Location management system

Abstract

To provide a highly convenient wireless tag and a position management system.SOLUTION: A wireless tag includes: a radio wave transmission device; a sensor that detects environmental data; and a processor that transmits, when a detection value of the sensor satisfies a first condition, a radio wave for position detection from the radio wave transmission device, and does not transmit, when the detection value of the sensor does not satisfy the first condition, the radio wave from the radio wave transmission device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to a wireless tag and a location management system.

Background Art

[0002] In fields such as hospitals or warehouses, a location management system using a wireless tag that emits radio waves may be introduced to manage the locations of targets such as people or articles. In the location management system, a wireless tag is attached to each target, and a computer such as a server identifies the location of each wireless tag based on the radio waves emitted by each wireless tag. Then, the computer displays the locations of all the wireless tags in the field or the location of a desired wireless tag in response to a request from the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, for a wireless tag in storage before being attached to a target, location management is unnecessary. However, in a general location management system, once a wireless tag is activated, it continuously emits radio waves, and as long as the wireless tag is within the detection range of the radio waves, the computer identifies and manages the location of the wireless tag. Therefore, for example, when the user requests the computer to display the locations of all the wireless tags in order to know the distribution of the targets present in the field, not only the locations of the wireless tags attached to the targets but also the locations of the wireless tags in storage are displayed. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to accurately grasp the actual distribution of the targets.

[0005] To avoid the need to track the location of wireless tags while they are in storage, one might consider manually starting the wireless tag's radio transmission when attaching it to a target and manually stopping its transmission when retrieving it from the target. However, such methods place a significant burden on the user in terms of operating the wireless tags. Furthermore, there is a possibility of errors in operating the wireless tags, making it difficult to reliably manage the target's location.

[0006] Thus, there is room for improvement in terms of convenience for general wireless tagging and location management systems.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a highly convenient wireless tag and location management system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The wireless tag according to the present invention comprises a radio wave transmitting device, a sensor for detecting environmental data, and a processor that transmits a radio wave for position detection from the radio wave transmitting device when the value detected by the sensor satisfies a first condition, and does not transmit the radio wave from the radio wave transmitting device when the value detected by the sensor does not satisfy the first condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the convenience of wireless tags and location management systems is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a field to which the position management system of the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless tag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the receiver configuration of the first embodiment. [Figure 4]Figure 4 shows an example of the server configuration in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a wireless tag in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the receiver in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server in the first embodiment when it receives wireless tag data. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server in the first embodiment when it receives a request for location information from a terminal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a wireless tag in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server in the second embodiment when it receives wireless tag data. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a wireless tag in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server in the third embodiment when it receives wireless tag data. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server in the fourth embodiment when it receives wireless tag data. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server in the fourth embodiment when it receives a request for location information from a terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The wireless tag and location management system according to the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0012] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a field to which the position management system of the first embodiment is applied.

[0013] In the example shown in FIG. 1, in field 1000, there are three targets 2000-1, 2000-2, and 2000-3 that are each subject to position management within field 1000. Here, as an example, it is assumed that targets 2000-1, 2000-2, and 2000-3 are people. Targets 2000-1, 2000-2, and 2000-3 may be collectively referred to as target 2000.

[0014] For example, field 1000 is a large hospital. Target 2000 may be a medical staff or a patient.

[0015] A wireless tag 1-1 is attached to target 2000-1, a wireless tag 1-2 is attached to target 2000-2, and a wireless tag 1-3 is attached to target 2000-3. When target 2000 is a person, attaching a wireless tag to target 2000 means having target 2000 carry the wireless tag.

[0016] In the example shown in FIG. 1, wireless tags 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6 that are not attached to any of the targets 2000 are stored together in one place in field 1000.

[0017] Hereinafter, wireless tags 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6 may be collectively referred to as wireless tag 1.

[0018] A unique ID is set for each wireless tag 1. The ID set for each wireless tag 1 is referred to as a tag ID.

[0019] In field 1000, receivers 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 are further installed spaced apart from each other. Receivers 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 may be collectively referred to as receiver 2.

[0020] A wireless router 3 is installed in field 1000. The wireless router 3 is connected to server 4 via network 6. Server 4, together with a group of wireless tags 1 and a group of receivers 2, constitutes the location management system of the first embodiment.

[0021] Each wireless tag 1 can transmit a radio signal for location detection, with wireless tag data including the tag ID as its payload. When each receiver 2 receives a radio signal from a nearby wireless tag 1, it transmits the wireless tag data carried by that radio signal to the server 4. When each receiver 2 transmits the wireless tag data to the server 4, it obtains the received signal strength from the wireless tag 1 that transmitted the radio signal, and transmits the obtained received signal strength along with the wireless tag data.

[0022] Server 4 receives wireless tag data and signal strength via wireless router 3 and network 6. Based on the signal strength, Server 4 identifies the location of the wireless tag 1 that transmitted the radio waves and stores the location information representing the identified location in a database. The database may be configured on a separate computer from Server 4, or it may be implemented on Server 4. Here, as an example, the database is described as being implemented on Server 4.

[0023] Any method can be used by the server 4 to determine the location of each wireless tag 1. If radio waves from one wireless tag 1 are received by two or more receivers 2, the server 4 may determine the location of that one wireless tag 1 based on the received signal strength detected by each of the two or more receivers 2. Alternatively, the server 4 may determine the location of the one wireless tag 1 by identifying the receiver 2 that received the radio waves with the strongest received signal strength, or the vicinity of that receiver 2. If only one receiver 2 was able to receive radio waves from one wireless tag 1, the server 4 may determine the location of that receiver 2, or the vicinity of that receiver 2, as the location of that one wireless tag 1.

[0024] A user can connect terminal 5 to network 6 and send various requests from terminal 5 to server 4 via network 6. Terminal 5 is a computer terminal. In the example shown in Figure 1, two terminals 5-1 and 5-2 are connected to network 6, but the number of terminals 5 connected to server 4 via network 6 is not limited to two.

[0025] For example, a user can send a request from terminal 5 to server 4 to output the location information of all wireless tags 1 in field 1000 in order to know the distribution of target 2000 within field 1000.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 1, wireless tags 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6 are wireless tags 1 in storage that have not been assigned to any of the targets 2000. In the first embodiment, the location management system is configured such that the server 4 outputs location information for wireless tags 1 that have been assigned to targets 2000, but does not output location information for wireless tags 1 in storage.

[0027] More specifically, each wireless tag 1 is equipped with one or more sensors that detect environmental data. Each wireless tag 1 then decides whether or not to transmit radio waves based on the detection values ​​of its one or more sensors. Each wireless tag 1 transmits radio waves if the detection values ​​of one or more sensors meet the condition that indicates it is attached to target 2000. Each wireless tag 1 does not transmit radio waves if the detection values ​​of one or more sensors do not meet the condition that indicates it is attached to target 2000. In other words, wireless tags 1 in storage, such as wireless tags 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6, do not transmit radio waves even if they are powered on, and their wireless tag data is not transmitted to server 4. Therefore, server 4 receives wireless tag data from wireless tags 1 attached to target 2000, but does not receive wireless tag data from wireless tags 1 in storage. Thus, server 4 can only store and output location information for wireless tags 1 attached to target 2000.

[0028] The manner in which server 4 outputs location information is arbitrary. For example, server 4 may superimpose one or more objects, each indicating the location of wireless tag 1, onto the map of field 1000 and output a map with one or more objects superimposed.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the wireless tag 1 according to the first embodiment. The wireless tag 1 comprises a processor 10, a plurality of sensors 11-1 to 11-n, a wireless module 12, a battery 13, a memory 14, and a display device 15. Sensors 11-1 to 11-n are collectively referred to as sensor 11.

[0030] The battery 13 is a power source that drives each element of the wireless tag 1, including the processor 10 and the wireless module 12.

[0031] The processor 10 is a circuit capable of performing various calculations. The processor 10 may consist of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microcomputer unit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processor 10 controls each element of the wireless tag 1.

[0032] Memory 14 stores a program and various parameters. The processor 10 controls each element of the wireless tag 1 according to the program stored in memory 14. The processor 10 uses the parameters stored in memory 14 as appropriate. Memory 14 may consist of one type of memory or a combination of multiple types of memory.

[0033] The display device 15 outputs various information to the user in a manner that is visually apparent. The display device 15 may be a device that can only display a small amount of information, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or it may be a device that can display a large amount of information, such as a liquid crystal display.

[0034] The wireless module 12 is an interface device for communicating with a nearby receiver 2 via radio waves. The wireless module 12 includes a radio wave receiving device 12a that receives radio waves and a radio wave transmitting device 12b that transmits radio waves. The radio waves transmitted by the radio wave receiving device 12a are used for detecting the position of the wireless tag 1.

[0035] The communication standard used by the wireless module 12 is not limited to a specific standard. For example, a low-power standard such as BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) could be adopted as the communication standard used by the wireless module 12.

[0036] Multiple sensors 11-1 each detect different types of environmental data. This environmental data includes temperature, humidity, acceleration, illuminance, infrared radiation, etc. The number and types of sensors 11 on the wireless tag 1 can be selected by the designer.

[0037] For example, to determine whether or not a wireless tag 1 has been attached to a person who is a target 2000, the wireless tag 1 may be equipped with two sensors 11: an acceleration sensor and an infrared sensor that detects the amount of infrared radiation. Then, for example, whether or not the wireless tag 1 has been attached to a person is determined based on whether or not the following conditions are met: the value detected by the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold, and the amount of change in the value detected by the infrared sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold.

[0038] The processor 10 determines whether the above conditions are met based on the output value of the accelerometer and the output value of the infrared sensor. If the above conditions are met, the processor 10 can assume that the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person, and therefore transmits radio waves from the radio wave transmitter 12b. If the above conditions are not met, the processor 10 can assume that the wireless tag 1 is not attached to a person, and therefore does not transmit radio waves from the radio wave transmitter 12b.

[0039] The type of sensor 11 provided in the wireless tag 1 and the determination method using the detected value of the sensor 11 are not limited to the examples described above. The wireless tag 1 may be equipped only with an acceleration sensor as the sensor 11, and the determination of whether or not the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person may be made solely by comparing the detected value of the acceleration sensor with a first threshold value. Furthermore, the wireless tag 1 may be equipped with a temperature sensor, and the determination of whether or not the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person may be set as a condition that the detected value of the temperature sensor falls within a predetermined range (for example, a range from 30 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius). Wireless tags Device 1 comprises two or three of the following: an acceleration sensor, an infrared sensor, and a temperature sensor, and the wireless tag 1 may determine whether or not it has been attached to a person based on the detection values ​​of the two or three sensors.

[0040] In other words, a setting range is defined for each of the one or more sensors 11, and the processor 10 determines whether the conditions indicating that the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person are met based on the comparison result between the detected value of each sensor 11 and the setting range.

[0041] Hereafter, the state of wireless tag 1 configured to transmit radio waves will be referred to as the "active state." Conversely, the state of wireless tag 1 configured not to transmit radio waves will be referred to as the "inactive state." Furthermore, the conditions for the wireless module 12 to transmit radio waves, in other words, the conditions indicating that wireless tag 1 is attached to a person, will be referred to as the "active condition." Note that the active condition is an example of the first condition.

[0042] The method by which the processor 10 prevents the radio transmitter 12b from emitting radio waves is not limited to a specific method. The processor 10 may prevent the radio transmitter 12b from emitting radio waves by not transmitting wireless tag data to the radio transmitter 12b. Alternatively, the processor 10 may prevent the radio transmitter 12b from emitting radio waves by cutting off the power supply from the battery 13 to the radio transmitter 12b.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the receiver 2 in the first embodiment. The receiver 2 comprises a processor 20, a wireless module 21, a wireless module 22, and a memory 23.

[0044] The wireless module 21 is an interface device for communicating with nearby wireless tags 1 via radio waves. The wireless module 21 includes a radio wave receiving device 21a that receives radio waves transmitted by the wireless tag 1, and a radio wave transmitting device 21b that transmits radio waves that can be received by the wireless tag 1.

[0045] The wireless module 22 is an interface device for communicating with a nearby receiver 2 via radio waves. The wireless module 22 includes a radio wave receiving device 22a that receives radio waves transmitted by the receiver 2, and a radio wave transmitting device 22b that transmits radio waves that can be received by the receiver 2.

[0046] The communication standards used by the wireless module 22 are not limited to any specific standard. For example, the IEEE 802.11 standard could be adopted as the communication standard used by the wireless module 22.

[0047] The processor 20 is a circuit capable of performing various calculations. The processor 20 may consist of, for example, a CPU, a microcomputer unit, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. The processor 20 controls each element of the receiver 2.

[0048] Memory 23 stores the program and various parameters. The processor 20 controls each element of the receiver 2 according to the program stored in memory 23. The processor 20 uses the parameters stored in memory 23 as appropriate.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of server 4 in the first embodiment. Server 4 includes a processor 40, a network interface 41, and memory 42.

[0050] The network interface 41 is an interface device for communication via the network 6.

[0051] The processor 40 is a circuit capable of performing various calculations based on a program. The processor 40 is, for example, a CPU.

[0052] The memory 42 pre-stores the location management program 421 and the database program 422.

[0053] The processor 40 functions as a database that stores location information for each wireless tag 1, according to the database program 422.

[0054] The processor 40, in accordance with the location management program 421, performs tasks such as identifying the location of the wireless tag 1 based on the received signal strength, storing the identified location information in a database, receiving requests for location information, and outputting location information in response to those requests.

[0055] Next, the operation of the location management system of the first embodiment will be described.

[0056] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag 1 in the first embodiment.

[0057] First, the processor 10 of the wireless tag 1 acquires detection values ​​from each sensor 11 (S101). Then, the processor 10 compares each acquired detection value with the set range (S102). Finally, the processor 10 determines whether or not the active condition is met based on the comparison result for each sensor 11 (S103).

[0058] If the active condition is met (S103: Yes), the processor 10 transmits wireless tag data including the tag ID from the radio transmitter 12b (S104). In other words, the processor 10 causes the radio transmitter 12b to transmit radio waves.

[0059] Furthermore, the processor 10 displays on the display device 15 that the wireless tag 1 is active (S105).

[0060] If the active condition is not met (S103: No), the processor 10 does not transmit wireless tag data and displays on the display device 15 that wireless tag 1 is inactive (S106).

[0061] After S105 or S106, the processor 10 waits for a predetermined time (S107) and then performs the operation of S101 again. The waiting time in S107 can be set arbitrarily. If it is desired to manage the position of each target 2000 in real time, the waiting time in S107 should be set to the shortest possible time.

[0062] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the receiver 2 in the first embodiment.

[0063] The processor 20 of receiver 2 can receive wireless tag data via the wireless module 21. The processor 20 determines whether or not it has received wireless tag data (S201). If wireless tag data has not been received (S201: No), the processor 20 repeats the operation of S201.

[0064] If wireless tag data is received (S201: Yes), the processor 20 obtains the received signal strength of the radio waves that carried the wireless tag data (S202). Then, the processor 20 transmits the wireless tag data along with the received signal strength to the server 4 (S203). The transmission of wireless tag data and received signal strength is performed via the wireless module 22.

[0065] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 in the first embodiment when it receives wireless tag data.

[0066] The processor 40 of server 4 can receive radio tag data transmitted from receiver 2 along with the received signal strength. The processor 40 determines whether or not it has received the radio tag data and the received signal strength (S301). If it has not received the radio tag data and the received signal strength (S301: No), the processor 40 repeats the operation of S301.

[0067] When wireless tag data and received signal strength are received (S301: Yes), the processor 40 identifies the location of the transmitting wireless tag 1 based on the received signal strength (S302). The method for identifying the location of the transmitting wireless tag 1 is arbitrary, as described above.

[0068] The processor 40 stores location information indicating the identified location in the database, associating it with the tag ID (S303). Then, the processor 40 performs the operation of S301 again.

[0069] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 in the first embodiment when it receives a request for location information from the terminal 5.

[0070] The processor 40 of server 4 determines whether or not it has received a location information request from terminal 5 (S401). If it has not received a location information request from terminal 5 (S401: No), the processor 40 repeats the operation of S401.

[0071] Upon receiving a request for location information (S401: Yes), the processor 40 retrieves the latest location information of the target wireless tag 1 from the database (S402) and responds to the terminal 5 with the retrieved latest location information (S403).

[0072] Furthermore, processes S402 and S403 are executed for all wireless tags 1 whose latest location information is stored in the database. The latest location information refers to the location information stored in the database within a predetermined short period including the time when the location information request was received. Therefore, the output of location information for wireless tags 1 that were active in the past but were inactive at the time the location information request was received is prevented.

[0073] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the wireless tag 1 comprises a sensor 11 for detecting environmental data and a processor 10. The processor 10 transmits a radio wave for position detection from the radio wave transmitter 12b when the value detected by the sensor 11 satisfies the active condition, and does not transmit a radio wave from the radio wave transmitter 12b when the value detected by the sensor 11 does not satisfy the active condition. When the receiver 2 receives a radio wave from the wireless tag 1, it obtains the received signal strength and transmits the received signal strength to the server 4. When the server 4 receives the received signal strength, it identifies the location of the wireless tag 1 based on the received signal strength and stores the identified location using a database.

[0074] Therefore, for example, if a condition indicating that wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is set as an active condition, the location information of wireless tag 1 attached to a person will be automatically included in the management, and the location information of wireless tag 1 not attached to a person will be automatically excluded from the management.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, if a user requests the location of wireless tags from server 4 to know the distribution of target 2000 present in field 1000, server 4 will output the location information of wireless tags 1 attached to target 2000, but will not output the location information of wireless tags 1 in storage. Therefore, the user can accurately grasp the actual distribution of target 2000.

[0076] Thus, according to the first embodiment, a wireless tag 1 and a location detection system that are more convenient than general wireless tags and location detection systems can be obtained.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the wireless tag 1 includes a display device 15. The processor 10 displays on the display device 15 whether or not the wireless tag 1 is in an active state.

[0078] Therefore, if the condition indicating that wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is set as the active condition, the user can visually confirm the start of location information management when attaching wireless tag 1 to a person without sending a request to server 4. Also, when the user retrieves wireless tag 1 from a person, the user can visually confirm the end of location information management without sending a request to server 4.

[0079] In the above explanation, the processor 10 displays on the display device 15 whether the wireless tag 1 is active or inactive. The content displayed on the display device 15 can be varied in various ways, as long as the content displayed on the display device 15 differs depending on whether the active condition is met or not. If the content displayed on the display device 15 differs depending on whether the active condition is met or not, the user can visually confirm the start and end of location information management. The content displayed may include nothing being displayed. The processor 10 displays a predetermined message on the display device 15 only in either the case where the active condition is met or the case where the active condition is not met, so that the user can visually confirm the start and end of location information management.

[0080] (Variation 1) The above example illustrates how the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person. However, the wireless tag 1 may also be attached to an item. In other words, each target 2000 may be an item. For example, if the field 1000 is a hospital, then pharmaceuticals or portable medical devices could be targets 2000.

[0081] Modification 1 describes an example in which a location management system is applied to managing the location of target 2000, which is placed in a warehouse where the lights are turned off.

[0082] The wireless tag 1 is equipped with an acceleration sensor and an illuminance sensor as sensors 11. For example, the activation condition can be set such that the detected value of the acceleration sensor is below a predetermined third threshold and the detected value of the illuminance sensor is below a predetermined fourth threshold.

[0083] If the above active conditions are met, it can be presumed that target 2000 is located in at least a dark place. Therefore, processor 10 puts wireless tag 1 into an active state, that is, a state in which it emits radio waves. If target 2000 is being transported or target 2000 is not in a dark place, the active conditions are not met. If the active conditions are not met, it can be presumed that it is not located in a dark place, so processor 10 puts wireless tag 1 into an inactive state, that is, a state in which it does not emit radio waves.

[0084] Thus, when it is necessary to manage the location of Target 2000 placed in a warehouse with the lights off, configuring the location detection system as described above makes it possible to automatically exclude Target 2000 in states where location information management is unnecessary, such as during transport, from the scope of location information management. Since the exclusion of targets from location information management is achieved without relying on manual intervention, a highly convenient location detection system is obtained.

[0085] (Modification 2) Modification 2 describes an example in which a location management system is applied to managing the location of a target 2000 that is stored in a cool place. For example, a pharmaceutical product that should be stored in a cooler kept below a certain temperature may be the target 2000.

[0086] The wireless tag 1 is equipped with an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor as sensors 11. For example, an active condition may be set such that the detected value of the acceleration sensor is below a predetermined fifth threshold and the detected value of the temperature sensor is below a predetermined sixth threshold.

[0087] If the above active conditions are met, it can be presumed that target 2000 is at least in a cool place. Therefore, processor 10 puts wireless tag 1 into an active state, that is, a state in which it emits radio waves. If target 2000 is being transported or target 2000 is not in a cool place, the active conditions are not met. If the active conditions are not met, it can be presumed that it is not in a cool place, so processor 10 puts wireless tag 1 into an inactive state, that is, a state in which it does not emit radio waves.

[0088] Thus, when it is necessary to manage the location of target 2000 stored in a cool place, configuring the location detection system as described above makes it possible to automatically exclude target 2000 that are in a state where location information management is unnecessary, such as when they have been removed from the cool place, from the scope of location information management. Since the exclusion of targets from location information management is achieved without relying on manual intervention, a highly convenient location detection system is obtained.

[0089] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the wireless tag 1 adds a code to the wireless tag data indicating whether or not it is subject to location information management. The server 4 determines whether or not to manage the location information based on this code.

[0090] The operation of the location management system in the second embodiment is described below. In the second embodiment, the state of a wireless tag 1 that is subject to location information management is referred to as the active state. The state of a wireless tag 1 that is not subject to location information management is referred to as the inactive state.

[0091] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag 1 in the second embodiment.

[0092] First, the processor 10 of the wireless tag 1 acquires detection values ​​from each sensor 11 (S501). Then, the processor 10 compares each acquired detection value with the set range (S502). Finally, the processor 10 determines whether or not the active condition is met based on the comparison result for each sensor 11 (S503).

[0093] If the active condition is met (S503: Yes), the processor 10 transmits wireless tag data including the tag ID and a code indicating the active state from the radio transmitter 12b (S504). The processor 10 also displays on the display device 15 that the wireless tag 1 is in an active state (S505).

[0094] If the active condition is not met (S503: No), the processor 10 transmits wireless tag data including the tag ID and a code indicating the inactive state from the radio transmitter 12b (S506). The processor 10 also displays on the display device 15 that the wireless tag 1 is in an inactive state (S507).

[0095] After S505 or S507, the processor 10 waits for a predetermined time (S508) and then executes the operation of S501 again. The waiting time in S508 can be determined in the same way as the setting time in the operation of S107 in the first embodiment.

[0096] In the sequence of operations shown in Figure 9, the wireless tag data including the tag ID and a code indicating the active state is an example of the first data. The wireless tag data including the tag ID and a code indicating the inactive state is an example of the second data.

[0097] In the second embodiment, each receiver 2 performs the same operation as in the first embodiment.

[0098] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 in the second embodiment when it receives wireless tag data.

[0099] The processor 40 of server 4 determines whether or not it has received the wireless tag data and signal strength (S601). If it has not received the wireless tag data and signal strength (S601: No), the processor 40 repeats the operation of S601.

[0100] When the wireless tag data and received signal strength are received (S601: Yes), the processor 40 determines whether the transmitting wireless tag 1 is in an active state based on the code contained in the wireless tag data (S602).

[0101] If the source wireless tag 1 is active (S602: Yes), the processor 40 determines the location of the source wireless tag 1 based on the received signal strength (S603). The method for determining the location of the source wireless tag 1 is arbitrary.

[0102] The processor 40 stores location information indicating the identified location in the database, associating it with the tag ID (S604). Then, the processor 40 executes the operation of S601 again.

[0103] If the source wireless tag 1 is not in an active state (S602: No), the processor 40 skips S603 and S604 and performs the operation of S601 again.

[0104] In the second embodiment, when the server 4 receives a request for location information from the terminal 5, it performs the same operations as in the first embodiment.

[0105] Thus, according to the second embodiment, the processor 10 of the wireless tag 1 transmits first data, which is wireless tag data including the tag ID and a code indicating the active state, if the value detected by the sensor 11 satisfies the active condition, and transmits second data, which is wireless tag data including the tag ID and a code indicating the inactive state, if the value detected by the sensor 11 does not satisfy the active condition. If the server 4 receives wireless tag data via the receiver 2 and includes a code indicating the active state, in other words, if the wireless tag data received via the receiver 2 is the first data, the server 4 identifies the location of the wireless tag 1 based on the received signal strength and stores the identified location as location information in a database. If the server 4 receives wireless tag data via the receiver 2 and includes a code indicating the inactive state, in other words, if the wireless tag data received via the receiver 2 is the second data, the server 4 does not store the location information.

[0106] Therefore, if the condition indicating that wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is set as the active condition, the location information of wireless tag 1 attached to a person will be automatically included in the management, and the location information of wireless tag 1 not attached to a person will be automatically excluded from the management.

[0107] Furthermore, for example, if a user requests the location of wireless tags from server 4 to know the distribution of target 2000 present in field 1000, server 4 will output the location information of wireless tags 1 attached to target 2000, but will not output the location information of wireless tags 1 in storage. Therefore, the user can accurately grasp the actual distribution of target 2000.

[0108] Thus, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a wireless tag 1 and a location detection system that are more convenient than general wireless tags and location detection systems can be obtained.

[0109] It has been explained that the first data includes a code indicating an active state, and the second data includes a code indicating an inactive state. However, the configuration of the first and second data is not limited to the above, as long as the first and second data are different from each other. For example, the first and second data may be configured such that one of them includes a predetermined code, while the other does not. Because the first and second data are different from each other, the server 4 can determine whether the transmitting wireless tag 1 is subject to location information management based on whether the received data is the first data or the second data.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the wireless tag 1 includes a display device 15. The processor 10 displays on the display device 15 whether or not the wireless tag 1 is in an active state.

[0111] Therefore, if the condition indicating that wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is set as the active condition, the user can visually confirm the start of location information management when attaching wireless tag 1 to a person without sending a request to server 4. Also, when the user retrieves wireless tag 1 from a person, the user can visually confirm the end of location information management without sending a request to server 4.

[0112] As with the first embodiment, the content displayed on the display device 15 is not limited to the above example, as long as the processor 10 makes the content displayed on the display device 15 different depending on whether the active condition is met or not.

[0113] Furthermore, the position detection system according to the second embodiment can be applied to either the case described as Modification 1 or the case described as Modification 2.

[0114] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, examples were described in which the wireless tag 1 determines whether or not it is subject to location information management. Whether or not the wireless tag 1 is subject to location information management may be determined by the server 4. In the third embodiment, an example is described in which the server 4 determines whether or not each wireless tag 1 is subject to location information management.

[0115] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag 1 in the third embodiment.

[0116] First, the processor 10 of the wireless tag 1 acquires detection values ​​from each sensor 11 (S701). Then, the processor 10 transmits wireless tag data, including the tag ID and each detection value, from the radio transmitter 12b (S702). The processor 10 then waits for a predetermined time (S703) and repeats the operation of S701. The waiting time in S703 can be set arbitrarily. If the position of the target 2000 is to be managed in real time, the waiting time in S703 should be set to the shortest possible time.

[0117] In the third embodiment, each receiver 2 performs the same operation as in the first embodiment.

[0118] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 in the third embodiment when it receives wireless tag data.

[0119] The processor 40 of server 4 determines whether or not it has received the wireless tag data and signal strength (S801). If it has not received the wireless tag data and signal strength (S801: No), the processor 40 repeats the operation of S801.

[0120] When wireless tag data and received signal strength are received (S801: Yes), the processor 40 compares each detected value in the received wireless tag data with the set range (S802). Then, the processor 40 determines whether the active condition is met based on the comparison result for each detected value (S803).

[0121] If the active condition is met (S803: Yes), the processor 40 identifies the location of the source radio tag 1 based on the received signal strength (S804). The method for identifying the location of the source radio tag 1 is arbitrary.

[0122] The processor 40 stores location information indicating the identified location in the database, associating it with the tag ID (S805). Then, the processor 40 executes the operation of S801 again.

[0123] If the active condition is not met (S803: No), the processor 40 skips S804 and S805 and performs the operation of S801 again.

[0124] In the third embodiment, when the server 4 receives a request for location information from the terminal 5, it performs the same operations as in the first embodiment.

[0125] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the wireless tag 1 transmits the detected value from the sensor 11. If the detected value satisfies the active condition, the server 4 identifies the location of the wireless tag 1 based on the received signal strength and stores the identified location using a database. If the detected value does not satisfy the active condition, the server 4 does not store the location of the wireless tag 1.

[0126] Therefore, similar to the first and second embodiments, a wireless tag 1 and a location detection system that are more convenient than general wireless tags and location detection systems can be obtained.

[0127] Furthermore, the position detection system according to the third embodiment can be applied to either the case described as Modification 1 or the case described as Modification 2.

[0128] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, when the server 4 receives wireless tag data, an example is described in which the server stores the location information in the database regardless of whether the transmitting wireless tag 1 is subject to location information management.

[0129] In the fourth embodiment, each wireless tag 1 and each receiver 2 perform the same operations as in the third embodiment.

[0130] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 in the fourth embodiment when it receives wireless tag data.

[0131] The processor 40 of server 4 determines whether or not it has received the wireless tag data and signal strength (S901). If it has not received the wireless tag data and signal strength (S901: No), the processor 40 repeats the operation of S901.

[0132] When wireless tag data and signal strength are received (S901: Yes), the processor 40 identifies the location of the transmitting wireless tag 1 based on the signal strength (S902). The method for identifying the location of the transmitting wireless tag 1 is arbitrary.

[0133] The processor 40 stores each detected value contained in the wireless tag data and location information indicating the identified location in a database, associating them with the tag ID (S903). Then, the processor 40 performs the operation of S901 again.

[0134] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 in the fourth embodiment when it receives a request for location information from the terminal 5.

[0135] The processor 40 of server 4 determines whether or not it has received a location information request from terminal 5 (S1001). If it has not received a location information request from terminal 5 (S1001: No), the processor 40 repeats the operation of S1001.

[0136] Upon receiving a request for location information (S1001: Yes), the processor 40 retrieves the latest location information and each detection value of the target wireless tag 1 from the database (S1002), and compares each retrieved detection value with the set range (S1003). Then, the processor 40 determines whether the active condition is met based on the comparison result for each detection value (S1004).

[0137] If the active condition is met (S1004: Yes), the processor 40 responds to the terminal 5 with the most recently acquired location information (S1005). Then, the processor 40 performs the operation of S1001 again.

[0138] If the active condition is not met (S1004: No), the processor 40 will perform the operation of S1001 again without responding to the terminal 5 with the most recently acquired location information.

[0139] The processor 40 then performs the S1002-S1005 processes for all wireless tags 1 whose latest location information is stored in the database.

[0140] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, the wireless tag 1 transmits wireless tag data including the detection value from the sensor 11. When the server 4 receives the wireless tag data via the receiver 2, it determines the location of the wireless tag 1 based on the received signal strength acquired by the receiver 2. The server 4 then outputs the determined location information if it receives a request from the user and the detection value satisfies the active condition. The server 4 does not output the determined location information if it receives a request from the user but the detection value does not satisfy the active condition.

[0141] Therefore, similar to the first, second, and third embodiments, a wireless tag 1 and a location detection system that are more convenient than general wireless tags and location detection systems can be obtained.

[0142] Furthermore, the position detection system according to the fourth embodiment can be applied to either the case described as Modification 1 or the case described as Modification 2.

[0143] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 1 Wireless tag, 2 Receiver, 3 Wireless router, 4 Server, 5 Terminal, 6 Network, 10 Processor, 11 Sensor, 12 Wireless module, 12a Radio wave receiver, 12b Radio wave transmitter, 13 Battery, 14 Memory, 15 Display device, 20 Processor, 21 Wireless module, 21a Radio wave receiver, 21b Radio wave transmitter, 22 Wireless module, 22a Radio wave receiver, 22b Radio wave transmitter, 23 Memory, 40 Processor, 41 Network interface, 42 Memory, 421 Location management program, 422 Database program, 1000 Fields, 2000 Targets.

Claims

1. A wireless tag comprising: a radio wave transmitter; a sensor for detecting environmental data; and a processor that transmits a first radio wave for position detection containing first data from the radio wave transmitter if the value detected by the sensor satisfies a first condition, and transmits a second radio wave containing second data different from the first data from the radio wave transmitter if the value detected by the sensor does not satisfy the first condition; A receiver that, upon receiving a third radio wave which is either the first radio wave or the second radio wave transmitted from the radio wave transmitter of the wireless tag, acquires the received strength of the third radio wave and transmits the received strength together with the third data which is either the first data or the second data included in the third radio wave. A server receives the received signal strength and the third data transmitted from the receiver, and if the third data is the first data, it identifies the location of the wireless tag based on the received signal strength and stores the identified location; if the third data is not the first data, it does not store the location. A location management system equipped with the following features.

2. The wireless tag further comprises a display device, The processor causes the display content of the display device to differ depending on whether the value detected by the sensor satisfies the first condition or whether the value detected by the sensor does not satisfy the first condition. The location management system according to claim 1.

3. A wireless tag comprising a sensor for detecting environmental data and a radio wave transmitter that emits radio waves for position detection including the value detected by the sensor, A receiver that, upon receiving the radio waves transmitted from the radio wave transmitter provided by the wireless tag, acquires the received strength of the radio waves and transmits the received strength together with the detected value, A server receives the received signal strength and the detected value transmitted from the receiver, and if the detected value satisfies a first condition, it identifies the location of the wireless tag based on the received signal strength and stores the identified location; if the detected value does not satisfy the first condition, it does not store the location. A location management system equipped with the following features.

4. The server outputs location information in response to a request from the user. A location management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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