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

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to an information processing system, an information processing terminal, and an information processing method which can achieve more reliable settlement processing. This information processing system comprises: a settlement processing unit which performs data communication for executing settlement processing with an information processing terminal; and a positioning processing unit which changes a positioning manner for measuring the location of the information processing terminal and performs positioning for each of a plurality of ranging zones, which are set according to the distance from the settlement processing unit, from a wide area to a narrow area. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a settlement processing system that can perform touchless settlement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing terminal, and an information processing method, and particularly to an information processing system, an information processing terminal, and an information processing method that enable more reliable settlement processing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, NFC (Near Field Communication) that performs wireless communication at a short distance of about 10 cm has been used in a fare settlement system for settling fares at station ticket gates. When a user touches a mobile terminal equipped with a contactless IC (Integrated Circuit) to a ticket gate machine, information processing for settling the fare is executed.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, by using UWB (Ultra Wide Band) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark) that performs wireless communication over a wider range in a fare settlement system, the development of a technology that enables touchless fare settlement has been promoted.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that performs authentication by communication at a first communication distance and performs processing such as passing through a ticket gate by communication at a second communication distance shorter than the first communication distance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Furthermore, TWR (Two Way Ranging), commonly used for UWB ranging, requires a large number of UWB packets (communication volume) for a single ranging measurement. Therefore, even in use cases like ticket gates where many users are concentrated, it is necessary to maintain a UWB link with all devices being measured. As a result, a proportionally large amount of UWB communication is required, making it difficult to avoid interference in the time domain. Moreover, UWB data communication must also be performed while avoiding interference with the large amount of UWB communication occurring for ranging, and it seems practically difficult to allocate sufficient time while avoiding interference. On the other hand, if the UWB ranging area is narrowed to an extreme degree in order to reduce the amount of UWB communication, it may become impossible to have sufficient UWB connection time via OOB (BLE), which normally occurs before the start of UWB communication. This raises concerns that not all mobile terminals may be able to reliably connect to the ticket gate, resulting in a situation where users cannot pass through the gate.

[0008] This disclosure is made in light of these circumstances and aims to enable more reliable payment processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing system in the first aspect of this disclosure comprises a settlement processing unit that performs data communication for executing settlement processing with an information processing terminal, and a positioning processing unit that performs positioning by switching a positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal for each of a plurality of ranging zones ranging from a wide area to a narrow area, which are set according to the distance from the settlement processing unit. The ranging zone includes a first ranging zone set as the wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where the information processing terminal does not perform positioning, a second ranging zone set inside the first ranging zone, and a third ranging zone set inside the second ranging zone as the narrow area near the settlement processing unit. In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second and third ranging zones, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a second positioning method in which the positioning processing unit performs positioning. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the settlement processing unit is initiated, and settlement processing is performed between the information processing terminal and the settlement processing unit.

[0010] The first aspect of the information processing method of this disclosure includes an information processing system performing positioning by switching a positioning method for measuring the location of an information processing terminal for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area zones, which are set according to the distance from the settlement processing unit that performs data communication for executing settlement processing with the information processing terminal. The ranging zone includes a first ranging zone set as the wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where the information processing terminal does not perform positioning, a second ranging zone set inside the first ranging zone, and a third ranging zone set inside the second ranging zone as the narrow area near the settlement processing unit. In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second and third ranging zones, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a second positioning method in which the positioning processing unit of the information processing system performs positioning. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the settlement processing unit is initiated, and settlement processing is performed between the information processing terminal and the settlement processing unit.

[0011] In the first aspect of this disclosure, positioning is performed by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area zones, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit that performs data communication for executing payment processing with the information processing terminal. The ranging zone is provided as a wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where the information processing terminal does not perform positioning, a second ranging zone inside the first ranging zone, and a third ranging zone inside the second ranging zone, which is set as the narrow area near the settlement processing unit. In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second and third ranging zones, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a second positioning method in which the positioning processing unit of the information processing system performs positioning. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the settlement processing unit is initiated, and settlement processing is performed between the information processing terminal and the settlement processing unit.

[0012] The information processing terminal in the second aspect of this disclosure includes an application execution unit that executes a payment application for performing payment processing with an information processing system equipped with a payment processing unit, and a positioning application that performs positioning by switching positioning methods for measuring the position of the information processing terminal itself for each of a plurality of ranging zones ranging from a wide area to a narrow area, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit. The ranging zone includes a first ranging zone set as the wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where the information processing terminal does not perform positioning, a second ranging zone set inside the first ranging zone, and a third ranging zone set inside the second ranging zone as the narrow area near the settlement processing unit. In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second and third ranging zones, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a second positioning method in which the positioning processing unit of the information processing system performs positioning. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the settlement processing unit is initiated, and settlement processing is performed with the information processing system.

[0013] The second aspect of the information processing method of this disclosure includes an information processing terminal executing a payment application for performing payment processing with an information processing system equipped with a payment processing unit, and a positioning application that performs positioning by switching positioning methods for measuring the position of the information processing terminal itself for each of a plurality of ranging zones ranging from a wide area to a narrow area, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit. The ranging zone is provided as a wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where the information processing terminal does not perform positioning, a second ranging zone inside the first ranging zone, and a third ranging zone inside the second ranging zone, which is set as the narrow area near the payment processing unit. In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second and third ranging zones, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a second positioning method in which the positioning processing unit of the information processing system performs positioning. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the payment processing unit is initiated, and payment processing is performed with the information processing system. This includes the following.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a settlement application for performing settlement processing with an information processing system including a settlement processing unit, and a positioning application that performs positioning by switching a positioning method for measuring the position of the information processing terminal itself for each of a plurality of ranging zones from a wide area to a narrow area set according to the distance from the settlement processing unit are executed. The ranging zone is provided as a wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where the information processing terminal does not perform positioning, a second ranging zone inside the first ranging zone, and a third ranging zone inside the second ranging zone, which is set as the narrow area near the settlement processing unit. In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured using a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second and third ranging zones, the position of the information processing terminal is measured using a second positioning method in which the positioning processing unit of the information processing system performs positioning. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the settlement processing unit is initiated, and settlement processing is performed with the information processing system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first embodiment of a settlement processing system to which this technology is applied. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining the processing performed for each ranging zone. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an anchor system and a mobile terminal, and a data flow. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining device search processing. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining BLE connection processing. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining Downlink TDoA positioning start processing. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining a method of synchronizing between UWB anchors. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining Downlink TDoA. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram for explaining a TDoA bidirectional communication channel. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a Downlink BLINK packet and an Uplink BLINK packet. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining Uplink TDoA start request notification processing. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of an Uplink TDoA BLINK packet. [Figure 13]This diagram explains the Uplink TDoA Start Request (1st Uplink BLINK). [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the Uplink TDoA positioning start request response processing. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a Downlink BLINK packet. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the Uplink TDoA priority processing. [Figure 17] This is a diagram explaining Uplink TDoA. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of a ranging time schedule. [Figure 19] This diagram illustrates the execution process of application data communication. [Figure 20] This diagram illustrates the termination process for application data communication. [Figure 21] This diagram illustrates the termination process for Uplink TDoA ranging. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates the termination process for Downlink TDoA ranging. [Figure 23] This is a sequence diagram explaining the payment process. [Figure 24] This is a sequence diagram explaining the payment process. [Figure 25] This is a sequence diagram explaining the payment process. [Figure 26] This is a diagram illustrating the handling of abnormal situations. [Figure 27] This is a diagram illustrating the handling of abnormal situations. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example of a state machine for a mobile device. [Figure 29] This figure shows an example configuration with two application terminals. [Figure 30] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a second embodiment of a payment processing system to which this technology is applied. [Figure 31]This diagram explains the processes performed in each ranging zone. [Figure 32] This diagram illustrates an example configuration of an anchor system and a mobile device, as well as the flow of data. [Figure 33] This diagram illustrates the execution process of application data communication during UWB in-band communication. [Figure 34] This figure shows an example of a ranging time schedule during UWB in-band application data communication. [Figure 35] This diagram illustrates the termination of application data communication during UWB in-band communication. [Figure 36] This is a sequence diagram explaining the payment process. [Figure 37] This is a sequence diagram that explains in detail the UWB in-band application data communication process. [Figure 38] This is a sequence diagram that explains the application data communication process in detail. [Figure 39] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a third embodiment of a payment processing system to which this technology is applied. [Figure 40] This figure shows an example of an Uplink BLINK packet for a DS-TWR Start Request message. [Figure 41] This diagram explains the DS-TWR Start Request. [Figure 42] This diagram illustrates the DS-TWR positioning start request response processing. [Figure 43] This figure shows an example of a Downlink BLINK packet for DS-TWR Start Response. [Figure 44] This diagram illustrates the DS-TWR startup process. [Figure 45] This diagram illustrates the execution process of application data communication. [Figure 46]This diagram illustrates the termination process for application data communication. [Figure 47] This diagram illustrates the termination process of DS-TWR. [Figure 48] This figure shows an example of a ranging time schedule. [Figure 49] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a fourth embodiment of a payment processing system to which this technology is applied. [Figure 50] This figure shows an example of a ranging time schedule. [Figure 51] This diagram illustrates an example configuration of an anchor system and a mobile device, as well as the flow of data. [Figure 52] This diagram illustrates a case where a payment application is located nearby, separate from another application. [Figure 53] This figure shows an example of a specific embodiment in which a payment processing system is applied to purchase payments in a store. [Figure 54] This figure shows an example of a specific embodiment in which a payment processing system is applied to fare payment at ticket gates. [Figure 55] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of one embodiment of a computer to which this technology is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The following describes in detail a specific embodiment of this technology, with reference to the drawings.

[0017] <Example of the first configuration of a payment processing system> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a first embodiment of a payment processing system to which this technology is applied.

[0018] For example, the payment processing system 11 shown in Figure 1 provides payment processing between the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13. In addition, the payment processing system 11 has ranging zones Zone 0 to Zone 3, which are represented by dashed lines as shown in the figure, and the positioning method is switched between the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13 depending on whether it is ranging zone 1, ranging zone 2, or zone 3.

[0019] Ranging Zone 0 is a free zone where positioning is not performed between the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13. Ranging Zone 1 is set as a wide area inside the boundary with Ranging Zone 0, and is an area where positioning is performed on the mobile terminal 13 side using the Downlink TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) method. Ranging Zone 2 is set inside Ranging Zone 1, and is an area where positioning is performed on the anchor system 12 side using the Uplink TDoA method in response to notifications from the mobile terminal 13 to the anchor system 12. Ranging Zone 3 is set as a narrow area inside Ranging Zone 2, and is an area where positioning is performed on the anchor system 12 side using the Uplink TDoA method, similar to Ranging Zone 2. Furthermore, Ranging Zone 3 is an area where the ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12 issues instructions to the application terminal 22 and performs settlement data communication with the mobile terminal 13. Thus, the ranging zone is an area set according to the distance from the application terminal 22 in order to switch between the Downlink TDoA method and the Uplink TDoA method for measuring the position of the mobile terminal 13.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the anchor system 12 is configured by connecting four UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, an application terminal 22, and a ranging server 23 via a network interface. In addition, the anchor system 12 is configured such that the application terminal 22 is equipped with a BLE device 24-2, and the ranging server 23 is equipped with a BLE device 24-1.

[0021] UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 communicate with the mobile terminal 13 using UWB. Furthermore, UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 communicate with the ranging server 23 via a network interface, sending and receiving information necessary for positioning calculations (Ranging, Data) and command information for the mobile terminal 13.

[0022] The application terminal 22 communicates application data for payment processing with the mobile terminal 13 via the BLE device 24-2. The application terminal 22 also communicates with the ranging server 23 via the network interface.

[0023] The ranging server 23 performs positioning calculations for the mobile terminal 13 based on time information from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. The ranging server 23 communicates with the application terminal 22 via the network interface and controls the operation of the application terminal 22. The ranging server 23 connects the mobile terminal 13 to the anchor system 12 via the BLE device 24-1. The ranging server 23 transmits map information to the mobile terminal 13, including the location information of UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and the range information of ranging zones Zone 0 to Zone 3.

[0024] For example, the map information includes the absolute coordinates A1(x,y,z) of UWB anchor 21-1, A2(x,y,z) of UWB anchor 21-2, A3(x,y,z) of UWB anchor 21-3, A4(x,y,z) of UWB anchor 21-4, and the absolute coordinate Z of ranging zone 1. 11 (x,y) to Z 14 (x,y), absolute coordinate Z of ranging zone 2 21 (x,y) to Z 24 (x,y), and the absolute coordinate Z of the ranging zone Zone3. 31 (x,y) to Z 34 (x,y) is included.

[0025] The mobile terminal 13 performs UWB communication with UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and calculates its own position based on the time information obtained from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 via Downlink TDoA. The mobile terminal 13 then switches its operation depending on whether its position is in ranging zones Zone 0 to Zone 3. The mobile terminal 13 performs first BLE communication with BLE device 24-1 of ranging server 23 and second BLE communication with BLE device 24-2 of application terminal 22.

[0026] The payment processing system 11 is configured in this way, and ranging zones Zone0 to Zone3 are set according to the distance from the application terminal 22, and positioning is performed by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the mobile terminal 13.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, the processing performed in the payment processing system 11 for each ranging zone (Zone 0 to Zone 3) will be explained.

[0028] In ranging zone 0, the mobile terminal 13 performs an OOB (Out of Band) scan. When the mobile terminal 13 detects a first BLE ADV signal transmitted from the BLE device 24-1 of the application terminal 22, it establishes a first BLE connection with the anchor system 12.

[0029] In ranging zone 1 (long-range wide area), the mobile terminal 13 performs its own positioning using the Downlink TDoA method. In ranging zone 1, it is possible to simultaneously position a large number of mobile terminals 13 (for example, approximately 1024 or more).

[0030] Then, when the mobile terminal 13 moves from ranging zone 1 to ranging zone 2, the positioning method is switched.

[0031] In ranging zone 2, the anchor system 12 performs positioning of mobile terminals 13 using the Uplink TDoA method. In ranging zone 2, for example, simultaneous positioning of approximately 64 mobile terminals 13 is possible.

[0032] When the mobile terminal 13 enters the ranging zone Zone 3 (next-door narrow area) where payment communication takes place, the application terminal 22 is notified of the entry into ranging zone Zone 3. The application terminal 22 performs payment data communication (for example, purchase payment at a store) via BLE communication of the BLE device 24-2.

[0033] In this way, the payment processing system 11 performs bidirectional communication, including device ID information unique to the mobile terminal 13 in Uplink TDoA BLINK packets and Downlink BLINK packets, in order to perform communications necessary for switching positioning methods and controlling operations. By switching positioning methods between ranging zones Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3, interference during UWB data communication, interference during UWB ranging communication, and UWB and BLE link budgets are suppressed, enabling more reliable payment processing.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, an example configuration of the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13, as well as the data flow between the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13, will be explained.

[0035] The anchor system 12 comprises UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, an application terminal 22, a ranging server 23, a BLE device 24-1, and a BLE device 24-2, as described with reference to Figure 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the mobile terminal 13 is configured to include a BLE chip 31, a UWB chip 32, an eSE (embedded Secure Element) chip 33, a device host 34, a ranging software library 35, and a payment application 36.

[0037] The BLE chip 31 performs a first BLE communication with BLE device 24-1 and a second BLE communication with BLE device 24-2.

[0038] The UWB chip 32 performs UWB communication with UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. The UWB chip 32 sends Uplink TDoA BLINK packets to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and receives Downlink BLINK packets sent from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4.

[0039] The eSE chip 33 can provide functionality equivalent to hardware chips such as FeliCa or Mifare by, for example, executing an NFC applet 37 such as FeliCa or Mifare.

[0040] The device host 34 is an application processor that runs a positioning application that references the ranging software library 35, and a payment application 36. For example, the device host 34 runs a positioning application that switches positioning methods to measure the location of the mobile terminal 13, and performs positioning when the mobile terminal 13 is within the ranging zone Zone 1. The device host 34 also runs the payment application 36 and performs payment processing with the application terminal 22 of the anchor system 12.

[0041] <Example of payment processing> Referring to Figures 4 through 22, each process performed in the payment processing of the payment processing system 11 will be described in detail.

[0042] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the device search process.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the device search process is performed on the mobile terminal 13 located in the ranging zone Zone 0.

[0044] After the system starts up, the anchor system 12 initiates UWB communication, including multiple UWB communication modes, based on the ranging time schedule information described later, and also initiates first OOB communication by the BLE device 24-1 of the ranging server 23.

[0045] The mobile terminal 13 periodically performs a first BLE scan to detect a first BLE ADV signal transmitted from the BLE device 24-1 of the ranging server 23 until it detects the first BLE ADV signal.

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates the first BLE connection process.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the first BLE connection process is performed when the mobile terminal 13 enters ranging zone 1 from ranging zone 0.

[0048] The anchor system 12 periodically transmits BLINK packets from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 based on ranging time schedule information.

[0049] When the mobile terminal 13 receives a first BLE ADV signal transmitted from the BLE device 24-1 of the ranging server 23, it establishes a first BLE connection with the anchor system 12. The mobile terminal 13 then performs mutual authentication with the anchor system 12 on the first BLE communication path as needed.

[0050] Next, the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13 exchange various configuration information necessary for ranging. This configuration information includes UWB communication configuration information, UWB ranging time schedule information, map information, device ID information, and application layer specific information.

[0051] UWB communication configuration information includes, for example, mutual MAC (Media Access Control) addresses and communication speed. UWB ranging time schedule information includes, for example, ranging period, BLINK slot, and other information. Map information includes location information for UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and range information for ranging zones Zone 0 to Zone 3. Device ID information includes an Identification ID for identifying the mobile device 13. Application layer-specific information includes, for example, information about the type of payment application.

[0052] The anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13 each store the configuration information obtained from the other party in their respective memories.

[0053] Subsequently, the mobile terminal 13 activates the UWB chip 32 and begins Downlink TDoA ranging, scanning for UWB BLINK signals from UWB anchors 21-1 through 21-4.

[0054] After the exchange of configuration information as described above is completed and the mobile terminal 13 starts Downlink TDoA ranging, the first BLE connection is disconnected from either the mobile terminal 13 or the anchor system 12, and the first BLE connection is terminated. After the first BLE connection with the mobile terminal 13 is terminated, the anchor system 12 starts transmitting the first BLE ADV signal again in order to search for other mobile terminals 13a besides the mobile terminal 13.

[0055] Figure 6 illustrates the Downlink TDoA positioning initiation process.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the Downlink TDoA positioning initiation process is performed by the mobile terminal 13 located within the ranging zone Zone 1.

[0057] The mobile terminal 13 starts recognizing its own absolute position by performing positioning calculations based on time difference information indicating the time difference in arrival times of BLINK packets transmitted from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 via Downlink TDoA ranging, and the position information of UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 included in the map information acquired from the anchor system 12.

[0058] For example, to explain the positioning principle of TDoA in the easiest way to understand, the intersection point of circles with radii L1 to L3 from the three UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-3 to the mobile terminal 13 is fixed at a single point on a plane, so the position of the mobile terminal 13 can be determined. However, since the distance L cannot be directly determined from the arrival time of the BLINK packet, the mobile terminal 13 measures the time difference in the arrival times of the BLINK packets transmitted from the two UWB anchors 21. For example, this time difference in arrival times can be converted into distance using the speed of light, which is the propagation speed of pulsed BLINK packets. The distance obtained from the time difference in arrival times can then be geometrically represented in terms of the position of the mobile terminal 13 and the positions of the UWB anchors 21, making it possible to specify the location where the mobile terminal 13 may be on a hyperbola.

[0059] At this time, UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 need to transmit BLINK packets with a precise time difference, so they are synchronized using the method described later, as shown in Figure 7.

[0060] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 13 is within the ranging zone Zone 1 (at a distance), the mobile terminal 13 may reduce the frequency of receiving Downlink BLINK packets and keep the positioning cycle low in order to suppress power consumption, depending on the use case. In addition, the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13 can perform positioning of multiple mobile terminals 13 in parallel by sequentially repeating the device search process (Figure 4), the first BLE connection process (Figure 5), and the Downlink TDoA positioning start process (Figure 6). At this time, since Downlink TDoA ranging is performed in the ranging zone Zone 1, the anchor system 12 can perform simultaneous positioning of many mobile terminals 13 without interference from UWB communication.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7, an example of a method for synchronizing UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 will be described.

[0062] First, as shown in Figure 7A, we will describe a method for synchronizing UWB anchor 21-2 with UWB anchor 21-1 when UWB anchor 21-1 and UWB anchor 21-2 are located at a distance L12 apart.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7B, UWB anchor 21-1 transmits BLINK1 at timing T1 and BLINK5 at timing T5, 4ms after timing T1.

[0064] UWB anchor 21-2 receives BLINK1 at timing t1, which is delayed by the arrival delay period Td12 from timing T1. Similarly, UWB anchor 21-2 receives BLINK5 at timing t5, which is delayed from timing T5. UWB anchor 21-2 counts the period Tp15 (=4ms) from timing t1 to timing t5 with its own clock and determines the number of clock cycles in 1ms. That is, the number of clock cycles in 1ms corresponds to the period Tp12 from timing T1 to timing T2.

[0065] UWB anchor 21-2 can calculate the arrival delay period Td12 (=L12 / c) based on the relationship between the distance L12 to UWB anchor 21-1 and the speed of light c. Based on this, UWB anchor 21-2 can obtain the timing T2 (=t1-(Tp12-Td12)) for transmitting BLINK2, based on the timing t1 when BLINK1 was received, the period Tp12 from timing T1 to timing T2, and the arrival delay period Td12. Therefore, after receiving BLINK1 transmitted from UWB anchor 21-1 at timing T1, UWB anchor 21-2 can transmit BLINK2 at timing T2, exactly 1ms after timing T1.

[0066] Using a similar method, UWB anchor 21-3 can obtain the timing T3 for sending BLINK3, and UWB anchor 21-4 can obtain the timing T4 for sending BLINK4.

[0067] In this way, the anchor system 12 can set the timing for sending BLINK packets so that the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 are synchronized with each other.

[0068] Figure 8 illustrates Downlink TDoA, which transmits pulses from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 to the mobile terminal 13.

[0069] For example, with UWB anchor 21-1 as the master anchor, as shown in Figure 8A, UWB anchor 21-1 transmits BLINK1, UWB anchor 21-2 transmits BLINK2, UWB anchor 21-3 transmits BLINK3, and UWB anchor 21-4 transmits BLINK4. These BLINK packets are transmitted by broadcast, and in principle, there is no limit to the number of mobile terminals 13 that can be connected to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, and it is possible to connect to multiple mobile terminals 13 simultaneously (two in Figure 8).

[0070] As explained with reference to Figure 7 above, the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 are strictly synchronized, so each can transmit BLINK packets at precisely 1ms intervals T.

[0071] In other words, as shown in Figure 8B, the master anchor UWB anchor 21-1 transmits BLINK1 at timing T1. Then, 1ms after timing T1, at timing T2, UWB anchor 21-2 transmits BLINK2, 1ms after timing T2, at timing T3, UWB anchor 21-3 transmits BLINK3, and 1ms after timing T3, at timing T4, UWB anchor 21-4 transmits BLINK4. Subsequently, the master anchor UWB anchor 21-1 retransmits BLINK1 at timing T5, 1ms after timing T4.

[0072] The mobile terminal 13 can then obtain the time difference Δt1 to Δt3 between the arrival time t0 of BLINK1 transmitted from UWB anchor 21-1 and the arrival times t1 to t3 of BLINK2 to 4 transmitted from UWB anchors 21-2 to 21-4.

[0073] Figure 8C shows an example of time allocation for UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. Since the amount of UWB communication required for positioning is small, assuming the ranging interval is set to 200ms, as shown in the figure, the Downlink TDoA BLINK can be set to a short 5ms, resulting in an exclusive time occupancy of only 2.5%. Note that the actual UWB signal burst period can be set even shorter.

[0074] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the TDoA bidirectional communication channel between the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13.

[0075] In step S11, the first BLE communication (OOB) in the first BLE connection process, as described with reference to Figure 5, takes place between the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13. As a result, the anchor system 12 obtains device ID information that identifies the mobile terminal 13.

[0076] In step S12, the anchor system 12 stores the device ID information and message of the mobile terminal 13 in the payload of a Downlink BLINK packet (Message on Downlink Blink), as shown in Figure 10A, and sends it to the mobile terminal 13.

[0077] In step S13, the mobile terminal 13 responds to the Downlink BLINK packet sent in step S12, and as shown in Figure 10B, stores the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 and a message in the payload of the Uplink BLINK packet (Message on Uplink Blink) and sends it to the anchor system 12.

[0078] Thus, in the TDoA bidirectional communication channel, Downlink BLINK packets can contain data information. Therefore, by transmitting device ID information unique to the mobile terminal 13, the anchor system 12 can communicate with the mobile terminal 13 identified by the device ID information. Although Downlink BLINK packets are primarily used for ranging control (such as switching and termination), they can also be used for application layer communication, for example.

[0079] Note that the frame configurations of the Downlink BLINK and Uplink BLINK packets shown in Figure 10 are just examples and are not limited to this configuration.

[0080] Figure 11 illustrates the Uplink TDoA start request notification process.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11, the Uplink TDoA start request notification process is performed when the mobile terminal 13 enters ranging zone 2 from ranging zone 1.

[0082] The anchor system 12 periodically scans for Uplink TDoA BLINK packets sent from the mobile terminal 13 based on ranging time schedule information.

[0083] The mobile terminal 13 can recognize that it has entered ranging zone 2 from ranging zone 1 through self-positioning calculation. Upon recognizing entry into ranging zone 2, the mobile terminal 13 sends an Uplink TDoA BLINK packet to the anchor system 12, as shown in Figure 12, containing the mobile terminal 13's device ID information and an Uplink TDoA Start Request message in the payload. At this time, the mobile terminal 13 sends the Uplink TDoA BLINK packet when it is permitted to send an Uplink TDoA positioning start request based on the ranging time schedule information specified by the anchor system 12 at the time of connection.

[0084] Figure 13 illustrates the Uplink TDoA Start Request (1st Uplink BLINK).

[0085] As shown in Figure 13A, when mobile terminal 13 detects entry into ranging zone Zone2, it broadcasts an Uplink TDoA Start Request BLINK packet, a type of Uplink BLINK packet, to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, at least once. At this time, since multiple mobile terminals 13 may enter ranging zone Zone2 at the same time, multiple slots are provided and Uplink TDoA Start Request BLINK packets are sent randomly. In the example shown in Figure 13A, eight 8ms slots are provided, and the Uplink TDoA Start Request BLINK packet is sent in the third slot.

[0086] Figure 13B shows the time allocation for UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. The Uplink TDoA Start Request BLINK packet is used only to notify UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 from the mobile terminal 13 when starting Uplink TDoA, so a dedicated interval needs to be reserved during the ranging interval. In the example shown in Figure 13B, an 8ms interval is reserved for sending the Uplink TDoA Start Request BLINK packet within a 200ms ranging interval.

[0087] Figure 14 illustrates the Uplink TDoA positioning start request response processing.

[0088] As shown in Figure 14, the Uplink TDoA positioning start request response processing is performed on the mobile terminal 13 located within the ranging zone Zone 2.

[0089] The anchor system 12 receives the Uplink TDoA Start Request sent from the mobile terminal 13 using UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. The anchor system 12 compares the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 included in the received Uplink TDoA Start Request with the list of connected device information stored in its internal memory.

[0090] For example, if the anchor system 12 finds that the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 is already included in the connected device information list as a result of its matching, it will send an Uplink TDoA Start Response from the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 when sending the next Downlink BLINK packet, based on the ranging time schedule information. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the payload of the Downlink BLINK packet for sending the Uplink TDoA Start Response contains the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 and the Uplink Blink Slot information.

[0091] On the other hand, if the anchor system 12 finds that the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 is not included in the list of connected devices as a result of its matching, it can send an error notification via a Downlink BLINK packet. Alternatively, in this case, the anchor system 12 may ignore the Uplink TDoA Start Request sent from the mobile terminal 13.

[0092] It is also possible that other mobile devices 13a, besides the mobile device 13 that sent the Uplink TDoA Start Request, may receive an Uplink TDoA Start Response. However, since mobile device 13a has not entered the ranging zone Zone 2, it has not sent an Uplink TDoA Start Request, and therefore can ignore the device ID information and Uplink Blink Slot information obtained from the Uplink TDoA Start Response.

[0093] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the Uplink TDoA initiation process.

[0094] As shown in Figure 16, the Uplink TDoA initiation process is performed by the mobile terminal 13 located in the ranging zone Zone2.

[0095] The mobile terminal 13 broadcasts a BLINK packet to the anchor system 12 using the slot specified in the Uplink Blink Slot information received from the anchor system 12. This BLINK packet contains the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13.

[0096] The anchor system 12 receives BLINK packets transmitted from the mobile terminal 13 using UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. The ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12 performs positioning calculations based on the time difference information of the arrival times of the BLINK packets to the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, and the position information of the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, obtained by Uplink TDoA ranging. As a result, the ranging server 23 begins to recognize the absolute position of the mobile terminal 13.

[0097] At this time, the mobile terminal 13 continues to receive Downlink BLINK packets even after entering the ranging zone Zone 2. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 13 starts a second BLE scan to detect a second BLE ADV signal.

[0098] Here, with reference to Figure 17, Uplink TDoA (pulse transmission from mobile terminal 13 to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4) will be explained.

[0099] As shown in Figure 17A, during the Uplink TDoA initiation process, the mobile terminal 13 sends a BLINK packet to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 in the slot specified in the Uplink Blink Slot information. In the illustrated example, the BLINK packet is sent in the first slot among the 16 slots.

[0100] The UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 are strictly synchronized and each notifies the ranging server 23 of the arrival time of the BLINK packet. The ranging server 23 has known the location information of all UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and can determine the absolute location of the mobile terminal 13 by detecting the time difference between their arrival times. The calculation method for determining the location from the time difference between arrival times is the same as the positioning principle of TDoA described above.

[0101] Figure 17B shows an example of time allocation for UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. As shown in the figure, assuming the ranging interval is set to 200ms, the Uplink TDoA BLINK is set to 16ms, enabling simultaneous positioning of 16 mobile terminals 13. Thus, Uplink TDoA uses more data than DL TDoA as described above, but it can reduce the data usage compared to DS-TWR, which will be discussed later.

[0102] Figure 18 shows an example of the ranging time schedule for UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and mobile terminal 13.

[0103] As shown in Figure 18, a ranging time of 5ms is provided for Downlink TDoA BLINK, a ranging time of 16ms is provided for Uplink TDoA BLINK, and a ranging time of 8ms is provided for Uplink TDoA Start Request BLINK.

[0104] Note that the placement of the Downlink TDoA BLINK, Uplink TDoA BLINK, and Uplink TDoA Start Request BLINK periods within the ranging cycle depends on the implementation. As shown in the diagram, they may be spaced apart or grouped together.

[0105] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the execution process of application data communication.

[0106] As shown in Figure 19, the execution process for application data communication is performed, for example, when a user of mobile terminal 13 enters ranging zone 3 from ranging zone 2 in order to make a payment.

[0107] The ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has entered the ranging zone Zone 3 by Uplink TDoA positioning. The anchor system 12 instructs the application terminal 22 to send a second BLE ADV signal to the mobile terminal 13, and the application terminal 22 starts sending the second BLE ADV signal from the BLE device 24-2. This second BLE ADV signal contains information specific to the mobile terminal 13 (e.g., ADV_DIRECT_IND). Therefore, only the mobile terminal 13 responds and sends a second BLE connection request to the anchor system 12. This establishes a second BLE connection between the BLE device 24-2 of the application terminal 22 and the mobile terminal 13.

[0108] After the second BLE connection is established, the application terminal 22 communicates application data (for example, payment communication) with the mobile terminal 13 over the second BLE communication path.

[0109] Figure 20 illustrates the termination process for application data communication.

[0110] As shown in Figure 20, the termination process for application data communication occurs after application data communication is complete, when the user of the mobile terminal 13 leaves ranging zone 3 to ranging zone 2.

[0111] When the ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left the ranging zone Zone 3 based on ongoing Uplink TDoA positioning, it notifies the application terminal 22 of the mobile terminal 13's departure from the ranging zone Zone 3. Upon receiving the notification of the mobile terminal 13's departure, the application terminal 22 disconnects the second BLE connection with the mobile terminal 13.

[0112] Alternatively, the application terminal 22 may immediately disconnect the second BLE connection after the application data communication is complete. Or, when the user of the mobile terminal 13 makes a termination request input in the user interface of the application on the mobile terminal 13, the second BLE connection may be disconnected triggered by that input.

[0113] Furthermore, depending on the use case, it is conceivable that the mobile terminal 13 may leave ranging zone 3 and then re-enter ranging zone 3 to perform application data communication. In such cases, the mobile terminal 13 may disconnect the second BLE connection and then restart the second BLE scan to detect the second BLE ADV signal.

[0114] Figure 21 illustrates the termination process for Uplink TDoA ranging.

[0115] As shown in Figure 21, the termination process for Uplink TDoA ranging occurs when the user of the mobile terminal 13, which has finished application data communication, moves away from the application terminal 22 and then leaves ranging zone Zone 2 to ranging zone Zone 1.

[0116] The ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left the ranging zone Zone 3 through Uplink TDoA positioning. The anchor system 12 sends a Downlink TDoA BLINK packet containing the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 and an Uplink TDoA termination request command.

[0117] The mobile terminal 13 receives a Downlink TDoA BLINK packet and obtains the Uplink TDoA termination request command contained in the Downlink TDoA BLINK packet. Then, when the mobile terminal 13 sends the next Uplink TDoA BLINK packet, it includes the Uplink TDoA termination response message and stops sending Uplink TDoA BLINK packets thereafter.

[0118] When the anchor system 12 receives an Uplink TDoA termination response message, it releases a slot for Uplink TDoA BLINK in the ranging time schedule.

[0119] After stopping Uplink TDoA BLINK, the mobile terminal 13 restarts self-positioning by receiving a Downlink TDoA BLINK packet.

[0120] For example, if the mobile device 13 subsequently re-enters the ranging zone Zone2, the processes described above, starting from the Uplink TDoA start request notification process (Figure 11), will be executed again.

[0121] Figure 22 illustrates the termination process for Downlink TDoA ranging.

[0122] As shown in Figure 22, when the user of mobile device 13 leaves ranging zone Zone 1 to ranging zone Zone 0, the Downlink TDoA ranging termination process is performed.

[0123] When mobile terminal 13 detects departure from the ranging zone Zone0 via Downlink TDoA ranging, it terminates Downlink TDoA ranging. When terminating Downlink TDoA ranging, mobile terminal 13 can notify anchor system 12 of the termination of Downlink TDoA ranging using a third OOB communication method (such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or an MNO (Mobile Network Operator) network). However, if there is no third OOB communication method, mobile terminal 13 does not need to notify anchor system 12 of the termination of Downlink TDoA ranging.

[0124] If the anchor system 12 receives notification from the mobile terminal 13 that it has finished Downlink TDoA ranging via a third OOB communication method, it immediately clears the connection information of the mobile terminal 13. On the other hand, if the anchor system 12 does not receive notification from the mobile terminal 13 that it has finished Downlink TDoA ranging via a third OOB communication method, it clears the connection information of the mobile terminal 13 after a certain period of time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed since the connection was established.

[0125] As described above, the payment processing system 11 can switch the positioning method for each ranging zone, Zone 1 to Zone 3, which are set according to the distance and range from the application terminal 22. For example, in ranging zone 1, which covers a wide area at a distance, the mobile terminal 13 performs positioning using the Downlink TDoA method. In ranging zone 2, which is closer to the application terminal 22 than ranging zone 1, the mobile terminal 13 notifies the anchor system 12 of its entry into ranging zone 2, and the anchor system 12 performs positioning using the Uplink TDoA method. When the mobile terminal 13 enters ranging zone 3, which is a narrow area where payment communication takes place, the application terminal 22 performs payment data communication using BLE communication.

[0126] To perform the necessary communication for switching between these positioning methods and controlling their operation, bidirectional communication is performed by including device ID information unique to the mobile terminal 13 in Downlink BLINK packets and Uplink BLINK packets. By combining the positioning of the mobile terminal 13 itself with the positioning of the mobile terminal 13 by the anchor system 12 and switching according to the location of the mobile terminal 13, interference problems during UWB data communication, interference problems during UWB ranging communication, and UWB and BLE link budget problems can be resolved. As a result, in the payment processing system 11, the anchor system 12 can connect to and process payments with a large number of mobile terminals 13.

[0127] <Example of payment processing> The payment processing performed in the payment processing system 11 will be explained with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in Figures 23 to 25.

[0128] In step S21, the mobile terminal 13 initiates a first BLE scan.

[0129] In step S22, the anchor system 12 transmits a first BLE ADV signal.

[0130] In step S23, the mobile terminal 13 sends a connection request to the anchor system 12 in response to receiving the first BLE ADV signal transmitted from the anchor system 12 in step S22.

[0131] In step S24, a first BLE communication takes place between the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13, where ranging settings are configured, map information is acquired, and device ID information is exchanged. The mobile terminal 13 then starts Downlink TDoA positioning.

[0132] In step S25, the anchor system 12 disconnects the first BLE communication with the mobile terminal 13.

[0133] In step S26, the anchor system 12 transmits Downlink BLINK packets from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 at intervals of 1ms, for example, as described above.

[0134] In step S27, the mobile terminal 13 performs a positioning calculation based on the time difference in arrival times of Downlink BLINK packets transmitted from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, and the location information of UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4.

[0135] Subsequently, the transmission of Downlink BLINK packets from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and the positioning calculation by the mobile terminal 13 are repeated. Then, based on the Downlink BLINK packets transmitted from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 in step S28, the positioning calculation performed in step S29 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has entered ranging zone 2, and the process proceeds to step S30.

[0136] In step S30, the mobile terminal 13 sends an Uplink TDoA BLINK packet (Figure 12) containing the mobile terminal 13's device ID information and an Uplink TDoA Start Request message in its payload to the anchor system 12.

[0137] In step S31, the anchor system 12, having received the Uplink TDoA BLINK packet sent in step S30, sends a Downlink BLINK packet containing an Uplink TDoA Start Response. As shown in Figure 15 above, the payload of the Downlink BLINK packet contains device ID information and Uplink Blink Slot information.

[0138] In step S32, the mobile terminal 13 starts a second BLE scan.

[0139] In step S33, the mobile terminal 13 sends an Uplink TDoA BLINK packet.

[0140] In step S34, the anchor system 12, the ranging server 23, performs a positioning calculation based on the time difference of arrival times of the Uplink TDoA BLINK packets transmitted from the mobile terminal 13 to the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, and the location information of the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4.

[0141] Subsequently, Downlink BLINK packets are repeatedly sent from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 (step S35), Uplink TDoA BLINK packets are repeatedly sent from the mobile terminal 13 (step S36), and positioning calculations are performed by the ranging server 23. Then, based on the Uplink TDoA BLINK packets sent from the mobile terminal 13 in step S37, if the positioning calculation performed in step S38 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has entered ranging zone Zone 3, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0142] In step S39, the anchor system 12 receives a second BLE ADV signal from the application terminal 22 via the BLE device 24-2.

[0143] In step S40, the mobile terminal 13, having received the second BLE ADV signal transmitted in step S39, sends a second BLE connection request to the anchor system 12. This establishes a second BLE connection between the BLE device 24-2 of the application terminal 22 and the mobile terminal 13.

[0144] In step S41, a second BLE communication takes place between the anchor system 12 and the mobile terminal 13, and application data communication (for example, payment communication) is performed.

[0145] Then, once application data communication is complete, the following actions are repeated: Downlink BLINK packets are sent from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 (step S42), Uplink TDoA BLINK packets are sent from the mobile terminal 13 (step S43), and positioning calculations are performed by the ranging server 23. Subsequently, if the positioning calculation performed in step S44 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left the ranging zone Zone 3, the process proceeds to step S45.

[0146] In step S45, the anchor system 12 disconnects the second BLE connection with the mobile terminal 13.

[0147] In step S46, the mobile terminal 13 initiates a second BLE scan, and the following steps are repeated: Downlink BLINK packets are sent from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 (step S47), Uplink TDoA BLINK packets are sent from the mobile terminal 13 (step S48), and positioning calculations are performed by the ranging server 23 (step S49).

[0148] Then, in response to the Downlink BLINK packets transmitted from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 in step S50, if the positioning calculation performed in step S52, based on the Uplink TDoA BLINK packets transmitted from the mobile terminal 13 in step S51, detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left the ranging zone Zone 2, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0149] In step S53, the anchor system 12 sends a Downlink TDoA BLINK packet containing the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 and an Uplink TDoA termination request command to the mobile terminal 13.

[0150] In step S54, the mobile terminal 13 receives the Uplink TDoA termination request command sent in step S53 and sends an Uplink TDoA BLINK packet containing an Uplink TDoA termination response message to the anchor system 12.

[0151] In step S55, the anchor system 12, having received the Uplink TDoA termination response message sent in step S54, releases a slot in the ranging time schedule for Uplink TDoA BLINK.

[0152] In step S56, the mobile terminal 13 restarts self-positioning by receiving a Downlink TDoA BLINK packet after stopping Uplink TDoA ranging and a second BLE scan.

[0153] Subsequently, Downlink BLINK packets are repeatedly transmitted from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 (step S57), and positioning calculations are performed by the mobile terminal 13 (step S58). Then, based on the Downlink BLINK packets transmitted from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 in step S60, if the positioning calculation performed in step S61 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left or entered ranging zone 1, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0154] In step S62, the mobile terminal 13 notifies the anchor system 12 of the termination of Downlink TDoA ranging via a third OOB communication means.

[0155] In step S63, the mobile terminal 13 terminates the Downlink TDoA ranging and starts the first BLE scan.

[0156] In step S64, the anchor system 12 clears the connection information of the mobile terminal 13.

[0157] <Anomaly handling> Figures 26 and 27 illustrate the expected abnormal case processing in the payment processing system 11.

[0158] As shown in Figure 26, when a mobile terminal 13-1 leaves ranging zone Zone 1 and immediately returns to ranging zone Zone 1, it is conceivable that the mobile terminal 13-1 may re-enter ranging zone Zone 1 before the anchor system 12 clears the connection information of the mobile terminal 13-1. In this case, if the mobile terminal 13-1 re-enters ranging zone Zone 1 after completing Downlink TDoA ranging and before the anchor system 12 clears the connection information of the mobile terminal 13-1, the connection information of the mobile terminal 13 should be overwritten upon reconnection.

[0159] As shown in Figure 26, a mobile terminal 13-2 may enter ranging zone Zone 1 from ranging zone Zone 0 and return to ranging zone Zone 0 without entering ranging zone Zone 2. In this case, the mobile terminal 13-2 can either notify the anchor system 12 of the completion of Downlink TDoA ranging via a third OOB communication means, or the anchor system 12 can clear the connection information of the mobile terminal 13-2 after a certain period of time (e.g., 1 hour) has elapsed since the connection.

[0160] As shown in Figure 26, mobile terminal 13-3 may enter ranging zone 2 from ranging zone 1 and then return to ranging zone 1 without entering ranging zone 3. In this case, the anchor system 12 can detect that mobile terminal 13-3 has left ranging zone 1 due to Uplink TDoA ranging, and can then perform the termination process for Uplink TDoA ranging described above (Figure 21).

[0161] As shown in Figure 27, it is conceivable that a user may possess multiple mobile devices 13 compatible with the payment application, such as mobile devices 13-1 and 13-2. In this case, the application terminal 22's display may be used to notify the user that they possess multiple mobile devices 13 and allow them to select the mobile device 13 to execute the payment. Alternatively, an error notification may be issued when multiple mobile devices 13 compatible with the payment application are detected, similar to a ticket gate.

[0162] Furthermore, if UL TDoA positioning detects that multiple mobile devices 13 are actually within the ranging zone Zone 3, the application can implement either the above-mentioned response of allowing the user to make a selection or the response of notifying an error, depending on the application requirements.

[0163] Incidentally, it is assumed that the user will not hold multiple mobile devices 13 in the same location. For example, it is assumed that the user will hold mobile device 13-1 in their hand while mobile device 13-2 is in a backpack. In such a case, there will be a difference in the positions of mobile device 13-1 and mobile device 13-2, so it is possible that mobile device 13-1 will enter ranging zone 3 while mobile device 13-2 remains in ranging zone 2. In such a case, the anchor system 12 can grasp the trajectories of mobile devices 13-1 and 13-2, and assume that devices tracing the same trajectory within ranging zone 2 are owned by the same user. As described above, the system can then take the same action as in the case where mobile devices 13-1 and 13-2 entered ranging zone 3 at the same time.

[0164] <State machine for mobile devices> Figure 28 shows the state machine of the mobile terminal 13.

[0165] When the mobile terminal 13 is powered on, it transitions to an idle state, and when the BLE chip 31 is activated, the mobile terminal 13 transitions to an anchor search state in which it performs a first BLE scan to search for the anchor system 12.

[0166] In the anchor search state, if the BLE chip 31 is disabled, the mobile terminal 13 returns to the idle state. However, once the first BLE connection is established and preparation for Downlink TDoA ranging is complete, the mobile terminal 13 transitions to the Downlink TDoA state.

[0167] In the Downlink TDoA state, when the mobile terminal 13 leaves the ranging zone Zone 1, the mobile terminal 13 returns to the Downlink TDoA state. At the same time, when it enters the ranging zone Zone 2 and completes communication requesting the start of Uplink TDoA positioning, it transitions to the Uplink TDoA state.

[0168] In the Uplink TDoA state, when the mobile terminal 13 leaves the ranging zone Zone2, the mobile terminal 13 returns to the Uplink TDoA state. Conversely, when a second BLE connection is established, the mobile terminal 13 transitions to a data communication state.

[0169] When the mobile terminal 13 leaves the ranging zone Zone 3 during data communication, the mobile terminal 13 returns to the Uplink TDoA state.

[0170] <Example configuration with multiple application terminals> Figure 29 shows an example configuration with two application terminals 22a and 22b.

[0171] For example, even if the anchor system 12 is configured to have multiple application terminals 22, the following processes are carried out similarly: device search processing (Figure 4), BLE connection processing (Figure 5), Downlink TDoA positioning start processing (Figure 6), Uplink TDoA start request notification processing (Figure 11), Uplink TDoA positioning start request response processing (Figure 14), and Uplink TDoA start processing (Figure 16).

[0172] This section describes the execution process of application data communication that occurs when a mobile terminal 13 enters the ranging zone 3 in a configuration in which the anchor system 12 is equipped with multiple application terminals 22.

[0173] As shown in Figure 29, in a configuration where the anchor system 12 has two application terminals 22a and 22b, it is necessary to properly pair the two application terminals 22a and 22b with the multiple mobile terminals 13.

[0174] The anchor system 12 can recognize which mobile terminal 13 has entered which ranging zone 3 through Uplink TDoA ranging. Therefore, it is possible to easily achieve appropriate pairing as follows.

[0175] The anchor system 12 detects, via Uplink TDoA ranging, that the mobile terminal 13-1 has entered ranging zone 3a where the application terminal 22a is installed. Accordingly, the anchor system 12 instructs the application terminal 22a to send a second BLE ADV signal to the mobile terminal 13-1, and the application terminal 22a begins sending the second BLE ADV signal.

[0176] This second BLE ADV signal contains information specific to the mobile terminal 13-1 (e.g., ADV_DIRECT_IND), and only the mobile terminal 13-1 responds and sends a request to the anchor system 12 for a second BLE connection. This establishes a second BLE connection between the BLE device 24a-2 of the application terminal 22a and the mobile terminal 13-1. After the second BLE connection is established, the application terminal 22a communicates application data (e.g., payment communication) with the mobile terminal 13-1 over the second BLE communication path.

[0177] Meanwhile, when application data communication is being performed between application terminal 22a and mobile terminal 13-1, anchor system 12 detects that mobile terminal 13-2 has entered ranging zone 3b where application terminal 22b is installed. Accordingly, anchor system 12 instructs application terminal 22b to send a second BLE ADV signal to mobile terminal 13-2, and application terminal 22b begins sending the second BLE ADV signal.

[0178] This second BLE ADV signal contains information specific to the mobile terminal 13-2 (e.g., ADV_DIRECT_IND), and only the mobile terminal 13-2 responds and sends a request to the anchor system 12 for a second BLE connection. This establishes a second BLE connection between the BLE device 24b-2 of the application terminal 22b and the mobile terminal 13-2. After the second BLE connection is established, the application terminal 22b communicates application data (e.g., payment communication) with the mobile terminal 13-2 over the second BLE communication path.

[0179] <Second example configuration of a payment processing system> Figure 30 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a second embodiment of a payment processing system to which this technology is applied.

[0180] In the payment processing system 11A shown in Figure 30, components common to the payment processing system 11 in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed explanations are omitted. Specifically, in the payment processing system 11A, the anchor system 12A is configured to include four UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, an application terminal 22, and a ranging server 23, and the application terminal 22 is equipped with a BLE device 24, which is common to the payment processing system 11 in Figure 1.

[0181] Furthermore, the payment processing system 11A differs from the payment processing system 11 in Figure 1 in that the anchor system 12A and the ranging server 23 are equipped with a UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0182] The UWB data communication anchor 25 performs application data communication with the mobile terminal 13 using UWB in-band communication. For example, UWB in-band communication is suitable for use cases that require high-speed communication, such as ticket gates.

[0183] Referring to Figure 31, the processing performed in each ranging zone (Zone 0 to Zone 3) within the payment processing system 11A will be explained.

[0184] For ranging zones Zone 0 through Zone 2, the same processing as described in Figure 2 is performed.

[0185] Then, when the mobile terminal 13 enters the ranging zone Zone 3 (next-door narrow area) where payment communication takes place, the application terminal 22 is notified of the entry into ranging zone Zone 3. The application terminal 22 performs payment data communication (for example, fare payment at a ticket gate) using UWB in-band communication of the UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0186] Referring to Figure 32, an example configuration of the anchor system 12A and the mobile terminal 13, as well as the data flow between the anchor system 12A and the mobile terminal 13, will be explained.

[0187] The anchor system 12A comprises UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, an application terminal 22, a ranging server 23, a BLE device 24, and a UWB data communication anchor 25, as described with reference to Figure 30.

[0188] As described with reference to Figure 3, the mobile terminal 13 comprises a BLE chip 31, a UWB chip 32, an eSE chip 33, a device host 34, a ranging software library 35, and a payment application 36.

[0189] The BLE chip 31 performs first BLE communication with the BLE device 24.

[0190] The UWB chip 32 performs UWB communication with UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. The UWB chip 32 sends Uplink TDoA BLINK packets to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and receives Downlink BLINK packets sent from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4.

[0191] Furthermore, the UWB chip 32 communicates application data with the UWB data communication anchor 25 using UWB in-band communication, and directly exchanges data with the NFC applet 37 of the eSE chip 33. In other words, application data communication using UWB in-band communication allows for high-speed data exchange without going through the payment application 36.

[0192] The device host 34 executes a positioning application that switches the positioning method for measuring the location of the mobile terminal 13 and performs positioning when the mobile terminal 13 is within the ranging zone Zone 1.

[0193] Figure 33 illustrates the execution process of application data communication using UWB in-band communication.

[0194] For example, in the payment processing system 11A, the following processes are performed in the same way as in the payment processing system 11 in Figure 1: device search processing (Figure 4), BLE connection processing (Figure 5), Downlink TDoA positioning start processing (Figure 6), Uplink TDoA start request notification processing (Figure 11), Uplink TDoA positioning start request response processing (Figure 14), and Uplink TDoA start processing (Figure 16).

[0195] As shown in Figure 33, the execution process for application data communication using UWB in-band communication is performed when the mobile terminal 13 enters the ranging zone Zone 3.

[0196] The ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12A detects that the mobile terminal 13 has entered ranging zone Zone 3 by Uplink TDoA positioning. The anchor system 12A sends an application data communication start command to the mobile terminal 13 using the TDoA bidirectional communication channel. This command contains information necessary for data communication, such as the MAC address and preamble pattern of the UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0197] When the mobile terminal 13 receives an application data communication start message on the TDoA bidirectional communication channel, it sends an application data communication start response on the TDoA bidirectional communication channel. The mobile terminal 13 then transitions to the UWB data communication state and waits for UWB data packets from the application terminal 22's UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0198] The anchor system 12A notifies the application terminal 22 of information necessary for UWB data communication, such as the MAC address of the mobile terminal 13, and instructs the application terminal 22 to start application data communication to the mobile terminal 13.

[0199] The application terminal 22 communicates application data (e.g., payment communication) with the mobile terminal 13 using the UWB data communication anchor 25 via UWB in-band communication. In this case, to avoid interference with Uplink TDoA ranging and Downlink TDoA ranging, a data communication-enabled section is set up on the ranging time schedule, and the application terminal 22 and the mobile terminal 13 perform application data communication only within this data communication-enabled section using UWB in-band communication.

[0200] Figure 34 shows an example of a ranging time schedule including the in-band data communication segment during UWB in-band application data communication.

[0201] In the payment processing system 11A, the ranging interval (200ms) is divided into a ranging section (35ms), a data communication section (160ms), and a guard time section (5ms), and data communication takes place at any time within the data communication slot.

[0202] In the payment processing system 11A, the UWB data communication anchor 25 and the mobile terminal 13 can only initiate data communication during the data communication section, and transmission during the guard time section and ranging section is prohibited.

[0203] For example, because the data communication rate is fast at 6.81 Mbps and the communication time is short (for example, DMD and RSP are less than 1 ms), the probability of interference is low even if data communication is performed at any time between UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 and mobile terminals 13. Furthermore, when using HPRF (High Pulse Repetition Frequency), the data communication rate becomes 27.24 Mbps, further reducing the probability of interference.

[0204] Furthermore, by changing the preamble pattern for each pair of UWB data communication anchor 25 and mobile terminal 13, it is possible to avoid erroneous reception of packets from other pairs.

[0205] Furthermore, even if the payment processing system 11A is configured to include multiple application terminals 22, it can be easily handled in the same way as the application data communication execution process described with reference to Figure 29 above.

[0206] Figure 35 illustrates the termination process for application data communication during UWB in-band communication.

[0207] As shown in Figure 35, the termination process for application data communication during UWB in-band communication occurs when the user of the mobile terminal 13 leaves ranging zone 3 to ranging zone 2 after the application data communication is completed.

[0208] For example, after application data communication is completed, the application terminal 22 notifies the anchor system 12A that application data communication is complete. Then, when the anchor system 12A detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left the ranging zone Zone 3 through ongoing Uplink TDoA positioning, it notifies the mobile terminal 13 of the application data communication termination command using the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0209] When the mobile terminal 13 receives an application data communication termination notification, it terminates UWB data communication and sends an application data communication termination response back to the anchor system 12A using the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0210] Subsequently, the settlement processing system 11A performs the termination process for Uplink TDoA ranging (Figure 21) and Downlink TDoA ranging (Figure 22) in the same manner as the settlement processing system 11 in Figure 1.

[0211] Figure 36 is a sequence diagram illustrating the payment processing performed in the payment processing system 11A.

[0212] For example, the processes from step S21 in Figure 23 to step S38 in Figure 24 described above are performed in the same way as in the payment processing system 11. Then, in the payment processing system 11A, when the positioning calculation performed in step S38 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has entered the ranging zone Zone 3, the process proceeds to step S71.

[0213] In step S71, the anchor system 12A sends an application data communication start command to the mobile terminal 13 using the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0214] In step S72, the mobile terminal 13 receives the application data communication start message sent in step S71 and replies with an application data communication start response on the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0215] In step S73, the mobile terminal 13 transitions to a UWB data communication state and waits for UWB data packets from the application terminal 22's UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0216] In step S74, application data communication (for example, payment communication) is performed between the UWB data communication anchor 25 of the application terminal 22 and the mobile terminal 13 using UWB in-band communication.

[0217] Then, once the application data communication using UWB in-band communication is completed, Downlink BLINK packets from UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 (step S75), Uplink TDoA BLINK packets from the mobile terminal 13 (step S76), and positioning calculations by the ranging server 23 are repeated. Subsequently, if the positioning calculation performed in step S77 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left the ranging zone Zone 3, the process proceeds to step S78.

[0218] In step S78, the anchor system 12A notifies the mobile terminal 13 of the application data communication termination command using the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0219] In step S79, the mobile terminal 13 receives the application data communication termination notification sent in step S78, terminates the UWB data communication, and sends an application data communication termination response back to the anchor system 12A using the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0220] Subsequently, the processes from step S49 onwards in Figure 24 described above are carried out in the same manner as in the payment processing system 11.

[0221] Figure 37 is a sequence diagram illustrating in detail the UWB in-band application data communication processing performed in step S74 of Figure 36.

[0222] In step S101, between the ranging server 23, UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, UWB data communication anchor 25, and mobile terminal 13, the system enters ranging zone 1 from ranging zone 0, then proceeds to ranging zone 2 via Downlink TDoA, after which Uplink TDoA ranging is performed in ranging zone 2.

[0223] In step S102, UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 send Downlink BLINK packets to the mobile terminal 13.

[0224] In step S103, the mobile terminal 13, having received the Downlink BLINK packet transmitted in step S102, transmits an Uplink TDoA BLINK packet to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4.

[0225] In step S104, the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 supply the ranging server 23 with time information indicating the arrival time of the Uplink TDoA BLINK packet from the mobile terminal 13.

[0226] In step S105, the ranging server 23 performs positioning calculations based on the time difference of arrival times of the Uplink TDoA BLINK packets to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, and the location information of UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. When the ranging server 23 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has entered ranging zone Zone 3, it requests UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 to begin sending an application data communication start command.

[0227] In step S106, UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 send an application data communication start command to the mobile terminal 13 using the TDoA bidirectional communication channel. This command includes information necessary for data communication, such as the MAC address and preamble pattern of the UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0228] In step S107, when the mobile terminal 13 receives an application data communication start command on the TDoA bidirectional communication channel, it sends back an application data communication start response on the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0229] In step S108, the mobile terminal 13 transitions to a UWB data communication state and waits for UWB data packets from the application terminal 22's UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0230] In step S109, the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 supply the ranging server 23 with time information indicating the arrival time of the Uplink TDoA BLINK packet from the mobile terminal 13, and a notification that an application data communication start response has been received.

[0231] In step S110, the ranging server 23 performs positioning calculations based on the time difference of arrival times of the Uplink TDoA BLINK packets to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, and the location information of UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. The ranging server 23 then requests the UWB data communication anchor 25 to start application data communication.

[0232] In step S111, application data communication (e.g., payment communication) is performed between the mobile terminal 13 and the UWB data communication anchor 25 using UWB in-band communication.

[0233] Then, when the application data communication is completed, in step S112, the UWB data communication anchor 25 notifies the ranging server 23 that the application data communication has been completed.

[0234] In step S113, UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 send Downlink BLINK packets to the mobile terminal 13.

[0235] In step S114, the mobile terminal 13, having received the Downlink BLINK packet transmitted in step S113, transmits an Uplink TDoA BLINK packet to the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4.

[0236] In step S115, the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 supply the ranging server 23 with time information indicating the arrival time of the Uplink TDoA BLINK packet from the mobile terminal 13.

[0237] In step S116, the ranging server 23 performs positioning calculations based on the time difference of arrival times of the Uplink TDoA BLINK packets to UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4, and the location information of UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4. When the ranging server 23 detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left the ranging zone Zone 3, it requests UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 to begin sending an application data communication termination command.

[0238] In step S117, UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 send an application data communication termination command to the mobile terminal 13 using the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0239] In step S118, when the mobile terminal 13 receives an application data communication termination command on the TDoA bidirectional communication channel, it sends back an application data communication termination response on the TDoA bidirectional communication channel.

[0240] In step S119, the mobile terminal 13 transitions to the state where it has finished waiting for UWB data to be received.

[0241] In step S120, the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 supply the ranging server 23 with time information indicating the arrival time of the Uplink TDoA BLINK packet from the mobile terminal 13, and a notification that an application data communication termination response has been received.

[0242] Figure 38 is a sequence diagram that provides a detailed explanation of the Application data communication process performed in step S111 of Figure 37.

[0243] In step S110 described above, if the ranging server 23 requests the UWB data communication anchor 25 to start application data communication, the process proceeds to step S131.

[0244] In step S131, the UWB data communication anchor 25 sends a polling command to the UWB chip 32 of the mobile terminal 13.

[0245] In step S132, the UWB chip 32 receives the polling command transmitted in step S131 and supplies it to the eSE chip 33.

[0246] In step S133, the eSE chip 33 executes the NFC applet 37 based on the polling command and performs payment processing such as FeliCa.

[0247] In step S134, the eSE chip 33 supplies a polling response to the UWB chip 32 as a result of the settlement process performed based on the polling command in step S133.

[0248] In step S135, the UWB chip 32 transmits the polling response supplied in step S134 to the UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0249] In step S136, the UWB data communication anchor 25 transmits a request service command to the UWB chip 32 in response to the polling response transmitted in step S135.

[0250] In step S137, the UWB chip 32 receives the request service command transmitted in step S136 and supplies it to the eSE chip 33.

[0251] In step S138, the eSE chip 33 executes the NFC applet 37 based on the request service command and performs FeliCa settlement processing.

[0252] In step S139, the eSE chip 33 supplies a request service response to the UWB chip 32 as a result of the settlement process performed based on the request service command in step S138.

[0253] In step S140, the UWB chip 32 transmits the request service response supplied in step S139 to the UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0254] In step S141, the UWB data communication anchor 25 transmits a write command to the UWB chip 32.

[0255] In step S142, the UWB chip 32 receives the write command transmitted in step S141 and supplies it to the eSE chip 33.

[0256] In step S143, the eSE chip 33 performs a write operation according to the write command supplied in step S142.

[0257] In step S144, the eSE chip 33 supplies a write response to the UWB chip 32 as a response to the writing performed in step S143.

[0258] In step S145, the UWB chip 32 transmits the write response supplied in step S144 to the UWB data communication anchor 25.

[0259] Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S112 described above, where the UWB data communication anchor 25 notifies the ranging server 23 that the application data communication is complete. Although the above explanation uses the FeliCa sequence as an example, other NFC applications such as Mifare can be executed using the same procedure.

[0260] <Third example configuration of a payment processing system> Figure 39 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a third embodiment of a payment processing system to which this technology is applied.

[0261] In the payment processing system 11B shown in Figure 39, components common to the payment processing system 11 in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed explanations are omitted. Specifically, in the payment processing system 11B, the anchor system 12B is configured to include an application terminal 22 and a ranging server 23, and the application terminal 22 is equipped with a BLE device 24-1, and the ranging server 23 is equipped with a BLE device 24-2, which is common to the payment processing system 11 in Figure 1.

[0262] Furthermore, the payment processing system 11B differs from the payment processing system 11 in that the anchor system 12B is equipped with four UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4.

[0263] UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4 communicate with mobile terminals 13 located within ranging zone 2 using secure ranging with DS-TWR.

[0264] The DS-TWR start request notification process will be explained with reference to Figure 39.

[0265] For example, in the payment processing system 11B, the device search process (Figure 4), BLE connection process (Figure 5), and Downlink TDoA positioning start process (Figure 6) are performed in the same way as in the payment processing system 11 in Figure 1.

[0266] As shown in Figure 39, the DS-TWR start request notification process is performed when the mobile terminal 13 enters ranging zone 2 from ranging zone 1.

[0267] The anchor system 12B periodically scans for Uplink TDoA BLINK packets transmitted from the mobile terminal 13 based on ranging time schedule information.

[0268] The mobile terminal 13 can recognize that it has entered ranging zone 2 from ranging zone 1 through self-positioning calculation. Upon recognizing entry into ranging zone 2, the mobile terminal 13 sends an Uplink BLINK packet to the anchor system 12B, as shown in Figure 40, containing the mobile terminal 13's device ID information and a DS-TWR Start Request message (Mode Change Request message) in its payload. At this time, the mobile terminal 13 sends the Uplink BLINK packet when it is permitted by the anchor system 12B to send an Uplink DS-TWR positioning start request based on the ranging time schedule information specified at the time of connection.

[0269] FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining DS-TWR Start Request.

[0270] As shown in A of FIG. 41, when the mobile terminal 13 detects entry into the ranging zone Zone2, it broadcasts a DS-TWR Start Request BLINK packet, which is a type of Uplink BLINK packet, to the UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4, generally once. At this time, similar to the explanation referring to A of FIG. 13 above, a plurality of slots are prepared and the DS-TWR Start Request BLINK packet is transmitted randomly.

[0271] B of FIG. 13 shows the time allocation of the UWB anchors #21-1 to #21-4. For the transmission of the DS-TWR Start Request BLINK packet, a dedicated section is secured during the ranging interval, similar to the explanation referring to B of FIG. 13 above.

[0272] Referring to FIG. 42, the DS-TWR positioning start request response process will be described.

[0273] As shown in FIG. 42, the DS-TWR positioning start request response process is performed for the mobile terminal 13 within the ranging zone Zone2.

[0274] The anchor system 12B receives the DS-TWR start request from the mobile terminal 13 with the UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4. The anchor system 12B collates the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 included in the received DS-TWR Start Request packet with the information list of the connected devices recorded in the internal memory.

[0275] For example, if the anchor system 12B finds that the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 is already included in the connected device information list as a result of the matching, it will send a DS-TWR Start Response from the UWB anchors 21-1 to 21-4 when sending the next Downlink BLINK packet, based on the ranging time schedule information. For example, as shown in Figure 43, the payload of the Downlink BLINK packet for sending the DS-TWR Start Response contains the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 and the information required for DS-TWR.

[0276] On the other hand, if the anchor system 12B finds that the device ID information of the mobile terminal 13 is not included in the list of connected devices as a result of its matching, it can send an error notification via a Downlink BLINK packet. Alternatively, in this case, the anchor system 12B may ignore the DS-TWR Start Request sent from the mobile terminal 13.

[0277] It is also possible that other mobile terminals 13a, besides the mobile terminal 13 that sent the DS-TWR Start Request, may receive a DS-TWR Start Response. However, since mobile terminal 13a has not entered ranging zone 2, it has not sent a DS-TWR Start Request, and therefore can ignore the device ID information and Uplink Blink Slot information obtained from the DS-TWR Start Response.

[0278] Figure 44 is a diagram illustrating the DS-TWR start process.

[0279] As shown in Figure 44, the DS-TWR start process is performed by the mobile terminal 13 located in the ranging zone Zone 2.

[0280] The mobile terminal 13 performs DS-TWR with UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4. Secure ranging can also be applied at this time.

[0281] UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4 can simultaneously perform multicast TWR (Television Response) with multiple mobile terminals 13 (within the same session).

[0282] The anchor system 12B performs positioning calculations based on the distances L1 to L4 (the distance between each UWB anchor 21B-1 to 21B-4 and the mobile terminal 13) which are the distance measurement results of the UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4, and the position information of the UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4. As a result, the ranging server 23 begins to recognize the absolute position of the mobile terminal 13.

[0283] At this time, the mobile terminal 13 continues to receive Downlink BLINK packets even after entering the ranging zone Zone 2. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 13 starts a second BLE scan to detect a second BLE ADV signal.

[0284] Figure 45 is a diagram illustrating the execution process of application data communication.

[0285] As shown in Figure 45, the execution process for application data communication is performed, for example, when a user of mobile terminal 13 enters ranging zone 3 from ranging zone 2 in order to make a payment.

[0286] The ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12B detects that the mobile terminal 13 has entered ranging zone 3 by DS-TWR positioning. The anchor system 12B instructs the application terminal 22 to send a second BLE ADV signal to the mobile terminal 13, and the application terminal 22 starts sending the second BLE ADV signal from the BLE device 24-2. This second BLE ADV signal contains information specific to the mobile terminal 13 (e.g., ADV_DIRECT_IND). Therefore, only the mobile terminal 13 responds and sends a second BLE connection request to the anchor system 12B. This establishes a second BLE connection between the BLE device 24-2 of the application terminal 22 and the mobile terminal 13.

[0287] After the second BLE connection is established, the application terminal 22 communicates application data (for example, payment communication) with the mobile terminal 13 over the second BLE communication path.

[0288] Figure 46 illustrates the termination process for application data communication.

[0289] As shown in Figure 46, the termination process for application data communication occurs after application data communication is complete, when the user of the mobile terminal 13 leaves ranging zone 3 to ranging zone 2.

[0290] When the ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12B detects that the mobile terminal 13 has left ranging zone 3 based on ongoing DS-TWR positioning, it notifies the application terminal 22 that the mobile terminal 13 has left ranging zone 3. When the application terminal 22 receives a notification that the mobile terminal 13 has left, it disconnects the second BLE connection with the mobile terminal 13.

[0291] Alternatively, the application terminal 22 may immediately disconnect the second BLE connection after the application data communication is complete. Or, when the user of the mobile terminal 13 makes a termination request input in the user interface of the application on the mobile terminal 13, the second BLE connection may be disconnected triggered by that input.

[0292] Furthermore, depending on the use case, it is conceivable that the mobile terminal 13 may leave ranging zone 3 and then re-enter ranging zone 3 to perform application data communication. In such cases, the mobile terminal 13 may disconnect the second BLE connection and then restart the second BLE scan to detect the second BLE ADV signal.

[0293] Figure 47 is a diagram illustrating the termination process of DS-TWR.

[0294] As shown in Figure 47, the DS-TWR termination process occurs when the user who has finished application data communication moves away from the application terminal 22 with the mobile terminal 13, and then leaves ranging zone 2 to ranging zone 1.

[0295] The ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12B detects the mobile terminal 13 leaving Zone 3 by DS-TWR positioning. The ranging server 23 of the anchor system 12B instructs UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4 to terminate DS-TWR for the mobile terminal 13. UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4 notify the mobile terminal 13 of the termination using the DS-TWR protocol.

[0296] When mobile terminal 13 receives a notification of DS-TWR termination from each of the UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4, it terminates the DS-TWR between itself and the UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4. After terminating the DS-TWR, mobile terminal 13 restarts self-positioning by receiving a Downlink TDoA BLINK packet.

[0297] For example, if the mobile device 13 subsequently re-enters the ranging zone Zone2, the processes described above, starting with the Uplink TDoA start request notification process (Figure 11), will be executed again. Furthermore, the processes following the Downlink TDoA ranging termination process (Figure 22) will be performed in the same manner as when applying an Uplink TDoA to the ranging zone Zone2.

[0298] Figure 48 shows an example of a ranging time schedule for UWB anchors 21B-1 to 21B-4 and mobile terminal 13 when performing DS-TWR in ranging zone 2.

[0299] As shown in Figure 48, a ranging time of 5ms is provided for Downlink TDoA BLINK, a ranging time of 16ms is provided for DS-TWR BLINK, and a ranging time of 8ms is provided for DS-TWR Start Request BLINK.

[0300] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 48, the number of mobile terminals 13 for which DS-TWR is performed in ranging zone 2 is 8. A ranging time of 20 ms for DS-TWR is provided for each UWB anchor 21B-1 to 21B-4, resulting in a total ranging time of 80 ms for DS-TWR. For example, if the number of mobile terminals 13 for which DS-TWR is performed in ranging zone 2 is increased, the ranging time for DS-TWR will be increased accordingly. For example, if the number of mobile terminals 13 for which DS-TWR is performed in ranging zone 2 is 16, a total ranging time of 160 ms for DS-TWR will be provided.

[0301] <Fourth example configuration of a payment processing system> Figure 49 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a fourth embodiment of a payment processing system to which this technology is applied.

[0302] In the payment processing system 11C shown in Figure 49, components common to the payment processing system 11 in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0303] The payment processing system 11C comprises anchor systems 12a and 12b, configured similarly to the anchor system 12 in Figure 1, and further comprises a ranging arbitration server 26. In other words, the payment processing system 11C is configured such that the payment application by anchor system 12a and the payment application by anchor system 12b are located close together, and some ranging zones overlap.

[0304] The anchor system 12a comprises four UWB anchors 21a-1 to 21a-4, an application terminal 22a, a ranging server 23a, a BLE device 24a-2, and a BLE device 24a-1. The anchor system 12b comprises four UWB anchors 21b-1 to 21b-4, an application terminal 22b, a ranging server 23b, a BLE device 24b-2, and a BLE device 24b-1.

[0305] In the settlement processing system 11C, the application terminal 22a of the anchor system 12a and the application terminal 22b of the anchor system 12b are connected to the ranging arbitration server 26 via a network interface.

[0306] The ranging arbitration server 26 has a function to arbitrate the timing of the ranging time schedules of anchor systems 12a and 12b. Alternatively, UWB anchors 21a-1 to 21a-4 and UWB anchors 21b-1 to 21b-4 may monitor UWB signals from other payment applications and adjust their ranging time schedules accordingly.

[0307] In this configuration, the payment processing system 11C has multiple different payment applications (two different payment applications in Figure 49) located close together. Therefore, even if different ranging sessions for each payment application overlap, the ranging arbitration server 26 can arbitrate so that the UWB wireless communication does not overlap, thereby enabling it to handle each payment application.

[0308] However, in cases where the ranging zone 3a of anchor system 12a and the ranging zone 3b of anchor system 12b overlap, it is conceivable that different application data communications cannot be performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the payment processing system 11C in a way that avoids the overlap of the ranging zone 3a of anchor system 12a and the ranging zone 3b of anchor system 12b.

[0309] Figure 50 shows an example of a ranging time schedule in the payment processing system 11C.

[0310] As shown in Figure 50, the same mobile terminal 13 can have multiple ranging sessions simultaneously. Furthermore, because the amount of UWB packets is small, simultaneous processing is possible even if multiple different applications are located nearby, by arbitrating the ranging time schedule so that the UWB communication segments do not overlap.

[0311] Referring to Figure 51, an example configuration of the anchor system 12a, the anchor system 12b, and the mobile terminal 13 will be described, as well as the data flow between the anchor system 12a, the anchor system 12b, and the mobile terminal 13.

[0312] The mobile terminal 13 can use the same BLE chip 31 and UWB chip 32 for two different payment applications, a and b. In this case, the ranging software library 35 executes processing separately for each session, making it possible to process multiple ranging sessions in parallel.

[0313] Figure 52 illustrates a case where a payment application is located nearby.

[0314] As shown in Figure 52, if, for example, a vehicle using DS-TWR in another application is located near the payment processing system 11, it is anticipated that interference may be unavoidable due to timing. In such cases, if there is already a ranging process running on the mobile terminal 13 during the ranging configuration stage using BLE (OOB) to start ranging, a message can be displayed on the mobile terminal 13 screen, as shown in the figure, and the user can be asked to perform a temporary exclusive process to avoid interference. Alternatively, in addition to displaying a message on the mobile terminal 13 screen, the mobile terminal 13's vibration function can be used to notify the user of the conflict.

[0315] Figure 53 shows an example of a specific embodiment in which the payment processing system 11 is applied to purchase payments at a store.

[0316] As shown in Figure 53, the application terminal 22 is integrated as part of the POS (Point of Sale) system. A ranging zone for payments, Payment Zone 3a, is set up near application terminal 22a, and a ranging zone for payments, Payment Zone 3b, is set up near application terminal 22b.

[0317] Figure 54 shows an example of a specific embodiment in which the payment processing system 11A is applied to fare payment at a ticket gate.

[0318] As shown in Figure 54, the UWB data communication anchor 25 is incorporated into the ticket gate. A ranging zone 3a for ticket gate processing is set near the UWB data communication anchor 25a, a ranging zone 3b for ticket gate processing is set near the UWB data communication anchor 25b, and a ranging zone 3c for ticket gate processing is set near the UWB data communication anchor 25c.

[0319] <Example of computer configuration> Next, the series of processes (information processing methods) described above can be performed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are performed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a general-purpose computer or the like.

[0320] Figure 55 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of one embodiment of a computer on which the program that performs the series of processes described above is installed.

[0321] The program can be pre-recorded on the hard disk 105 or ROM 103, which are recording media built into the computer.

[0322] Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) on a removable recording medium 111 driven by drive 109. Such a removable recording medium 111 can be provided as so-called packaged software. Examples of removable recording media 111 include flexible disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto Optical) disks, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), magnetic disks, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0323] In addition to installing the program from the removable storage medium 111 as described above, the program can also be downloaded to the computer via a communication network or broadcasting network and installed on the built-in hard disk 105. That is, the program can be transferred wirelessly to the computer from a download site via a satellite for digital satellite broadcasting, or transferred via a wired connection to the computer via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0324] The computer has a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, and an input / output interface 110 is connected to the CPU 102 via a bus 101.

[0325] When the CPU 102 receives a command from the user via the input / output interface 110, such as by operating the input unit 107, it executes a program stored in the ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 accordingly. Alternatively, the CPU 102 loads a program stored in the hard disk 105 into the RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 and executes it.

[0326] As a result, the CPU 102 performs processing according to the sequence diagram described above, or processing according to the configuration of the block diagram described above. The CPU 102 then outputs the processing results as needed, for example, via the input / output interface 110, from the output unit 106, or transmitted from the communication unit 108, or recorded on the hard disk 105.

[0327] The input section 107 consists of a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc. The output section 106 consists of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), speakers, etc.

[0328] In this specification, the processes performed by a computer according to a program do not necessarily have to be performed chronologically in the order described in a sequence diagram. That is, the processes performed by a computer according to a program include processes that are executed in parallel or individually (e.g., parallel processing or object-based processing).

[0329] Furthermore, the program may be processed by a single computer (processor), or it may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers. Moreover, the program may be transferred to a remote computer for execution.

[0330] Furthermore, in this specification, a system means a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all components are located in the same enclosure or not. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate enclosures and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in one enclosure, are both considered systems.

[0331] Furthermore, for example, the configuration described as a single device (or processing unit) may be divided and configured as multiple devices (or processing units). Conversely, the configurations described above as multiple devices (or processing units) may be combined and configured as a single device (or processing unit). It is also possible to add configurations other than those described above to the configuration of each device (or each processing unit). Moreover, if the overall system configuration and operation are substantially the same, a part of the configuration of one device (or processing unit) may be included in the configuration of another device (or other processing unit).

[0332] Furthermore, for example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, where a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0333] Furthermore, for example, the program described above can be executed on any device. In that case, the device should have the necessary functions (such as functional blocks) and be able to obtain the necessary information.

[0334] Furthermore, each step described in the sequence diagram above can be executed by a single device or shared among multiple devices. Additionally, if a single step includes multiple processes, these processes can be executed by a single device or shared among multiple devices. In other words, multiple processes included in a single step can be executed as multiple steps. Conversely, processes described as multiple steps can be combined and executed as a single step.

[0335] Furthermore, the program executed by the computer may be executed in a chronological order according to the sequence of steps described herein, or it may be executed in parallel or individually at necessary times, such as when a call is made. In other words, as long as no inconsistencies arise, the processing of each step may be executed in an order different from the sequence described above. Moreover, the processing of the steps of this program may be executed in parallel with the processing of other programs, or it may be executed in combination with the processing of other programs.

[0336] Furthermore, the technologies described in this specification can be implemented independently, as long as they do not create a contradiction. Of course, any multiple technologies can also be implemented in combination. For example, some or all of the technologies described in one embodiment can be combined with some or all of the technologies described in another embodiment. In addition, some or all of the above-mentioned technologies can be implemented in combination with other technologies not mentioned above.

[0337] <Examples of configuration combinations> Furthermore, this technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A payment processing unit that performs data communication with an information processing terminal to execute payment processing, A positioning processing unit that performs positioning by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit, An information processing system equipped with the following features. (2) As the aforementioned ranging zone, A first ranging zone is set as the wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where positioning of the information processing terminal is not performed, A second ranging zone set inside the first ranging zone, A third ranging zone is set as the narrow area in the vicinity of the settlement processing unit, located inside the second ranging zone. A will be established. The information processing system described in (1) above. (3) In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured using a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second ranging zone and the third ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by the second positioning method performed by the positioning processing unit. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the payment processing unit is initiated, and payment processing is performed with the information processing terminal. The information processing system described in (2) above. (4) Multiple UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication units transmit predetermined packets from multiple directions to the information processing terminal that has entered the first ranging zone via UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication. The information processing system described in (3) above, further comprising the above. (5) The first positioning method is a Downlink TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) method, which measures the position at the information processing terminal based on the time difference in arrival times of Downlink TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) BLINK packets transmitted from multiple UWB communication units to the information processing terminal. The information processing system described in (4) above. (6) The second positioning method is an Uplink TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) method, in which the positioning processing unit measures the position based on the time difference of arrival times of Uplink TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) BLINK packets transmitted from the information processing terminal to multiple UWB communication units. The information processing system described in (4) or (5) above. (7) The payment processing unit performs data communication for the payment processing with the information processing terminal in the third ranging zone using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication or UWB in-band communication. An information processing system as described in any of (3) through (6) above. (8) The system comprises multiple settlement processing units, and each settlement processing unit is configured with the third ranging zone. An information processing system as described in any of (3) through (7) above. (9) Multiple UWB communication units communicate with the information processing terminal using secure ranging with DS-TWR. The information processing system described in (4) above. (10) A portion of the multiple ranging zones set for the first settlement processing unit and the first positioning processing unit, and a portion of the multiple ranging zones set for the second settlement processing unit and the second positioning processing unit are provided in an overlapping manner. The system further comprises a ranging arbitration unit that arbitrates the timing of the ranging time schedule for positioning the aforementioned information processing terminal. An information processing system as described in any of the above (1) through (9). (11) Information processing system, The positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal is switched for each of the multiple ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area zones, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit that performs data communication for executing payment processing with the information processing terminal. Information processing methods including (12) A payment application for performing payment processing with an information processing system equipped with a payment processing unit, A positioning application that performs positioning by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal itself for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit, and Application execution unit that executes An information processing terminal equipped with the following features. (13) Information processing terminals, A payment application for performing payment processing with an information processing system equipped with a payment processing unit, A positioning application that performs positioning by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal itself for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit, and An information processing method that includes performing the following.

[0338] It should be noted that this embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also exist. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0339] 11 Payment processing system, 12 Anchor system, 13 Mobile terminal, 21 UWB anchor, 22 Application terminal, 23 Ranging server, 24 BLE device, 25 UWB data communication anchor, 26 Ranging arbitration server, 31 BLE chip, 32 UWB chip, 33 eSE chip, 34 Device host, 35 Ranging software library, 36 Payment application

Claims

1. A payment processing unit that performs data communication with an information processing terminal to execute payment processing, A positioning processing unit that performs positioning by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit, Equipped with, As the aforementioned ranging zone, A first ranging zone is set as the wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where positioning of the information processing terminal is not performed, A second ranging zone set inside the first ranging zone, A third ranging zone is set as the narrow area in the vicinity of the settlement processing unit, located inside the second ranging zone. A system was established, In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured using a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second ranging zone and the third ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by the second positioning method performed by the positioning processing unit. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the payment processing unit is initiated, and payment processing is performed with the information processing terminal. Information processing system.

2. Multiple UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication units transmit predetermined packets from multiple directions to the information processing terminal that has entered the first ranging zone via UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The first positioning method is a Downlink TDoA method, which measures the position at the information processing terminal based on the time difference in arrival times of Downlink TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) BLINK packets transmitted from multiple UWB communication units to the information processing terminal. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The second positioning method is an Uplink TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) method, in which the positioning processing unit measures the position based on the time difference of arrival times of Uplink TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival) BLINK packets transmitted from the information processing terminal to multiple UWB communication units. The information processing system according to claim 2.

5. The payment processing unit performs data communication for the payment processing with the information processing terminal in the third ranging zone using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication or UWB in-band communication. The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. The system comprises multiple payment processing units, and each of the payment processing units is configured with the third ranging zone. The information processing system according to claim 1.

7. Multiple UWB communication units communicate with the information processing terminal using secure ranging with DS-TWR. The information processing system according to claim 2.

8. A portion of the multiple ranging zones set for the first settlement processing unit and the first positioning processing unit, and a portion of the multiple ranging zones set for the second settlement processing unit and the second positioning processing unit are provided in an overlapping manner. The system further comprises a ranging arbitration unit that arbitrates the timing of the ranging time schedule for positioning the aforementioned information processing terminal. The information processing system according to claim 1.

9. Information processing system, The system performs positioning by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area zones, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit that performs data communication for executing payment processing with the information processing terminal. Includes, As the aforementioned ranging zone, A first ranging zone is set as the wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where positioning of the information processing terminal is not performed, A second ranging zone set inside the first ranging zone, A third ranging zone is set as the narrow area in the vicinity of the settlement processing unit, located inside the second ranging zone. A system was established, In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured using a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second ranging zone and the third ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a second positioning method performed by the positioning processing unit of the information processing system. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the payment processing unit is initiated, and payment processing is performed with the information processing terminal. Information processing methods.

10. A payment application for performing payment processing with an information processing system equipped with a payment processing unit, A positioning application that performs positioning by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal itself for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit, and Application execution unit that executes Equipped with, As the aforementioned ranging zone, A first ranging zone is set as the wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where positioning of the information processing terminal is not performed, A second ranging zone set inside the first ranging zone, A third ranging zone is set as the narrow area in the vicinity of the settlement processing unit, located inside the second ranging zone. A system was established, In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured using a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second ranging zone and the third ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a second positioning method performed by the positioning processing unit of the information processing system. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the payment processing unit is initiated, and payment processing is performed with the information processing system. Information processing terminal.

11. Information processing terminals, A payment application for performing payment processing with an information processing system equipped with a payment processing unit, A positioning application that performs positioning by switching the positioning method for measuring the location of the information processing terminal itself for each of several ranging zones, from wide-area to narrow-area, which are set according to the distance from the payment processing unit, and Execute, As the aforementioned ranging zone, A first ranging zone is set as the wide area inside the boundary with the free zone where positioning of the information processing terminal is not performed, A second ranging zone set inside the first ranging zone, A third ranging zone is set as the narrow area in the vicinity of the settlement processing unit, located inside the second ranging zone. A system was established, In the first ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured using a first positioning method in which the information processing terminal performs its own positioning. In the second ranging zone and the third ranging zone, the position of the information processing terminal is measured by a second positioning method performed by the positioning processing unit of the information processing system. When it is detected that the information processing terminal has entered the third ranging zone, data communication by the payment processing unit is initiated, and payment processing is performed with the information processing system. Information processing methods that include the following.

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