Location information management communication device

Abstract

To provide a communication device for position information management capable of extending the life of a battery by reducing power consumption without executing unnecessary communications.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a communication device for position information management provided in a management target of which the position information is managed. The communication device for position information management comprises: a storage section which stores identification information of the communication device for position information management and determination information for determining whether or not it is necessary to execute a communication; a first communication section for receiving a signal from a reader via a communication using a first communication standard; a first control section for updating the determination information in accordance with a signal which is received from the reader by the first communication section; a second communication section for transmitting the identification information to a server relating to the management of the position information in predetermined timing via a communication using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; and a second control section for controlling the execution of the communication by the second communication section based on the determination information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a communication device for location information management. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, systems that acquire location information of objects and determine their whereabouts have become widely used. These systems are used, for example, to confirm the location of goods and transportation equipment in logistics.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for acquiring location information transmitted at predetermined timings from a location detection device attached to a transport device, and determining whether the transport device has been returned from the destination within an appropriate range. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-33159 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, location information is continuously transmitted by the location detection device even after the transport equipment has been brought into the warehouse. The manager can ascertain that the transport equipment is being managed in the warehouse from the location information initially transmitted from the location detection device when the transport equipment is brought into the warehouse. If the manager only needs to know that the transport equipment is being managed in the warehouse, then continuous transmission of location information by the location detection device from the time the transport equipment is brought in until it is released is unnecessary. For this reason, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, battery power is wasted due to unnecessary communication, and the battery cannot be made to last long.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a location information management communication device that can extend battery life by reducing power consumption without performing unnecessary communications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a location information management communication device according to one aspect of the present invention is a location information management communication device provided on a managed object whose location information is managed, comprising: a storage unit that stores identification information of the location information management communication device and determination information for determining whether or not to perform communication; a first communication unit that receives signals from a reader device by communication using a first communication standard; a first control unit that updates the determination information in accordance with the signals received by the first communication unit from the reader device; a second communication unit that transmits the identification information to a server related to the management of the location information at a predetermined timing by communication using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; and a second communication unit that, based on the determination information, With the aforementioned server It comprises a second control unit that controls the execution of communication, The items subject to management are logistics materials or goods transported between multiple locations. The first control unit updates the determination information to indicate that it will perform communication if the signal received by the first communication unit from the reader includes an update instruction to update the determination information from off to on, and updates the determination information to indicate that it will not perform communication if the signal received by the first communication unit from the reader includes an update instruction to update the determination information from on to off, the signal including the update instruction to update the determination information from off to on is transmitted from the reader when the managed item is released, and the signal including the update instruction to update the determination information from on to off is transmitted from the reader when the managed item is received. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, battery life can be extended by reducing power consumption without performing unnecessary communications. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a position information management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the load information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the position management information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the verification information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication device for position information management according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in a communication device for position information management according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication device for position information management according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the output information according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <<1. First Embodiment>> First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] <1-1. Configuration of the Position Information Management System> Referring to Figure 1, an example of the configuration of the location information management system according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the location information management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the location information management system 1 includes a location information management communication device 10, a cargo management server 20, a Sigfox management server 30, a location information management server 40, a Wi-Fi management server 50, a user terminal 60, a base station terminal 13, an RFID reader 15 (15A, 15B), a Sigfox base station BS (BS1~BS3), and an access point AP (AP1~AP3). The Sigfox management server 30, the location information management server 40, and the Wi-Fi management server 50 are examples of servers related to the management of location information to be managed (hereinafter also referred to as "management servers").

[0013] The location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system for determining the location (location) of the managed items. The managed items are, for example, logistics materials and goods such as pallets, carts, containers, and packaging boxes in logistics. In the following first embodiment, we will describe an example in which the object to be managed is a pallet 11, and a pallet 11 loaded with cargo 12 is transported by a vehicle 14 between multiple user locations 2 (2A, 2B).

[0014] The location information management communication device 10 is an electronic device for acquiring location information of the pallet 11. The location information management communication device 10 is installed on the pallet 11, which is the managed object whose location information is to be managed. In other words, the location information indicating the location of the location information management communication device 10 is also the location information indicating the location of the pallet 11. Furthermore, if cargo 12 is loaded on the pallet 11, the location information indicating the location of the location information management communication device 10 and the location information indicating the location of the pallet 11 are also the location information indicating the location of the cargo 12. Furthermore, the location where the location information management communication device 10 is installed on the pallet 11 is not particularly limited.

[0015] User site 2 is equipped with, for example, a site terminal 13 capable of communicating with the cargo management server 20. The site terminal 13 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a PC (personal computer). However, the site terminal 13 is not limited to these examples. The site terminal 13 transmits, for example, the identification information of the location information management communication device 10, which is entered by the user, and the identification information of the pallet 11 to which the location information management communication device 10 is attached, to the cargo management server 20. The identification information for the location information management communication device 10 is, for example, the identification ID (Identification) of the location information management communication device 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the "communication device ID"). The identification information for the pallet 11 is, for example, the identification ID of the pallet 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the "pallet ID"). The communication device ID and the pallet ID are strings of characters, for example, a combination of arbitrary characters (alphabet, numbers, symbols, etc.).

[0016] The location information management communication device 10 according to the first embodiment has various communication functions for sending and receiving various types of information with other devices. For example, the location information management communication device 10 has Wi-Fi communication functions, Sigfox communication functions, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​communication functions.

[0017] The Wi-Fi communication function is a function that communicates with Wi-Fi access points using the Wi-Fi communication standard. The access point with which the location information management communication device 10 communicates is, for example, an access point located within the communication range around the pallet 11. The location information management communication device 10 acquires information about the Wi-Fi access point (hereinafter also referred to as "Wi-Fi information") at predetermined timings using the Wi-Fi communication function. The predetermined timings at which the location information management communication device 10 acquires Wi-Fi information are, for example, when the power of the location information management communication device 10 is turned on or when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0018] Wi-Fi information includes, for example, address information and received level information. Address information is information indicating the address of the access point. Specifically, the address of the access point is the MAC address (Media Access Control address). In the first embodiment, an example in which the address information is a MAC address will be described below. Received level information is information indicating the strength of the signal received by the location information management communication device 10 from the access point.

[0019] Furthermore, the access point from which the location information management communication device 10 acquires Wi-Fi information may be located either inside or outside a building or vehicle, as long as the location information management communication device 10 can receive signals from it. Furthermore, if the location information management communication device 10 receives Wi-Fi information from multiple Wi-Fi access points, that is, if it acquires multiple Wi-Fi information, it may extract arbitrary Wi-Fi information from the acquired Wi-Fi information. For example, the location information management communication device 10 extracts Wi-Fi information according to the signal reception level from the access point. As an example, the location information management communication device 10 prioritizes extracting Wi-Fi information received from access points with high signal reception levels.

[0020] The location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function to a server related to the management of the location information of the pallet 11. The server related to the management of the location information of the pallet 11 is, for example, a server that acquires the location information of the pallet 11, or a server that manages the location information acquired by each server.

[0021] The Sigfox communication function is a function that communicates with the Sigfox management server 30 using Sigfox (an example of a second communication standard) as the communication standard. Sigfox is one of the LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) standards. The location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and the MAC address obtained by the Wi-Fi communication function to the Sigfox management server 30 at a predetermined timing using the Sigfox communication function. The predetermined timing at which the location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and MAC address is, for example, the timing when the MAC address is obtained by the Wi-Fi communication function or when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0022] Furthermore, the LPWA standard used by the location information management communication device 10 when transmitting the communication device ID and MAC address is not limited to Sigfox. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may use standards such as NB-IoT, LoRa (LoRa WAN), ELTRES, ZETA, and Wi-SUN as LPWA standards. Also, the communication standard used by the location information management communication device 10 is not limited to LPWA. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may use communication standards such as 3G (third-generation mobile communication system), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication system).

[0023] The server to which the location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and MAC address is a server corresponding to the communication standard used by the location information management communication device 10. In the first embodiment, the communication standard used by the location information management communication device 10 is Sigfox. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and MAC address to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS.

[0024] The RFID communication function is a function that communicates with an RFID reader 15 (an example of a reading device) using RFID (an example of a first communication standard) of Near Field Communication (NFC) as the communication standard. RFID can send and receive more information in a single communication than LPWA. The location information management communication device 10 stores determination information for determining whether or not to perform communication using the Sigfox communication function. Specifically, the determination information indicates whether to turn the Sigfox communication function on or off. The determination information is indicated, for example, by a 1-bit flag. If the determination information indicates that the Sigfox communication function should be turned on, the location information management communication device 10 determines that communication using the Sigfox communication function is necessary and turns on the Sigfox communication function. On the other hand, if the determination information indicates that the Sigfox communication function should be turned off, the location information management communication device 10 determines that communication using the Sigfox communication function is unnecessary and turns off the Sigfox communication function. The RFID reader 15 transmits an instruction to update the determination information when communicating with the location information management communication device 10. While the pallet 11 is being transported between multiple user sites 2, communication using the Sigfox communication function is necessary to manage the location of the pallet 11. That is, when the pallet 11 is released from a user site 2, the Sigfox communication function needs to be turned on. On the other hand, when the pallet 11 is inside a user site 2, once communication is performed to determine the location of the pallet 11, there is no need to communicate again as long as the pallet 11 is inside a user site 2, so communication using the Sigfox communication function is unnecessary. That is, when the pallet 11 is returned to a user site 2, the Sigfox communication function needs to be turned off. Subsequently, when the pallet 11 is dispatched from the user site 2, the RFID reader 15 sends an update instruction to the location information management communication device 10, instructing it to update the determination information from off to on. On the other hand, when the pallet 11 is returned to the user site 2, the RFID reader 15 sends an update instruction to the location information management communication device 10, instructing it to update the determination information from on to off.

[0025] The location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and the update result of the determination information when communicating with the RFID reader 15. This allows the RFID reader 15 to identify the location information management communication devices 10 that sent update instructions but for which the Sigfox communication function was not successfully turned on or off.

[0026] The cargo management server 20 is a server that manages the correspondence between the location information management communication device 10 and the pallet 11. The cargo management server 20 stores the communication device ID and pallet ID received from the base terminal 13 in association with each other. Hereinafter, the information in which the communication device ID and pallet ID are associated will also be referred to as "cargo information". The cargo management server 20 may also transmit and share the cargo information with the location information management server 40.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an example of cargo information according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the cargo information consists of a communication device ID and a pallet ID. Note that the cargo information shown in Figure 2 is just an example, and the cargo information is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2. The first record in the table shown in Figure 2 shows an example where the communication device ID is "001" and the pallet ID is "101". This indicates that the location information management communication device 10, whose communication device ID is "001", is installed on the pallet 11, whose pallet ID is "101". The second record in the table shown in Figure 2 shows an example where the communication device ID is "002" and the pallet ID is "102". This indicates that the location information management communication device 10, whose communication device ID is "002", is installed on the pallet 11, whose pallet ID is "102". The third record in the table shown in Figure 2 shows an example where the communication device ID is "003" and the pallet ID is "103". This indicates that the location information management communication device 10, whose communication device ID is "003", is installed on the pallet 11, whose pallet ID is "103".

[0028] The Sigfox management server 30 acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10 based on information received from the location information management communication device 10 via the Sigfox base station BS. For example, the Sigfox management server 30 acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10 by base station positioning. The Sigfox management server 30 acquires the acquired location information of the location information management communication device 10 as the location information of the pallet 11 (managed object) to which the location information management communication device 10 is installed.

[0029] The Sigfox management server 30 according to the first embodiment performs base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using Sigfox. The Sigfox management server 30 may also perform base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using an LPWA standard other than Sigfox, or based on information transmitted from a base station that communicates using a communication standard other than LPWA. The name of the Sigfox management server 30 may be a name corresponding to the communication standard used.

[0030] In the following, the position information of Palette 11 obtained by base station positioning will also be referred to as "base station positioning information." The base station positioning information obtained by base station positioning includes, for example, coordinates indicating the latitude and longitude of Palette 11's current position. The base station positioning information may also include a reliability score. The reliability score is indicated, for example, by the radius of a circle centered on the coordinates included in the base station positioning information. This circle indicates the range in which the position of Palette 11 may be included. In other words, it can be said to indicate the positioning error by base station positioning.

[0031] The Sigfox management server 30 transmits information, including the acquired base station positioning information, to the location information management server 40. The Sigfox management server 30 also transmits the communication device ID and MAC address received from the location information management communication device 10 to the location information management server 40.

[0032] Furthermore, in communication between the Sigfox management server 30 and the location information management server 40, the amount of information that can be transmitted in a single communication may be limited. Therefore, the Sigfox management server 30 transmits two types of information to the location information management server 40, base station positioning information and Wi-Fi information, depending on the amount of information that can be transmitted. For example, if one signal can contain two pieces of information, the Sigfox management server 30 may include the two pieces of information in one signal and transmit both pieces of information in a single communication. On the other hand, if one signal can only contain one piece of information, the Sigfox management server 30 may include the two pieces of information in separate signals and transmit the two pieces of information in two separate communications. If one signal cannot contain all of one piece of information, the Sigfox management server 30 may divide the information according to the amount of information that can be transmitted and transmit the information in a number of communications corresponding to the number of divisions.

[0033] The location information management server 40 is a location information management device that manages the location information of the pallet 11. The location information management server 40 manages the location information of the pallet 11 based on the cargo information received from the cargo management server 20, and the communication device ID, base station positioning information, and Wi-Fi information received from the Sigfox management server 30.

[0034] For example, the location information management server 40 transmits the MAC address included in the Wi-Fi information to the Wi-Fi management server 50, causing it to perform Wi-Fi positioning. This allows the location information management server 40 to obtain the location information of the pallet 11 acquired by Wi-Fi positioning. Hereafter, the location information of the pallet 11 acquired by Wi-Fi positioning will also be referred to as "Wi-Fi positioning information". The Wi-Fi positioning information acquired by Wi-Fi positioning includes, for example, coordinates indicating the latitude and longitude of the current location of the pallet 11. Note that the Wi-Fi positioning information may also include a reliability rating similar to that of base station positioning information.

[0035] The location information management server 40 stores, in association with each acquisition date and time, the communication device ID and base station positioning information received from the Sigfox management server 30 and the Wi-Fi positioning information obtained from the Wi-Fi management server 50. Hereinafter, the information in which the communication device ID, the base station positioning information, the Wi-Fi positioning information, and the date and time are associated is also referred to as "location management information".

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of location management information according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the location management information is composed of a communication device ID, base station positioning information, Wi-Fi positioning information, and a date and time. In the first record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is "001", the base station positioning information is (X B1 , Y B1 ), the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X W1 , Y W1 ), and the date and time is "2022 / 01 / 01 10:00:00". This indicates that for the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID of "001", the base station positioning information acquired at "2022 / 01 / 01 10:00:00" is (X B1 , Y B1 ), and the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X W1 , Y W1 ). In the second record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is "002", the base station positioning information is (X B2 , Y B2 ), the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X W2 , Y W2 ), and the date and time is "2022 / 01 / 01 11:00:00". This indicates that for the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID of "002", the base station positioning information acquired at "2022 / 01 / 01 11:00:00" is (X B2 , Y B2 ), and the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X W2 , Y W2 ). In the third record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is "003", the base station positioning information is (X B3 , Y B3An example is shown where the Wi-Fi positioning information is "-" and the date and time is "2022 / 01 / 01 14:00:00". This is an example where, with respect to the location information management communication device 10 whose communication device ID is "003", the base station positioning information acquired at "2022 / 01 / 01 14:00:00" is (X B3 ,Y B3 This indicates that no Wi-Fi positioning information was obtained. Note that the location management information shown in Figure 3 is just one example, and the location management information is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3. For example, the base station positioning information and Wi-Fi positioning information of the location management information shown in Figure 3 may include a credibility score in addition to coordinates.

[0037] The location information management server 40 estimates the current location of the pallet 11 based on the generated location management information. Generally, the positioning accuracy of Wi-Fi positioning is higher than that of base station positioning. That is, the positioning error included in base station positioning information is larger than the positioning error included in Wi-Fi positioning. Therefore, the location information management server 40 in the first embodiment uses Wi-Fi positioning information preferentially from the information included in the location management information to estimate the current location of the pallet 11. The location information management server 40 then transmits information indicating the estimated current location of the pallet 11 to the user terminal 60.

[0038] For example, the location information management server 40 estimates the coordinates indicated by each positioning information as the current location of the pallet 11, and transmits the coordinate information to the user terminal 60 as information indicating the current location of the pallet 11. Furthermore, the location information management server 40 may estimate the name of the location where the pallet 11 is stored based on the matching information and transmit that location name to the user terminal 60 as information indicating the current location of the pallet 11.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example of matching information according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the matching information consists of a base name and base location information. The base name indicates the name of the base. The base location information indicates the coordinates where the base is located. Note that the matching information shown in Figure 4 is just an example, and the matching information is not limited to the example shown in Figure 4. In the first record of the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base I" and the base location information is (X K1 ,Y K1 An example is shown where "base I" is (X K1 ,Y K1 This indicates that it exists in ). In the second record of the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base II" and the base location information is (X K2 ,Y K2 An example is shown where "Base II" is (X K2 ,Y K2 This indicates that it exists in ). In the third record of the table shown in Figure 4, the base name is "Base III" and the base location information is (X K3 ,Y K3 An example is shown where "Base III" is (X K3 ,Y K3 This indicates that it exists in ).

[0040] The location information management server 40, for example, compares the matching information with the coordinates indicated by each positioning information to obtain the name of the location where the pallet 11 is stored. In the matching process, for example, it is determined whether the coordinates indicated by each positioning information match the coordinates indicated by the location information in the matching information, and the location information and the corresponding location name are obtained. After acquisition, the location information management server 40 sends the acquired location name to the user terminal 60. If no matching coordinates exist, the location information management server 40 may not acquire the name of the location where the pallet 11 is stored and instead output information indicating that the pallet 11 is not stored at any location. For example, the location information management server 40 may output information indicating that the pallet 11 is being moved (transported) between locations, or that its whereabouts are unknown due to outflow to a location not listed in the matching information, theft, etc.

[0041] The Wi-Fi management server 50 performs Wi-Fi positioning for the location information management communication device 10 based on the MAC address received from the location information management server 40. This Wi-Fi positioning acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10. The Wi-Fi management server 50 then acquires the acquired location information of the location information management communication device 10 as Wi-Fi positioning information for the pallet 11 on which the location information management communication device 10 is installed. The Wi-Fi management server 50 then transmits the acquired Wi-Fi positioning information to the location information management server 40.

[0042] The user terminal 60 is a device operated by the user to access various information. The user terminal 60 may be, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a PC. However, the user terminal 60 is not limited to these examples.

[0043] Here, with reference to Figure 1, we will explain an example of communication using each communication function. As shown in Figure 1, first, at user site 2A, a location information management communication device 10 is attached to a pallet 11 on which the cargo 12 is loaded, and the power of the location information management communication device 10 is turned on (initial state). At this time, if an access point exists within range where a signal can be received, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Wi-Fi communication function to acquire the Wi-Fi information of that access point. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Wi-Fi communication function to acquire the Wi-Fi information of access point AP1 located within user site 2A. After acquiring Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Sigfox communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS1. After transmitting Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication device 10 receives an update instruction indicating "off" from the RFID reader 15 and turns off the Sigfox communication function. When the pallet 11 loaded with the cargo 12 is released, the location information management communication device 10 receives an update instruction indicating "on" from the RFID reader 15 and turns on the Sigfox communication function.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the pallet 11 loaded with cargo 12 is released from user base 2A and transported between user base 2A and user base 2B by vehicle 14. If an access point is within range of signal reception while the pallet 11 loaded with cargo 12 is being transported, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Wi-Fi communication function to acquire Wi-Fi information from that access point. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Wi-Fi communication function to acquire Wi-Fi information from access point AP2 located outside the vehicle 14. The Sigfox communication function of the location information management communication device 10 is turned on when the pallet 11 loaded with cargo 12 is dispatched from the user base 2A. Therefore, after acquiring Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Sigfox communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS2.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 1, suppose that the pallet 11 loaded with cargo 12 is transported to user base 2B by vehicle 14 and stored. If an access point exists within range of receiving signals at user base 2B, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Wi-Fi communication function to acquire the Wi-Fi information of that access point. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Wi-Fi communication function to acquire the Wi-Fi information of access point AP3 located within user base 2B. After acquiring Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication device 10 uses its Sigfox communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS3. After transmitting Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication device 10 receives an update instruction indicating "off" from the RFID reader 15 and turns off the Sigfox communication function. When the pallet 11 loaded with the cargo 12 is released again, the location information management communication device 10 receives an update instruction indicating "on" from the RFID reader 15 and turns on the Sigfox communication function.

[0046] Furthermore, the access point from which the location information management communication device 10 acquires Wi-Fi information may be located either inside or outside the user base 2, or either inside or outside the vehicle 14, as long as it is within the range where it can receive signals.

[0047] The location information management communication device 10 according to the first embodiment has a built-in battery. The location information management communication device 10 operates using power supplied from the battery and can utilize Wi-Fi communication and Sigfox communication functions. Furthermore, the location information management communication device 10 has a configuration that allows it to utilize RFID communication functions using power obtained through communication with the RFID reader 15 (i.e., a passive configuration). Since the location information management communication device 10 converts radio waves from the RFID reader 15 into electrical energy and can utilize RFID communication functions with the obtained electrical energy, it does not need to have a built-in battery for using RFID communication functions. Therefore, even if the power supplied from the battery built into the location information management communication device 10 is insufficient or the battery runs out, the location information management communication device 10 can still utilize RFID communication functions if there is a reading from the RFID reader 15.

[0048] <1-2. Functional configuration of communication device for location information management> The above describes an example of the configuration of the location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment. Next, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the location information management communication device 10-1 comprises a Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1, a Sigfox communication unit 110-1, a control unit 120-1, a storage unit 130-1, a power supply unit 140-1, and an RFID communication control unit 200-1. Note that the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 is an example of a second communication unit, and the control unit 120-1 is an example of a second control unit.

[0050] (1)Wi-Fi Communication Department 100-1 The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 has Wi-Fi communication capabilities and is capable of performing communication via Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 communicates with a Wi-Fi access point using its Wi-Fi communication function and acquires Wi-Fi information. In the first embodiment, the acquired Wi-Fi information includes the MAC address of the access point and the signal reception level from the access point. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 may store the acquired Wi-Fi information in the storage unit 130-1.

[0051] (2)Sigfox Communication Department 110-1 The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 has Sigfox communication capabilities and is capable of performing communication via Sigfox. The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 performs communication using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1. When the Sigfox communication function is turned on, the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 transmits the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 and the transmission information including the device's communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-1 to the Sigfox management server 30 using the Sigfox communication function.

[0052] (3) Control Unit 120-1 The control unit 120-1 has the function of controlling the overall operation of the location information management communication device 10-1. The control unit 120-1 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1. The functions of the control unit 120-1 are realized, for example, by causing the CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the location information management communication device 10-1 to execute a program. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 120-1 includes a transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 and a communication control unit 122-1.

[0053] (3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 The transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 has the function of acquiring transmission information that the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 sends to the Sigfox management server 30. This transmission information includes Wi-Fi information and a communication device ID. For example, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires Wi-Fi information from the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 or the storage unit 130-1. The transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 also reads and acquires the communication device ID of its own device from the storage unit 130-1. The transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires transmission information at predetermined timings. For example, predetermined timings for the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 to acquire transmission information include the timing when the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 acquires Wi-Fi information, the timing when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, and the timing when the pallet 11 moves.

[0054] (3-2) Communication Control Unit 122-1 The communication control unit 122-1 has the function of controlling communication in the location information management communication device 10-1. For example, the communication control unit 122-1 uses power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1 to control communication in the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 and communication in the Sigfox communication unit 110-1.

[0055] Specifically, the communication control unit 122-1 causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 to communicate with a Wi-Fi access point and acquire Wi-Fi information. The communication control unit 122-1 also causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 to acquire Wi-Fi information at predetermined timings. For example, predetermined timings for the communication control unit 122-1 to acquire Wi-Fi information include when the power of the location information management communication device 10-1 is turned on, when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, and when the pallet 11 moves.

[0056] Furthermore, the communication control unit 122-1 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit the transmission information, including the communication device ID of its own device, which has been acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1, to the Sigfox management server 30. The communication control unit 122-1 also causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit the transmission information at predetermined timings. For example, predetermined timings for the communication control unit 122-1 to transmit the transmission information include the timing when the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires the transmission information, the timing when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, and the timing when the pallet 11 moves.

[0057] Furthermore, the communication control unit 122-1 controls the execution of communication by the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 based on the determination information. For example, the communication control unit 122-1 refers to the determination information stored in the storage unit 130-1 and determines whether or not to allow the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to execute communication. If the determination information indicates that the Sigfox communication function should be turned on, the communication control unit 122-1 determines that it will perform communication by the Sigfox communication unit 110-1. In this case, the communication control unit 122-1 turns on the Sigfox communication function so that communication by the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 is performed. After turning on the Sigfox communication function, the communication control unit 122-1 sends communication setting information indicating that the Sigfox communication function has been turned on from the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to the management server. On the other hand, if the determination information indicates that the Sigfox communication function should be turned off, the communication control unit 122-1 determines that it will not perform communication by the Sigfox communication unit 110-1. In this case, the communication control unit 122-1 turns off the Sigfox communication function so that communication by the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 is not performed. Before turning off the Sigfox communication function, the communication control unit 122-1 sends communication setting information indicating that the Sigfox communication function should be turned off from the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to the management server. Furthermore, by having the communication control unit 122-1 send communication setting information from the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to the management server, the management server can determine whether the Sigfox communication function is on or off. This makes it possible to identify location information management communication devices 10 that have been dispatched from user site 2 but have the Sigfox communication function turned off, or location information management communication devices 10 that have been received into user site 2 but have the Sigfox communication function turned on, thereby preventing users from forgetting to turn the Sigfox communication function on or off.

[0058] Furthermore, the communication control unit 122-1 may turn on the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since turning it off. This predetermined period of time is, for example, the time that the pallet 11 that has been delivered to user site 2 stays at user site 2. This also helps prevent forgetting to turn on the Sigfox communication function.

[0059] (4) Storage section 130-1 The storage unit 130-1 has the function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 130-1 is composed of a storage medium, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media.

[0060] The storage unit 130-1 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1 or from the RFID communication unit 210-1. The storage unit 130-1 stores, for example, the communication device ID and determination information of its own device. Note that the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-1 is different identification information from the identification ID of the RFID communication control unit 200-1. The storage unit 130-1 may also store Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1.

[0061] (5) Power supply section 140-1 The power supply unit 140-1 has the function of supplying power. The power supply unit 140-1 is a battery such as a cylindrical or button-type dry cell battery (primary battery) or a rechargeable battery (secondary battery). The power supply unit 140-1 supplies power to the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1, the Sigfox communication unit 110-1, the control unit 120-1, and the memory unit 130-1. Although not shown in the diagram, it is also conceivable to equip the location information management communication device 10-1 with a vibration power generation device, and to use the power generated by the vibration power generation device due to vibrations during movement to charge the battery.

[0062] (6) RFID communication control unit 200-1 The RFID communication control unit 200-1 has the function of controlling communication using the RFID communication function. The function of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 is realized, for example, by the antenna and IC (integrated circuit) provided as hardware in the location information management communication device 10-1. The RFID communication control unit 200-1 communicates with the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function. The RFID communication control unit 200-1 operates using the power generated by communication with the RFID reader 15. Therefore, the RFID communication control unit 200-1 is not supplied with power from the power supply unit 140-1. As shown in Figure 5, the RFID communication control unit 200-1 comprises an RFID communication unit 210-1 and a control unit 220-1. Note that the RFID communication unit 210-1 is an example of a first communication unit, and the control unit 220-1 is an example of a first control unit.

[0063] (6-1) RFID Communication Unit 210-1 The RFID communication unit 210-1 has an RFID communication function and is capable of performing communication using RFID. The function of the RFID communication unit 210-1 is realized, for example, by an antenna provided as hardware in the RFID communication control unit 200-1. The RFID communication unit 210-1 communicates with the RFID reader 15 using its RFID communication function. The RFID communication unit 210-1 performs communication using power obtained by converting the radio waves received during communication with the RFID reader 15. The RFID communication unit 210-1 supplies the obtained power to the control unit 220-1 and the storage unit 130-1. Note that the supply of power obtained by the RFID communication unit 210-1 to the storage unit 130-1 may be limited to cases where the power supplied to the storage unit 130-1 from the power supply unit 140-1 is insufficient.

[0064] The RFID communication unit 210-1 receives signals from the RFID reader 15 using its RFID communication function. The signals received from the RFID reader 15 include an instruction to update the judgment information. Furthermore, the RFID communication unit 210-1 transmits to the RFID reader 15, via its RFID communication function, transmission information including the communication device ID of its own device stored in the storage unit 130-1 and the updated result of the determination information.

[0065] (6-2) Control Unit 220-1 The control unit 220-1 has the function of controlling the overall operation of the RFID communication control unit 200-1. The control unit 220-1 operates using power supplied from the RFID communication unit 210-1. The functions of the control unit 220-1 are realized, for example, by an IC that is provided as hardware in the RFID communication control unit 200-1. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 220-1 includes a signal detection unit 221-1, a determination information update unit 222-1, a transmission information acquisition unit 223-1, and a communication control unit 224-1.

[0066] (6-2-1) Signal detection unit 221-1 The signal detection unit 221-1 has the function of detecting signals transmitted from the RFID reader 15. For example, when the RFID communication unit 210-1 receives a signal from the RFID reader 15 that includes an update instruction, the signal detection unit 221-1 detects that the RFID reader 15 has issued an instruction to update the determination information.

[0067] (6-2-2) Judgment information update section 222-1 The determination information update unit 222-1 has the function of updating the determination information. The determination information update unit 222-1 updates the determination information in accordance with the signal received by the RFID communication unit 210-1 from the RFID reader 15. For example, suppose the signal detection unit 221-1 detects from the signal received by the RFID communication unit 210-1 from the RFID reader 15 that there is an instruction to update the determination information. In this case, the determination information update unit 222-1 updates the determination information stored in the storage unit 130-1. Specifically, when the update instruction indicates ON, the determination information update unit 222-1 updates the determination information to ON. That is, the determination information update unit 222-1 updates the determination information to indicate that the RFID communication unit 210-1 will perform communication if it receives a signal from the RFID reader 15 when the pallet 11 is released. On the other hand, if the update instruction indicates "off," the determination information update unit 222-1 updates the determination information to indicate "off." That is, the determination information update unit 222-1 updates the determination information to indicate that the RFID communication unit 210 will not perform communication if it receives a signal from the RFID reader 15 when the pallet 11 is placed in storage.

[0068] (6-2-3) Transmission information acquisition unit 223-1 The transmission information acquisition unit 223-1 has the function of acquiring transmission information that the RFID communication unit 210-1 transmits to the RFID reader 15. This transmission information includes the communication device ID and the update result of the determination information. For example, when the signal detection unit 221-1 detects that there has been an instruction to update the determination information, the transmission information acquisition unit 223-1 reads and acquires the communication device ID of its own device from the storage unit 130-1. Also, when the signal detection unit 221-1 detects that there has been an instruction to update the determination information, the transmission information acquisition unit 223-1 acquires the update result indicating whether the determination information update unit 222-1 has updated the determination information to ON or OFF.

[0069] (6-2-4) Communication Control Unit 224-1 The communication control unit 224-1 has the function of controlling communication in the RFID communication unit 210-1. For example, the communication control unit 224-1 causes the RFID communication unit 210-1 to transmit transmission information, which includes the communication device ID of its own device and the updated result of the determination information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 223-1, to the RFID reader 15.

[0070] <1-3. Processing Flow> The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment. Next, with reference to Figure 6, an example of the processing flow in the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, first, the signal detection unit 221-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 of the location information management communication device 10-1 detects whether or not it has received a signal from the RFID reader 15 (step S101). If signal reception is detected (step S101 / YES), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if signal reception is not detected (step S101 / NO), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0072] If the process proceeds to step S102, the determination information update unit 222-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 checks whether the update instruction is on or off (step S102). If the update instruction is on (step S102 / on), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the update instruction is off (step S102 / off), the process proceeds to step S104. If the process proceeds to step S103, the determination information update unit 222-1 updates the determination information to ON (step S103). If the process proceeds to step S104, the determination information update unit 222-1 updates the determination information to OFF (step S104). After the determination information is updated, the transmission information acquisition unit 223-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 acquires the communication device ID of its own device stored in the storage unit 130-1 and the result of the determination information update by the determination information update unit 222-1 (step S105). The communication control unit 224-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 transmits transmission information, including the acquired communication device ID and the updated determination information, from the RFID communication unit 210-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 to the RFID reader 15 (step S106).

[0073] The communication control unit 122-1 of the control unit 120-1 checks whether the updated determination information is ON or OFF (step S107). If the determination information is ON (step S107 / ON), the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the determination information is OFF (step S107 / OFF), the process proceeds to step S109. If the process proceeds to step S108, the communication control unit 122-1 turns on the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 (step S108). If the process proceeds to step S109, the communication control unit 122-1 turns off the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 (step S109).

[0074] If the process proceeds to step S110, the communication control unit 122-1 determines whether or not it is the predetermined timing (step S110). If it is the predetermined timing (step S110 / YES), the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if it is not the predetermined timing (step S110 / NO), the process is repeated from step S101.

[0075] If the process proceeds to step S111, the communication control unit 122-1 checks whether the Sigfox communication function is on or off (step S111). If the Sigfox communication function is on (step S111 / on), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the Sigfox communication function is off (step S111 / off), the process is repeated from step S101.

[0076] If the process proceeds to step S112, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 of the control unit 120-1 acquires the communication device ID of the device stored in the storage unit 130-1 and the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 as transmission information (step S112). After obtaining the transmission information, the communication control unit 122-1 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to send the transmission information, including the obtained communication device ID and Wi-Fi information, to the management server (step S113).

[0077] As described above, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment is installed on a managed object whose location information is managed, and stores its own communication device ID and determination information for determining whether or not to perform communication. In the location information management communication device 10-1, the RFID communication unit 210-1 (first communication unit) receives a signal from the RFID reader 15 (reader) by communication using RFID (first communication standard), and the determination information update unit 222-1 of the control unit 220-1 (first control unit) updates the determination information according to the received signal. In addition, in the location information management communication device 10-1, the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 (second communication unit) transmits the communication device ID to the management server at a predetermined timing by communication using Sigfox (second communication standard), which is a different communication standard from RFID, and the communication control unit 122-1 of the control unit 120-1 (second control unit) controls the execution of communication by the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 based on the determination information.

[0078] With this configuration, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment can turn off the communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 when it is not necessary to perform communication with the management server, even though the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 is communicating with the management server at a predetermined timing. This prevents the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 from performing unnecessary communication and prevents the power of the power supply unit 140-1 from being wasted by the communication of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1. Therefore, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to extend battery life by reducing power consumption without performing unnecessary communications.

[0079] In manufacturing and other industries, pallet management is used for parts management, where pallets are transported to the location responsible for the next process for parts management. The location information of these pallets was managed using only RFID. However, with management using only RFID, if the next process was outside the premises, the information that the pallet had left the premises could be managed using RFID tags, but the location information of pallets that had left the premises could not be managed. As a result, the whereabouts of pallets became unknown, and incidents of loss or theft occurred. In such cases, it was necessary to purchase replacement pallets for the number of pallets lost or stolen, resulting in a loss equal to the amount of the purchase. In contrast, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment can manage the location information of pallets that have left the premises by combining RFID and LPWA management, thereby preventing the whereabouts of pallets from becoming unknown and reducing damage due to loss or theft.

[0080] Furthermore, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment can not only turn off its communication function when communication is not needed, but can also turn off its communication function when bringing the managed device into places where radio waves should not be emitted, such as hospitals or aircraft. This allows the location information management communication device 10-1 to eliminate the influence of radio waves on the surrounding environment.

[0081] <<2. Second Embodiment>> The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the communication device ID and Wi-Fi information of the location information management communication device 10-1 are transmitted to the management server when the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 is turned on, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. In the second embodiment, an example is described in which, in addition to the communication device ID and Wi-Fi information, environmental information is also transmitted to the management server. Environmental information is information about the environment of the managed object. Environmental information includes, for example, the ambient temperature of the managed object or the temperature of the communication device for location information management, the humidity of the managed object, and the number of times the managed object has been subjected to impact. In the following, explanations that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0082] <2-1. Configuration of the Location Information Management System> The configuration of the location information management system according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figure 1, so its description will be omitted.

[0083] <2-2. Functional Configuration of Communication Device for Location Information Management> Next, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment.

[0084] As shown in Figure 7, the location information management communication device 10-2 comprises a Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2, a Sigfox communication unit 110-2, a control unit 120-2, a storage unit 130-2, a power supply unit 140-2, an environmental information detection unit 150, and an RFID communication control unit 200-2. Note that the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 is an example of a second communication unit, and the control unit 120-2 is an example of a second control unit.

[0085] (1)Wi-Fi communication department 100-2 The function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2 is the same as that of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 in the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so its description will be omitted.

[0086] (2)Sigfox Communication Department 110-2 The function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 is the same as that of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so redundant explanations will be omitted. When the Sigfox communication function is turned on, the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 transmits to the Sigfox management server 30, via the Sigfox communication function, transmission information that includes the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2, the communication device ID of the device stored in the storage unit 130-2, and the environment information stored in the storage unit 130-2.

[0087] (3) Control Unit 120-2 The functions of control unit 120-2 are the same as those of control unit 120-1 in the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 5, so they are omitted to avoid redundancy. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 120-2 includes a transmission information acquisition unit 121-2, a communication control unit 122-2, and an environmental information acquisition unit 123.

[0088] (3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 The function of the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 is the same as that of the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so its description will be omitted.

[0089] (3-2) Communication Control Unit 122-2 The function of the communication control unit 122-2 is the same as that of the communication control unit 122-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so its description will be omitted.

[0090] (3-3)Environmental information acquisition section 123 The environmental information acquisition unit 123 has the function of acquiring environmental information. For example, the environmental information acquisition unit 123 acquires information detected by the environmental information detection unit 150, which will be described later, as environmental information. The environmental information acquisition unit 123 stores the acquired environmental information in the storage unit 130-2.

[0091] (4) Storage section 130-2 Since the function of the memory unit 130-2 is the same as that of the memory unit 130-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 5, redundant explanations will be omitted. The memory unit 130-2 also stores environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 123.

[0092] (5) Power supply section 140-2 The function of the power supply unit 140-2 is the same as that of the power supply unit 140-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so its description will be omitted.

[0093] (6) Environmental information detection unit 150 The environmental information detection unit 150 has the function of detecting environmental information. The function of the environmental information detection unit 150 is realized by various sensor devices that are provided as hardware in the location information management communication device 10-2 (attached to the location information management communication device 10-2). For example, if the location information management communication device 10-2 is equipped with a temperature sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 detects the temperature around the pallet 11 or the temperature of the location information management communication device 10-2 using the temperature sensor. Also, if the location information management communication device 10-2 is equipped with a humidity sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 detects the humidity around the pallet 11 using the humidity sensor. Also, if the location information management communication device 10-2 is equipped with an acceleration sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 detects the acceleration of the pallet 11 using the acceleration sensor. The environmental information detection unit 150 may, for example, detect the number of times acceleration is detected as the number of times an impact has been applied to the pallet 11.

[0094] Furthermore, the types of sensor devices provided as hardware by the location information management communication device 10-2 are not limited to these examples. Also, the number of sensor devices provided as hardware by the location information management communication device 10-2 is not particularly limited. In other words, the types of environmental information detected by the environmental information detection unit 150 are not limited to these examples, nor is the number of environmental information items detected limited.

[0095] (7) RFID communication control unit 200-2 The functions of the RFID communication control unit 200-2 are the same as those of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so redundant explanations will be omitted. As shown in Figure 7, the RFID communication control unit 200-2 comprises an RFID communication unit 210-2 and a control unit 220-2. Note that the RFID communication unit 210-2 is an example of a first communication unit, and the control unit 220-2 is an example of a first control unit.

[0096] (7-1) RFID communication unit 210-2 The function of the RFID communication unit 210-2 is the same as that of the RFID communication unit 210-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so its description will be omitted.

[0097] (7-2) Control Unit 220-2 Since the function of control unit 220-2 is the same as that of control unit 220-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 5, redundant explanations will be omitted. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 220-2 includes a signal detection unit 221-2, a determination information update unit 222-2, a transmission information acquisition unit 223-2, and a communication control unit 224-2.

[0098] (7-2-1) Signal detection unit 221-2 The function of the signal detection unit 221-2 is the same as that of the signal detection unit 221-1 according to the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figure 5, so its description will be omitted.

[0099] (7-2-2) Judgment information update section 222-2 The function of the determination information update unit 222-2 is the same as the function of the determination information update unit 222-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so its description will be omitted.

[0100] (7-2-3) Transmission information acquisition unit 223-2 The function of the transmission information acquisition unit 223-2 is the same as that of the transmission information acquisition unit 223-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, so its description will be omitted.

[0101] (7-2-4) Communication Control Unit 224-2 Since the functions of the communication control unit 224-2 are the same as those of the communication control unit 224-1 according to the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 5, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0102] Furthermore, the location information management server 40 can obtain the pallet ID associated with the received communication device ID by referring to the cargo information stored in the cargo management server 20. The location information management server 40 can associate each of the acquired pieces of information (for example, various IDs and environmental information) and generate output information to be output to the user terminal 60. By referring to the output information output to the user terminal 60, the user can easily understand the management environment of the managed items, such as the pallet 11.

[0103] Figure 8 shows an example of output information according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the output information consists of, for example, a communication device ID, a pallet ID, and environmental information. The communication device ID is information received by the location information management server 40 from the location information management communication device 10-2. The pallet ID is information obtained by the location information management server 40 from the cargo information. The environmental information is information received by the location information management server 40 from the location information management communication device 10-2. The environmental information includes, for example, temperature, humidity, number of impacts, and acquisition date and time. Note that the output information shown in Figure 8 is just an example, and the output information is not limited to the example shown in Figure 8. The first record in the table shown in Figure 8 shows an example where the communication device ID is "001", the pallet ID is "101", the temperature is "12℃", the humidity is "61%", the number of impacts is "0", and the acquisition date and time is "2022 / 01 / 01 11:00:00". This indicates that, regarding pallet 11 with pallet ID "101" and equipped with a location information management communication device 10-2 with communication device ID "001", at "2022 / 01 / 01 11:00:00", the ambient temperature around pallet 11 was "12℃", the humidity was "61%", and the number of times pallet 11 was subjected to impact was "0". The second record in the table shown in Figure 8 shows an example where the communication device ID is "002", the pallet ID is "102", the temperature is "5℃", the humidity is "52%", the number of impacts is "1", and the acquisition date and time is "2022 / 01 / 01 12:00:00". This indicates that, regarding pallet 11 with pallet ID "102" and equipped with a location information management communication device 10-2 with communication device ID "002", at "2022 / 01 / 01 12:00:00", the ambient temperature around pallet 11 was "5℃", the humidity was "52%", and the number of times pallet 11 was subjected to impact was "1". The third record in the table shown in Figure 8 shows an example where the communication device ID is "003", the pallet ID is "103", the temperature is "25℃", the humidity is "90%", the number of impacts is "5", and the acquisition date and time is "2022 / 01 / 01 15:00:00". This indicates that, regarding pallet 11 with pallet ID "103" and equipped with a location information management communication device 10-2 with communication device ID "003", at "2022 / 01 / 01 15:00:00", the ambient temperature around pallet 11 was "25℃", the humidity was "90%", and the number of times pallet 11 was subjected to impact was "5".

[0104] <2-3. Processing Flow> The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment. Next, an example of the processing flow in the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment will be described. The processing flow in the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment is the same as the processing flow in the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment, which was described with reference to Figure 6, so redundant explanations will be omitted. In the processing flow of the location information management communication device 10-2, regardless of whether the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 is on or off, the environmental information detection unit 150 detects environmental information, and the environmental information acquisition unit 123 acquires the environmental information. Environmental information acquired while the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 is turned on is sent to the management server at a predetermined time. On the other hand, environmental information acquired while the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 is turned off is stored in the storage unit 130-2. The environmental information stored in the storage unit 130-2 is sent to the management server together with the communication device ID and Wi-Fi information at a predetermined time if the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 is turned on (steps S110 to S113 in Figure 6).

[0105] As described above, the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment has the same effects as the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment, and in addition to being able to grasp the location information of the managed object, it is also possible to easily grasp the management environment of the managed object.

[0106] <<3. Variant Example>> Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Next, modifications of the embodiments of the present invention will be described. Each modification described below may be applied to the embodiments of the present invention individually or in combination. Furthermore, each modification may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiments of the present invention, or it may be applied in addition to the configuration described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0107] As described above, the RFID communication units 210-1 and 210-2 can handle a larger amount of information in a single communication than the Sigfox communication units 110-1 and 110-2. Therefore, the location information management communication devices 10-1 and 10-2 may be connected to the RFID reader 15 in a communication manner. This allows the location information management communication devices 10-1 and 10-2 to transmit information that is too large for the Sigfox communication units 110-1 and 110-2 to transmit in a single communication, even if the information is too large for the Sigfox communication units 110-1 and 110-2 to transmit in a single communication. In this case, the location information management communication devices 10-1 and 10-2 can transmit information that is too large for the Sigfox communication units 110-1 and 110-2 to transmit to the management server via the RFID reader 15, without increasing the number of communications. As a result, the location information management server 40 can acquire more information about the pallet 11 while reducing the power consumption of the location information management communication devices 10-1 and 10-2.

[0108] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above have included examples using RFID as the first communication standard, the invention is not limited to such examples. For example, the first communication standard may be BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0109] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which environmental information acquired while the Sigfox communication function was off is sent to the management server all at once when the Sigfox communication function is turned on at a predetermined timing. However, the system is not limited to this example. For example, even if the Sigfox communication function is off, if the value of the environmental information deviates from a predetermined value (i.e., becomes an abnormal value), the Sigfox communication function may be turned on and an alert signal sent. Furthermore, environmental information acquired while the Sigfox communication function is off may be retrieved from the storage unit 130-2 by the RFID reader 15 at the time of dispatch or inbound, and transmitted in a single batch from the RFID reader 15 to the management server.

[0110] The above describes modifications of embodiments of the present invention. The location information management communication device 10 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a computer. In this case, the function may be implemented by recording a program for implementing this function on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period, such as volatile memory within a computer system acting as a server or client. The program may also be for implementing a part of the aforementioned function, or it may be a program that can implement the aforementioned function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or it may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0111] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Location Information Management System 2A, 2B User Sites 10 Communication device for location information management 11 Palettes 12 pieces of luggage 13 site terminals 14 vehicles 15 RFID readers 20. Cargo Management Server 30 Sigfox Management Servers 40 Location information management server 50 Wi-Fi management servers 60 User Terminals 100-1, 100-2 Wi-Fi communication department 110-1, 110-2 Sigfox Communication Department 120-1, 120-2 Control Unit 121-1, 121-2 Transmission Information Acquisition Unit 122-1, 122-2 Communication Control Unit 123 Environmental Information Acquisition Department 130-1, 130-2 Storage section 140-1, 140-2 Power supply section 150 Environmental Information Detection Unit 200-1, 200-2 RFID Communication Control Unit 210-1, 210-2 RFID Communication Unit 220-1, 220-2 Control Unit 221-1, 221-2 Signal detection unit 222-1, 222-2 Judgment information update section 223-1, 223-2 Transmission Information Acquisition Unit 224-1, 224-2 Communication Control Unit AP1, AP2, AP3 Access Points BS1, BS2, BS3 Sigfox base station

Claims

1. A location information management communication device installed on a managed object whose location information is to be managed, A storage unit that stores identification information of the location information management communication device and determination information for determining whether or not to perform communication, A first communication unit that receives signals from a reader device via communication using a first communication standard, A first control unit updates the determination information in accordance with the signal received by the first communication unit from the reading device, A second communication unit transmits the identification information to a server for managing location information at a predetermined timing using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, A second control unit controls the execution of communication with the server by the second communication unit based on the determination information, Equipped with, The items subject to management are logistics materials or goods transported between multiple locations. The first control unit updates the determination information to indicate that it will perform communication if the signal received by the first communication unit from the reader includes an update instruction to update the determination information from off to on, and updates the determination information to indicate that it will not perform communication if the signal received by the first communication unit from the reader includes an update instruction to update the determination information from on to off. The signal, which includes an update instruction to update the determination information from off to on, is transmitted from the reader when the managed object is released. The signal, which includes an update instruction to update the determination information from on to off, is transmitted from the reader when the managed item is brought into storage. Communication device for location information management.

2. If the second control unit determines from the determination information that it will not perform communication by the second communication unit, it sends communication setting information indicating that the communication function is to be turned off from the second communication unit to the server before turning off the communication function so that communication by the second communication unit is not performed. A communication device for managing location information according to claim 1.

3. The second control unit turns on the communication function of the second communication unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since turning it off. A communication device for managing location information according to claim 2.

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