Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To prevent a sensor from omitting detection.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 10 includes: a memory unit 14 which can store multiple sensor values having a first value or a second value; a receiving unit 11 which receives the sensor values; a storage unit 12 which (a) acquires a plurality of first sensor values having a first value of the sensor values received by the receiving unit 11 and stores, in the memory unit 14, N first sensor values (N is an integer of 1 or greater and smaller than M) for every M first sensor values (M is an integer of 2 or greater) in the order of reception time of the multiple first sensor values, and (b) acquires a plurality of second sensor values having a second value of the sensor values received by the receiving unit 11 and stores, in the memory unit 14, N second sensor values for every M second sensor values in the order of reception time of the multiple second sensor values; and an output unit 15 which outputs the sensor values stored in the memory unit 14. The storage unit 12 stores, in the memory unit 12, the first sensor values and the second sensor values received by the receiving unit 11 in a target period, as one piece of data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology in which a sensor repeatedly detects a physical quantity and transmits the acquired sensor values ​​to a server, which then receives and stores the sensor values. If the number of sensor values ​​transmitted from the sensor to the server per unit time exceeds the server's processing capacity, the server may not be able to process all of the sensor values ​​transmitted from the sensor. Sensor values ​​that the server cannot process are not stored in the server; in other words, they are discarded.

[0003] In order to prevent data such as sensor values ​​from being discarded in this way, there is a technique for thinning out some of the data such as sensor values ​​in advance.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for thinning out audio data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-033684 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When applying a technology for thinning out part of data such as sensor values ​​transmitted from a sensor to a server (see, for example, Patent Document 1), sensor values ​​having characteristic values ​​may be thinned out depending on the processing power of the information processing device, etc. In such cases, a phenomenon that could be detected by the sensor values ​​may not be detected, that is, a detection failure may occur.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and has an object to provide an information processing device or the like that suppresses detection omissions by a sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a memory unit capable of storing a plurality of sensor values ​​having either a first value or a second value; a receiving unit that receives a plurality of the sensor values ​​output by a sensor; a storage unit that (a) acquires a plurality of first sensor values ​​having the first value from the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit, and stores N (N is an integer of 1 or more and smaller than M) first sensor values ​​every M (M is an integer of 2 or more) of the plurality of first sensor values ​​in order of reception time in the memory unit; and (b) acquires a plurality of second sensor values ​​having the second value from the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit, and stores N second sensor values ​​every M of the plurality of second sensor values ​​in order of reception time in the memory unit; and an output unit that outputs the plurality of sensor values ​​stored in the memory unit, and when storing the first sensor values ​​and the second sensor values ​​in the memory unit, the storage unit collectively stores the first sensor values ​​and the second sensor values ​​included in the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit during a target period having a predetermined time length in the memory unit as a single piece of data.

[0009] According to this, when storing some of the received sensor values ​​in the storage unit, the information processing device stores sensor values ​​having a first value in the storage unit at a ratio of N per M sensor values ​​and sensor values ​​having a second value in the storage unit at a ratio of N per M sensor values. This allows the composition ratio of the first and second values ​​in the sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit to roughly match the composition ratio of the first and second values ​​in the sensor values ​​detected by the sensor. This prevents the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit from differing from the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​detected by the sensor, contributing to obtaining appropriate detection results. Furthermore, because the information processing device collectively stores multiple sensor values ​​as data in the storage unit, the time required for storage can be shortened compared to when the sensor values ​​are stored individually in the storage unit. In other words, by shortening the time required for storage, the information processing device can store more sensor values ​​in the storage unit within a given time. This allows the information processing device to reduce missed detections by the sensor.

[0010] In addition, the storage unit may determine an upper limit on the number of the first sensor values ​​and an upper limit on the number of the second sensor values ​​based on a predetermined number, which is the number of sensor values ​​to be stored in the memory unit, and a predetermined ratio, which is the predetermined ratio of the number of the first sensor values ​​and the second sensor values, and discard sensor values ​​that exceed each of the upper limits.

[0011] According to this, the information processing device discards sensor values ​​that exceed the upper limit of the number of first sensor values ​​and the upper limit of the number of second sensor values, which contributes to more easily storing an appropriate number of first sensor values ​​and second sensor values ​​in the storage unit. Thus, the information processing device can store more sensor values ​​in the storage unit while suppressing missed detections by the sensors.

[0012] In addition, when storing the first sensor value and the second sensor value in the memory unit, if the number of sensor values ​​included in the one data set is less than the specified number, the storage unit may add the sensor value received by the receiving unit after the target period to the one data set, and then store the first sensor value and the second sensor value in the memory unit.

[0013] This allows the information processing device to keep the number of sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit as a single piece of data close to a predetermined number. This makes the number of sensor values ​​included in a single piece of data approximately uniform, making it easier to handle the sensor values ​​and further contributing to reducing missed detections. Therefore, the information processing device can further reduce missed detections by the sensor.

[0014] The predetermined number may be a numerical value obtained by multiplying the number of sensor values ​​written to the storage unit per unit time by the length of time during which the receiving unit has been receiving the sensor values.

[0015] According to this, the information processing device stores the sensor values ​​as data in the storage unit collectively at a relatively fast speed that does not exceed the speed at which the sensor values ​​are stored in the storage unit, thereby making it possible to prevent failures in attempts to store the sensor values ​​in the storage unit and, as a result, to prevent sensor values ​​from being not stored in the storage unit. Thus, by adjusting the speed at which the sensor values ​​are stored in the storage unit, the information processing device can prevent detection failures by the sensor and store more sensor values ​​in the storage unit.

[0016] Furthermore, when adding the sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit after the target period to the one data, the storage unit may add to the one data one or more subsequent sensor values, which are one or more sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit after the target period, such that adding the subsequent sensor values ​​to the one data will cause the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​included in the one data to approach the specified ratio.

[0017] According to this, the information processing device can make the component ratio of the first value and the second value in the sensor value stored in the storage unit approximately equal to a predetermined ratio. This prevents the sensor value stored in the storage unit from having a component ratio different from the predetermined ratio, contributing to obtaining appropriate detection results. Therefore, the information processing device can prevent detection failures by the sensor.

[0018] In addition, the receiving unit may receive a plurality of learning sensor values, which are a plurality of sensor values, before receiving the plurality of sensor values, and the storage unit may calculate a composition ratio of the first sensor value and the second sensor value in the plurality of learning sensor values, and add the subsequent sensor value to the one data by using the calculated composition ratio as the predetermined ratio.

[0019] According to this, by using the composition ratio of the first value and the second value in the learning sensor value as a predetermined ratio, the information processing device can make the composition ratio of the first value and the second value in the sensor value stored in the memory unit approximately match the composition ratio of the first value and the second value in the learning sensor value. This prevents the sensor value stored in the memory unit from having a composition ratio different from the composition ratio of the learning sensor value, contributing to obtaining appropriate detection results. Therefore, the information processing device can prevent detection failures by the sensor.

[0020] Alternatively, M may be 2 and N may be 1.

[0021] According to this, when storing some of the received sensor values ​​in the storage unit, the information processing device stores every other sensor value having a first value in the storage unit and every other sensor value having a second value in the storage unit, thereby easily making the composition ratio of the first values ​​and the second values ​​in the sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit roughly match the composition ratio of the first values ​​and the second values ​​in the sensor values ​​detected by the sensor. Thus, the information processing device can more easily suppress detection omissions by the sensor.

[0022] Furthermore, an information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing device, the information processing device including a memory unit capable of storing a plurality of sensor values ​​having either a first value or a second value, the information processing method receiving a plurality of the sensor values ​​output by a sensor, acquiring a plurality of first sensor values ​​having the first value from the received plurality of sensor values, storing N (N is an integer of 1 or more and smaller than M) first sensor values ​​for every M (M is an integer of 2 or more) of the plurality of first sensor values ​​in order of reception time in the memory unit, acquiring a plurality of second sensor values ​​having the second value from the received plurality of sensor values, storing N second sensor values ​​for every M of the plurality of second sensor values ​​in order of reception time in the memory unit, outputting the plurality of sensor values ​​stored in the memory unit, and when storing the first sensor values ​​and the second sensor values ​​in the memory unit, the first sensor values ​​and the second sensor values ​​included in the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit during a target period having a predetermined time length are collectively stored in the memory unit as a single piece of data.

[0023] This provides the same effects as the information processing device described above.

[0024] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method.

[0025] This provides the same effects as the information processing device described above.

[0026] The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus, but also as a method in which the processing means constituting the apparatus are steps, as a program that causes a computer to execute those steps, as a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded, or as information, data, or signals that represent the program.These programs, information, data, and signals may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, the information processing device can suppress detection failures by the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of sensor values ​​and data according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the phases of processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing included in the learning phase according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing included in the reception phase according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing included in the adjustment phase according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first specific example of processing of sensor values ​​according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second specific example of processing of sensor values ​​according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third specific example of processing of sensor values ​​according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] The embodiments described below each illustrate a preferred specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components that constitute a more preferred embodiment. Note that the same components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0031] (Embodiment) In this embodiment, an information processing device or the like that suppresses missed detection by a sensor will be described.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of sensor values ​​and data according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the information processing device 10 and the flow of sensor values ​​and data will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0033] 1, information processing device 10 includes a receiving unit 11, a storage unit 12, a buffer unit 13, a memory unit 14, and an output unit 15. Information processing device 10 is communicatively connected to a sensor 5 and receives a sensor value from the sensor 5. Communication between information processing device 10 and sensor 5 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0034] The sensor 5 detects a predetermined physical quantity, generates a sensor value reflecting the detected physical quantity, and transmits the sensor value. The sensor 5 repeatedly detects the predetermined physical quantity, and generates sensor values ​​31, 32, and 33 (also referred to as sensor value 31, etc., see FIG. 2) for each detection. The sensor 5 also transmits the generated sensor values ​​31, etc. to the information processing device 10 in sequence.

[0035] The timing at which the sensor 5 performs detection may be at predetermined fixed time intervals (for example, about 0.1 seconds to several seconds), or may be when some event occurs, or when some condition is satisfied.

[0036] The sensor value generated by the sensor 5 has one of two values ​​(also referred to as a first value and a second value). The first value and the second value may be expressed in any manner (in other words, the specific value may be expressed in any manner), and will be described as an example where they are expressed as an on value and an off value. As another manner of expressing the first value and the second value, they may be expressed as 0 and 1.

[0037] The sensor 5 is, for example, a sensor that detects the received signal strength (RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)) of radio waves output by a wireless communication device. The received signal strength generally has a continuous value. In this case, the sensor 5 outputs a sensor value that indicates whether the radio waves output by the wireless communication device can be received with the quality required for communication. More specifically, the sensor 5 receives radio waves output by the wireless communication device, and outputs a sensor value having a first value if the received signal strength of the received radio waves is greater than a threshold, and outputs a sensor value having a second value if the received signal strength of the received radio waves is equal to or less than the threshold.

[0038] The physical quantity detected by the sensor 5 may be temperature, humidity, or the like in addition to the above.

[0039] The receiving unit 11 is a communication interface that is communicably connected to the sensor 5. The receiving unit 11 sequentially receives the sensor values ​​31 and the like output by the sensor 5.

[0040] The storage unit 12 stores the sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 from the sensor 5 in the memory unit 14. The storage unit 12 can be realized by a processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) (not shown) included in the information processing device 10 executing a predetermined program.

[0041] Specifically, the storage unit 12 sequentially acquires the sensor values ​​31 etc. received by the receiving unit 11 from the sensor 5, and stores the acquired sensor values ​​31 etc. in the buffer unit 13 sequentially each time they are acquired.

[0042] The storage unit 12 acquires a plurality of first sensor values ​​having a first value from the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit 11, and stores N first sensor values ​​out of the plurality of first sensor values, every M values, in the buffer unit 13 in order of reception time. The storage unit 12 discards the first sensor values ​​out of the plurality of first sensor values ​​except for the first sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13. The storage unit 12 also acquires a plurality of second sensor values ​​having a second value from the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit 11, and stores N second sensor values ​​out of the plurality of second sensor values, every M values, in order of reception time, in the buffer unit 13. The storage unit 12 discards the second sensor values ​​out of the plurality of second sensor values ​​except for the second sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13. Here, M is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and N is an integer equal to or greater than M.

[0043] For example, M is 2 and N is 1. In this case, the storage unit 12 stores in the buffer unit 13 one out of every two first sensor values ​​in order of reception time, that is, every other first sensor value in order of reception time. The storage unit 12 discards the first sensor values ​​other than the first sensor value stored in the buffer unit 13. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores in the buffer unit 13 one out of every two second sensor values ​​in order of reception time, that is, every other second sensor value in order of reception time. The storage unit 12 discards the second sensor values ​​other than the second sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13.

[0044] Note that M and N are not limited to the above values, and may be, for example, M=3 and N=1. In this case, the storage unit 12 stores one out of every three first sensor values ​​in the order of reception time among the first sensor values, that is, one out of every three first sensor values, in the buffer unit 13, and discards the remaining two first sensor values. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores one out of every three second sensor values ​​in the order of reception time among the second sensor values ​​in the buffer unit 13, and discards the remaining two second sensor values. The same explanation applies when M and N take other values.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a case where sensor values ​​31 and 32 are stored in the buffer unit 13 as part of a plurality of sensor values ​​31 and the like.

[0046] Thereafter, the storage unit 12 collectively stores the first sensor values ​​and second sensor values ​​that are included in the plurality of sensor values ​​31 received by the receiving unit 11 during a period having a predetermined time length (also referred to as a target period) and that are stored in the buffer unit 13, in the memory unit 14 as one piece of data 35. In this way, by temporarily storing the first sensor values ​​and second sensor values ​​in the buffer unit 13 and then collectively storing a predetermined number of the values ​​in the memory unit 14, the frequency of access to the memory unit 14 can be reduced, thereby increasing the processing speed.

[0047] Here, when the storage unit 12 stores the first sensor value and the second sensor value as data 35 in the memory unit 14, if the number of sensor values ​​included in the data 35 is less than a predetermined number, the storage unit 12 adds the sensor value (also called the subsequent sensor value) received by the receiving unit 11 after the target period to the data 35.

[0048] The predetermined number may be a numerical value obtained by multiplying the number of sensor values ​​that can be written to the storage unit 14 per unit time by the length of the target period (in other words, the length of time during which the receiving unit 11 has been receiving sensor values). For example, if the unit time is 1 second, and the number of sensor values ​​that can be written to the storage unit 14 per unit time is 10, and the target period is 0.5 seconds, the predetermined number is 5. Note that a numerical value smaller than the above may also be used as the predetermined number. The predetermined number may be calculated by the storage unit 12.

[0049] When adding a sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 after the target period to the data 35, the storage unit 12 can add to the data 35 a subsequent sensor value, among one or more subsequent sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit 11 after the target period, such that when the subsequent sensor value is added to the data 35, the constituent ratio of the first sensor value and the second sensor value to be included in the data 35 approaches a predetermined ratio. The storage unit 12 can use, as the predetermined ratio, the constituent ratio of the multiple sensor values ​​(also referred to as learning sensor values) received in a learning phase (described later). The constituent ratio is the ratio between the first sensor value and the second sensor value.

[0050] The buffer unit 13 is a storage area in which the plurality of sensor values ​​31 received by the receiving unit 11 from the sensor 5 are temporarily stored. The buffer unit 13 is a storage area provided on a storage device (for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory)) in which information is recorded at a relatively high speed. In other words, the speed at which information is recorded in the buffer unit 13 is faster than the speed at which information is recorded in the storage unit 14.

[0051] The storage unit 12 stores the plurality of sensor values ​​31 etc. received by the receiving unit 11 from the sensor 5 in the buffer unit 13. After that, some of the plurality of sensor values ​​31 etc. stored in the buffer unit 13 are retained, and the remaining ones are discarded and then read out.

[0052] The memory unit 14 is a storage area in which a predetermined portion of the plurality of sensor values ​​31, etc. received by the receiver 11 from the sensor 5 is stored as data 35 after an adjustment phase (described later). The memory unit 14 is a storage area provided on a storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD)). In other words, the speed at which information is recorded in the memory unit 14 is slower than the speed at which information is recorded in the buffer unit 13. The data 35 including the plurality of sensor values ​​31, etc. received by the receiver 11 from the sensor 5 is stored in the memory unit 14 by the storage unit 12 and is then read out.

[0053] For example, data 35 including sensor value 31 and the like is stored in memory 14 by storage unit 12. Data 35A and 35B including other sensor values ​​that are generated in the same manner as data 35 may also be stored in memory 14.

[0054] The output unit 15 outputs the data 35 (i.e., the plurality of sensor values ​​31, etc.) stored in the memory unit 14 by the storage unit 12. The output unit 15 may output the data 35, for example, by transmitting the data 35 to another device via a communication line. The output unit 15 may also output the data 35, for example, by displaying the data 35 on a display screen (not shown), or by outputting the data 35 as audio from a speaker (not shown).

[0055] The processing of the information processing device 10 will be described below.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the phases of processing of information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 10 executes a process in a learning phase (step S1), and then repeatedly executes a process in a reception phase (step S2) and an adjustment phase (step S3).

[0058] The learning phase is a processing phase in which the information processing device 10 acquires, before executing the reception phase, the composition ratio (also simply referred to as the composition ratio) of the on values ​​and off values ​​of the sensor values ​​expected to be acquired in the reception phase, and the number of sensor values ​​that can be written to the memory unit 14 per unit time.

[0059] The reception phase is a processing phase in which the information processing device 10 receives the sensor value generated by the sensor 5 detecting a physical quantity.

[0060] The adjustment phase is a processing phase in which the information processing device 10 adjusts the number of sensor values ​​to be stored in the storage unit 14 in accordance with the sensor values ​​received in the reception phase, and then stores the sensor values ​​in the storage unit 14.

[0061] It should be noted that while the processing of the reception phase or adjustment phase is being executed, the execution of that processing may be stopped and the processing of the learning phase may be executed.

[0062] The processes included in each processing phase will be explained below.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing included in the learning phase (step S1 in FIG. 3) according to this embodiment.

[0064] In step S101, the receiving unit 11 receives the sensor value output by the sensor 5. The sensor value received here is also referred to as a learning sensor value. In this step, the receiving unit 11 receives the sensor value output by the sensor 5 for a period (also referred to as a learning period) having a predetermined time length (for example, 10 seconds).

[0065] In step S102, the storage unit 12 calculates the number of received learning sensor values ​​per unit time by dividing the number of received learning sensor values ​​received in the learning period by the length of the learning period.

[0066] In step S103, the storage unit 12 acquires the number of sensor values ​​written per unit time to the memory unit 14. The storage unit 12 may acquire the number of sensor values ​​written per unit time to the memory unit 14 by actually storing the learning sensor values ​​received in step S101 in the memory unit 14, or may acquire the number of sensor values ​​written per unit time to the memory unit 14 based on the specifications of the information processing device 10 (for example, the hardware specifications of the memory unit 14 or the specifications of the internal bus of the information processing device 10).

[0067] In step S104, the storage unit 12 calculates the composition ratio (corresponding to a predetermined ratio) of the ON values ​​and the OFF values ​​of the learning sensor values. The predetermined ratio is the composition ratio of the ON values ​​and the OFF values ​​included in the learning sensor values ​​received during the learning period. Here, the composition ratio is defined as the ratio of the number of OFF values ​​to the number of ON values, as shown in the following (Equation 1).

[0068] Composition ratio = Number of OFF values ​​ / Number of ON values ​​(Equation 1)

[0069] The composition ratio may be the ratio of the number of ON values ​​to the number of OFF values, or the ratio of the number of ON values ​​or OFF values ​​to the total number (i.e., the sum of the number of ON values ​​and the number of OFF values). It may also be expressed in the form of a ratio, such as "number of ON values: number of OFF values" or "number of OFF values: number of ON values."

[0070] It is desirable to use the predetermined ratio obtained in this learning phase to set an upper limit on the number of ON values ​​and the number of OFF values ​​to be cached in buffer unit 13 during the reception phase, which will be described later. Here, the upper limit on the number of ON values ​​and the number of OFF values ​​is calculated based on the predetermined ratio, as shown in the following (Equation 2) and (Equation 3). In this way, by considering the upper limit on the number of ON values ​​and the upper limit on the number of OFF values ​​in buffer unit 13, when the target period has elapsed and the reception phase has ended, the number of sensor values ​​stored in buffer unit 13 will not exceed the predetermined number. In other words, there is no need to discard sensor values ​​that exceed the predetermined number.

[0071] Upper limit of number of ON values ​​= predetermined number / {1 + (predetermined ratio)} (Equation 2)

[0072] Upper limit of the number of OFF values ​​= predetermined number / {1 + 1 / (predetermined ratio)} (Equation 3)

[0073] Through the series of processes shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 10 obtains the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​expected to be obtained in the reception phase and the number of sensor values ​​to be written to the storage unit 14 per unit time.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing included in the reception phase (step S2 in FIG. 3) according to this embodiment.

[0075] In step S201, the information processing device 10 starts a target period. The target period is a period during which a phenomenon to be detected is to be detected. Specifically, the receiving unit 11 starts measuring the elapsed time within the target period.

[0076] In step S202, the receiving unit 11 receives one sensor value output by the sensor 5 and stores the received sensor value in the buffer unit 13.

[0077] In step S203, the storage unit 12 determines whether the sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 in step S202 is an ON value. If it is determined to be an ON value (Yes in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204, and if not (No in step S203), the process proceeds to step S211.

[0078] In step S204, the storage unit 12 determines whether the sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 in step S202 is an odd-numbered ON value during the target period, and whether the number of ON values ​​in the buffer unit 13 is less than the upper limit of the number of ON values ​​determined by (Equation 2) (that is, whether the received sensor value may be retained in consideration of the upper limit based on a predetermined ratio). If it is determined that the received sensor value is an odd-numbered ON value during the target period and that the number of ON values ​​in the buffer unit 13 is less than the upper limit of the number of ON values ​​(Yes in step S204), the process proceeds to step S205; otherwise (No in step S204), the process proceeds to step S206. Note that the decision of whether to retain or discard the received sensor value depending on whether it is an odd-numbered sensor value is based on the policy example (described above) in which M is 2 and N is 1.

[0079] In step S205, the storage unit 12 stores in the buffer unit 13 the sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 in step S202.

[0080] In step S206, the storage unit 12 discards the sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 in step S202 from the buffer unit 13, and the process proceeds to step S207.

[0081] In step S207, the storage unit 12 determines whether the target period has ended. Specifically, the storage unit 12 determines whether a time defined as the time length of the target period has elapsed since starting measurement of the elapsed time within the target period in step S201. If it is determined that the target period has ended (Yes in step S207), the series of processes shown in Fig. 5 is terminated. If not (No in step S207), the process proceeds to step S202 to repeat the series of processes until the target period ends.

[0082] On the other hand, if the sensor value received in S203 is not an ON value (an OFF value), in step S211, the storage unit 12 determines whether the sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 in step S202 is an odd-numbered OFF value during the target period, and whether the number of OFF values ​​in the buffer unit 13 is less than the upper limit of the number of OFF values ​​determined by (Equation 3) (that is, whether the received sensor value may be retained in consideration of the upper limit based on a predetermined ratio). If it is determined that the received sensor value is an odd-numbered OFF value during the target period and that the number of OFF values ​​in the buffer unit 13 is less than the upper limit of the number of OFF values ​​(Yes in step S211), the process proceeds to step S212; otherwise (No in step S211), the process proceeds to step S213.

[0083] In step S212, the storage unit 12 stores the sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 in step S202 in the buffer unit 13, and the process proceeds to step S207.

[0084] In step S213, the storage unit 12 discards the sensor value received by the receiving unit 11 in step S202 from the buffer unit 13, and the process proceeds to step S207.

[0085] Through the series of processes shown in FIG. 5, the information processing device 10 receives the sensor value generated by the sensor 5 detecting the physical quantity.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing included in the adjustment phase (step S3 in FIG. 3) according to this embodiment.

[0087] In step S301, the storage unit 12 determines whether the number of sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 is less than or equal to a predetermined number. If it is determined that the number of sensor values ​​is less than the predetermined number ("less" in step S301), the process proceeds to step S302, and if it is determined that the number of sensor values ​​is equal to the predetermined number ("equal" in step S301), the process proceeds to step S321.

[0088] As described above, the number of sensor values ​​does not exceed a predetermined number because the upper limits of the ON and OFF values ​​are taken into consideration during reception in the reception phase. Furthermore, the upper limits of the ON and OFF values ​​based on the predetermined ratios used in the reception phase are not taken into consideration during the adjustment phase.

[0089] In step S302, the receiving unit 11 receives one sensor value output by the sensor 5. The received sensor value corresponds to the subsequent sensor value.

[0090] In step S303, when the storage unit 12 stores the subsequent sensor value received in step S302 in the buffer unit 13, it determines whether the stored subsequent sensor value is an ON value or an OFF value, and then determines whether adding the sensor value to the buffer unit 13 will cause the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​in the buffer unit 13 to approach the predetermined ratio calculated in the learning phase. If it is determined that the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​to be included in the buffer unit 13 will approach the predetermined ratio (Yes in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304; otherwise (No in step S303), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0091] In step S304, the storage unit 12 stores the sensor value received in step S302 in the buffer unit 13.

[0092] In step S305, the storage unit 12 discards the sensor value received in step S302.

[0093] After executing step S304 or S305, the storage unit 12 executes step S301 again.

[0094] Note that if it is not determined that the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​that will be included in buffer unit 13 when the received sensor values ​​are stored in buffer unit 13 approaches the predetermined ratio even after steps S302 and S303 are executed multiple times, the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 may be stopped, and the learning phase (step S1 in FIG. 3) may be executed. If it is not determined that the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​approaches the predetermined ratio even after steps S302 and S303 are executed multiple times, it is determined that the composition ratio is not expected to approach the predetermined ratio due to factors such as the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​at the current time having changed from the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​when the learning phase was executed. As described above, the number of times steps S302 and S303 are executed before the learning phase is executed may be, for example, about one-half to one-third of the predetermined number.

[0095] If the number of sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 in step S301 is equal to a predetermined number, then in step S321, the storage unit 12 reads out multiple (predetermined number) sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 and stores them collectively as data 35 in the memory unit 14.

[0096] Through the series of processes shown in FIG. 6, the information processing device 10 adjusts the number of sensor values ​​to be stored in the storage unit 14 in accordance with the sensor values ​​received in the reception phase, and then stores the sensor values ​​in the storage unit 14.

[0097] Hereinafter, the sensor values ​​and data stored in the buffer unit 13 and the storage unit 14 will be described using specific examples of sensor values ​​acquired by the sensor 5.

[0098] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first specific example of processing of sensor values ​​according to the present embodiment.

[0099] FIG. 7 illustrates a case in which the receiver 11 sequentially receives nine sensor values ​​41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 (each having an on value, an off value, an on value, an off value, an on value, an on value, an on value, an off value, and an off value) from the sensor 5 during a target period. The predetermined number is assumed to be 5. A predetermined number of 5 corresponds to, for example, a case in which 10 sensor values ​​are written to the memory 14 per second and the target period is 0.5 seconds. The predetermined ratio is assumed to be 3 / 2 (i.e., 1.5). Therefore, the upper limit for the number of on values ​​is 2, and the upper limit for the number of off values ​​is 3.

[0100] The storage unit 12 receives the nine sensor values ​​41 to 49 and stores the received nine sensor values ​​41 to 49 in the buffer unit 13. The storage unit 12 then stores the odd-numbered ON values ​​and odd-numbered OFF values ​​in the buffer unit 13, and discards the other ON values ​​and OFF values.

[0101] Furthermore, sensor value 47 is the third ON value, and since this exceeds the upper limit of the number of ON values, storage unit 12 discards the third ON value. Specifically, storage unit 12 stores sensor value 41 (first ON value), sensor value 43 (first OFF value), sensor value 45 (third ON value), and sensor value 48 (third OFF value) in buffer unit 13, and discards sensor value 42 (second ON value), sensor value 44 (second OFF value), sensor value 46 (fourth ON value), and sensor value 49 (fourth OFF value). Note that discarding sensor value 42 and the like is indicated by a cross "x" in FIG. 7 . This also applies to subsequent figures. Therefore, at time T1 when the target period ends, four sensor values, 41, 43, 45, and 48, are stored in buffer unit 13. This number, 4, is one less than the predetermined number. Therefore, the receiving unit 11 receives the sensor value 50 from the sensor 5 (step S302 in FIG. 6). The sensor value 50 has an OFF value. In this case, it is determined that the composition ratio of the sensor value changes from 2 / 2 (= 1) to 3 / 2 (= 1.5), approaching the predetermined ratio of 1.5 (Yes in step S303 in FIG. 6), and the sensor value 50 is stored in the buffer unit 13 (step S304 in FIG. 6).

[0102] Thereafter, at time T2, the storage unit 12 stores the five sensor values ​​41, 43, 45, 48, and 50 stored in the buffer unit 13 as data 35 in the memory unit 14 (step S321 in FIG. 6).

[0103] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a second specific example of processing of sensor values ​​according to the present embodiment.

[0104] 8 illustrates a case in which the receiving unit 11 sequentially receives eight sensor values ​​51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, and 58 (each having an on value, an off value, an off value, an off value, an off value, and an off value) from the sensor 5 during a target period. If the predetermined number is 5 and the predetermined ratio is 3 / 2 (i.e., 1.5), then the upper limit of the number of on values ​​is 2, and the upper limit of the number of off values ​​is 3.

[0105] The storage unit 12 stores the eight sensor values ​​51 to 58 received by the receiving unit 11 in the buffer unit 13. The storage unit 12 then stores the odd-numbered ON values ​​and odd-numbered OFF values ​​in the buffer unit 13, and discards the other ON values ​​and OFF values.

[0106] Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores the sensor value 51 (first on value), the sensor value 53 (first off value), the sensor value 55 (third off value), and the sensor value 57 (fifth off value) in the buffer unit 13, and discards the sensor value 52 (second on value), the sensor value 54 (second off value), the sensor value 56 (fourth off value), and the sensor value 58 (sixth off value).

[0107] At time T3 when the target period ends, four sensor values ​​51, 53, 55, and 57 are stored in the buffer unit 13. In this example, the number of ON values ​​is 1, while the number of OFF values ​​is 3, which does not exceed the upper limit of the number of OFF values.

[0108] At time T3, the storage unit 12 determines that the number of sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13, 4, is less than the predetermined number, 5 ("less" in step S301 in FIG. 6).

[0109] Therefore, the receiving unit 11 receives the sensor value 59 from the sensor 5 (step S302 in FIG. 6). The sensor value 59 has an ON value. Because the sensor value 59 is an ON value, the storage unit 12 determines that when the sensor value 59 is stored in the buffer unit 13, the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 will change from 3 / 1 (= 3) to 3 / 2 (= 1.5), approaching the predetermined ratio of 1.5 (Yes in step S303 in FIG. 6), and stores the sensor value 59 in the buffer unit 13 (step S304 in FIG. 6).

[0110] Thereafter, at time T4, the storage unit 12 stores the five sensor values ​​51, 53, 55, 57, and 59 stored in the buffer unit 13 as data 35 in the memory unit 14 (step S321 in FIG. 6).

[0111] In this way, when the number of sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 does not reach the predetermined number at the time when the target period has elapsed, the information processing device 10 generates data 35 by adding subsequent sensor values ​​that bring the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 closer to the predetermined ratio, and stores the data 35 in the memory unit 14.

[0112] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a third specific example of processing of sensor values ​​according to the present embodiment.

[0113] 9, similar to FIG. 8, illustrates a case in which the receiver 11 sequentially receives eight sensor values ​​51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, and 58 (each having an on value, an off value, an off value, an off value, an off value, and an off value) from the sensor 5 during a target period. It is also assumed that the predetermined number is 5 and the predetermined ratio is 3 / 2 (i.e., 1.5). Therefore, the upper limit for the number of on values ​​is 2, and the upper limit for the number of off values ​​is 3.

[0114] 8, the storage unit 12 stores eight sensor values ​​51 to 58 in the buffer unit 13. As in the case of FIG. 8, at time T3 when the target period ends, four sensor values ​​51, 53, 55, and 57 (one ON value and three OFF values) are stored in the buffer unit 13.

[0115] At time T3, the storage unit 12 determines that the number of sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13, 4, is less than the predetermined number, 5 ("less" in step S301 of FIG. 6). Note that in this case, neither the ON value nor the OFF value exceeds the upper limit.

[0116] Therefore, receiving unit 11 receives sensor value 5A from sensor 5 (step S302 in FIG. 6). Sensor value 5A has an OFF value. Because sensor value 59 is an OFF value, when sensor value 5A is stored in buffer unit 13, storage unit 12 determines that the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​stored in buffer unit 13 does not approach the predetermined ratio (i.e., moves away from the predetermined ratio) (No in step S303 in FIG. 6), and discards sensor value 5A (step S305 in FIG. 6).

[0117] Thereafter, the receiving unit 11 sequentially receives sensor values ​​5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F from the sensor 5 (step S302 in FIG. 6). The sensor values ​​5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F have OFF values. The storage unit 12 discards the sensor values ​​5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F in the same manner as the sensor value 5A (step S305 in FIG. 6).

[0118] Next, the receiving unit 11 receives the sensor value 5G from the sensor 5 (step S302 in FIG. 6). The sensor value 5G has an ON value. Because the sensor value 5G is an ON value, the storage unit 12 determines that when the sensor value 5G is stored in the buffer unit 13, the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 approaches a predetermined ratio (Yes in step S303 in FIG. 6), and stores the sensor value 5G in the buffer unit 13 (step S304 in FIG. 6).

[0119] Thereafter, at time T5, the storage unit 12 stores the five sensor values ​​51, 53, 55, 57 and 5G stored in the buffer unit 13 as data 35 in the memory unit 14.

[0120] In this way, when the number of sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 does not reach the predetermined number at the time when the target period has elapsed, the information processing device 10 generates data 35 by adding subsequent sensor values ​​that bring the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​stored in the buffer unit 13 closer to the predetermined ratio, and stores the data 35 in the memory unit 14.

[0121] As described above, when storing some of the received sensor values ​​in the storage unit, the information processing device according to the present embodiment stores sensor values ​​having a first value in the storage unit at a ratio of N per M sensor values ​​and sensor values ​​having a second value in the storage unit at a ratio of N per M sensor values. This allows the composition ratio of the first and second values ​​in the sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit to roughly match the composition ratio of the first and second values ​​in the sensor values ​​detected by the sensor. This prevents the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit from differing from the composition ratio of the sensor values ​​detected by the sensor, contributing to obtaining appropriate detection results. Furthermore, because the information processing device collectively stores multiple sensor values ​​as data in the storage unit, the time required for storage can be shortened compared to when the sensor values ​​are stored individually in the storage unit. In other words, by shortening the time required for storage, the information processing device can store more sensor values ​​in the storage unit within a given time. Therefore, the information processing device can reduce missed detections by the sensor.

[0122] Furthermore, since the information processing device discards sensor values ​​that exceed the upper limit of the number of first sensor values ​​and the upper limit of the number of second sensor values, it is possible to more easily store an appropriate number of first sensor values ​​and second sensor values ​​in the storage unit, thereby enabling the information processing device to store more sensor values ​​in the storage unit while suppressing missed detections by the sensors.

[0123] Furthermore, the information processing device can set the number of sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit as a single data set to a number close to a predetermined number. This makes the number of sensor values ​​included in a single data set approximately uniform, making it easier to handle the sensor values ​​and further contributing to reducing missed detections. Therefore, the information processing device can further reduce missed detections by the sensors.

[0124] Furthermore, since the information processing device stores the sensor values ​​as data in the storage unit collectively at a relatively fast speed that does not exceed the speed at which the sensor values ​​are stored in the storage unit, it is possible to prevent failures in attempts to store the sensor values ​​in the storage unit, and as a result, it is possible to prevent sensor values ​​from being not stored in the storage unit. Thus, by adjusting the speed at which the sensor values ​​are stored in the storage unit, the information processing device can prevent detection failures by the sensor and store more sensor values ​​in the storage unit.

[0125] Furthermore, the information processing device can make the component ratio of the first value and the second value in the sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit approximately equal to a predetermined ratio. This prevents the sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit from having a component ratio different from the predetermined ratio, contributing to obtaining appropriate detection results. Therefore, the information processing device can prevent detection failures by the sensor.

[0126] Furthermore, by using the component ratio of the first value to the second value in the learning sensor values ​​as a predetermined ratio, the information processing device can make the component ratio of the first value to the second value in the sensor values ​​stored in the memory unit approximately match the component ratio of the first value to the second value in the learning sensor values. This prevents the sensor values ​​stored in the memory unit from having a component ratio different from the component ratio of the learning sensor values, contributing to obtaining appropriate detection results. Therefore, the information processing device can prevent detection failures by the sensor.

[0127] Furthermore, when storing some of the received sensor values ​​in the storage unit, the information processing device stores every other sensor value having a first value in the storage unit and every other sensor value having a second value in the storage unit, thereby easily making the composition ratio of the first values ​​and the second values ​​in the sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit roughly match the composition ratio of the first values ​​and the second values ​​in the sensor values ​​detected by the sensor. Thus, the information processing device can more easily prevent detection omissions by the sensor.

[0128] The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus, but also as a method in which the processing means constituting the apparatus are steps, as a program that causes a computer to execute those steps, as a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded, or as information, data, or signals that represent the program.These programs, information, data, and signals may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0129] The information processing device and the like of the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the above description of the embodiments, only odd-numbered sensor values ​​are stored in the buffer and even-numbered sensor values ​​are discarded, i.e., only 1 / 2 of the received sensor values ​​are stored in the buffer. However, the storage ratio is not limited to 1 / 2 and may be appropriately selected in the form of N / M (M is an integer of 2 or more, and N is an integer of 1 or more and less than M) depending on the reception frequency of the sensor values ​​and the processing capacity of the information processing device. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the present embodiments and embodiments constructed by combining components of different embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0130] The present invention can be used in an information processing device that stores and processes sensor values. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 5 sensors 10. Information processing equipment 11 Receiving unit 12 Storage area 13 Buffer section 14 Storage section 15 Output section 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G Sensor Values 35, 35A, 35B data Time points T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5

Claims

1. a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of sensor values ​​each having either a first value or a second value; a receiving unit that receives a plurality of the sensor values ​​output by the sensor; (a) acquiring a plurality of first sensor values ​​having the first value from among the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit, and storing N (N is an integer of 1 or more and smaller than M) first sensor values ​​for every M (M is an integer of 2 or more) of the plurality of first sensor values ​​in order of reception time in the storage unit; (b) a storage unit that acquires a plurality of second sensor values ​​having the second value from among the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit, and stores N second sensor values ​​every M second sensor values ​​in order of reception time in the storage unit; an output unit that outputs the plurality of sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit, When storing the first sensor value and the second sensor value in the storage unit, the storage unit collectively stores the first sensor value and the second sensor value included in the plurality of sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit during a target period having a predetermined time length as one piece of data in the storage unit. Information processing device.

2. The storage unit determines an upper limit on the number of the first sensor values ​​and an upper limit on the number of the second sensor values ​​based on a predetermined number that is the number of the sensor values ​​to be stored in the storage unit and a predetermined ratio that is the predetermined ratio of the number of the first sensor values ​​to the number of the second sensor values, and discards sensor values ​​that exceed the respective upper limits. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. When the storage unit stores the first sensor value and the second sensor value in the memory unit, If the number of the sensor values ​​included in the one data set is less than the predetermined number, the sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit after the target period are added to the one data set, and then the first sensor value and the second sensor value are stored in the storage unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The predetermined number is a numerical value obtained by multiplying the number of the sensor values ​​written to the storage unit per unit time by the length of time during which the receiving unit has received the sensor values. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. When the storage unit adds the sensor value received by the receiving unit after the target period to the one data, Among one or more subsequent sensor values ​​that are one or more sensor values ​​received by the receiving unit after the target period, if the subsequent sensor value is added to the set of data, the subsequent sensor value will have a composition ratio in the sensor values ​​included in the set of data that approaches the predetermined ratio, and is added to the set of data.

5. The information processing device according to claim 3.

6. The receiving unit receiving a plurality of learning sensor values ​​that are the plurality of sensor values ​​before receiving the plurality of sensor values; The storage unit is calculating a component ratio of the first sensor value and the second sensor value in the plurality of learning sensor values; The calculated component ratio is used as the predetermined ratio, and the subsequent sensor value is added to the one data. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. M is 2 and N is 1 The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, The information processing device includes: a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of sensor values ​​each having either a first value or a second value; The information processing method includes: receiving a plurality of sensor values ​​output by the sensors; acquiring a plurality of first sensor values ​​having the first value from the plurality of received sensor values, and storing N (N is an integer of 1 or more and smaller than M) first sensor values ​​for every M (M is an integer of 2 or more) of the plurality of first sensor values ​​in order of reception time in the storage unit; acquiring a plurality of second sensor values ​​having the second value from among the plurality of received sensor values, and storing N second sensor values ​​every M second sensor values ​​in order of reception time in the storage unit; outputting the plurality of sensor values ​​stored in the storage unit; When the first sensor value and the second sensor value are stored in the storage unit, the first sensor value and the second sensor value included in the plurality of sensor values ​​received during a target period having a predetermined time length are collectively stored in the storage unit as one piece of data. Information processing methods.

9. A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 8.

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