Communication terminal, control method, and program

Abstract

This communication terminal comprises: a reception unit that, at each scan interval, switches a channel to be selected from a plurality of channels and receives a signal on the selected channel; and a control unit that causes the reception unit to receive a signal in a reception time spanning a plurality of scan intervals in which each of the plurality of channels is selected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication terminal, a control method, and a program. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-173871 filed in Japan on October 31, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting a scan time, which is a multiple of the beacon signal transmission interval, based on the packet loss rate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a possibility that the received power may vary according to the channel, which is the frequency band for receiving signals. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, due to the variation in the received intensity according to the channel, there is a possibility that the error may become relatively large in position positioning based on the received intensity of the beacon signal. Furthermore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to suppress the error in position positioning based on the received intensity of the beacon signal, it is necessary to receive the beacon signal for a relatively long time. Therefore, an aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a communication terminal, a control method, and a program that can suppress the reception time and receive sufficient signals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that switches a channel selected from a plurality of channels at each scan interval and receives a signal on the selected channel, and a control unit that causes the receiving unit to receive the signal during a reception time spanning a plurality of scan intervals in which each of the plurality of channels is selected.

[0006] A communication terminal according to another form of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that switches a channel selected from a plurality of channels at each scan interval and receives a signal transmitted at a predetermined interval on the selected channel, and a control unit that causes the receiving unit to receive the signal during a reception time that is shorter than the scan interval and in which the number of times the signal is received exceeds a threshold.

[0007] A control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of: switching a channel selected from a plurality of channels for each scan interval and receiving a signal on the selected channel; and controlling the reception time so that the signal is received over a reception time spanning a plurality of scan intervals in which each of the plurality of channels is selected.

[0008] A control method according to another form of the present disclosure includes the steps of: switching a channel selected from a plurality of channels for each scan interval and receiving a signal transmitted at a predetermined interval on the selected channel; and controlling the reception time so that the number of times the signal is received is shorter than the scan interval and exceeds a threshold.

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following functions: switching a channel selected from multiple channels at each scan interval and receiving a signal on the selected channel; and controlling the reception time so that the signal is received during the reception time spanning multiple scan intervals in which each of the multiple channels is selected.

[0010] A program according to another form of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following functions: switching a channel selected from multiple channels at each scan interval and receiving a signal transmitted at a predetermined interval on the selected channel; and controlling the reception time so that the number of times the signal is received is shorter than the scan interval and exceeds a threshold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transmitting terminal. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a received signal log according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows an example of a server device configuration. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of how a server device operates. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of reception time and data transmission time. [Figure 9] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of a communication terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a communication terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of signals received during the scan interval for each channel in a communication terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12A] This graph shows an example of how the received signal strength changes over time. [Figure 12B] This graph shows an example of how the average signal strength changes over time. [Figure 13]It is a diagram showing an example of the processing from step S1001 to step S1002 illustrated in FIG. 10. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of a received signal log according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a communication terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of signals received in a scan interval for each channel in a communication terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of the processing from step S1601 to step S1605 illustrated in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of a scan interval and signals received at a reception time in a communication terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment following FIG. 21. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing an example of a scan interval and a reception time in a communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] (First Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the first embodiment will be described. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the communication system 100. The communication system 100 includes a transmitting terminal 101, a communication terminal 102, and a server device 103. The communication system 100 may include multiple transmitting terminals 101. The communication terminal 102 and the server device 103 are connected via a network 104. For example, the network 104 may be a mobile communication network, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0014] The transmitting terminal 101 transmits signals 111 at predetermined intervals across multiple frequency bands using a short-range wireless communication method. Each of the multiple frequency bands is referred to as a channel. The identification information 315 included in the signal 111 indicates the identification information of the transmitting terminal 101, which is the source of the signal 111. For example, the identification information 315 of the transmitting terminal 101 is the Bluetooth® Device Address. For example, there are 79 Bluetooth® channels, and in positioning using Bluetooth beacons, signals transmitted on channels 37 to 39 of these 79 channels are used.

[0015] The communication terminal 102 switches between multiple channels at each scan interval and receives the signal 111 on the selected channel. Furthermore, the communication terminal 102 generates signal data 112 based on the signal 111 and transmits the generated signal data 112 to the server device 103. For example, the communication terminal 102 may be a smartwatch, a card-type device, a ring-type device, a glasses-type device, a clothing-type device, etc.

[0016] The server device 103 stores the signal data 112 transmitted from the communication terminal 102 and analyzes the stored signal data 112. The server device 103 then outputs the analysis results of the stored signal data 112. For example, the signal data 112 shows the identification information of the transmitting terminal 101, which is the source of the signal 111, and the received signal strength in association with each other. The server device 103 determines the location of the communication terminal 102 by analyzing the identification information of the transmitting terminal 101 shown by the signal data 112 and the received signal strength. In this case, the server device 103 outputs the location of the communication terminal 102 as the analysis result of the stored signal data 112.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transmitting terminal 101. The transmitting terminal 101 includes a transmitting unit 201, etc.

[0018] The transmitting unit 201 transmits signals 111 at predetermined intervals across multiple frequency bands using a short-range wireless communication method. Signals 111 include identification information 315 that identifies the transmitting terminal 101, which is the source of the signals 111.

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal 102. The communication terminal 102 includes a terminal storage unit 301, a communication unit 302, a receiving unit 303, a time measurement unit 304, a control unit 305, a data processing unit 306, and the like.

[0020] The terminal storage unit 301 is a recording medium capable of recording various data, programs, etc., and is composed of, for example, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or semiconductor memory. The terminal storage unit 301 stores the scan interval 311, the number of channels 312, the received signal log 313 (see Figure 4), etc.

[0021] The communication unit 302 is an interface for connecting to and communicating with the network 104. The communication unit 302 transmits the signal data 112 generated by the data processing unit 306 to the server device 103. The signal data 112 consists of a pair of identification information 315 of the signal 111 and the received strength 316 of the signal 111.

[0022] The receiver 303 switches the channel selected from multiple channels at each scan interval 311 and receives the signal 111 on the selected channel. Specifically, the receiver 303 switches the channel selected from multiple channels at each scan interval 311 and receives the signal 111 transmitted at predetermined intervals on the selected channel. The number of multiple channels is 312. The predetermined interval at which the signal 111 is transmitted is shorter than the scan interval 311. Therefore, at least one signal 111 is transmitted during the scan interval 311 for each channel.

[0023] The time measurement unit 304 measures the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314.

[0024] The control unit 305 and the data processing unit 306 execute various processes according to the programs and data stored in the terminal storage unit 301.

[0025] The control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 during a reception time 314 that spans multiple scan intervals 311, each of which selects multiple channels. In other words, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 from the start of the reception time 314 to the end of the reception time 314. Here, the reception time 314 has a length that spans multiple scan intervals 311, and each of the multiple channels is selected during the reception time 314.

[0026] Furthermore, the reception time 314 may be the product of the scan interval 311, the number of channels 312, and a predetermined multiple N. The predetermined multiple N is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and is predetermined according to the number of signal data 112 required.

[0027] The data processing unit 306 associates the identification information 315 contained in the signal 111 with the received signal strength 316 of the signal 111 and registers it in the received signal log 313. Furthermore, the data processing unit 306 generates signal data 112. The control unit 305 and the data processing unit 306 are implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of a received signal log 313. In the received signal log 313, for signals 111 received from the start of reception time 314 to the end of reception time 314, the identification information 315 of the signal 111 and the received intensity 316 of the signal 111 are associated.

[0029] For example, the received signal log 313 illustrated in Figure 4 shows that, from the start of reception time 314 to the end of reception time 314, the receiving unit 303 received a signal 111 containing identification information 315 indicating 100, with received intensities 316 of -63 dBm, -65 dBm, and -67 dBm. Furthermore, the received signal log 313 illustrated in Figure 4 shows that, from the start of reception time 314 to the end of reception time 314, the receiving unit 303 received a signal 111 containing identification information 315 indicating 200, with received intensities 316 of -70 dBm, -72 dBm, and -71 dBm.

[0030] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 103. The server device 103 includes a server storage unit 501, a communication unit 502, a control unit 503, and the like.

[0031] The server storage unit 501 is a recording medium capable of recording various data, programs, etc., and is composed of, for example, a hard disk, SSD, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0032] The communication unit 502 is an interface for connecting to and communicating with the network 104. The communication unit 502 receives signal data 112 from the communication terminal 102 via the network 104.

[0033] The control unit 503 executes various processes according to the programs and data stored in the server storage unit 501. For example, the control unit 503 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 503 includes a data analysis unit 511, a notification unit 512, and the like.

[0034] The data analysis unit 511 stores the signal data 112 received by the communication unit 502 in the server storage unit 501. The data analysis unit 511 then analyzes the signal data 112 stored in the server storage unit 501 and generates analysis result information 521 showing the analysis results.

[0035] The notification unit 512 notifies the analysis result information 521 to a predetermined destination. For example, the predetermined destination is a terminal different from the communication terminal 102, used by the administrator of the server device 103, etc.

[0036] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment.

[0037] In step S601, the receiver 303 selects a channel from multiple channels to receive the signal 111. For example, when determining the location of the communication terminal 102 using a Bluetooth beacon, the receiver 303 selects a channel from channels 37 to 39 to receive the signal 111.

[0038] In step S602, the time measurement unit 304 sets the start time of the reception time 314. In step S603, the time measurement unit 304 sets the start time of the reception time 314 set in step S602 as the start time of the scan interval 311 for the channel selected in step S601.

[0039] In step S604, the control unit 305 instructs the receiving unit 303 to start signal reception processing on the selected channel from the start of reception time 314. Once the receiving unit 303 starts signal reception processing, the receiving unit 303 waits for signal 111 to be received.

[0040] In step S605, the control unit 305 determines whether the receiving unit 303 has received the signal 111. If the receiving unit 303 does not receive the signal 111 in step S605, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S607. On the other hand, if the receiving unit 303 has received the signal 111 in step S605, in step S606, the data processing unit 306 associates the identification information 315 contained in the received signal 111 with the received signal strength 316 of the signal 111 and registers it in the received signal log 313. Then, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S607.

[0041] In step S607, the time measurement unit 304 determines whether the time equal to the scan interval 311 has elapsed since the start of the scan interval 311. If the time equal to the scan interval 311 has not elapsed since the start of the scan interval 311, the control unit 305 returns to step S605. On the other hand, if the time equal to the scan interval 311 has elapsed since the start of the scan interval 311 in step S607, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S608.

[0042] In step S608, the control unit 305 determines whether the receiving unit 303 has performed signal reception processing for the duration of the reception time 314. If the receiving unit 303 has performed signal reception processing for the duration of the reception time 314, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S611.

[0043] On the other hand, if the receiving unit 303 has not performed signal reception processing during the reception time 314 in step S608, the receiving unit 303 switches the channel selected from the multiple channels in step S609. In this way, by having the receiving unit 303 receive signals 111 during the reception time 314 across multiple scan intervals 311, variations in the received intensity 316 for signals 111 received within the reception time 314 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the reception time 314 is determined according to the number of signal data 112 required, the control unit 305 can prevent the reception time 314 from becoming unnecessarily long while allowing the receiving unit 303 to receive signals 111 a sufficient number of times. Then, in step S610, the time measurement unit 304 sets the point in time when the channel selected in step S609 was switched as the start time of the scan interval 311 for the selected channel. Then, the control unit 305 returns the process to step S605.

[0044] In step S611, the control unit 305 instructs the receiving unit 303 to terminate the signal reception process. Once the receiving unit 303 has terminated the signal reception process, it terminates waiting for the reception of signal 111.

[0045] In step S612, the data processing unit 306 generates signal data 112, which is composed of a pair of identification information 315 and received signal strength 316 registered in the received signal log 313.

[0046] In step S613, the communication unit 302 transmits signal data 112 to the server device 103 via the network 104.

[0047] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device 103.

[0048] In step S701, the communication unit 502 receives the signal data 112.

[0049] In step S702, the data analysis unit 511 stores the received signal data 112 in the server storage unit 501.

[0050] In step S703, the data analysis unit 511 analyzes the signal data 112 stored in the server storage unit 501 and generates analysis result information 521. If the signal data 112 is stored in the server storage unit 501 multiple times, the data analysis unit 511 analyzes the stored signal data 112 and generates analysis result information 521. For example, the server device 103 analyzes the identification information of the transmitting terminal 101 and the transmitting terminal 101 When the location is associated with the data, the data analysis unit 511 determines the location of the communication terminal 102 based on the identification information indicated by the signal data 112 and the received signal strength. In that case, the analysis result information 521 indicates the determined location.

[0051] In the communication system 100 according to this embodiment, the communication terminal 102 transmits signal data 112, which consists of a combination of identification information 315 of a signal 111 and a received strength 316, to the server device 103, and the server device 103 determines the location of the communication terminal 102, thus reducing the processing load on the communication terminal 102. As a result, in the communication system 100 according to this embodiment, it becomes easy to implement the communication terminal 102 as a wearable device. Consequently, the server device 103 becomes capable of determining the location of a person wearing the communication terminal 102 implemented as a wearable device.

[0052] In step S704, the notification unit 512 notifies the analysis result information 521 to a predetermined destination. For example, when the notification unit 512 receives a request signal from the administrator of the server device 103, it notifies the analysis result information 521 to a predetermined destination at predetermined intervals.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example of reception time 801a, reception time 802a, data transmission time 801b, and data transmission time 802b. Data transmission time 801b and data transmission time 802b indicate the time it takes for the communication terminal 102 to transmit signal data 112 to the server device 103. The data transmission interval indicates the time from the completion of the process for transmitting signal data 112 to the completion of the process for transmitting the next signal data 112.

[0054] As illustrated in Figure 8, the communication terminal 102 receives the signal 111 at reception time 314 so that it sends the signal data 112 to the server device 103 at each data transmission interval.

[0055] Furthermore, Figure 8 shows an example of the scan interval 311 for each channel and the received signal 111 during reception time 801a. For example, suppose the transmission interval is 250ms, the scan interval 311 is 500ms, and the channels to be selected are channels 37 to 39. In that case, as illustrated in Figure 8, the receiving unit 303 receives signals 111 received on different channels over the time span of multiple scan intervals 311, each of which channels 37 to 39 are selected.

[0056] As described above, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment receives signals 111 received on different channels during a reception time 314 spanning multiple scan intervals 311. Although the reception strength varies depending on the channel, the variation in reception strength 316 can be suppressed by receiving signals 111 during a reception time 314 spanning multiple scan intervals 311. Furthermore, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment can suppress an increase in power consumption by receiving sufficient signals 111 during the reception time 314 while suppressing the variation in reception strength 316.

[0057] Furthermore, the server device 103 according to this embodiment analyzes the multiple signals 111 received during reception time 314. As a result, the server device 103 can determine the position of the communication terminal 102 from the signals 111, which are sufficient for position determination, while suppressing variations in reception strength 316 due to differences in channels. Therefore, the communication system 100 according to this embodiment can ensure the accuracy of position determination while suppressing an increase in power consumption by acquiring the signals 111 in a relatively short time in position determination based on the reception strength of the signals 111.

[0058] Furthermore, when the communication terminal 102 is moving, in position determination based on the received signal strength 111, the longer the reception time, the greater the error in position determination may become. However, the communication system 100 according to this embodiment can suppress variations in received signal strength 316 due to channel differences, while also suppressing unnecessary lengthening of the reception time 314. Therefore, even when the communication terminal 102 is moving, the accuracy of position determination can be ensured.

[0059] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Configurations and processes that have substantially the same function as the other embodiments are referred to by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, while the differences from the other embodiments will be explained.

[0060] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. The difference between the communication terminal 102 illustrated in Figure 9 and the communication terminal 102 illustrated in Figure 3 is that it is equipped with a transmission interval calculation unit 901 and a data processing unit 902 instead of a data processing unit 306.

[0061] The transmission interval calculation unit 901 calculates the transmission interval 911 at which the transmitting terminal 101 transmits the signal 111 so that the number of times the signal 111 is received within each scan interval 311 is the same across multiple scan intervals 311, and stores the calculated transmission interval 911 in the terminal storage unit 301.

[0062] In this embodiment, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 at a transmission interval of 911.

[0063] When the receiving unit 303 receives the signal 111 multiple times, the data processing unit 902 calculates the average value of the received intensity 316 of the signal 111 that contains the same identification information 315. The data processing unit 902 then generates signal data 903. The signal data 903 consists of a pair of the identification information 315 and the calculated average value. Here, the number of signal data 903 is less than the number of times the signal 111 is received during the reception time 314. The number of signal data 903 also differs depending on the method by which the server device 103 determines the position of the communication terminal 102. For example, the communication terminal 102 transmits the data with the highest intensity from the averaged data to the server device 103 as signal data 903, and the server device 103 determines the position of the communication terminal 102 based on the received single signal data 903. Alternatively, for example, the communication terminal 102 may transmit a predetermined number of data points with relatively high intensity from the averaged data to the server device 103 as signal data 903, and the server device 103 may determine the location of the communication terminal 102 based on the predetermined number of signal data 903.

[0064] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. Before the control unit 305 starts processing step S601 as illustrated in Figure 6, the transmission interval calculation unit 901 calculates the transmission interval 911 so that the number of times the signal 111 is received within each scan interval 311 is the same for multiple scan intervals 311. The transmission interval calculation unit 901 then sets the reception time 314 to an integer number equal to the beacon transmission interval multiplied by the number of channels. If the reception time 314 is set, the control unit 305 starts processing step S601.

[0065] In step S611 illustrated in Figure 6, if the control unit 305 instructs the receiving unit 303 to complete the signal reception process, in step S1001, the data processing unit 902 classifies the multiple pairs of identification information 315 and reception strength 316 registered in the received signal log 313 for each identical identification information 315.

[0066] In step S1002, the data processing unit 902 calculates the average value of the received intensity 316 associated with the same identification information 315 for the sets classified in step S1001. In step S1003, the data processing unit 902 generates signal data 903 consisting of the identification information 315 and the average value calculated in step S1002.

[0067] In step S1004, the communication unit 302 transmits the signal data 903 to the server device 103.

[0068] Figure 11 shows an example of a signal 111 received during a scan interval 311 for each channel in a communication terminal 102 according to the second embodiment. The reception time 1101 illustrated in Figure 11 is the time over multiple scan intervals 311 in which channels 37 to 39 are each selected twice.

[0069] For example, if the scan interval 311 is 300ms and the reception time 1101 is 1800ms, the transmission interval calculation unit 901 determines the transmission interval to be 120ms or 200ms so that the signal 111 is received twice during each scan interval 311. Alternatively, for example, if the scan interval 311 is 500ms and the reception time 1101 is 3000ms, the transmission interval calculation unit 901 determines the transmission interval to be 200ms so that the signal 111 is received twice during each scan interval 311. Alternatively, for example, if the scan interval 311 is 1000ms and the reception time 1101 is 6000ms, the transmission interval calculation unit 901 determines the transmission interval to be 400ms so that the signal 111 is received twice during each scan interval 311. The reception time 1101 may also be the time spanning multiple scan intervals 311 in which channels 37 to 39 are each selected once. For example, if the scan interval is 500ms and the beacon transmission interval is 100ms, the transmission interval calculation unit 901 may determine the reception time 1101 to be 1500ms so that channels 37 to 39 are each selected once.

[0070] Figure 12A is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the received signal strength 316. In Figure 12A, time is plotted on the horizontal axis and received signal strength on the vertical axis. As illustrated in Figure 12A, the range of the received signal strength 316 differs for each channel.

[0071] Figure 12B is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the average value of the received signal strength 316. In Figure 12B, time is plotted on the horizontal axis and received signal strength on the vertical axis. As illustrated in Figure 12B, when the transmission interval is the same, receiving the signal 111 at a reception time 1202, which is longer than the reception time 1201, results in a larger number of data points being averaged compared to receiving the signal 111 at a reception time 1201. As a result, as illustrated in Figure 12B, the average value of the received signal strength 316 converges more when the signal 111 is received at a reception time 1202 compared to when the signal 111 is received at a reception time 1201. In other words, accuracy can be improved by increasing the number of data points. However, the longer the reception time 1101 is relatively, the more power consumption increases. For example, if the reception time 1101 is the product of the scan interval 311, the number of channels 312, and a predetermined multiple N, power consumption increases if the predetermined multiple N is too large. Therefore, for example, it is preferable that the upper limit of the predetermined multiple N is N=5. Furthermore, when the communication terminal 102 is moving, if the server device 103 performs position determination based on the received signal strength 316 of the signal 111, the longer the reception time 1101 is relatively, the greater the amount of movement of the communication terminal 102, and the greater the error in position determination may become. For this reason, it is preferable that the reception time 1101 is the time required for the average value of the received signal strength 316 to converge.

[0072] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of steps S1001 to S1002 as illustrated in Figure 10. In the received signal log 313 illustrated in Figure 13, identification information 315 indicating 100 and the received strength 316 are registered in association, and identification information 315 indicating 200 and the received strength 316 are registered in association.

[0073] In step S1001, the data processing unit 902 classifies the pairs of identification information 315 and received intensity 316 registered in the received signal log 313 into multiple pairs 1301 and multiple pairs 1302. Multiple pairs 1301 consist of pairs of identification information 315 indicating 100 and received intensity 316. Specifically, multiple pairs 1301 consist of pairs of identification information 315 indicating 100 and received intensity 316 that are -63dBm, -65dBm, and -67dBm. Multiple pairs 1302 consist of pairs of identification information 315 indicating 200 and received intensity 316 that are -70dBm, -72dBm, and -71dBm.

[0074] Then, in step S1002, the data processing unit 902 calculates the average value of the received intensity 316 for multiple pairs 1301 of identification information 315 indicating 100 and received intensity 316, and generates a pair 1303 of identification information 315 indicating 100 and the calculated average value of -65dBm. Furthermore, the data processing unit 902 calculates the average value of the received intensity 316 for multiple pairs 1302 of identification information 315 indicating 200 and received intensity 316, and generates a pair 1304 of identification information 315 indicating 200 and the calculated average value of -71dBm.

[0075] As described above, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment receives signals 111 at the same transmission interval during multiple scan intervals 311 and calculates the average value of the received intensity 316 of signals 111 that include the same identification information 315. The communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment then transmits the identification information 315 and the signal data 112 associated with the calculated average value to the server device 103. As a result, the server device 103 according to this embodiment can further suppress variations in received intensity 316 due to channel differences and determine the position of the communication terminal 102.

[0076] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 18. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Configurations and processes that have substantially the same function as the other embodiments are referred to by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, while the differences from the other embodiments will be explained.

[0077] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. The difference between the communication terminal 102 illustrated in Figure 14 and the communication terminal 102 illustrated in Figure 3 is that it is equipped with a data processing unit 1401 instead of a data processing unit 306, and the terminal storage unit 301 stores a received signal log 1402 (see Figure 15) instead of a received signal log 313.

[0078] The data processing unit 1401 classifies multiple signals 111 containing the same identification information 315 into multiple groups based on the quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time from the start of reception time 314 by the scan interval 311. For each group, it calculates a first average value of the received intensity 316 of the signals 111 belonging to each group. The multiple groups are classified by the quotient obtained by dividing the quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time from the start of reception time 314 by the scan interval 311 by the number of channels 312. The data processing unit 1401 then calculates a second average value, which is the average of the first average values. Finally, the data processing unit 1401 generates signal data 112 consisting of the identification information 315 and the second average value.

[0079] Figure 15 shows an example of a received signal log 1402. In the received signal log 1402, the elapsed time from the start of reception time 314, the identification information 315 of signal 111, and the received intensity 316 of signal 111 are associated. In the received signal log 1402, for signals 111 received from the start of reception time 314 to the end of reception time 314, the elapsed time from the start of reception time 314, the identification information 315 of signal 111, and the received intensity 316 of signal 111 are associated.

[0080] For example, the received signal log 1402 indicates that the receiving unit 303 received a signal 111 containing identification information 315 indicating 100 at 10ms, 321ms, 615ms, 912ms, 1217ms, and 1519ms after the start of the reception time 314. Furthermore, the received signal log 1402 indicates that the receiving unit 303 received a signal 111 containing identification information 315 indicating 200 at 53ms, 360ms, 655ms, 958ms, 1253ms, and 1555ms after the start of the reception time 314.

[0081] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment.

[0082] In step S611, illustrated in Figure 6, if the control unit 305 instructs the receiving unit 303 to complete the signal reception process, in step S1601, the data processing unit 1401 classifies the multiple pairs of identification information 315 and reception strength 316 registered in the received signal log 1402 for each identical identification information 315.

[0083] In step S1602, the data processing unit 1401 calculates a quotient for the sets classified in step S1001 by dividing the elapsed time associated with the same identification information 315 by the scan interval 311.

[0084] In step S1603, the data processing unit 1401 performs the following: The classified groups, The calculated quotient to Chi The data is classified into multiple groups based on the quotient obtained by dividing by the channel number 312.

[0085] In step S1604, the data processing unit 1401 calculates a first average value of the received intensities 316 belonging to each of the classified groups.

[0086] In step S1605, the data processing unit 1401 calculates a second mean value, which is the average of the first mean values ​​for each group.

[0087] In step S1606, the data processing unit 1401 generates signal data 112, which is composed of a pair of identification information 315 and a second mean value.

[0088] In step S1607, the communication unit 302 transmits the signal data 112 to the server device 103.

[0089] Figure 17 shows an example of the scan interval 311 and the signals 111 received during the reception time 314 for each channel in the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. The number of times the signal 111 received on channel 37 is 4. The number of times the signal 111 received on channel 38 is 3. The number of times the signal 111 received on channel 39 is 1. Thus, in the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment, the number of receptions for each channel is not the same and may vary, so the degree of freedom of the reception time 314 and the degree of freedom of the transmission interval can be improved compared to the communication terminal 102 according to the second embodiment.

[0090] Figure 18 shows an example of the processing of steps S1601 to S1605 illustrated in Figure 16. In the received signal log 1402 illustrated in Figure 18, the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 is registered in association with the identification information 315 indicating 100 and the received signal strength 316, and the identification information 315 indicating 200 is registered in association with the received signal strength 316.

[0091] In step S1601, the data processing unit 1401 classifies the elapsed time, identification information 315, and received signal strength 316 registered in the received signal log 1402 into multiple sets 1801 and multiple sets 1802.

[0092] Multiple sets 1801 consist of sets of elapsed time, identification information 315 indicating 100, and received intensity 316. Specifically, multiple sets 1801 consist of sets that associate elapsed time of 10ms, 321ms, 615ms, 912ms, 1217ms, and 1519ms with identification information 315 indicating 100 and received intensity 316, respectively.

[0093] Multiple sets 1802 consist of sets of elapsed time, identification information 315 indicating 100, and received intensity 316. Specifically, multiple sets 1802 consist of sets that associate elapsed time of 53ms, 360ms, 655ms, 958ms, 1253ms, and 1555ms with identification information 315 indicating 200 and received intensity 316, respectively.

[0094] Then, in step S1602, the data processing unit 1401 calculates a quotient for each of the sets 1801 by dividing the elapsed time by the scan interval 311. For example, if the scan interval 311 is 500ms, the quotients for each of the sets 1801 by dividing 10ms, 321ms, 615ms, 912ms, 1217ms, and 1519ms by 500ms are calculated. Then, in step S1603, the data processing unit 1401 classifies the calculated quotients into groups 1 to 3 by dividing them by 3, which is the number of channels (312).

[0095] Similarly, in step S1602, the data processing unit 1401 calculates a quotient for each of the sets 1802 by dividing the elapsed time by the scan interval 311. For example, if the scan interval 311 is 500ms, the quotients for each of the sets 1802—53ms, 360ms, 655ms, 958ms, 1253ms, and 1555ms—by dividing them by 500ms. Then, in step S1603, the data processing unit 1401 classifies the calculated quotients into groups 1 to 3 by dividing them by 3, which is the number of channels (312).

[0096] Then, in step S1604, the data processing unit 1401 calculates a first average value of the received intensity 316 belonging to each group for groups 1 to 3, which are associated with elapsed time, identification information 315 indicating 100, and received intensity 316, and associates the identification information 315 with the first average value. Specifically, for group 1, the identification information 315 indicating 100 is associated with the first average value of -65 dBm. For group 2, the identification information 315 indicating 100 is associated with the first average value of -64 dBm. For group 3, the identification information 315 indicating 100 is associated with the first average value of -74 dBm.

[0097] Similarly, in step S1604, the data processing unit 1401 calculates a first average value of the received intensity 316 belonging to each group for groups 1 to 3, which are associated with elapsed time, identification information 315 indicating 200, and received intensity 316, and associates the identification information 315 with the first average value. Specifically, for group 1, the identification information 315 indicating 200 is associated with the first average value of -79.7 dBm. For group 2, the identification information 315 indicating 200 is associated with the first average value of -81.5 dBm. For group 3, the identification information 315 indicating 200 is associated with the first average value of -86 dBm.

[0098] Then, in step S1605, the data processing unit 1401 calculates a second mean value, which is the average of the first mean values ​​associated with the identification information 315 indicating 100. Specifically, the data processing unit 1401 calculates the average of -65dBm, -64dBm, and -74dBm associated with the identification information 315 indicating 100. 67.7 dBm is calculated as the second mean value for the identification information 315 indicating 100. Similarly, in step S1605, the data processing unit 1401, 2 -82.4 dBm, which is the average of -79.7 dBm, -81.5 dBm, and -86 dBm associated with the identification information 315 indicating 00, is calculated as the second average value associated with the identification information 315 indicating 200.

[0099] As described above, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment distributes the received signal strength 316 according to the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 and calculates the average value of the received signal strength 316. As a result, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment can appropriately calculate the average value of the received signal strength 316 even if the number of times the signal 111 is received differs within each scan interval 311.

[0100] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 19. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Configurations and processes that have substantially the same function as the other embodiments are referred to by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, while the differences from the other embodiments will be described.

[0101] The configuration of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the communication terminal 102 illustrated in Figure 3.

[0102] In this embodiment, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 during a reception time 314 that is shorter than the scan interval 311 and in which the number of times the signal 111 is received exceeds a threshold.

[0103] In this embodiment, if the receiving unit 303 receives a signal 111 more times than a threshold during a reception time 314 that is shorter than the scan interval 311, the data processing unit 306 associates the identification information 315 contained in the signal 111 received during the reception time 314 with the received intensity 316 of the signal 111 and registers it in the received signal log 313.

[0104] Figure 19 shows an example of a signal 111 received during a scan interval 311 and reception time 314 in a communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. For example, if the receiving unit 303 receives the signal 111 seven times during a reception time 314 which is shorter than the scan interval 311, it associates the identification information 315 of the signal 111 with the received intensity 316 and registers it in the received signal log 313. Here, since the reception time 314 is the time during which the number of times the signal 111 is received exceeds the threshold, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment does not need to measure the elapsed time from the time the signal reception processing started.

[0105] As described above, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment does not receive the signal 111 for a period of time spanning multiple scan intervals 311, thereby further suppressing variations in the received signal strength 316. Furthermore, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment can shorten the reception time 314 compared to the case where the signal 111 is received for a period of time spanning multiple scan intervals 311, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0106] (Fifth embodiment) The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 23. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Configurations and processes that have substantially the same function as the other embodiments are referred to by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, while the differences from the other embodiments will be explained.

[0107] Figure 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. The difference between the communication terminal 102 illustrated in Figure 20 and the communication terminal 102 illustrated in Figure 3 is that in the communication terminal 102 illustrated in Figure 20, a reception ratio control flag 2001 is stored in the terminal storage unit 301. The reception ratio control flag 2001 indicates a value for controlling the reception ratio 2002.

[0108] In this embodiment, the control unit 305 controls the reception ratio 2002 within the scan interval 311 according to the number of times the signal 111 has been received when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 exceeds a predetermined time. Specifically, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 exceeds a predetermined time and the number of receptions is 1 or less, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 so that the reception ratio 2002 increases. Also, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 exceeds a predetermined time and the number of receptions is 2 or more (more than 1), the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 so that the reception ratio 2002 decreases.

[0109] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. At the time when the control unit 305 starts processing in step S2101, the value indicated by the reception ratio control flag 2001 is assumed to be 0.

[0110] In step S2101, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111.

[0111] In step S2102, the data processing unit 306 associates the identification information 315 contained in the received signal 111 with the received signal strength 316 of the signal 111 and registers it in the received signal log 313.

[0112] In step S2103, the data processing unit 306 generates signal data 112, which is composed of a pair of identification information 315 and received signal strength 316 registered in the received signal log 313. In step S2104, the communication unit 302 transmits the signal data 112 to the server device 103.

[0113] In step S2105, the control unit 305 determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 exceeds a predetermined time. If the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 does not exceed a predetermined time in step S2105, the control unit 305 returns to step S2101. On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 exceeds a predetermined time in step S2105, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S2106.

[0114] In step S2106, the control unit 305 determines whether the number of receptions is less than or equal to the first reception count. If the number of receptions in step S2106 is less than or equal to the first reception count, in step S2107, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 in such a way that the reception ratio 2002 increases. For example, the control unit 305 increases the reception ratio 2002 by increasing the reception sensitivity of the signal 111 in the receiving unit 303. The rate of increase in the reception ratio 2002 is, for example, 10%. Then, the control unit 305 returns to step S2101. On the other hand, if the number of receptions in step S2106 exceeds the first reception count, the control unit 305 moves the process to step S2108.

[0115] In step S2108, the control unit 305 determines whether the number of receptions is greater than or equal to the second reception, which is greater than the first reception. If the number of receptions in step S2108 is less than or equal to the second reception, the control unit 305 returns to step S2101. On the other hand, if the number of receptions in step S2108 is greater than or equal to the second reception, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S2201, which is illustrated in Figure 22.

[0116] Next, with reference to Figure 22, the operation of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment will be described further.

[0117] In step S2201, the control unit 305 adds +1 to the value indicated by the reception ratio control flag 2001.

[0118] In step S2202, the control unit 305 determines whether the value indicated by the reception ratio control flag 2001 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the value indicated by the reception ratio control flag 2001 in step S2202 is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 305 returns to step S2101, as illustrated in Figure 21. On the other hand, if the value indicated by the reception ratio control flag 2001 in step S2202 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S2203.

[0119] In step S2203, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 so that the reception ratio 2002 decreases. For example, the control unit 305 decreases the reception ratio 2002 by decreasing the reception sensitivity of the signal 111 in the receiving unit 303. The decrease rate of the reception ratio 2002 is, for example, 10%. Then, in step S2204, the control unit 305 sets the value indicated by the reception ratio control flag 2001 to 0. Then, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S2101, which is illustrated in Figure 21.

[0120] Figure 23 shows an example of the scan interval 311 and reception time 314 in the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. The control unit 305 controls the reception ratio 2002 according to the number of receptions when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 exceeds a predetermined time. As illustrated in Figure 23, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 for a time shorter than the scan interval 311 for each channel. After the receiving unit 303 receives the signal 111 for each channel, the control unit 305 lowers the reception ratio 2002 so that it does not receive the signal 111 until the receiving unit 303 switches the channel it selects. As a result, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment can reduce power consumption compared to the communication terminal 102 according to other embodiments.

[0121] The processes performed in the above embodiments are not limited to the processing modes exemplified in each embodiment. The functional blocks described above may be implemented using either logic circuits (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit or the like, or software using a CPU. The processes performed in the above embodiments may be executed on multiple computers. For example, some of the processes performed in each functional block of the control unit 305 of the communication terminal 102 may be executed on other computers, or all of the processes may be shared and executed on multiple computers.

[0122] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be replaced with configurations substantially identical to those shown in the embodiments, configurations that produce the same effects, or configurations that can achieve the same objectives. This disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

Claims

1. The receiving unit switches between multiple channels at each scan interval and receives the signal on the selected channel. A control unit causes the receiving unit to receive the signal during a reception time spanning multiple scan intervals in which each of the multiple channels is selected. Equipped with, The aforementioned signal includes identification information, When the receiving unit receives the signal multiple times, a data processing unit calculates the average value of the received intensity of signals containing the same identification information. A time measurement unit that measures the elapsed time from the start of the reception time, Furthermore, The data processing unit calculates a first average value of the received intensity of the signals belonging to each of the multiple groups obtained by classifying the multiple signals containing the same identification information into multiple groups based on the quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time by the scan interval. Communication terminal.

2. The data processing unit calculates a second average value, which is the average of the first average values. The communication terminal according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned multiple groups are groups classified by the quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time by the scan interval and then dividing that quotient by the number of the multiple channels. A communication terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A receiving unit that switches the channel selected from multiple channels at each scan interval and receives a signal on the selected channel, A control unit causes the receiving unit to receive the signal during a reception time spanning multiple scan intervals in which each of the multiple channels is selected. Equipped with, The control unit controls the reception ratio within the scan interval according to the number of times the signal has been received, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time exceeds a predetermined time. Communication terminal.

5. When the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, the control unit causes the receiving unit to receive the signal so that the reception ratio increases if the number of receptions is less than or equal to the first reception, and causes the receiving unit to receive the signal so that the reception ratio decreases if the number of receptions is greater than or equal to the second reception. The communication terminal according to claim 4.

6. A receiving unit that switches between multiple channels at each scan interval and receives signals transmitted at predetermined intervals on the selected channel, A control unit that causes the receiving unit to receive the signal during a reception time that is shorter than the scan interval and in which the number of times the signal is received exceeds a threshold, Equipped with, The control unit controls the reception ratio within the scan interval according to the number of times the signal has been received, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time exceeds a predetermined time. Communication terminal.

7. When the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, the control unit causes the receiving unit to receive the signal in such a way that the reception ratio increases if the number of receptions is less than or equal to the first reception, and causes the receiving unit to receive the signal in such a way that the reception ratio decreases if the number of receptions is greater than or equal to the second reception. The communication terminal according to claim 6.

8. The process involves switching between multiple channels at each scan interval and receiving the signal on the selected channel. A step of controlling the reception time so that the signal is received during the reception time over a plurality of scan intervals in which each of the plurality of channels is selected. Includes, The aforementioned signal includes identification information, If the signal is received multiple times in the process of receiving the signal, the process of calculating the average value of the received signal intensity containing the same identification information, A step of measuring the elapsed time from the start of the reception time, It further includes, In the process of calculating the average value, for a plurality of groups obtained by classifying a plurality of signals containing the same identification information based on the quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time by the scan interval, a first average value of the received intensity of the signals belonging to each group is calculated. Control method.

9. A step of switching the channel selected from multiple channels at each scan interval and receiving a signal on the selected channel, A step of controlling the reception time so that the signal is received during the reception time over a plurality of scan intervals in which each of the plurality of channels is selected. Includes, In the process of controlling the reception time, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time exceeds a predetermined time, the reception ratio within the scan interval is controlled according to the number of times the signal has been received. Control method.

10. The process involves switching the selected channel from multiple channels at each scan interval and receiving the signal transmitted at predetermined intervals on the selected channel. A step of controlling the reception time so that the number of times the signal is received is shorter than the scan interval and exceeds a threshold, Includes, In the process of controlling the reception time, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time exceeds a predetermined time, the reception ratio within the scan interval is controlled according to the number of times the signal has been received. Control method.

11. On the computer, The function allows switching between multiple channels at each scan interval and receiving signals on the selected channel. A function to control the reception time so that the signal is received during the reception time spanning multiple scan intervals, each of which is selected for the multiple channels. Make it run, The aforementioned signal includes identification information, In the function for receiving the aforementioned signal, if the signal is received multiple times, the process includes calculating the average value of the received signal strength containing the same identification information. A function to measure the elapsed time from the start of the aforementioned reception time, Let's execute it further, In the function for calculating the average value, for multiple groups obtained by classifying multiple signals containing the same identification information based on the quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time by the scan interval, a first average value of the received intensity of the signals belonging to each group is calculated. program.

12. A computer, The function allows switching between multiple channels at each scan interval and receiving signals on the selected channel. A function to control the reception time so that the signal is received during the reception time spanning multiple scan intervals, each of which is selected for the multiple channels. Make it run, In the function for controlling the reception time, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time exceeds a predetermined time, the reception ratio within the scan interval is controlled according to the number of times the signal has been received. program.

13. A computer, The system has a function that switches between multiple channels at each scan interval and receives signals transmitted at predetermined intervals on the selected channel. A function to control the reception time such that the number of times the signal is received is shorter than the scan interval and exceeds a threshold, Make it run, In the function for controlling the reception time, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time exceeds a predetermined time, the reception ratio within the scan interval is controlled according to the number of times the signal has been received. program.

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