first threshold and the weight of the moving objects associated with the terminals present within the specified area exceeds a second threshold, the processing unit sets a wider geofence than when either the number of the terminals or the weight of the moving objects is equal to or less than the first threshold or the second threshold.

[0306] The above configuration may allow the geofence to be wider in more dangerous cases where the geofence is both overcrowded and overloaded than in cases where the geofence is overcrowded or overloaded, thereby increasing the likelihood that the geofence can be adapted to deal with more dangerous situations.

[0307] In this information processing device, after setting the geofence, the processing unit decides to cancel the setting of the geofence when the number of terminals or the weight of the moving body becomes equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0308] With the above configuration, the geofence setting is cancelled when an alarm is not necessary, thereby preventing unnecessary alarms from being issued when the possibility of danger is low.

[0309] In this information processing device, the acquisition unit acquires identification information of terminals located within the specified area, and acquires information on the weight of the moving body stored in association with the acquired identification information from information on the weight of the moving body stored in association with the identification information of each of the multiple terminals, thereby acquiring the weight of the moving body associated with the terminal located within the specified area.

[0310] The above configuration eliminates the need to directly measure the weight applied to a predetermined area.

[0311] In this information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10, upper server 20), the information processing device further includes a communication unit (communication units 105, 203) that receives, from the terminal (positioning terminal 10), the position of the terminal determined based on RTK (Real Time Kinematic) calculation.

[0312] The above configuration makes it possible to obtain the position of the terminal with high accuracy, and therefore, for example, to more accurately determine whether an intrusion into a geofence has occurred, which should trigger an alarm.

[0313] In this information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10', upper server 20'), the processing units (processors 101', 201') determine the position of the terminal (positioning terminal 10') based on RTK calculation.

[0314] The above configuration makes it possible to obtain the position of the terminal with high accuracy, and therefore, for example, to more accurately determine whether an intrusion into a geofence has occurred, which should trigger an alarm.

[0315] A terminal (positioning terminal 10, 10') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit (communication unit 105, 105') and an alarm unit (alarm unit 103), and the communication unit receives information indicating that the terminal has entered a geofence that is set based on the number of terminals (positioning terminals 10, 10') present within a specified area (dangerous area, area before the dangerous area was set) or the weight of a moving object (worker, construction vehicle) associated with a terminal present within the specified area, and the alarm unit issues an alarm when the information is received.

[0316] With the above configuration, whether or not to set a geofence is switched depending on the number of devices or the weight of moving objects in a candidate area for setting a geofence, and if a geofence is set, an alarm is issued in response to receiving information indicating that a device has entered the geofence. This allows a geofence to be set or released depending on the actual level of danger, making it possible to set a geofence appropriately according to the actual situation.

[0317] In this terminal, even if the terminal receives information indicating that it has entered the geofence, if the terminal has been present within the area in which the geofence is set before the geofence is set, the terminal does not issue the alarm.

[0318] With the above configuration, a terminal that has been within the set geofence before the geofence is set can avoid a sudden alarm, thereby reducing the possibility of confusion for the terminal owner.

[0319] In an information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10, 10', upper server 20, 20') acquires the number of terminals (positioning terminals 10, 10') present within a predetermined area (dangerous area, area before the dangerous area was set) or the weight of moving objects (workers, construction vehicles) associated with the terminals present within the predetermined area, and determines whether to generate a geofence (dangerous area) depending on whether at least one of the number of terminals and the weight of the moving objects exceeds a predetermined threshold (number of vehicles for determining overcrowding, overload determination threshold).

[0320] With the above configuration, whether or not to set a geofence is switched depending on the number of devices or the weight of moving objects in a candidate area for setting (generating) a geofence. This allows a geofence to be set or released depending on the actual level of danger, so that a geofence can be set appropriately according to the actual situation.

[0321] In an alarm method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal (positioning terminal 10, 10') receives information indicating that it has entered a geofence that is set based on the number of terminals (positioning terminals 10, 10') present within a specified area (dangerous area, area before the dangerous area is set) or the weight of a moving object (worker, construction vehicle) associated with the terminal present within the specified area, and issues an alarm when the information is received.

[0322] With the above configuration, whether or not to set a geofence is switched depending on the number of devices or the weight of moving objects in a candidate area for setting a geofence, and if a geofence is set, an alarm is issued in response to receiving information indicating that a device has entered the geofence. This allows a geofence to be set or released depending on the actual level of danger, making it possible to set a geofence appropriately according to the actual situation.

[0323] An information processing system (alarm system 1, 1') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a plurality of terminals (positioning terminals 10, 10'), acquires the number of terminals (positioning terminals 10, 10') present within a predetermined area (danger area, area before the danger area is set) or the weight of moving objects (workers, construction vehicles) associated with the terminals present within the predetermined area, and determines whether to generate a geofence (danger area) depending on whether at least one of the number of terminals and the weight of the moving objects exceeds a predetermined threshold (number of vehicles for determining overcrowding, overload determination threshold).

[0324] With the above configuration, whether or not to set a geofence is switched depending on the number of devices or the weight of moving objects in a candidate area for setting (generating) a geofence. This allows a geofence to be set or released depending on the actual level of danger, so that a geofence can be set appropriately according to the actual situation.

[0325] An information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10, 10', upper server 20, 20') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a processing unit (processor 101, 101', 201, 201') that sets a specific area (danger area) that includes the locations of multiple terminals according to the locations of the terminals, and determines whether to issue an alert to a terminal (positioning terminal 10, 10') that is present within the specific area, and a communication unit (communication unit 105, 105', 203, 203') that, when it is determined that an alert should be issued to the terminal, transmits a signal (alert issuance command) to the terminal to issue the alert to the terminal.

[0326] With the above configuration, a specific area that includes the locations of multiple terminals is set according to the locations of the multiple terminals, and it is determined whether or not to issue an alert to terminals located within the specific area. If it is determined that an alert should be issued to the terminals, a signal for issuing an alert is provided to the terminal. As a result, an alert is issued to terminals located within the specific area set according to the locations of the multiple terminals, and it is possible to appropriately issue an alert to the terminals taking into account factors other than distance (the locations of the multiple terminals).

[0327] In the information processing device, the processing unit determines to set the specific area when the number of terminals present in the specific area is equal to or greater than a first threshold (number of terminals for determining overcrowding).

[0328] With the above configuration, by setting a specific area where the number of terminals present is equal to or greater than the first threshold (in an overcrowded state), it is possible to reduce the possibility of contact, collision, or accident.

[0329] In this information processing device, the processing unit determines not to issue an alert to terminals whose number is equal to or greater than the threshold value when it is determined to set the specific area.

[0330] The above configuration reduces the number of terminals that are the targets of issuing an alarm, thereby reducing the possibility of confusion caused by alarms being issued in many locations within a specific area.

[0331] In this information processing device, after setting the specific area, if the number of terminals present in the specific area is less than the first threshold, the processing unit decides to cancel the setting of the specific area.

[0332] With the above configuration, excessive alarms can be prevented by canceling the setting of a specific area where there are fewer terminals than the first threshold (no longer overcrowded; the possibility of contact, collision, or accident is reduced).

[0333] In this information processing device, the processing unit decides to set the specific area when the total weight of people or objects associated with each of all terminals present within the specific area is greater than or equal to a second threshold (excessive weight determination threshold).

[0334] With the above configuration, the possibility of contact, collision, or accident can be reduced by setting up a specific area where people / objects (and therefore associated terminals) with a combined weight greater than or equal to the second threshold are present (are overcrowded).

[0335] In this information processing device, the processing unit determines that an alarm should not be issued to any terminals present within the specific area when it is determined to set the specific area.

[0336] The above configuration reduces the number of terminals that are the targets of issuing an alarm, thereby reducing the possibility of confusion caused by alarms being issued in many locations within a specific area.

[0337] In this information processing device, after setting the specific area, the processing unit decides to cancel the setting of the specific area if the total weight of people or objects associated with each of all terminals present within the specific area is less than the second threshold value.

[0338] With the above configuration, excessive alarms can be prevented by canceling the setting of a specific area where there are people / objects (and therefore associated terminals) whose combined weight is less than the second threshold (no longer overcrowded; the possibility of contact, collision, or accident is reduced).

[0339] In this information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10, upper server 20), the communication unit (communication units 105, 203) receives from the terminal (positioning terminal 10) the position of the terminal determined based on RTK (Real Time Kinematic) calculation.

[0340] With the above configuration, the position of the terminal can be obtained with high accuracy, and therefore it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not a particular area has been invaded, for which an alarm should be issued.

[0341] In this information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10', upper server 20'), the processing units (processors 101', 201') determine the position of the terminal (positioning terminal 10') based on RTK calculation.

[0342] With the above configuration, the position of the terminal can be obtained with high accuracy, and therefore it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not a particular area has been invaded, for which an alarm should be issued.

[0343] A terminal (positioning terminal 10, 10') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit (communication unit 105, 105') and an alarm unit (alarm unit 103), and when an information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10, 10', upper server 20, 20') determines that an alarm should be issued to the terminals located within a specific area (danger area) that includes the positions set according to the positions of multiple terminals, the communication unit receives a signal (alarm issuance command) from the information processing device to issue the alarm to the terminals, and the alarm unit issues the alarm in accordance with the signal.

[0344] With the above configuration, when it is determined that an alert should be issued to a terminal located within a specific area that includes the location of the multiple terminals, a signal for issuing an alert is provided to the terminal. As a result, an alert is issued to terminals located within the area that is set according to the locations of the multiple terminals, and therefore an appropriate alert can be issued to the terminals taking into consideration factors other than distance (the locations of the multiple terminals).

[0345] In this terminal, the communication unit transmits the position of the terminal determined based on RTK (Real Time Kinematic) calculation to the information processing device, and receives the signal from the information processing device when the information processing device determines to have the terminal issue the alert based on the position of the terminal.

[0346] With the above configuration, the position of the terminal can be obtained with high accuracy, and therefore it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not a particular area has been invaded, for which an alarm should be issued.

[0347] In an information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10, 10', upper server 20, 20') sets a specific area (danger area) that includes the locations of multiple terminals according to their positions, determines whether to issue an alert to terminals (positioning terminals 10, 10') that are present within the specific area, and if it is determined that an alert should be issued to the terminals, transmits a signal (alert issuance command) to the terminals to cause the terminals to issue the alert.

[0348] With the above configuration, a specific area that includes the locations of multiple terminals is set according to the locations of the multiple terminals, and it is determined whether or not to issue an alert to terminals located within the specific area. If it is determined that an alert should be issued to the terminals, a signal for issuing an alert is provided to the terminal. As a result, an alert is issued to terminals located within the specific area set according to the locations of the multiple terminals, and it is possible to appropriately issue an alert to the terminals taking into account factors other than distance (the locations of the multiple terminals).

[0349] In one embodiment of the warning method of the present disclosure, when an information processing device (representative positioning terminal 10, 10', upper server 20, 20') determines that a terminal (positioning terminal 10, 10') should issue a warning to terminals that are located within a specific area (danger area) that includes the positions set according to the positions of multiple terminals, the information processing device receives a signal (warning issuance command) from the information processing device to issue the warning to the terminal, and issues the warning in accordance with the signal.

[0350] With the above configuration, when it is determined that an alert should be issued to a terminal located within a specific area that is set according to the locations of the multiple terminals and that includes the location, a signal for issuing an alert is provided to the terminal. As a result, an alert is issued to terminals located within the specific area that is set according to the locations of the multiple terminals, and therefore an appropriate alert can be issued to the terminals taking into account factors other than distance (the locations of the multiple terminals).

[0351] An alarm system (alarm system 1, 1') according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a first terminal (positioning terminal 10, 10') and a second terminal (positioning terminal 10, 10'), and the alarm system sets a specific area (danger area) that includes the locations of multiple terminals according to the locations, and determines whether to issue an alarm to the first terminal and the second terminal that are present within the specific area, and the first terminal issues the alarm according to the decision, and the second terminal issues or does not issue the alarm according to the decision.

[0352] With the above configuration, a specific area that includes the locations of multiple terminals is set according to the locations of the multiple terminals, and a decision is made as to whether to issue an alert to the first terminal and the second terminal that are present within the specific area. Then, according to the decision, the first terminal issues an alert, and the second terminal issues or does not issue an alert. As a result, an alert is issued to at least the first terminal that is present within the specific area set according to the locations of the multiple terminals, and it is possible to appropriately issue an alert to the terminals taking into account factors other than distance (the locations of the multiple terminals).

[0353] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... assembly," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0354] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0355] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software linked to hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0356] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0357] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility.

[0358] The present disclosure may be implemented in any type of apparatus, device, or system with communications capabilities (collectively referred to as communications apparatus), including, but not limited to, telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones, etc.), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, notebooks, etc.), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (e.g., digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, communications-enabled vehicles or mobile transportation (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above.

[0359] Communications equipment is not limited to portable or mobile equipment, but also includes non-portable or fixed equipment, devices, and systems of any kind, such as smart home devices (such as appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or metering devices, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0360] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communications satellite systems, etc., as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0361] A communications apparatus also includes devices such as controllers and sensors connected or coupled to a communications device that performs the communications functions described in this disclosure, such as controllers and sensors that generate control and data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0362] The communication apparatus also includes infrastructure facilities, such as base stations, access points, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls the various apparatuses listed above, but are not limited to these. [Industrial Applicability]

[0363] The present disclosure is useful for geofence technology that sets an area surrounded by a virtual boundary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0364] 1,1' Alarm System 10,10' Positioning terminal 20,20' Upper server 30,30' Reference Station Data Distribution Server 40 Monitor Devices 101,101',201,201' processors 102,102',202 Storage section 103 Alarm section 104 GNSS receiver 105,105',203,203' Communications Department 106 Output section 107,204 buses

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires the number of terminals present within a predetermined area or the weight of a moving object associated with a terminal present within the predetermined area; A processing unit that determines whether to generate a geofence depending on whether at least one of the number of the terminals and the weight of the moving object exceeds a predetermined threshold; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device further includes a communication unit that transmits a signal to a terminal that is present within the geofence to issue an alarm to the terminal, The processing unit determines to transmit a signal to issue the alert to a terminal that enters the geofence after generating the geofence. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processing unit determines not to issue the alert to a terminal that has been present within the area in which the geofence is set before the geofence is set. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The processing unit determines not to issue the alert to terminals that have been present within the area in which the geofence is set before the geofence is set and that have been permitted to stay within the area in advance, and determines to issue the alert to terminals that are not permitted to stay within the area. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. the processing unit changes the intensity of the issued warning depending on the number of terminals present within the predetermined area or the weight of a moving object associated with a terminal present within the predetermined area. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. When the number of terminals present within the specified area exceeds a first threshold and the weight of a moving object associated with the terminal present within the specified area exceeds a second threshold, the processing unit determines to issue an alert with a stronger intensity than when either the number of the terminals or the weight of the moving object is equal to or less than the first threshold or the second threshold. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

7. The processing unit changes the width of the geofence depending on the number of terminals present within the predetermined area or the weight of a moving object associated with a terminal present within the predetermined area. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. When the number of terminals present within the predetermined area exceeds a first threshold and the weight of a moving object associated with the terminal present within the predetermined area exceeds a second threshold, the processing unit sets a wider geofence than when either the number of the terminals or the weight of the moving object is equal to or less than the first threshold or the second threshold. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The processing unit determines to cancel the setting of the geofence when the number of the terminals or the weight of the moving object becomes equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value after setting the geofence. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The acquisition unit Acquire identification information of terminals present within the predetermined area; acquiring weight information of the moving body stored in association with the acquired identification information from information of the moving body weight stored in association with the identification information of each of the plurality of terminals, thereby acquiring weight information of the moving body associated with the terminal present within the predetermined area; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The information processing device further includes a communication unit that receives, from the terminal, a position of the terminal determined based on an RTK (Real Time Kinematic) calculation. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit determines the location of the terminal based on an RTK calculation.

13. A terminal including a communication unit and an alarm unit, the communication unit receives information indicating that the communication unit has entered a geofence that is set based on the number of terminals present within a predetermined area or the weight of a moving object associated with a terminal present within the predetermined area; The alarm unit issues an alarm when the information is received. Terminal.

14. The terminal Even if the device receives information indicating that the device has entered the geofence, the device does not issue the alarm if the device has been in the area in which the geofence was set before the geofence was set. The terminal according to claim 13.

15. The information processing device Acquire the number of terminals present within a predetermined area or the weight of a moving object associated with the terminal present within the predetermined area; determining whether to generate a geofence depending on whether at least one of the number of the terminals and the weight of the moving object exceeds a predetermined threshold; Information processing methods.

16. The device is Receive information indicating that the device has entered a geofence that is set based on the number of terminals present within a predetermined area or the weight of a moving object associated with the terminal present within the predetermined area; issuing an alert if said information is received; Alarm method.

17. An information processing system having a plurality of terminals, The information processing system includes: Acquire the number of terminals present within a predetermined area or the weight of a moving object associated with the terminal present within the predetermined area; determining whether to generate a geofence depending on whether at least one of the number of the terminals and the weight of the moving object exceeds a predetermined threshold; Information processing system.

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