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

Communication terminal, control method and program

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-173871, filed on October 31, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0003] US Patent Publication US10,499,361 B2

[0004] There is a risk that variations in received power occur depending on the channel, which is the frequency band in which a signal is received. In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the variation in received strength depending on the channel may result in a relatively large error in positioning based on the received strength of a beacon signal. Furthermore, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to suppress errors in positioning based on the received strength of a beacon signal, it is necessary to receive the beacon signal for a relatively long time. Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a communication terminal, a control method, and a program that can suppress reception time and receive sufficient signals.

[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 for 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 during which each of the plurality of channels is selected.

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

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

[0008] A control method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: switching a channel selected from a plurality of 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 signal is received a number of times that is shorter than the scan interval and exceeds a threshold value.

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the functions of switching a channel selected from a plurality of channels for each scan interval and receiving a signal on the selected channel, and of 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 aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following functions: switching a channel selected from a plurality of 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 signal is received a number of times that is shorter than the scan interval and exceeds a threshold value.

[0011] 10. A block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a communication system. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a calling terminal. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a received signal log according to the first embodiment. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device. A flowchart showing an example of the operation of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of the operation of a server device. A diagram showing an example of a reception time and a data transmission time. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal according to a second embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of the operation of a communication terminal according to the second embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a signal received during a scan interval for each channel in a communication terminal according to the second embodiment. A graph showing an example of a change in reception strength over time. A graph showing an example of a change in average reception strength over time. A diagram showing an example of the processing of steps S1001 to S1002 illustrated in FIG. 10. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal according to a third embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a received signal log according to the third embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of the operation of a communication terminal according to the third embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a signal received during a scan interval for each channel in a communication terminal according to the third embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the processing of steps S1601 to S1605 illustrated in FIG. 16. A diagram showing an example of a scan interval and a signal received during a reception time in a communication terminal according to the present embodiment. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication terminal according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment, following Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a scan interval and a reception time in the communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment.

[0012] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Note that in the drawings, the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

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

[0014] The transmitting terminal 101 transmits a signal 111 at predetermined intervals in multiple frequency bands using a short-range wireless communication method. Each of the multiple frequency bands is referred to as a channel. Identification information 315 included in the signal 111 indicates identification information of the transmitting terminal 101 that is the source of the signal 111. For example, the identification information 315 of the transmitting terminal 101 is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device address. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) has 79 channels, and positioning using Bluetooth beacons uses signals transmitted on channels 37 to 39 of the 79 channels.

[0015] The communication terminal 102 switches the channel selected from a plurality of 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 is a smart watch, a card-type device, a ring-type device, an eyeglass-type device, a clothing-type device, or the like.

[0016] Server device 103 accumulates signal data 112 transmitted from communication terminal 102 and analyzes the accumulated signal data 112. Server device 103 then outputs the analysis results of the accumulated signal data 112. For example, signal data 112 indicates the identification information of transmitting terminal 101, which is the source of signal 111, in association with the reception strength, and server device 103 determines the location of communication terminal 102 by analyzing the identification information and reception strength of transmitting terminal 101 indicated by signal data 112. In this case, server device 103 outputs the location of communication terminal 102 as the analysis result of accumulated signal data 112.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the originating terminal 101. The originating terminal 101 includes an originating unit 201 and the like.

[0018] The transmitting unit 201 transmits a signal 111 at predetermined intervals in a plurality of frequency bands using a short-range wireless communication system. The signal 111 includes identification information 315 for identifying the transmitting terminal 101 that is the source of the signal 111.

[0019] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the 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 configured by, for example, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a semiconductor memory, etc. The terminal storage unit 301 stores a scan interval 311, a number of channels 312, a received signal log 313 (see FIG. 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 is composed of a pair of identification information 315 of the signal 111 and a reception strength 316 of the signal 111.

[0022] The receiving unit 303 switches the channel selected from the multiple channels for each scan interval 311 and receives the signal 111 on the selected channel. Specifically, the receiving unit 303 switches the channel selected from the multiple channels for each scan interval 311 and receives the signal 111 transmitted at a predetermined interval on the selected channel. The number of the multiple channels is the channel number 312. The predetermined interval at which the signal 111 is transmitted is shorter than the scan interval 311. Therefore, the signal 111 is transmitted one or more times during the scan interval 311 on 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 in accordance with 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 spanning a plurality of scan intervals 311, during which a plurality of channels are selected, respectively. That is, 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 spanning a plurality of scan intervals 311, and a plurality of channels are selected during the reception time 314.

[0026] Alternatively, 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 equal to or greater than 1, and is determined in advance according to the number of signal data 112 required.

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

[0028] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the received signal log 313. In the received signal log 313, for the signal 111 received from the start point of the reception time 314 to the end point of the reception time 314, identification information 315 of the signal 111 is associated with the reception intensity 316 of the signal 111.

[0029] 4 shows that the receiving unit 303 received the signal 111 including the identification information 315 indicating 100 at reception intensities 316 of −63 dBm, −65 dBm, and −67 dBm from the start of the receiving time 314 to the end of the receiving time 314. Furthermore, the receiving signal log 313 shown in FIG. 4 shows that the receiving unit 303 received the signal 111 including the identification information 315 indicating 200 at reception intensities 316 of −70 dBm, −72 dBm, and −71 dBm from the start of the receiving time 314 to the end of the receiving time 314.

[0030] 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 configured by, for example, a hard disk, an SSD, a 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 in accordance with the programs and data stored in the server storage unit 501. For example, the control unit 503 is realized 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. Then, the data analysis unit 511 analyzes the signal data 112 stored in the server storage unit 501, and generates analysis result information 521 indicating the analysis result.

[0035] The notification unit 512 notifies a predetermined destination of the analysis result information 521. For example, the predetermined destination is a terminal other than the communication terminal 102, which is used by an administrator of the server device 103, or the like.

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

[0037] In step S601, the receiving unit 303 selects a channel from multiple channels to receive the signal 111. For example, when using a Bluetooth beacon to locate the position of the communication terminal 102, the receiving unit 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 point of the reception time 314. In step S603, the time measurement unit 304 sets the start point of the reception time 314 set in step S602 as the start point of the scan interval 311 for the channel selected in step S601.

[0039] In step S604, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to start signal reception processing on the selected channel from the start point of the reception time 314. When the receiving unit 303 starts signal reception processing, the receiving unit 303 waits for reception of the signal 111 until the signal 111 is 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 has not received 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, the data processing unit 306 associates the identification information 315 included in the received signal 111 with the reception strength 316 of the signal 111 and registers them in the received signal log 313 in step S606. Then, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S607.

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

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

[0043] On the other hand, if the receiving unit 303 is not executing signal reception processing during the reception time 314 in step S608, then in step S609, the receiving unit 303 switches the channel selected from the multiple channels. In this way, the receiving unit 303 receives signals 111 during the reception time 314 spanning multiple scan intervals 311, thereby suppressing variations in the reception strength 316 of the signals 111 received during the reception time 314. Furthermore, because the reception time 314 is determined based on the number of required signal data 112, the control unit 305 can cause the receiving unit 303 to receive the signals 111 a sufficient number of times while preventing the reception time 314 from becoming unnecessarily long. Then, in step S610, the time measurement unit 304 sets the time point at which 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 causes the receiving unit 303 to end the signal reception process. When the signal reception process is ended, the receiving unit 303 ends waiting for reception of the signal 111.

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

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

[0047] FIG. 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. When the signal data 112 has been 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, when the server device 103 holds the identification information of the transmitting terminal 101 in association with the location of the transmitting terminal, 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 reception strength. In this 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 is composed of a pair of identification information 315 and reception strength 316 of the signal 111, to the server device 103, and the server device 103 determines the position of the communication terminal 102. This makes it easy to implement the communication terminal 102 as a wearable device in the communication system 100 according to this embodiment. As a result, the server device 103 can determine the position of a person wearing the communication terminal 102 implemented as a wearable device.

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

[0053] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reception time 801a, a reception time 802a, a data transmission time 801b, and a data transmission time 802b. The data transmission time 801b and the data transmission time 802b indicate the time during which the communication terminal 102 transmits signal data 112 to the server device 103. The data transmission interval indicates the time from the end of the process of transmitting the signal data 112 to the end of the process of transmitting the next signal data 112.

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

[0055] 8 shows an example of scan intervals 311 for each channel during reception time 801a and received signals 111. For example, assume that the transmission interval is 250 ms, the scan interval 311 is 500 ms, and the channels to be selected are channels 37 to 39. In this case, as shown in the example of FIG. 8, the receiver 303 receives signals 111 received on different channels over a period spanning multiple scan intervals 311 during which channels 37 to 39 are selected, respectively.

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

[0057] Furthermore, the server device 103 according to this embodiment analyzes the multiple signals 111 received during the reception time 314. As a result, the server device 103 can locate the position of the communication terminal 102 from the signals 111 sufficient for positioning 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 positioning while suppressing an increase in power consumption by acquiring the signals 111 in a relatively short time in positioning based on the reception strength of the signals 111.

[0058] Furthermore, when the communication terminal 102 is moving, there is a risk that the longer the reception time, the greater the error in positioning based on the reception strength of the signal 111. However, the communication system 100 according to this embodiment can suppress variations in reception strength 316 due to differences in channels while preventing the reception time 314 from becoming unnecessarily long, thereby ensuring the accuracy of positioning even when the communication terminal 102 is moving.

[0059] Second Embodiment A 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 will be omitted. Configurations and processes having substantially the same functions as those of other embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations will be omitted, and differences from other embodiments will be described.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. The communication terminal 102 shown in Fig. 9 differs from the communication terminal 102 shown in Fig. 3 in that it includes a transmission interval calculation unit 901 and a data processing unit 902 instead of the data processing unit 306.

[0061] The transmission interval calculation unit 901 calculates the transmission interval 911 when 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 for multiple scan intervals 311, and stores the calculated transmission interval 911 in the terminal memory unit 301.

[0062] The control unit 305 according to this embodiment causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 at the transmission interval 911 .

[0063] When the receiving unit 303 receives the signal 111 multiple times, the data processing unit 902 calculates the average value of the reception strengths 316 of the signals 111 that include the same identification information 315. Then, the data processing unit 902 generates signal data 903. The signal data 903 is configured by a pair of the identification information 315 and the calculated average value. Here, the number of pieces of signal data 903 is less than the number of times the signal 111 is received within the reception time 314. The number of pieces of signal data 903 varies depending on the method used by the server device 103 to locate the position of the communication terminal 102. For example, the communication terminal 102 transmits the data with the highest intensity from the data after the averaging process to the server device 103 as the signal data 903, and the server device 103 locate the position of the communication terminal 102 based on the single piece of signal data 903 received. Also, for example, the communication terminal 102 may transmit a predetermined number of data items with relatively high intensities from the data after the averaging process to the server device 103 as signal data 903, and the server device 103 may locate the position of the communication terminal 102 based on the predetermined number of signal data items 903.

[0064] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. Before the control unit 305 starts the processing of step S601 illustrated in FIG. 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 across multiple scan intervals 311. Then, the transmission interval calculation unit 901 sets the reception time 314 to an integer number obtained by multiplying the beacon transmission interval by the number of channels. Then, when the reception time 314 has been set, the control unit 305 starts the processing of step S601.

[0065] When the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to terminate the signal reception process in step S611 illustrated in FIG. 6, the data processing unit 902 classifies, in step S1001, multiple pairs of identification information 315 and reception strength 316 registered in the received signal log 313 into groups of identical identification information 315.

[0066] In step S1002, the data processing unit 902 calculates, for the groups classified in step S1001, the average value of the reception strengths 316 associated with the same identification information 315. In step S1003, the data processing unit 902 generates signal data 903 consisting of a group 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] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a signal 111 received in a scan interval 311 for each channel in a communication terminal 102 according to the second embodiment. The reception time 1101 shown in FIG. 11 is a time spanning multiple scan intervals 311 in which channels 37 to 39 are each selected twice.

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

[0070] Fig. 12A is a graph showing an example of time variation of reception strength 316. In Fig. 12A, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents reception strength. As shown in Fig. 12A, the range of reception strength 316 differs for each channel.

[0071] FIG. 12B is a graph showing an example of the change over time in the average value of the reception intensity 316. In FIG. 12B, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents reception intensity. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, when the transmission interval is the same, receiving the signal 111 at reception time 1202, which is longer than reception time 1201, results in a larger number of data points to be averaged than when the signal 111 is received at reception time 1201. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the average value of the reception intensity 316 converges more when the signal 111 is received at reception time 1202 than when the signal 111 is received at reception time 1201. In other words, increasing the number of data points improves accuracy. However, the longer the reception time 1101, the greater the power consumption. 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, a large value of N increases power consumption. Therefore, for example, it is preferable that the upper limit of the predetermined multiple N is 5. Furthermore, when the server device 103 performs location positioning based on the reception strength 316 of the signal 111 while the communication terminal 102 is moving, the longer the reception time 1101, the greater the amount of movement of the communication terminal 102, which may result in a larger error in location positioning. Therefore, it is preferable that the reception time 1101 be the time required for the average value of the reception strength 316 to converge.

[0072] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of steps S1001 to S1002 illustrated in Fig. 10. In the received signal log 313 illustrated in Fig. 13, identification information 315 indicating 100 and reception intensity 316 are registered in association with each other, and identification information 315 indicating 200 and reception intensity 316 are registered in association with each other.

[0073] In step S1001, the data processing unit 902 classifies pairs of identification information 315 and reception intensities 316 registered in the received signal log 313 into a plurality of pairs 1301 and a plurality of pairs 1302. The plurality of pairs 1301 are made up of pairs of identification information 315 indicating 100 and reception intensities 316 that are −63 dBm, −65 dBm, and −67 dBm. The plurality of pairs 1302 are made up of pairs of identification information 315 indicating 200 and reception intensities 316 that are −70 dBm, −72 dBm, and −71 dBm.

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

[0075] As described above, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment receives signals 111 at the same transmission intervals over multiple scan intervals 311, and calculates the average value of the reception strengths 316 of the signals 111 that include the same identification information 315. Then, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment transmits the signal data 112 that associates the identification information 315 with the calculated average value to the server device 103. This allows the server device 103 according to this embodiment to locate the position of the communication terminal 102 while further suppressing the variation in reception strength 316 due to differences in channels.

[0076] (Third Embodiment) A 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 duplicated explanations will be omitted. Configurations and processes having substantially the same functions as those of other embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations will be omitted, and differences from the other embodiments will be described.

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

[0078] The data processing unit 1401 classifies multiple signals 111 including the same identification information 315 into multiple groups based on the quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 by the scan interval 311, and calculates a first average value of the reception strength 316 of the signals 111 belonging to each group. The multiple groups are groups classified by the quotient obtained by dividing the quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 by the scan interval 311, and then dividing that quotient 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. The data processing unit 1401 then generates signal data 112 composed of pairs of the identification information 315 and the second average values.

[0079] 15 is a diagram showing an example of the received signal log 1402. In the received signal log 1402, the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 is associated with the identification information 315 of the signal 111 and the reception strength 316 of the signal 111. In the received signal log 1402, for the signal 111 received from the start of the reception time 314 to the end of the reception time 314, the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 is associated with the identification information 315 of the signal 111 and the reception strength 316 of the signal 111.

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

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

[0082] When the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to terminate the signal reception process in step S611 illustrated in FIG. 6, the data processing unit 1401 classifies, in step S1601, multiple pairs of identification information 315 and reception strength 316 registered in the received signal log 1402 into groups of identical identification information 315.

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

[0084] In step S1603, the data processing unit 1401 divides the calculated quotient by the number of channels 312 to classify the data into a plurality of groups.

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

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

[0087] In step S1606, the data processing unit 1401 generates signal data 112 configured by a pair of the identification information 315 and the second average value.

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

[0089] 17 is a diagram showing an example of scan intervals 311 for each channel and signals 111 received during reception times 314 in the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. The signal 111 received on channel 37 is received four times. The signal 111 received on channel 38 is received three times. The signal 111 received on channel 39 is received once. In this way, in the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment, the number of receptions for each channel does not have to be the same, and there may be variation, so that the degree of freedom in reception times 314 and the degree of freedom in transmission intervals can be improved compared to the communication terminal 102 according to the second embodiment.

[0090] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of steps S1601 to S1605 illustrated in Fig. 16. In the received signal log 1402 illustrated in Fig. 18, the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314, the identification information 315 indicating 100, and the reception intensity 316 are registered in association with each other, and the identification information 315 indicating 200 and the reception intensity 316 are registered in association with each other.

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

[0092] The plurality of sets 1801 are each made up of a set of an elapsed time, identification information 315 indicating 100, and reception strength 316. Specifically, the plurality of sets 1801 are made up of sets in which the elapsed times of 10 ms, 321 ms, 615 ms, 912 ms, 1217 ms, and 1519 ms are associated with the identification information 315 indicating 100 and reception strength 316, respectively.

[0093] The plurality of sets 1802 are each made up of a set of an elapsed time, identification information 315 indicating 100, and reception strength 316. Specifically, the plurality of sets 1802 are made up of sets in which elapsed times of 53 ms, 360 ms, 655 ms, 958 ms, 1253 ms, and 1555 ms are associated with identification information 315 indicating 200 and reception strength 316, respectively.

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

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

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

[0097] Similarly, in step S1604, for groups 1 to 3 in which elapsed time, identification information 315 indicating 200, and reception strength 316 are associated, data processing unit 1401 calculates a first average value of reception strength 316 belonging to each group, and associates identification information 315 with the first average value. Specifically, for group 1, identification information 315 indicating 200 is associated with the first average value of -79.7 dBm. For group 2, identification information 315 indicating 200 is associated with the first average value of -81.5 dBm. For group 3, 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 average value which is the average value of the first average values ​​associated with the identification information 315 indicating 100. Specifically, the data processing unit 1401 calculates −81.5 dBm which is the average value of −65 dBm, −64 dBm, and −74 dBm which are associated with the identification information 315 indicating 100, as the second average value for the identification information 315 indicating 100. Similarly, in step S1605, the data processing unit 1401 calculates −82.4 dBm which is the average value of −79.7 dBm, −81.5 dBm, and −86 dBm which are associated with the identification information 315 indicating 100, 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 allocates the reception strength 316 in accordance with the time elapsed since the start of the reception time 314, and calculates the average value of the reception strength 316. As a result, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment can appropriately calculate the average value of the reception strength 316 to be calculated, even if the number of times the signal 111 is received within each scan interval 311 differs.

[0100] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Configurations and processes having substantially the same functions as those of the other embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations will be omitted, and differences from the other embodiments will be described.

[0101] The configuration of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment is similar to the configuration of the communication terminal 102 illustrated in FIG.

[0102] The control unit 305 according to this embodiment 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 value.

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

[0104] 19 is a diagram showing an example of a scan interval 311 and a signal 111 received during a reception time 314 in the 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 that is shorter than the scan interval 311, which is a number of times that exceeds the threshold, the receiving unit 303 associates the identification information 315 of the signal 111 with the reception strength 316 and registers them in the received signal log 313. Here, the reception time 314 is the time during which the number of times the signal 111 is received exceeds the threshold, and therefore the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment does not need to measure the elapsed time from the time when the signal reception process is started.

[0105] As described above, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment does not receive the signal 111 for a time spanning multiple scan intervals 311, and therefore can further reduce variations in the reception strength 316. Furthermore, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment can shorten the reception time 314 compared to when the communication terminal 102 receives the signal 111 for a time spanning multiple scan intervals 311, and can further reduce power consumption.

[0106] Fifth Embodiment A 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 duplicated explanations will be omitted. Configurations and processes having substantially the same functions as those of the other embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations will be omitted, and only differences from the other embodiments will be described.

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

[0108] The control unit 305 according to this embodiment controls the reception ratio 2002 within the scan interval 311 in accordance with the number of times the signal 111 is 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 times the signal 111 is received is equal to or less than a first number, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 so as to increase the reception ratio 2002. Furthermore, when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 exceeds a predetermined time and the number of times the signal is received is equal to or greater than a second number that is greater than the first number, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 so as to decrease the reception ratio 2002.

[0109] 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment. It is assumed that the value indicated by the reception ratio control flag 2001 is 0 when the control unit 305 starts the process of step S2101.

[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 included in the received signal 111 with the reception strength 316 of the signal 111 and registers them in the received signal log 313.

[0112] In step S2103, the data processing unit 306 generates signal data 112 composed of a pair of the identification information 315 and the reception 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 the predetermined time in step S2105, the control unit 305 returns the process to step S2101. On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the start of the reception time 314 exceeds the 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 equal to or less than the first number. If the number of receptions is equal to or less than the first number in step S2106, the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 so as to increase the reception ratio 2002 in step S2107. For example, the control unit 305 increases the reception sensitivity of the signal 111 in the receiving unit 303, thereby increasing the reception ratio 2002. The increase rate of the reception ratio 2002 is, for example, 10%. Then, the control unit 305 returns the process to step S2101. On the other hand, if the number of receptions exceeds the first number in step S2106, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S2108.

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

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

[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 receiving ratio control flag 2001 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the value indicated by the receiving ratio control flag 2001 is smaller than the predetermined value in step S2202, the control unit 305 returns the process to step S2101 illustrated in Fig. 21. On the other hand, if the value indicated by the receiving ratio control flag 2001 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value in step S2202, 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 receiving ratio 2002 decreases. For example, the control unit 305 decreases the receiving sensitivity of the signal 111 in the receiving unit 303, thereby decreasing the receiving ratio 2002. The decrease rate of the receiving ratio 2002 is, for example, 10%. Then, in step S2204, the control unit 305 sets the value indicated by the receiving ratio control flag 2001 to 0. Then, the control unit 305 proceeds to step S2101 illustrated in FIG. 21 .

[0120] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a scan interval 311 and a 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 a result, as shown in the example of FIG. 23 , the control unit 305 causes the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 for a time shorter than the scan interval 311 on each channel. Then, after causing the receiving unit 303 to receive the signal 111 on each channel, the control unit 305 lowers the reception ratio 2002 so that the signal 111 is not received until the receiving unit 303 switches the selected channel. As a result, the communication terminal 102 according to this embodiment can reduce power consumption more than the communication terminals 102 according to the other embodiments.

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

[0122] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that achieves the same effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose. The present disclosure also includes within its technical scope 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. A communication terminal comprising: a receiving unit that switches a channel selected from a plurality of channels for 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 during which each of the plurality of channels is selected.

2. The communication terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a data processing unit that calculates an average value of the reception strength of signals containing the same identification information when the signal contains identification information and the receiving unit receives the signal multiple times.

3. The communication terminal according to claim 2, further comprising a time measurement unit that measures the elapsed time from the start of the reception time, wherein the data processing unit calculates a first average value of the reception strength of signals belonging to each of a plurality of groups into which a plurality of signals containing the same identification information are classified based on the quotient of the elapsed time divided by the scan interval.

4. The communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein the data processing unit calculates a second average value which is an average value of the first average values.

5. The communication terminal according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of groups are classified by a quotient obtained by dividing the elapsed time by the scan interval and then dividing the result by the number of the plurality of channels.

6. A communication terminal comprising: a receiving unit that switches a channel selected from a plurality of channels at each scan interval and receives signals transmitted at predetermined intervals on the selected channel; and a control unit that causes the receiving unit to receive the signals during a reception time that is shorter than the scan interval and in which the number of times the signals are received exceeds a threshold.

7. A communication terminal according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the control unit controls the reception ratio within the scan interval in accordance with the number of times the signal is received when the elapsed time from the start of the reception time exceeds a predetermined time.

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

9. A control method comprising: a step of switching a channel selected from a plurality of channels for each scan interval and receiving a signal on the selected channel; and a step of controlling the reception time so that the signal is received during the reception time spanning a plurality of scan intervals during which the plurality of channels are respectively selected.

10. A control method comprising: a step of switching a channel selected from a plurality of channels at each scan interval and receiving a signal transmitted at a predetermined interval on the selected channel; and a step of controlling the reception time so that the signal is received a number of times that is shorter than the scan interval and exceeds a threshold value.

11. A program that causes a computer to execute the following functions: a function of switching a channel selected from a plurality of channels at each scan interval and receiving a signal on the selected channel; and a function of controlling the reception time so that the signal is received during the reception time spanning a plurality of scan intervals during which each of the plurality of channels is selected.

12. A program that causes a computer to execute the following functions: a function of switching a channel selected from a plurality of channels at each scan interval and receiving signals transmitted at predetermined intervals on the selected channel; and a function of controlling the reception time so that the signal is received a number of times that is shorter than the scan interval and exceeds a threshold value.

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