Communication processing device, communication system, and communication processing method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a communication processing device, communication processing method, and communication system that make it possible to detect intrusion of a person or object into a specific area using a simple configuration. [Solution] This communication processing device comprises a detection unit for using a propagation channel characteristic of a propagation channel between devices to detect the presence of a human body in the propagation channel and an output unit for outputting a signal including information relating to the detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication processing apparatus, a communication system, and a communication processing method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, indoor positioning technology has attracted attention. Indoors, there is a problem that since satellite radio waves cannot reach, signals of GPS (Global Positioning System) or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) cannot be received. For this reason, as an indoor positioning technology, a ranging method using a wireless signal has been proposed. On the other hand, there is a demand for detecting the intrusion of people or objects into a specific area indoors.

[0003] However, in order to detect people or objects, it is necessary to separately introduce a dedicated device such as a camera or a radar, which increases the cost. In addition, when using a camera, there is a risk that it cannot be applied in an environment where privacy protection is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a communication processing apparatus, a communication system, and a communication processing method capable of detecting the intrusion of people or objects into a specific area with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, according to the present disclosure, a detection unit that detects the presence of a person or object in the propagation channel based on the propagation channel characteristics in the propagation channel between devices, An output unit that outputs a signal containing information related to the detection, A communication processing device is provided that includes the following features.

[0007] The detection unit may detect the presence of a human body in the propagation channel based on fluctuations in the values ​​relating to the propagation channel characteristics between the devices.

[0008] The detection unit may detect the presence of a human body in the propagation channel based on fluctuations in the response level of radio waves between the devices.

[0009] A storage unit that stores information regarding the response level of the aforementioned radio waves in chronological order, The system further comprises a calculation processing unit that uses information about the response level stored in the memory unit to calculate the amount of variation in the response level at multiple different time points, The detection unit may detect the presence of a human body in the propagation channel based on the amount of variation.

[0010] The system may further include a distance acquisition unit that acquires distance information calculated based on the aforementioned propagation channel characteristics.

[0011] The system may further include a positioning unit that detects the position of an object based on the distance information.

[0012] The distance acquisition unit acquires three or more pieces of distance information relating to the distance between the object and three or more communication partner devices. The positioning unit may detect the position of the object based on the three or more distance pieces of information.

[0013] The system may further include a control unit that switches between a first mode of human body detection by the detection unit and a second mode of detecting the position of an object by the positioning unit.

[0014] The positioning unit may select distance information to be used when detecting the position of the object based on the radio wave characteristics between the object and the communication partner device.

[0015] It may further include an image generation unit that generates an image associating the position detected by the positioning unit with the information of a predetermined area.

[0016] The image generation unit may generate an image associating the time-series positions detected by the positioning unit with the information of a predetermined area.

[0017] It further includes a communication unit capable of wireless communication. The object is a portable terminal device capable of communication. The control unit may cause the portable terminal device to transmit the image via the communication unit.

[0018] The device may be at least any one of a portable communication device, a beacon device, a server, and a base station that performs wireless communication with any one of the portable communication device and the beacon device.

[0019] It may include a communication unit that transmits the distance information to a processing device.

[0020] The distance acquisition unit may acquire the distance information calculated based on the group delay calculated from the relationship between the frequencies and phases of each of a plurality of propagation channels.

[0021] The distance acquisition unit may acquire the distance information based on a wireless signal in the UWB (Ultra WideBand) band.

[0022] The detection unit may detect the presence of a human body between the devices based on the information regarding the frequencies and phases of each of a plurality of propagation channels between the devices.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, a detection step of detecting the presence of a human body in the propagation channel based on the propagation channel characteristics in the propagation channel between devices, an output step of outputting a signal including the information regarding the detection, are provided, and a communication processing method is provided.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communication system including a plurality of devices, where at least one of the plurality of devices has a detection unit that detects the presence of a human body in the propagation channel based on propagation channel characteristics in the propagation channel between the devices.

[0025] At least one of the plurality of devices may further include a distance acquisition unit that acquires distance information calculated based on the propagation channel characteristics.

[0026] At least one of the plurality of devices may further include a positioning unit that detects the position of an object based on the distance information.

[0027] Each of the plurality of devices may be at least one of a mobile communication device, a beacon device, a server, and a base station that performs wireless communication with any one of the mobile communication device and the beacon device.

[0028] The communication system may further include an alarm device that performs predetermined processing in response to a signal including information regarding detection by the detection unit.

[0029] The alarm device may control either a light source or a sound source in response to the signal.

[0030] The plurality of devices may be a combination of a plurality of beacon devices and a processing device.

[0031] The plurality of devices may be a combination of a plurality of mobile terminal devices and a processing device.

[0032] The plurality of devices may be a combination of a beacon device, a mobile terminal device, and a processing device.

[0033] The plurality of devices may be a combination of beacon devices.

[0034] The aforementioned plurality of devices may be a combination of mobile terminal devices.

[0035] The aforementioned multiple devices may be a combination of beacon devices and mobile terminal devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system for calculating the location of a device. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically illustrates an example of the implementation of the communication system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating an example of a communication system configuration for detecting the intrusion of a human body into a specific area. [Figure 4] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of the implementation of communication system 1. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device. [Figure 6] A more detailed block diagram of the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment than that shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a phase-based initiator and reflector. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a phase-based initiator and reflector. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the signal sequence transmitted and received between a phase-based initiator and a reflector. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating a method for canceling local phase. [Figure 11] Another diagram illustrating a technique for canceling local phase. [Figure 12] Another diagram illustrating a technique for canceling local phase. [Figure 13] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the processing unit. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of distance information stored in the first memory unit. [Figure 15] An example image showing the processing result generated by the image generation unit. [Figure 16] An example image showing another processing result generated by the image generation unit. [Figure 17] Figures 10 to 12 show examples of radio wave paths during radio wave measurement. [Figure 18] Figure 17 shows examples of the response characteristics of a direct wave in a direct path and a multipath wave in a multipath path. [Figure 19] A diagram illustrating direct waves in a direct path and multipath paths, simulating a real-world environment. [Figure 20] Figure 17 shows examples of the response characteristics of a direct wave in a direct path and a multipath wave in a multipath path. [Figure 21] This figure shows examples of the response characteristics of direct waves in a direct path and multipath waves in a multipath path in a real-world environment. [Figure 22] Figure 21 shows an example of the response characteristics of a direct wave in a direct path and a multipath wave in a multipath path in a real-world environment, different from the one shown in Figure 21. [Figure 23] A diagram illustrating a real-world scenario where an intruder is present in a multipath network. [Figure 24] Figure 23 shows examples of the response characteristics of a direct wave in a direct path and a multipath wave in a multipath path. [Figure 25] A diagram showing an example of the signal sequence transmitted and received between a phase-based initiator and reflector. [Figure 26] A diagram showing an example of the detection result from the detection unit. [Figure 27] A block diagram showing an example of the alarm system configuration. [Figure 28] A flowchart illustrating the positioning processing operation in the processing unit. [Figure 29] A flowchart illustrating the monitoring process in the processing unit. [Figure 30] A block diagram showing a communication device that has both positioning and monitoring functions. [Figure 31] Figure 30 shows an example of a communication device being deployed as a beacon device. [Figure 32]A block diagram showing a communication device with positioning capabilities. [Figure 33] A block diagram showing a communication device with positioning capabilities. [Figure 34] Figure 32 shows an example of the communication device shown in Figure 32 being used as a portable communication device. [Figure 35] Figure 33 shows an example of a communication device being deployed as a beacon device. [Figure 36] This diagram illustrates an example where a communication device is used as a portable communication device for positioning, and a processing unit is used for monitoring. [Figure 37] This figure shows an example of a measurement signal when measuring radio waves in a communication device. [Figure 38] This figure shows an example of the signal sequence transmitted and received between an initiator and a reflector in a pulse measurement method for distance measurement. [Figure 39] This figure shows an example of the signal sequence transmitted and received between the initiator and reflector in a pulse measurement method used in monitoring processing. [Figure 40] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system for detecting intrusion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 41] Figure 40 schematically illustrates an example of the implementation of the communication system shown. [Figure 42] A diagram showing another example of the configuration of the communication system for detecting intrusion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 43] A diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 44] A diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 45] A table showing an example of how information from the arithmetic processing unit is stored in the first memory unit in association with a device. [Figure 46] A diagram showing another configuration example of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 47] A diagram showing yet another configuration example of the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 48] Figure 47 shows an example of a communication device configured using mobile terminal equipment. [Figure 49]A diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 50] A diagram showing an example of the arrangement of device c, which is a beacon device, and device 1, which is a mobile terminal device. [Figure 51] A diagram showing another configuration example of the communication system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 52] A diagram showing yet another configuration example of the communication system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Embodiments of the communication processing device, communication system, and communication processing method will be described below with reference to the drawings. While the following description will focus on the main components of the communication device and communication system, there may be components and functions in the communication processing device and communication system that are not shown or described. The following description does not exclude any components or functions not shown or described.

[0038] (First Embodiment) Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an example of the configuration of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The communication system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system that calculates the position of device 15 and can detect the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc., into a specific area.

[0039] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a communication system 1 for calculating the position of device 15. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1 comprises a plurality of devices 10a to 10c, a processing unit 20, a display device 25, and an alarm device 40.

[0040] The multiple devices 10a to 10c are, for example, beacon devices. The multiple devices 10a to 10c can generate distance information with the communication partner device by performing wireless communication with the communication partner device. For example, the multiple devices 10a to 10c can measure the distance between devices by sending and receiving radio waves with device 15. In addition, when detecting the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. into a specific area, the multiple devices 10a to 10c can measure the radio wave strength between devices 10a to 10c.

[0041] Device 15 is, for example, a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or a mobile phone. Device 15 is capable of wireless communication with multiple devices 10a to 10c. Device 15 also transmits a signal containing identification information.

[0042] The processing unit 20 is, for example, a server, and determines the position of device 15 using distance information to device 15 obtained from multiple devices 10a to 10c. The processing unit 20 also detects intrusions of people, objects, animals, etc., based on fluctuations in the level of communication radio waves between multiple devices 10a to 10c, as will be described later with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Communication between the processing unit 20 and devices 10a to 10c may be wireless or wired.

[0043] The display device 25 is, for example, a monitor that displays the processing results of the processing device 20. The alarm device 40 is a device that issues an alarm when the processing device 20 detects the intrusion of a person, object, animal, etc.

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the implementation of the communication system 1 in Figure 1. The communication system 1 determines the positions of devices 15a to 15d. Figure 2 shows an example of monitoring children in a classroom, such as a kindergarten, by determining the positions of children each holding a device 15a to 15d. In this example, the processing unit 20 monitors the children's activities and locations by tracking the positions of devices 15a to 15d. As described above, since devices 15a to 15d transmit signals containing identification information, the processing unit 20 can track the positions of devices 15a to 15d in association with their identification information.

[0045] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of communication system 1 for detecting the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. into a specific area. As shown in Figure 3, in communication system 1 for detecting people, the processing unit 20 detects the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. based on the propagation channel characteristics between devices 10a to 10c. Propagation channel characteristics refer to the characteristics of a wireless signal as it propagates along a propagation path, for example, the strength of the communication radio waves propagating along the propagation path. For example, the processing unit 20 detects the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. based on fluctuations in the level of the communication radio waves between devices 10a to 10c. In this embodiment, the strength of the communication radio waves is referred to as the response level or level.

[0046] In communication system 1, when detecting the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. into a specific area, communication between devices 10a to 10c is performed not only by direct wave communication via the direct path, but also by multipath radio wave communication via multipath such as reflected waves. Information regarding these communications is supplied from devices 10a to 10c to the processing unit 20. The processing unit 20 detects the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. based on the information of the communication radio waves between devices 10a to 10c. For example, the processing unit 20 detects the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. when there is a change in the level of the communication radio waves between devices 10a to 10c. In this embodiment, people, objects, animals, etc. may be referred to as "human bodies." Also, the detection of the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. may be referred to as "human body detection." Furthermore, the propagation path of radio waves between devices 10a to 10c, including the direct path and multipath such as reflected waves, is referred to as the propagation channel. For this reason, the range of the specific area can be set, including multipath such as reflected waves.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the implementation of the communication system 1 shown in Figure 3. For example, it is an example of monitoring for intruders entering classrooms at night, such as in kindergartens. In this embodiment of the communication system 1, in the example of intrusion monitoring, if at least two of the multiple devices 10a to 10c are deployed, it will be possible to detect the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. Hereinafter, devices 10a to 10c and vices 15a to 15d may be referred to as communication devices.

[0048] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the communication device 10. Specifically, it corresponds to the configuration of multiple devices 10a to 10c. The communication device 10 in Figure 5 comprises an antenna 2, a transmitting unit 3, a receiving unit 4, and a distance acquisition unit 5. In this specification, the transmitting unit 3 and the receiving unit 4 are sometimes collectively referred to as the communication unit. Furthermore, devices 15a to 15d have a configuration equivalent to that of the communication device 10.

[0049] The distance acquisition unit 5 acquires distance information calculated based on propagation channel characteristics. Here, propagation channel characteristics are, for example, the phase difference that occurs while propagating through the propagation path. The distance acquisition unit 5 may calculate distance information within the communication device 10 in Figure 5, or it may acquire distance information via the receiving unit 4. The distance acquisition unit 5 acquires distance information calculated based on group delay calculated from the relationship between the frequencies and phases of multiple propagation channels, for example. Alternatively, the distance acquisition unit 5 may acquire distance information directly from the measured phase without relying on group delay calculated from the relationship between the frequencies and phases of multiple propagation channels.

[0050] The communication device 10 in Figure 5 may perform various information processing based on the distance information acquired by the distance acquisition unit 5 and altitude information, or it may transmit the distance information and altitude information to a processing device such as a server via the transmission unit 3.

[0051] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment, which is more detailed than Figure 5. The communication device 10 in Figure 2 includes an antenna 2, a transmitting unit 3, a receiving unit 4, a clock generator 7, a distance calculation unit 8, an altitude calculation unit 9, an altitude sensor 10, and an interface (IF) unit 30.

[0052] The clock generator 7 has a local oscillator that generates a local oscillator signal used for modulation processing in the transmitting unit 3 and demodulation processing in the receiving unit 4.

[0053] The distance calculation unit 8 calculates distance information based on propagation channel characteristics. For example, the distance calculation unit 8 may calculate distance information using a phase-based method or an Ultra Wideband (UWB) method. Details of the phase-based method and the UWB method will be described later. The distance calculation unit 8 has the same functions as the distance acquisition unit 5 in Figure 5.

[0054] The communication device 10 in Figure 5 may be a beacon device installed at a predetermined location, or it may be a radio station such as a base station or server that performs wireless communication with mobile communication devices, beacon devices, etc. As described above, the communication device 15 may be a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or mobile phone having the same configuration as the communication device 10, or it may be a portable beacon device, base station, etc. In this embodiment, the communication devices 10, 15 and the processing device 20 may be referred to as the communication processing device. That is, the communication processing device includes all devices 10a to 10c, devices 15a to 15d, and the processing device 20 related to communication processing, and may be a mobile communication device, a beacon device, a server, or a radio station such as a base station or server that performs wireless communication with mobile communication devices, beacon devices, etc.

[0055] The communication device 10 calculates distance information to the communication partner device based on propagation channel characteristics by performing wireless communication with the communication partner device. Below, as a specific example of propagation channel characteristics, a method for calculating distance information to the communication partner device using a phase-based method will be described.

[0056] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a phase-based initiator 10a and reflector 10b. The internal configuration of both initiator 10a and reflector 10b is the same. The initiator 10a and reflector 10b in Figure 7 include an antenna 2, a transmitter 3, a receiver 4, and a control unit 13. The transmission signal output from the transmitter 3 and the reception signal received by the antenna 2 are switched by a high-frequency switch (RF-SW) 14. The transmitter 3 and receiver 4 perform modulation and demodulation processing in synchronization with the clock output from the frequency synthesizer 16. In other words, in the example of Figure 1, devices 10a to 10c act as either initiators or reflectors to each other.

[0057] Figure 7 shows a phase-based method. It illustrates an example where a wireless signal in the 2.4 GHz frequency band is transmitted and received between an initiator 10a and a reflector 10b, and the control unit 13 measures the phase difference θ of the transmission path. As shown in Figure 7, when the horizontal axis is frequency ω and the vertical axis is phase difference θ, the phase difference θ changes almost linearly with respect to frequency. The group delay τ can be calculated from the slope of the phase difference. The group delay τ is the derivative of the phase difference θ between the input waveform and the output waveform with respect to angular frequency ω. Since the phase cannot be distinguished from phases shifted by integer multiples of 2π, the group delay is used as an indicator to represent the characteristics of the filter circuit.

[0058] If θd is the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals, θm is the measured phase, D is the distance of the propagation path, and c is the speed of light, then the following equation (1) holds. θd(=θm+2πn)=ωtd=ω×2D / c …(1)

[0059] Differentiating both sides of equation (1) with respect to angular frequency ω yields equation (2).

number

[0060] By rearranging equation (2), the distance D can be found using the following equation (3).

number

[0061] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a phase-based initiator 10a and reflector 10b. The internal configuration of both the initiator 10a and reflector 10b is the same. The initiator 10a and reflector 10b in Figure 8 include an antenna 2, a transmitter 3, a receiver 4, and a control unit 13. The transmission signal output from the transmitter 3 and the received signal received by the antenna 2 are switched by a high-frequency switch (RF-SW) 14. The transmitter 3 and receiver 4 perform modulation and demodulation processing in synchronization with the clock output from the frequency synthesizer 16.

[0062] The transmitting unit 3 includes a modulator 21, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 22, a bandpass filter (BPF) 23, and a mixer 24 within the control unit 13. The receiving unit 4 includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 31, a mixer 32, a bandpass filter (BPF) 33 and a variable gain amplifier (VGA) 34 for the I channel, a BPF 35 and a VGA 36 for the Q channel, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 37.

[0063] The control unit 13 includes a modulator 21, a phase measurement unit 41, a RAM 43, and an automatic gain control (AGC) 44.

[0064] The digital demodulated signal output from the receiving unit 4 is stored in the RAM 43 after the phase difference between the transmitted signal and the received signal is measured for each frequency channel in the phase measurement unit 41. The digital demodulated signal is also stored in the RAM 43 in a time series, associating the radio wave intensity for each frequency of the propagation channel between devices 10a to 10c and devices 15a to 15d with the combination of devices.

[0065] Figure 9 shows an example of a signal sequence transmitted and received between a phase-based initiator 10a and a reflector 10b. First, settings are made to start distance measurement (step S1). Step S1 includes, for example, device authentication to determine whether the device is compliant with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), negotiation, frequency offset correction, and AGC gain setting. Negotiation involves confirming whether the device is capable of distance measurement and confirming the distance measurement setting parameters.

[0066] Next, the frequency is swept within the range of 2400MHz to 2480MHz used by BLE, for example, and phase measurement is performed for each frequency channel to calculate distance information (step S2). Once the distance information is calculated in step S2, data communication is then performed between the initiator 10b and the reflector 10b (step S3), and data including distance information and altitude information is sent and received.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the initiator 10a transmits a single carrier signal to the reflector 10b. However, if the signal is transmitted only in one direction from the initiator 10a to the reflector 10b, it is affected by the local phase and cannot correctly detect the phase difference in the propagation path. Therefore, in the phase-based method, the signal is sent back and forth between the initiator 10a and the reflector 10b to cancel out the local phase.

[0068] Figures 10 to 12 illustrate a method for canceling local phase. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the frequency synthesizer 16 in Figure 4 has a local oscillator 7a and a 90-degree phase shifter 7b. Figure 7 shows an example in which a transmit signal cosωt, which has been converted to an intermediate frequency signal by the local oscillator signal, is transmitted from the initiator 10a to the reflector 10b. In Figure 10, φ is the phase difference during which the transmit signal propagates along the propagation path. In this case, the reflector 10b receives the signal cos(ωt+φ). Assuming that the local oscillator 7a inside the reflector 10b has a local phase θ, the local oscillator signal is represented by cos(ωt+φ). Therefore, the I signal generated in the reflector 10b is represented by I(t)=cos(φ-θ) / 2, and the Q signal is represented by Q(t)=sin(φ-θ) / 2.

[0069] Thus, the measurement phase of the reflector 10b is φ-θ. This measurement phase can be detected by a calculator or other device provided in the reflector 10b. This calculator is, for example, built into an integrated circuit (IC) chip that performs the functions of the reflector 10b.

[0070] Figure 11 shows an example where the transmit signal cos(ωt+θ), which has been converted to an intermediate frequency signal by the local oscillator signal, is transmitted from the reflector 10b to the initiator 10b. As mentioned above, θ is the local phase of the local oscillator 7a of the reflector 10b. In this case, the initiator 10b receives the signal cos(ωt+φ+θ). Therefore, the I signal generated by the initiator 10b is expressed as I(t)=cos(φ+θ) / 2, and the Q signal is expressed as Q(t)=sin(φ+θ) / 2.

[0071] Thus, the measurement phase of the initiator 10b becomes φ+θ. This measurement phase can be detected by an arithmetic unit provided in the initiator 10b. This arithmetic unit is, for example, built into an IC chip that performs the functions of the initiator 10b.

[0072] Figure 12 shows an example of adding the measurement phase (φ-θ) at the reflector 10b in Figure 10 and the measurement phase (φ+θ) at the initiator 10b in Figure 8. (φ-θ)+(φ+θ)=2φ, demonstrating that the effect of the local phase can be canceled out. This summation calculation can be performed using the arithmetic unit within the IC chip for the reflector 10b or initiator 10b described above.

[0073] In this way, by making the signal travel back and forth between the initiator 10b and the reflector 10b, the phase difference of the transmission path can be detected without being affected by the local phase θ. Once the phase difference of the propagation path is detected, the distance of the propagation path can be calculated using equations (1) to (3) described above.

[0074] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the processing unit 20. As shown in Figure 13, the processing unit 20 comprises an antenna 2, a transmitting unit 3, a receiving unit 4, a distance acquisition unit 5, a radio wave information acquisition unit 50, and a processing unit 60. The processing unit 60 includes a positioning unit 70, an intrusion detection unit 80, an image generation unit 90, and a control unit 100. The processing unit 20 has hardware necessary for a computer configuration, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The CPU loads the program related to this technology, stored in the ROM or HDD, into the RAM and executes it, thereby realizing each functional block shown in Figure 13. These functional blocks then execute the control method related to this technology. As mentioned above, the processing unit 20 and devices 10a to 10c may communicate via wired connections.

[0075] The specific configuration of the processing unit 60 is not limited, and devices such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), image processing ICs (Integrated Circuits), and other ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) may be used.

[0076] The radio wave information acquisition unit 50 acquires information regarding communication radio waves between multiple devices 10a to 10c from the multiple devices 10a to 10c.

[0077] The positioning unit 70 includes a first storage unit 72, a positioning unit 74, and a first output unit 76. The intrusion detection unit 80 includes a second storage unit 82, an arithmetic processing unit 84, a detection unit 86, and a second output unit 88. The image generation unit 90 generates an image showing the processing result of at least one of the positioning unit 70 and the intrusion detection unit 80.

[0078] The control unit 100 controls each component of the processing unit 20. This control unit 100 can switch between a first mode in which the intrusion detection unit 80 detects a person and a second mode in which the positioning unit 70 detects the position of an object. It also displays an image on the display device 25 that shows the processing result generated by the image generation unit 90.

[0079] First, let's explain the positioning unit 70. Figure 14 shows an example of distance information stored in the first storage unit 72. As shown in Figure 14, the distance acquisition unit 5 stores the acquired distance information in the first storage unit 72 in association with the tracking device name. For simplicity of explanation, two-dimensional coordinates are used, but three-dimensional coordinates may also be used. This information is stored in chronological order in association with the tracking device name, but is reset at predetermined time intervals. For example, the predetermined time interval is 1 second. That is, the position of the tracking device is determined at 1-second intervals.

[0080] The positioning unit 74 determines whether there are 3 or more distance information points corresponding to the tracking device name. If there are 3 or more, it calculates the position coordinates of the tracking device name, for example, using the principle of triangulation, and stores them in the first storage unit 72 in chronological order. For example, at a certain time, there are 3 or more distance information points for tracking device 15a, so the positioning unit 74 stores the position coordinates of tracking device 15a in the first storage unit 72 in chronological order. On the other hand, at a certain time, there are not 3 or more distance information points for tracking device 15b, so the positioning unit 74 stores the position coordinates of tracking device 15a in the first storage unit 72 in chronological order, associating them with a code Z indicating unknown. For example, code Z is recorded when a child goes under a radio wave obstruction such as a desk. The first output unit 76 outputs a positioning signal containing the positioning information measured by the positioning unit 74 to the image generation unit 90, the transmission unit 3, etc.

[0081] Figure 15 is an example image showing the processing result generated by the image generation unit 90. The black triangle indicates, for example, the position of device 10. As shown in Figure 15, the image generation unit 90 generates an image along with the time-series (t1~tn) positions of the tracking devices and identification information indicating devices 15a and 15b. The image generation unit 90 can, for example, connect the time-series positions of the tracking devices with splines. These images are displayed on the display device 25 according to the control of the control unit 100. This allows the observer to observe when code Z indicates that the child is continuously absent, or when the child's movement has stopped for a predetermined period, enabling more detailed monitoring of the child's activity status.

[0082] Figure 16 is an example image showing another processing result generated by the image generation unit 90. The black rectangle 200 indicates the location of the display shelf. As shown in Figure 16, the image generation unit 90 generates images showing, for example, the location of the display shelf 200 in the museum and the location of the device 10 at predetermined intervals, for example, every second. These images are transmitted to, for example, the device 15, according to the control unit 100, and can be displayed on the screen of the device 15. This makes it possible for the holder of the device 15 to know their own location within a building such as a museum.

[0083] Next, the measurement radio waves used by the intrusion detection unit 80 will be explained using Figures 17 to 24. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the propagation path of radio waves during radio wave measurement. The propagation path consists of a direct path L100 and multiple multipath paths L200. The arrival time τ1 of the direct wave via the direct path L100 is given by τ1 = d / c. That is, it is the value obtained by dividing the distance d by the speed of light c.

[0084] Figure 18 shows examples of the response characteristics of a direct wave in the direct path L100 and a multipath wave in the multipath path L200 in Figure 17. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the response level of the communication radio waves. As shown in Figure 18, the peak p10 of the direct wave appears at time τ1, and the peak P20 of the multipath wave appears at time τ2, which is later than time τ1. The radio wave information acquisition unit 50 acquires these response waveforms from each device 10a to 10c, associates them with information between multiple devices 10a to 10c, and stores them in the second storage unit 82.

[0085] Figure 19 shows the direct wave in the direct path L100 and the multipath path L200, simulating a real environment. Figure A shows an example without an intruder, and Figure B shows an example where an intruder enters the direct path L100.

[0086] Figure 20 shows examples of the response characteristics of a direct wave in the direct path L100 and a multipath wave in the multipath path L200 in Figure 17. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the response level. Figure A shows an example without an intruder, and Figure B shows an example where an intruder enters the direct path L100. As shown in Figure B, when an intruder enters the direct path L100, the peak p10 of the direct wave is attenuated, and the response level of the radio wave changes.

[0087] Figure 21 shows examples of the response characteristics of a direct wave in a direct path L100 and a multipath wave in a multipath path L200 in a real environment. This example shows an intruder in the direct path L100. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the response level. The examples from top to bottom show distances of 1.5, 2.5, and 40 meters between devices. The direct wave peak p10 is indicated for reference, but is actually attenuated. Figure 21 displays 30 measurement results. Thus, in actual measurements, the response level is repeatedly measured at predetermined time intervals t100 from the time communication between each device 10a to 10c begins.

[0088] Figure 22 shows examples of the response characteristics of a direct wave in the direct path L100 and a multipath wave in the multipath path L200 in a real environment different from that shown in Figure 21. This example involves an intruder in the direct path L100. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the response. The examples from top to bottom show device distances of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 meters. The direct wave peak p10 is indicated for reference, but is actually attenuated. Figure 22 displays 30 measurement results. As shown, the response wave level changes significantly when an intruder enters the direct path L100.

[0089] Figure 23 illustrates a scenario where an intruder is present on multipath path L200, simulating a real-world environment. Figure A shows an example where there is no intruder, while Figure B shows an example where an intruder has entered multipath path L200.

[0090] Figure 24 shows examples of the response characteristics of a direct wave in the direct path L100 and a multipath wave in the multipath path L200 in Figure 23. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the response level. Figure A shows an example without an intruder, and Figure B shows an example where an intruder enters the multipath path L200. As shown in Figure B, when an intruder enters the multipath path L200, the peak p20 of the multipath wave is attenuated, and the response level of the radio wave changes.

[0091] Here, an example of a signal sequence transmitted and received between the initiator 10a, the reflector 10b, and the processing unit 20 will be described. Figure 25 shows an example of a signal sequence transmitted and received between the initiator 10a and the reflector 10b in a phase-based method. As shown in Figure 25, in this embodiment, the response level of the communication radio waves in the positioning mode (second mode) can be used for monitoring. That is, intruders and the like can be detected by fluctuations in radio waves when measuring distance between the fixed-position initiator 10a and the reflector 10b.

[0092] First, the settings for starting distance measurement are configured (step S10). Step S10 includes, for example, device authentication to determine whether the device is compliant with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), negotiation, frequency offset correction, and AGC gain setting. Negotiation involves confirming whether the device is capable of distance measurement and verifying the distance measurement setting parameters.

[0093] Next, the frequency is swept within the range of 2400MHz to 2480MHz used by BLE, for example, and phase measurements are performed for each frequency channel to calculate distance information. Simultaneously, the radio wave strength for each frequency of the propagation channels between vices 10a to 10c and vices 15a to 15d is stored in RAM 43 (see Figure 8) in a time series, associated with the combination of devices (step S12).

[0094] Once distance information is calculated in step S12, data communication is then performed between the initiator 10b and the reflector 10b (step S13), and data including distance information and altitude information is sent and received.

[0095] Next, data communication is performed between the initiator 10b and the reflector 10b (step S14), and information on the radio wave strength for each frequency of the propagation channel between vices 10a to 10c and vices 15a to 15d is sent to and received by the processing unit 20 in a time series, associated with the combination of devices and time information. The processing unit 20 stores the information on the radio wave strength for each frequency of the propagation channel between devices 10a to 10c and devices 15a to 15d in a time series in the second storage unit 82 (see Figure 13), associated with the combination of devices and time information. Note that the first storage unit 72 and the second storage unit 82 may be configured as a common storage unit.

[0096] Here, referring again to Figure 13, the intrusion detection unit 80 will be explained. The arithmetic processing unit 84 performs calculations related to the comparison between the radio wave intensity for each frequency of the propagation channel between devices 10a to 10c, which was stored in the second storage unit 82 at the start of observation, and the newly acquired radio wave intensity for each frequency of the propagation channel between devices 10a to 10c. For example, the arithmetic processing unit 84 calculates the difference value of the radio wave response level for each frequency within a predetermined time from the start of communication between devices 10a to 10c, and integrates the absolute value of that difference. If the integrated value is within a predetermined value, the detection unit 86 determines that there is "no intrusion". On the other hand, if the integrated value is greater than the predetermined value, it detects that there is "intrusion".

[0097] Figure 26 shows an example of the detection results of the detection unit 86. As shown in Figure 26, the detection unit 86 associates the combination of vises 10a to 10c, the measurement time, and the detection result, and stores the detection results in the storage unit 82 in a time series (t1 to tn). In Figure 26, t10 and t202 are shown as examples. When the detection unit 86 detects an intrusion, it generates an alarm signal for the alarm device 40 that includes information about the intrusion and information about the time. As shown in Figure 26, the detection unit 86 can also detect an intrusion for each combination of vises 10a to 10c.

[0098] The second output unit 88, in accordance with the control unit 100, outputs the alarm signal generated by the detection unit 86 to the image generation unit 90 and the transmission unit 3, etc. The transmission unit 3 then supplies the alarm signal to the alarm device 40. The processing unit 20 may also transmit the alarm signal to a predetermined mobile terminal or the like.

[0099] Figure 27 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the alarm device 40. As shown in Figure 27, the alarm device 40 includes a receiving unit 402, a light source control unit 404, and a sound source control unit 406. The receiving unit 402 receives an alarm signal supplied from the detection unit 86. The light source control unit 404 controls the light intensity of a light source, for example, placed in the intrusion warning area. This light source control unit 404 increases the light intensity of the light source when it receives an alarm signal. The sound source control unit 406 controls the output of a predetermined sound from a sound source, for example, a speaker, placed in the intrusion warning area. This sound source control unit 406 outputs a predetermined sound when it receives an alarm signal. In this way, by measuring the radio wave intensity between devices 10a to 10c used for distance measurement, it becomes possible to detect the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. into a specific area without adding any new devices.

[0100] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the positioning processing operation in the processing unit 20. Here, we will explain an example of generating an image based on the positioning results.

[0101] First, the distance acquisition unit 5 acquires identification information (device name) and planar coordinate information of devices 10a to 10c (step S20). In step S20, the unit acquires the self-coordinate information of each device sent from devices 10a to 10c and stores it in the first storage unit 72 in association with each device name.

[0102] Next, the distance acquisition unit 5 acquires distance information between devices 15a to 15d and devices 10a to 10c from devices 15a to 15d, associates it with the name of the device to be measured, and stores it in the first storage unit 72 (step S22). Next, the positioning unit 74 determines whether there is distance information for three or more points for each device 15a to 15d (step S24). If there is no distance information for three or more points (NO in step S24), the positioning unit 74 associates code Z and stores it in the first storage unit 72. On the other hand, if there is distance information for three or more points (YES in step S24), the positioning unit 74 calculates the positions of devices 15a to 15d (step S26) and stores them in the first storage unit 72 in association with the names of each device 15a to 15d that are being measured.

[0103] Next, the positioning unit 74 outputs the position information of vices 15a to 15d to the image generation unit 90 (step S28). The image generation unit 90 then generates an image associating each device name 15a to 15d with its respective position information. The processing unit 20 then displays this generated image on the display device 25.

[0104] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether to continue processing (step S30). If it decides to continue (NO in step S30), it repeats the process from step S22. On the other hand, if it decides to terminate (YES in step S30), it terminates the entire process.

[0105] Thus, in the first embodiment, the processing unit 20 acquires distance information between devices 15a to 15d and devices 10a to 10c from devices 10a to 10c, enabling accurate detection of the positions of devices 15a to 15d. Furthermore, since this information is converted into an image, observation of the positions of devices 15a to 15d becomes easier.

[0106] Figure 29 is a flowchart showing the monitoring process in the processing unit 20. First, the radio wave information acquisition unit 50 acquires combination information of the device names of devices 10a to 10c and information of the initial radio wave response at the start of observation (step S30). Next, the radio wave intensity information of each device sent from devices 10a to 10c is stored in the second storage unit 82 in association with the names of each device (step S32).

[0107] Next, the radio wave information acquisition unit 50 acquires combination information of device names of devices 10a to 10c and information of observation response at predetermined time intervals (step S34). Subsequently, the radio wave strength information of each device sent from devices 10a to 10c is stored in the second storage unit 82 in association with the names of each device (step S36).

[0108] Next, the arithmetic processing unit 84 calculates the difference between the radio wave response level at the start of communication between devices 10a and 10c and the newly acquired radio wave response level, and then accumulates the absolute value of that difference (step S38). Next, the detection unit 86 determines whether the accumulated value is within a predetermined range (step S40). If the detection unit 86 determines that the accumulated value is within the predetermined range (NO in step S40), it determines that there is "no intrusion" and repeats the process from step S34. On the other hand, if it determines that the accumulated value is greater than the predetermined range (YES in step S40), the detection unit 86 detects that there is "intrusion" (step S42).

[0109] Next, the detection unit 86 generates an alarm signal containing alarm information and outputs it to the alarm device 40 via the second output unit 88 (step S44). Subsequently, the control unit 100 determines whether or not to continue the monitoring process (step S46). If it decides to continue (NO in step S46), it repeats the process from step S34. On the other hand, if it decides to terminate the process (YES in step S46), it terminates the entire process.

[0110] Thus, in the first embodiment, since the radio wave intensity levels between devices 10a to 10c are compared in a time series, the point in time when there is a change in the radio wave intensity level can be detected as the point in time when an intruder or other intruder has entered. As a result, by measuring the radio wave intensity between devices 10a to 10c used for distance measurement, it becomes possible to detect the intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. into a specific area without adding any new devices.

[0111] Here, using Figures 30 to 36, we will explain variations of the communication system 1 when the communication devices 10 and 15 have positioning and monitoring functions. Figure 30 is a block diagram when the communication device 100 has positioning and monitoring functions. As mentioned above, the communication device 100 may be a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or mobile phone, a beacon device installed in a predetermined location, or a radio station such as a base station or server that performs wireless communication with mobile communication devices or beacon devices.

[0112] Figure 31 shows an example of the communication device 100 shown in Figure 30 being deployed as a beacon device. As shown in Figure 31, by configuring the communication device 100 to have positioning and monitoring functions, the communication device 100 can perform processing equivalent to that of the processing unit 20.

[0113] Figure 32 is a block diagram showing the case where the communication device 102 has a positioning function. As described above, the communication device 102 may be a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or mobile phone, a beacon device installed at a predetermined location, or a radio station such as a base station or server that performs wireless communication with mobile communication devices or beacon devices.

[0114] Figure 33 is a block diagram showing the case where the communication device 104 has a monitoring function. As described above, the communication device 102 may be a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or mobile phone, a beacon device installed in a predetermined location, or a radio station such as a base station or server that communicates wirelessly with the mobile communication device or beacon device.

[0115] Figure 34 shows an example of the communication device 102 shown in Figure 32 being deployed as a portable communication device. As shown in Figure 34, by configuring the communication device 102 to have a positioning function, the communication device 102 can perform processing equivalent to that of the processing unit 20. This makes it possible, for example, to display the location within a museum, as shown in Figure 16, using a portable communication device.

[0116] Figure 35 shows an example where the communication device 104 shown in Figure 33 is deployed as a beacon device. As shown in Figure 35, by configuring the communication device 104 to have a monitoring function, the communication device 104 can perform processing equivalent to that of the processing unit 20. This makes it possible, for example, to display a child monitoring indicator, as shown in Figure 15, using the communication device 104. On the other hand, positioning is performed by the processing unit 20 in this example.

[0117] Figure 36 shows an example where the communication device 102 is used as a portable communication device for positioning, and the processing device 20 is used for monitoring. This makes it possible, for example, to display the location within a museum, as shown in Figure 16, using a portable communication device. Furthermore, at night, when the communication device 102 is not available, monitoring can be performed using the processing device 20, as described above.

[0118] As described above, according to this embodiment, the positioning unit 70 acquires distance information between devices 15a to 15d and devices 10a to 10c from devices 10a to 10c, so that the positions of devices 15a to 15d can be detected with high accuracy. Furthermore, since this information is converted into an image, it becomes easy to observe the positions of devices 15a to 15d.

[0119] Furthermore, the intrusion detection unit 80 compares the radio wave intensity levels between devices 10a to 10c over time, allowing it to detect changes in radio wave intensity levels as intrusions by intruders or other entities. This makes it possible to detect intrusions by people, objects, animals, etc., into a specific area without adding any new devices, simply by measuring the radio wave intensity between devices 10a to 10c used for distance measurement.

[0120] (Modified version of the first embodiment) The communication system 1 according to a modification of the first embodiment differs from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it uses a wideband signal with a bandwidth of 500 MHz or more for communication between devices. The differences from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0121] Figure 37 shows an example of a measurement signal used during radio wave measurement in the communication device 10. The measurement signal uses, for example, a broadband signal with a bandwidth of 500 MHz or more. This broadband signal uses, for example, an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal. In this case, it differs from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment in that pulse measurement is used instead of frequency sweep for distance measurement.

[0122] Figure 38 shows an example of a signal sequence transmitted and received between the initiator 10a and the reflector 10b in a pulse measurement method for distance measurement. As shown in Figure 38, first, settings are made to start distance measurement (step S100). In step S100, for example, device authentication is performed to determine whether or not the device is UWB compliant. This negotiation confirms whether or not the device is capable of distance measurement and confirms the distance measurement setting parameters.

[0123] Next, for example, initiator 10a transmits a 500MHz pulse signal A used by UWB and receives a pulse signal B in response to pulse signal A. For example, reflector 10b, having received pulse signal A from initiator 10a, transmits pulse signal B (step S102). As a result, the distance acquisition unit 5 of initiator 10a,

number

[0124] Figure 39 shows an example of a signal sequence transmitted and received between the initiator 10a and the reflector 10b in the pulse measurement method during monitoring. As shown in Figure 39, in this embodiment, the response level of the communication radio waves in the positioning mode (second mode) is used for monitoring. That is, intruders and the like are detected by fluctuations in the radio waves when distance measurement is performed between the fixed-position initiator 10a and the reflector 10b. Steps S100 to S102 are the same as in Figure 38.

[0125] Next, data communication is performed between the initiator 10b and the reflector 10b (step S14), and information on the radio wave strength between devices 10a-10c and devices 15a-15d is sent to and received by the processing unit 20 in a time series, associated with the combination of devices and time information. The processing unit 20 stores the information on the radio wave strength between devices 10a-10c and devices 15a-15d in a time series in the second storage unit 82 (see Figure 13), associated with the combination of devices and time information. Subsequent monitoring processing can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0126] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to use a wideband signal with a bandwidth of 500 MHz or more, which enables the generation of shorter pulses and allows for the calculation of a more accurate distance based on the arrival time of radio waves.

[0127] (Second Embodiment) The communication system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it uses only portable communication devices as communication equipment. The differences from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0128] Figure 40 shows an example configuration of the communication system 1 for detecting intrusion according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 40, in the communication system 1 for detecting intrusion of objects, animals, etc., the processing unit 20 detects intrusion of people, objects, animals, etc. based on fluctuations in the level of communication radio waves between devices 15a to 15c, which are portable communication devices. Since devices 15a to 15c are portable communication devices, the user can arrange devices 15a to 15c more freely. As mentioned above, monitoring is possible with at least two devices 15a to 15c.

[0129] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the introduction of the communication system 1 shown in Figure 40. For example, it is an example of monitoring for intruders entering the entrance of a private house. In this way, with the communication system 1 according to this embodiment, the monitoring area can be freely set simply by, for example, placing the portable communication devices 15a to 15c.

[0130] Figure 42 shows another example of the configuration of the communication system 1 when detecting an intrusion according to the second embodiment. A communication device 104 (see Figure 33) is used for the portable communication device. As a result, the processing unit 20 is also unnecessary.

[0131] As explained above, according to this embodiment, since a portable communication device is used as the communication device for detecting intrusion, the monitoring area can be set up simply by installing the portable communication device. As a result, for example, if there are two portable communication devices used for regular telephones, the communication system 1 for detecting intrusion can be configured.

[0132] (Third embodiment) The communication system 1 according to the modification of the third embodiment differs from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment in that, after detecting an intrusion, if the intruder is the holder of the terminal to be measured, positioning is initiated. The differences from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0133] Figure 43 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the communication system 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 43, in the communication system 1 for detecting the intrusion of objects, animals, etc., the processing unit 20 detects the presence of a person based on fluctuations in the level of communication radio waves between devices 10a to 10c, which are beacon devices. For example, the processing unit 20 determines whether a specific area, such as a toilet or conference room, is in use by detecting a person using devices 10a to 10c. While detecting the presence of a person, the processing unit 20 notifies a device dev, such as a mobile terminal or personal computer, via the network, etc., of an alarm signal containing information indicating that a person is present in a specific area (toilet, conference room, etc.), making it accessible to the user. When the processing unit 20 detects the presence of a person, if the target terminal 15 is in the monitoring area, it positions the target terminal 15 using distance information from devices 10a to 10c and the device dev, and notifies the device dev, etc., of the location information within the specific area (toilet, conference room, etc.), making it accessible to the user.

[0134] As described above, according to this embodiment, the processing unit 20 notifies a device dev, such as a mobile terminal or personal computer, via the network or other means, of an alarm signal containing information indicating that a person is present in a specific area (toilet, conference room, etc.) during the period when a person is detected by devices 10a to 10c. This allows users of the communication system 1 to understand the usage status of specific areas (toilet, conference room, etc.). Furthermore, when a person's presence is detected, if the measurement target terminal 15 is in the monitoring area, the location of the measurement target terminal 15 is determined, and the location information within the specific area (toilet, conference room, etc.) is notified to the device dev via the network or other means. This allows users of the communication system 1 to understand the situation within specific areas (toilet, conference room, etc.).

[0135] (Fourth Embodiment) The communication system 1 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment differs from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it uses information on the radio wave conditions between devices when determining position. The differences from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0136] Figure 44 shows an example configuration of the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 44, the processing unit 20 positions the terminal 15 to be measured using distance information from beacon devices 10a to 10d. At this time, the positioning unit 74 (see Figure 13) of the processing unit 20 refers to information from the calculation processing unit 84 (see Figure 13). The "×" marks schematically indicate that there are fluctuations in the radio wave response levels between devices.

[0137] Figure 45 is a table showing an example of how information from the arithmetic processing unit 84 (see Figure 13) is stored in the first storage unit 72 in association with devices 10a to 10d. As shown in Figure 45, since there is a fluctuation in the radio wave response level between device 10d and the terminal to be measured 15, the positioning unit 74 (see Figure 13) performs positioning without using distance information between device 10d and the terminal to be measured 15. As a result, distance information is not used when there are people, objects, etc. between devices 10a to 10d and the terminal to be measured 15, thus improving the accuracy of positioning the terminal to be measured 15.

[0138] Figure 46 shows an alternative configuration example of the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 46, human body detection is performed by the communication device 104 (see Figure 33), which is a beacon device. On the other hand, the positioning of the measurement target terminal 15 is performed by the processing unit 20. The positioning unit 74 (see Figure 13) of the processing unit 20 can perform positioning by referring to the information of the calculation processing unit 84 (see Figure 13) of the communication device 104 (see Figure 30). Since distance information is not used when there is an intruder or the like between devices 10a to 10d and the measurement target terminal 15, the accuracy of positioning the measurement target terminal 15 is further improved.

[0139] Figure 47 shows yet another configuration example of the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 47, human body detection and positioning are performed by the communication device 100 (see Figure 30), which is a beacon device. The communication device 100 (see Figure 30) positions the target terminal 15 using distance information from the beacon devices 10a to 10c, 10d and the communication device 100. At this time, the positioning unit 74 (see Figure 13) of the communication device 100 refers to the information of the calculation processing unit 84 (see Figure 13). As a result, distance information is not used when there is an intruder between the devices 10a to 10d and the target terminal 15, so the accuracy of positioning the target terminal 15 is further improved.

[0140] Figure 48 shows an example in which the communication device 100 in Figure 47 is configured with a mobile terminal device. As shown in Figure 48, human body detection and positioning are performed by the communication device 100 (see Figure 30), which is a mobile terminal device. The communication device 100 (see Figure 30) performs positioning of the target terminal 15 using distance information from devices 10a to 10c and 10d, which are beacon devices, and the communication device 100.

[0141] As explained above, according to this embodiment, when the positioning unit 74 (see Figure 13) performs positioning, it uses information on the radio wave conditions between devices and does not use distance information when there are people, objects, etc. between it and the terminal to be measured, thus improving the accuracy of positioning the terminal to be measured.

[0142] (Fifth embodiment) The communication system 1 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it performs radio wave measurement using a beacon device and a mobile terminal device when detecting a person. The differences from the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0143] Figure 49 shows an example of the configuration of the communication system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 49, the processing unit 20 performs object detection using devices 10a to 10c, which are beacon devices, and devices 15a and 15b, which are mobile terminal devices.

[0144] Figure 50 shows an example of the arrangement of beacon devices 10a-10c and mobile terminal devices 15a and 15b. For example, in an exhibition hall such as a museum, rearranging the display shelves 200 may create areas where the radio waves from beacon devices 10a-10c cannot reach. In such cases, placing mobile terminal devices 15a and 15b in the areas where the radio waves cannot reach can easily eliminate the problem.

[0145] Figure 51 shows another example configuration of the communication system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 51, the communication device 104, which is a beacon device, performs object detection using the beacon devices 10a and 10b, the communication device 104, and the mobile terminal devices 15a and 15b. A processing unit 20 is not required, and by arranging the mobile terminal devices 15a and 15b, areas where radio waves cannot reach can be easily eliminated.

[0146] Figure 52 shows yet another configuration example of the communication system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 52, the communication device 104, which is a portable terminal device, performs object detection using beacon devices 10a to 10c, a portable terminal device 15a, and the communication device 104. The processing unit 20 is not required, and by arranging the communication device 104, which is a portable terminal device, the communication system 1 that performs human body detection can be configured more simply.

[0147] As explained above, according to this embodiment, when detecting a person, radio wave measurements are performed using a beacon device and a mobile terminal device. This makes it easy to eliminate areas where radio waves cannot reach by placing a mobile terminal device in those areas.

[0148] Furthermore, this technology can take the following configuration. (1) A detection unit that detects the presence of a human body in a propagation channel based on the propagation channel characteristics in the propagation channel between devices, An output unit that outputs a signal containing information related to the detection, A communication processing device equipped with the following features. (2) The communication processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the detection unit detects the presence of a human body in the propagation channel based on fluctuations in the values ​​relating to the propagation channel characteristics between the devices. (3) The communication processing apparatus according to (2), wherein the detection unit detects the presence of a human body in the propagation channel based on fluctuations in the response level of radio waves between the devices. (4) A storage unit that stores information relating to the response level of the radio waves in chronological order, The system further comprises a calculation processing unit that uses information about the response level stored in the memory unit to calculate the amount of variation in the response level at multiple different time points, The communication processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the detection unit detects the presence of a human body in the propagation channel based on the amount of fluctuation. (5) The communication processing apparatus according to (1), further comprising a distance acquisition unit that acquires distance information calculated based on the propagation channel characteristics. (6) The communication processing apparatus according to (5), further comprising a positioning unit that detects the position of an object based on the distance information. (7) The distance acquisition unit acquires three or more pieces of distance information relating to the distance between the object and three or more communication partner devices, The positioning unit detects the position of the object based on the three or more distance pieces of information, as described in (6). (8) The communication processing apparatus according to (7), further comprising a control unit for switching between a first mode of human body detection by the detection unit and a second mode of detecting the position of an object by the positioning unit. (9) The communication processing apparatus according to (8), wherein the control unit detects the position of an object in the second mode when a person is detected in the first mode. (10) The communication processing apparatus according to (7), wherein the positioning unit selects distance information to be used when detecting the position of the object based on the radio wave characteristics between the object and the communication partner device. (11) The communication processing apparatus according to (6), further comprising an image generation unit that generates an image relating the position detected by the positioning unit to information of a predetermined area. (12) The communication processing apparatus according to (11), wherein the image generation unit generates an image relating the time-series position detected by the positioning unit to information of a predetermined region. (13) Further equipped with a communication unit capable of wireless communication, The aforementioned object is a mobile terminal device capable of communication. The control unit causes the mobile terminal device to transmit the image via the communication unit, as described in (11). (14) The communication processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the device is at least one of a mobile communication device, a beacon device, a server, or a base station that wirelessly communicates with any of the mobile communication device and the beacon device. (15) The communication processing device described in (14) is at least one of a mobile communication device, a beacon device, a server, or a base station that communicates wirelessly with any of the mobile communication device and the beacon device. (16) The communication processing apparatus according to (5), further comprising a communication unit for transmitting distance information to the processing apparatus. (17) The communication processing apparatus according to (5), wherein the distance acquisition unit acquires distance information calculated based on a group delay calculated from the relationship between the frequencies and phases of a plurality of propagation channels. (18) The communication processing apparatus according to (5), wherein the distance acquisition unit acquires the distance information based on a radio signal in the UWB (Ultra WideBand) band. (19) The communication processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the detection unit detects the presence of a human body between the devices based on information regarding the frequencies and phases of the multiple propagation channels between the devices. (20) A detection step of detecting the presence of a human body in a propagation channel based on the propagation channel characteristics in the propagation channel between devices, An output step which outputs a signal containing information related to the detection, A communication processing method comprising: (21) A communication system comprising multiple devices, A communication system in which at least one of multiple devices has a detection unit that detects the presence of a human body in a propagation channel based on the propagation channel characteristics in the propagation channel between devices. (22) At least one of the plurality of devices is The communication system according to (21), further comprising a distance acquisition unit that acquires distance information calculated based on the propagation channel characteristics. (23) At least one of the plurality of devices is The communication system according to (22), further comprising a positioning unit that detects the position of an object based on the distance information. (24) The communication system according to (21), wherein each of the plurality of devices is at least one of a mobile communication device, a beacon device, a server, or a base station that wirelessly communicates with any of the mobile communication device and the beacon device. (25) The communication system according to (21), further comprising an alarm device that performs predetermined processing in response to a signal containing information relating to the detection of the detection unit. (26) The alarm device is the communication system according to (25), which controls either a light source or a sound source in accordance with the signal. (27) The communication system according to (21), wherein the plurality of devices is a combination of a plurality of beacon devices and a processing device. (28) The communication system according to (21), wherein the plurality of devices is a combination of a plurality of mobile terminal devices and a processing unit. (29) The communication system according to (21), wherein the plurality of devices are a combination of a beacon device, a mobile terminal device, and a processing device. (30) The communication system described in (21), wherein the plurality of devices are a combination of beacon devices. (31) The communication system according to (21), wherein the plurality of devices are a combination of mobile terminal equipment. (32) The communication system according to (21), wherein the plurality of devices is a combination of beacon devices and mobile terminal devices.

[0149] The aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the individual embodiments described above, but include various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive, and the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. In other words, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible, as long as they do not depart from the conceptual idea and spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1: Communication system, 2: Antenna, 3: Transmitter, 4: Receiver, 5: Distance acquisition unit, 10: Beacon device, 10a-10d: Beacon device, 15: Mobile terminal device, 15a-15d: Mobile terminal device, 20: Processing unit, 40: Alarm device, 70: Positioning unit, 82: Second memory unit, 84: Calculation processing unit, 86: Detection unit, 88: Second output unit, 100: Control unit.

Claims

1. A radio wave information acquisition unit that acquires information on the response level of a radio wave in a time series, including a direct wave in which the measurement radio wave propagates along a direct path between devices with a first propagation time, and a multipath wave in which the measurement radio wave propagates via a path different from the direct path with a second propagation time slower than the first propagation time, A storage unit that stores information regarding the response level of the aforementioned radio waves in chronological order, During the measurement period between the devices, the arithmetic processing unit repeatedly calculates the difference in the response level of the radio waves within a predetermined time range including the first transmission time and the second transmission time, and repeatedly accumulates the absolute value of the difference as an integrated value. If the cumulative value exceeds a predetermined value, the detection unit detects that an intrusion has occurred. An output unit that outputs a signal containing information related to the detection, A communication processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the presence of a human body in the propagation channel between the devices based on fluctuations in the response level of radio waves between the devices.

3. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a distance acquisition unit that acquires distance information calculated based on the propagation channel characteristics in the propagation channel between devices.

4. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a positioning unit that detects the position of an object based on the distance information.

5. The distance acquisition unit acquires three or more pieces of distance information relating to the distance between the object and three or more communication partner devices. The positioning unit detects the position of the object based on the three or more distance pieces of information, as described in claim 4.

6. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit for switching between a first mode of human body detection by the detection unit and a second mode of detecting the position of an object by the positioning unit.

7. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit detects the position of an object in the second mode when a person is detected in the first mode.

8. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the positioning unit selects distance information to be used when detecting the position of the object based on the radio wave characteristics between the object and the communication partner device.

9. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an image generation unit that generates an image relating the position detected by the positioning unit to information of a predetermined area.

10. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image generation unit generates an image relating the time-series position detected by the positioning unit to information of a predetermined region.

11. The aforementioned object is a mobile terminal device capable of communication. A communication unit capable of wireless communication, The communication processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a control unit that causes the aforementioned image to be transmitted to the mobile terminal device via a communication unit.

12. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device is at least one of a mobile communication device, a beacon device, a server, or a base station that performs wireless communication with any of the mobile communication device and the beacon device.

13. The communication processing device according to claim 12 is at least one of a mobile communication device, a beacon device, a server, or a base station that performs wireless communication with any of the mobile communication device and the beacon device.

14. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a communication unit for transmitting the distance information to the processing apparatus.

15. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the distance acquisition unit acquires distance information calculated based on group delays calculated from the relationship between the frequencies and phases of a plurality of propagation channels.

16. The communication processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the presence of a human body between the devices based on information regarding the frequencies and phases of the multiple propagation channels between the devices.

17. A radio wave information acquisition step that acquires information on the response level of a radio wave in a time series, including a direct wave in which the measurement radio wave propagates along a direct path between devices with a first propagation time, and a multipath wave in which the measurement radio wave propagates via a path different from the direct path with a second propagation time slower than the first propagation time, A storage step for storing information regarding the response level of the aforementioned radio waves in chronological order, During the measurement period between the devices, a calculation process is performed which involves repeatedly calculating the difference in the response level of the radio waves within a predetermined time range including the first transmission time and the second transmission time, and repeatedly accumulating the absolute value of the difference as an integrated value. A detection step is performed in which, if the cumulative value exceeds a predetermined value, an intrusion is detected. An output step which outputs a signal containing information related to the detection, A communication processing method comprising:

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