Tracking system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a tracking system with reduced power consumption and simple processing at the time of shipping.　[Solution] Before being housed in a housing 2, a tracking device 10 starts up when a user turns on a switch 14 of the tracking device 10. When the tracking device 10 starts up, a startup data transmission means 22 transmits startup data by using a transmitter 16. A server device 40 receives and records the startup data. When the tracking device 10 is housed by the user in the housing 2 together with an object 30 and a lid of the housing 2 is closed, the brightness detected by an optical sensor 12 is changed from light to dark. When this is detected, a light / dark change data transmission means 24 transmits, to the server device 40, light / dark change data indicating the change from light to dark. A shipping determination means 42 of the server device 40 determines that the housing 2 housing the object 30 has been shipped when receiving the light / dark change data after receiving the startup data.

Description

Tracking system

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for tracking an object.

[0002] Systems have been proposed for tracking the current location of objects in transit and whether they have been tampered with.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-238166 discloses a system for detecting tampering. In this system, cargo IDs and monitoring terminal IDs are linked and recorded in advance in a server device. When a cargo is shipped, a portable reading terminal with a barcode or other reading function reads the cargo ID attached to the cargo and transmits it to the server device. The server device identifies a monitoring terminal from the monitoring terminal ID corresponding to the cargo ID and transmits an instruction to start monitoring by measurement (delivery start instruction) to the monitoring terminal. In response to this, the monitoring terminal begins monitoring for tampering (see paragraphs 0054 and 0055). This prevents monitoring by measurement until instructed by the server device, thereby reducing battery consumption.

[0004] WO 2018 / 158864 discloses a tracking system that includes a data logger in the cargo compartment of a transport vehicle that constantly detects the location and illuminance and transmits the information to a management device located remotely. By detecting the illuminance, the system can detect whether the cargo compartment has been opened or closed. Therefore, a manager watching the management device can know that the cargo compartment has been opened or closed in a location where it should not be opened or closed.

[0005] (1) However, in the system of Patent Document 1, in order to determine whether a cargo has been shipped, the cargo ID and the monitoring terminal ID must be linked and recorded in advance in a server device, the cargo ID must be read by a portable reading terminal and transmitted to the server device, and the server device must then return a notification of the start of processing upon shipment to the monitoring terminal corresponding to the cargo ID, which is a cumbersome process. Note that this type of problem occurs not only in systems that track tampering, but also in systems that track the location of an object and whether it has been opened after arrival.

[0006] (2) Furthermore, the system of Patent Document 1 is intended to track items during transportation, but is not intended to collect the cardboard boxes (casings) after the items have been removed, and does not incorporate any measures to ensure the return of the cardboard boxes, etc. Furthermore, although the system of Patent Document 1 can detect tampering, it is not able to determine the route taken by items that have been transported normally.

[0007] In the system of Patent Document 2, the data logger not only constantly detects the location and illuminance, but also has to transmit the detection results to a remote management device, which poses a problem when the data logger is powered by a battery or the like.

[0008] (3) The system in Patent Document 2 determines whether the cargo compartment of a transport vehicle is open or closed based on changes in illuminance. However, changes in illuminance can occur for reasons other than the opening or closing of the cargo compartment. For example, as the outside becomes darker from day to night, the cargo compartment also gradually becomes darker. Patent Document 2 does not disclose details about how the system determines whether the cargo compartment is open or closed based on changes in illuminance.

[0009] Furthermore, in the system of Patent Document 1, taking such points into consideration, the threshold value for judgment is changed for each time period to be able to respond to changes in brightness and to make appropriate judgments.Similarly, the threshold value is changed depending on whether the location is illuminated or not, so that appropriate judgments can be made.

[0010] However, since the threshold value is determined uniformly depending on the location and time, it is not always possible to make the correct judgment.

[0011] (4) The systems of Patent Documents 1 and 2 detect whether the door is open or closed by measuring the brightness of the surrounding area, which may result in erroneous judgment depending on the usage situation.

[0012] The present invention aims to solve any of the above problems by providing (1) a tracking system that reduces power consumption and allows for easy processing at the time of shipment, (2) a tracking system that reduces power consumption and not only tracks packages during transportation but also increases the return rate of packages, (3) a tracking system that can accurately determine whether a package has been opened regardless of location or time, or (4) a tracking system that is not easily affected by changes in ambient brightness.

[0013] The following are some independently applicable features of the present invention: The following are some independently applicable features of the present invention: These features do not necessarily need to be combined, but can be combined in any desired manner.

[0014] (1)-(5) A tracking system according to the present invention comprises a housing for storing and transporting an object, a tracking device housed inside the housing, and a server device configured to be able to communicate with the tracking device, wherein the tracking device comprises: a switch for activating the tracking device; an optical sensor for detecting ambient brightness; a transmitter for transmitting data to the server device; activation data transmitting means for transmitting activation data to the server device by the transmitter when activated by the switch; light-dark change data transmitting means for detecting a change in brightness detected by the optical sensor from light to dark, and transmitting light-dark change data indicating the change from light to dark to the server device by the transmitter; status data transmitting means for transmitting status data to be used in specifying a current location to the server device at predetermined time intervals by the transmitter; and dark-light change data transmitting means for detecting a change in brightness detected by the optical sensor from dark to light, and transmitting dark-light change data indicating the change from dark to light to the server device by the transmitter; The server device is equipped with a shipping determination means which, when it receives the light-dark change data after receiving the activation data, determines that the housing containing the object has been shipped and records the shipping of the object, an arrival determination means which, when it receives the light-dark change data after determining that the object has been shipped, determines that the housing containing the object has arrived and records the arrival of the object, and a tracking means which determines that the object is in transit between the time it is determined by the shipping determination means that it has been shipped and the time it is determined by the arrival determination means that it has arrived, specifies the position of the tracking device based on the received status data, and tracks the position of the housing containing the object.

[0015] Therefore, it is possible to provide a tracking system that reduces power consumption and is easy to process at the time of shipping.

[0016] (6) The tracking system of this invention is characterized in that the optical sensor outputs whether the detected light is bright or dark based on a predetermined threshold, the light-dark change data transmission means receives the output of the optical sensor and detects a change from bright to dark, and the dark-light change data transmission means receives the output of the optical sensor and detects a change from dark to light.

[0017] Therefore, the processing load on the light / dark change data transmitting means and the dark / light change data transmitting means is small.

[0018] (7) The tracking system of this invention is characterized in that the optical sensor outputs the detected light intensity value, the light-dark change data transmission means receives the light intensity value from the optical sensor and detects a change from light to dark based on a threshold value, and the dark-light change data transmission means receives the light intensity value from the optical sensor and detects a change from dark to light based on the threshold value.

[0019] Therefore, the determinations made by the light-dark change data transmitting means and the dark-light change data transmitting means can be set in detail.

[0020] (8) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device continues to send status data for identifying the current location even after arriving and sending dark / light data, and the server device determines that transportation has been completed after determining that the device has arrived, and is equipped with a housing tracking means for identifying the location of the tracking device and tracking empty housings based on the received status data, and identifying housings that do not reach the return location for the housings even after a predetermined time has passed as unreturned housings.

[0021] Therefore, it is possible to track empty casings after the target has arrived and identify unreturned casings.

[0022] (9) The tracking system according to the present invention is characterized in that the light-dark change data transmitting means detects a change from light to dark when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor changes by more than a threshold in the darker direction, and the dark-light change data transmitting means detects a change from dark to light when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor changes by more than a threshold in the brighter direction.

[0023] Therefore, it can be applied to a housing with high light transmittance.

[0024] (10) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the light / dark change data transmitting means detects that the light sensor is blocked by a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the light sensor or the lid of the housing is closed and the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from light to dark, and the dark / light change data transmitting means detects that the light sensor is no longer blocked by a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the light sensor or the lid of the housing is opened and the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from dark to light.

[0025] Therefore, it can be applied to a highly transparent housing.

[0026] (11) In the tracking system according to the present invention, the server device identifies the current location of the tracking device based on the received signal strengths of the status data at a plurality of base stations.

[0027] Therefore, the tracking device can determine the location simply by emitting radio waves, which reduces the power consumption of the tracking device.

[0028] (12) The tracking system according to the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device is equipped with a receiver that receives a base station identification code from a Wi-Fi communication base station, and the tracking device includes the base station identification code of the base station from which the signal can be received in the status data and transmits it to the server device, and the server device determines the current location of the tracking device based on the base station identification code included in the status data.

[0029] Therefore, the location can be determined by receiving signals from Wi-Fi base stations at the tracking device.

[0030] (13) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device is equipped with a position sensor for identifying the current position, and the tracking device transmits the current position identified by the position sensor as status data used to identify the current position.

[0031] Therefore, the position can be specified more accurately.

[0032] (14)-(18) A tracking system according to the present invention comprises a housing for storing and transporting an object, a tracking device stored inside the housing, and a server device configured to be able to communicate with the tracking device, wherein the tracking device comprises a sensor for detecting that the object has been stored in the housing and that the object has been removed from the housing, a transmitter for transmitting data to the server device, storage data transmitting means for transmitting storage data indicating that the object has been stored in the housing to the server device by the transmitter, removal data transmitting means for transmitting removal data indicating that the object has been removed from the housing to the server device by the transmitter, and status data transmitting means for transmitting status data to be used for identifying the current location to the server device by the transmitter at predetermined time intervals, The server device is characterized by comprising: a recording unit that records the return location of the housing in association with the housing ID; a shipping determination means that acquires the storage data, determines that the housing containing the object has been shipped, and records the shipping of the object; an arrival determination means that acquires the removal data, determines that the housing containing the object has arrived, and records the arrival of the object; an object tracking means that determines that the object is in transport between the time it is determined to have been shipped by the shipping determination means and the time it is determined to have arrived by the arrival determination means, specifies the position of a tracking device based on received status data, and tracks the position of the housing containing the object; and a housing tracking means that determines that transportation has been completed after it is determined to have arrived by the arrival determination means, specifies the position of a tracking device based on the received status data, tracks an empty housing, and identifies an unreturned housing based on the current position of the empty housing and the elapsed time since it was determined to have arrived.

[0033] Therefore, it is possible to track empty casings after the arrival of the target item, and to identify unreturned casings.

[0034] (19) The tracking system according to the present invention is characterized in that the server device prohibits the viewing of tracking data recorded for a case that has been determined to be an unreturned case.

[0035] Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of unreturned cases.

[0036] (20) The tracking system of this invention is characterized in that the sensor is an optical sensor that detects the ambient brightness, the storage data transmission means determines that the object has been stored in the housing when the brightness detected by the optical sensor changes from dark to light, and the removal data transmission means determines that the object has been stored in the housing when the brightness detected by the optical sensor changes from light to dark.

[0037] Therefore, the insertion and removal can be detected using an optical sensor.

[0038] (21) The tracking system of this invention is characterized in that the storage data transmission means detects a change from light to dark when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor changes by more than a threshold in the darker direction, and the removal data transmission means detects a change from dark to light when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor changes by more than a threshold in the brighter direction.

[0039] Since the determination is based on the amount of change in the amount of light rather than the absolute value, it is possible to reliably detect changes in the amount of light caused by opening and closing the housing.

[0040] (22) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the storage data transmission means detects that the light sensor is blocked by a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the light sensor or the lid of the housing is closed and the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from light to dark, and the extraction data transmission means detects that the light sensor is no longer blocked by a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the light sensor or the lid of the housing is opened and the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from dark to light.

[0041] Therefore, the present invention can be applied not only to a light-shielding housing but also to a light-transmitting housing.

[0042] (23) In the tracking system according to the present invention, the server device identifies the current location of the tracking device based on the received signal strengths of the status data at a plurality of base stations.

[0043] Therefore, the tracking device can determine the location simply by emitting radio waves, which reduces the power consumption of the tracking device.

[0044] (24) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device is equipped with a receiver that receives a base station identification code from a Wi-Fi communication base station, and the tracking device includes the base station identification code of the base station from which the signal can be received in the status data and transmits it to the server device, and the server device determines the current location of the tracking device based on the base station identification code included in the status data.

[0045] Therefore, the location can be determined by receiving signals from Wi-Fi base stations at the tracking device.

[0046] (25) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device is equipped with a position sensor for identifying the current position, and the tracking device transmits the current position identified by the position sensor as status data used to identify the current position.

[0047] Therefore, the position can be specified more accurately.

[0048] (26)-(29) A tracking system according to the present invention is a tracking system comprising a housing for storing and transporting an object, a tracking device stored inside the housing, and a server device configured to be able to communicate with the tracking device, wherein the tracking device comprises: an optical sensor for detecting ambient brightness; a transmitter for transmitting data to the server device; light-dark change data transmitting means for detecting when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor has changed by more than a threshold in the darkening direction, and transmitting light-dark change data indicating a change from light to dark to the server device by the transmitter; and dark-light change data transmitting means for detecting when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor has changed by more than a threshold in the brightening direction, and transmitting dark-light change data indicating a change from dark to light to the server device by the transmitter; and the server device comprises: shipping determination means for determining when the light-dark change data is received that the housing storing the object has been shipped and recording the shipping of the object; and arrival determination means for determining when the dark-light change data is received after determining the shipping of the object, and recording the arrival of the object.

[0049] Since the determination is based on the amount of change in the amount of light, rather than the absolute value of the amount of light, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the housing is open or closed.

[0050] (30) The tracking system of this invention is characterized in that the tracking device further comprises a shutter for blocking ambient light from entering the optical sensor, and the light / dark change data transmitting means detects that the optical sensor is blocked by the shutter for blocking ambient light from entering the optical sensor or the lid of the housing is closed and the amount of change in brightness detected by the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and the dark / light change data transmitting means detects that the blocking of the optical sensor by the shutter for blocking ambient light from entering the optical sensor is released or the lid of the housing is opened and the amount of change in brightness detected by the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0051] Therefore, the present invention can be applied not only to a light-shielding housing but also to a light-transmitting housing.

[0052] (31) The tracking system according to the present invention is characterized in that the server device identifies the current location of the tracking device based on the received signal strength at a plurality of base stations in the status data.

[0053] Therefore, the tracking device can determine the location simply by emitting radio waves, which reduces the power consumption of the tracking device.

[0054] (32) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device is equipped with a receiver that receives a base station identification code from a Wi-Fi communication base station, and the tracking device includes the base station identification code of the base station from which the signal can be received in the status data and transmits it to the server device, and the server device determines the current location of the tracking device based on the base station identification code included in the status data.

[0055] Therefore, the location can be determined by receiving signals from Wi-Fi base stations at the tracking device.

[0056] (33) A tracking system according to the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device is equipped with a position sensor for identifying the current position, and the tracking device transmits the current position identified by the position sensor as status data used to identify the current position.

[0057] Therefore, the position can be specified more accurately.

[0058] (34)-(37) A tracking system according to the present invention comprises a housing for storing and transporting an object, a tracking device housed inside the housing, and a server device configured to be able to communicate with the tracking device, wherein the tracking device comprises an optical sensor for detecting ambient brightness, a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the optical sensor, a transmitter for transmitting data to the server device, and a light-dark change data transmitting means for detecting a change in brightness detected by the optical sensor from light to dark when the shutter is used to block the optical sensor or the cover of the housing is closed, and transmitting light-dark change data indicating the change from light to dark to the server device by the transmitter; and a dark-light change data transmitting means for detecting a change in brightness detected by the optical sensor from dark to light when the shutter is used to release the blocking of the optical sensor or the cover of the housing is opened, and transmitting dark-light change data indicating the change from dark to light to the server device by the transmitter. The server device is characterized by comprising a shipping determination means for determining that the housing containing the object has been shipped when it receives the light-dark change data after receiving the activation data and recording the shipping of the object, and an arrival determination means for determining that the housing containing the object has arrived when it receives the light-dark change data after determining the shipping of the object, and recording the arrival of the object.

[0059] Therefore, tracking can be performed not only on a light-shielding housing but also on a light-transmitting housing.

[0060] (38) The tracking system according to the present invention is characterized in that when the tracking device detects a change from light to dark due to the lid of the housing being closed, it outputs a confirmation sound using a sound generator.

[0061] Therefore, it is possible to know whether or not the optical sensor has detected the item at the time of shipping. If the user confirms that the optical sensor has not detected the item, the user can have the shutter detect the item being stored.

[0062] (39) The tracking system according to the present invention is characterized in that the server device identifies the current location of the tracking device based on the received signal strength at a plurality of base stations in the status data.

[0063] Therefore, the tracking device can determine the location simply by emitting radio waves, which reduces the power consumption of the tracking device.

[0064] (40) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device is equipped with a receiver that receives a base station identification code from a Wi-Fi communication base station, and the tracking device includes the base station identification code of the base station from which the signal can be received in the status data and transmits it to the server device, and the server device determines the current location of the tracking device based on the base station identification code included in the status data.

[0065] Therefore, the location can be determined by receiving signals from Wi-Fi base stations at the tracking device.

[0066] (41) The tracking system of the present invention is characterized in that the tracking device is equipped with a position sensor for identifying the current position, and the tracking device transmits the current position identified by the position sensor as status data used to identify the current position.

[0067] Therefore, the position can be specified more accurately.

[0068] In the embodiment, step S1 corresponds to the "start-up data transmitting means."

[0069] In the embodiment, step S5 corresponds to the "brightness change data transmitting means."

[0070] In the embodiment, step S5 corresponds to the "dark / light change data transmitting means."

[0071] In the embodiment, steps S7 and S15 correspond to the "status data transmitting means."

[0072] In this embodiment, step S54 corresponds to the "shipping determination means."

[0073] In this embodiment, step S56 corresponds to the "arrival determining means."

[0074] In this embodiment, step S53 corresponds to the "tracking means."

[0075] In the embodiment, step S5 corresponds to the "storage data transmitting means."

[0076] In the embodiment, step S5 corresponds to the "extracted data transmitting means."

[0077] In the embodiment, steps S58, S61, and S62 correspond to the "casing tracking means."

[0078] The concept of "device" includes not only a device consisting of one computer, but also a device consisting of multiple computers connected via a network, etc. Therefore, when the means of the present invention (or a part of the means) is distributed across multiple computers, these multiple computers correspond to the device.

[0079] The term "program" is a concept that includes not only programs that can be executed directly by a CPU, but also source-format programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, programs that work in conjunction with an operating system to perform their functions, and the like.

[0080] [Correction based on Rule 91 19.03.2025] This is a functional configuration diagram of the tracking system according to the first embodiment. It is a diagram showing the external appearance of the tracking device 10. Fig. 3A is a diagram showing the housing 2 in an open state, and Fig. 3B is a diagram showing the housing 2 in a closed state. It is a system configuration of the tracking system. It is a hardware configuration of the tracking device 10. It is a hardware configuration of the management server device S. It is a flowchart at startup. It is a structure of data transmitted by the tracking device 10. It is a diagram for explaining position estimation by the tracking server device C. It is an example of tracking data recorded in the management server device S. It is an example of tracking data recorded in the management server device S. It is a flowchart at the time of shipping. It is a flowchart at the time of transportation. It is a flowchart at the time of arrival. It is a diagram showing another housing 2. It is a functional configuration of the tracking system according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart after arrival. It is tracking data recorded in the management server device S. It is a functional configuration of the tracking system according to the third embodiment. It is a flowchart at the time of shipping. It is a flowchart at the time of arrival. It is a functional configuration of the tracking system according to the fourth embodiment. It is an external appearance of the tracking device 10.

[0081] 1. First Embodiment 1.1 Functional Configuration Fig. 1 shows the functional configuration of a tracking system according to one embodiment of the present invention. An object 30 is stored in a housing 2 and transported. When the object 30 is stored in the housing 2 for shipping, the tracking device 10 is also stored therein.

[0082] Before storing the tracking device 10 in the housing 2, the user turns on the switch 14 of the tracking device 10, which activates the tracking device 10. This reduces battery consumption before use. When the tracking device 10 is activated, the activation data transmission means 22 transmits activation data via the transmitter 16. The server device 40 receives and records the activation data.

[0083] Thereafter, when the user stores the tracking device 10 together with the target object 30 in the housing 2 and closes the cover of the housing 2, the brightness detected by the light sensor 12 changes from bright to dark. This is because there is ambient light when the user turns on the switch 14, and the surroundings become dark when the tracking device 10 is stored in the housing 2 and the cover is closed.

[0084] Upon detecting this, the light / dark change data transmitting means 24 transmits light / dark change data indicating a change from light to dark to the server device 40. When the server device 40 receives the activation data and then the light / dark change data, the shipping determination means 42 determines that the housing 2 containing the object 30 has been shipped. In this manner, in this embodiment, the light / dark change after activation is determined based on the output of the optical sensor 12, and the start of shipping is automatically determined. Therefore, the user can know the start of shipping simply by leaving the switch 14 of the tracking device 10 on.

[0085] The status data transmitting means 28 transmits status data used to identify the current location to the server device 40 at predetermined time intervals.

[0086] When the housing 2 arrives, is opened, and the object 30 is taken out, the light sensor 12 detects that the brightness has changed to light. When the dark-light change data transmitting means 26 detects such a change from dark to light, it transmits the dark-light change data to the server device 40.

[0087] When the arrival determining means 44 of the server device 40 receives the dark / light change data after the shipping determining means 42 has determined that the item has been shipped, it determines that the housing 2 containing the object 30 has arrived.

[0088] The tracking means 46 of the server device 40 tracks the location of the housing 2 containing the object 30 from the time of the dispatch determination by the dispatch determination means 42 to the time of the arrival determination by the arrival determination means 44. That is, based on the status data received during this time, the location of the housing 2 is recorded and tracked at predetermined time intervals.

[0089] The tracking means 46 can, for example, record the movement route and travel time of the housing 2 from dispatch to arrival, extract housing 2 that has not arrived corresponding to the dispatch, and detect arrival at a location other than the pre-registered destination (i.e., tampering).

[0090] As described above, in this embodiment, if light / dark change data is received after activation data is received by turning on switch 14, it is determined that shipping has been carried out. Therefore, when shipping is required, the user simply turns on switch 14, and the start of shipping is automatically determined. This simplifies user operation, as there is no need to link the object ID and tracking device ID in advance and record them in the server device, or for the user to read the object ID using a dedicated reader and send it to the server device.

[0091] 1.2 Appearance of the Tracking Device and Housing Figure 2 shows the appearance of the tracking device 10 used in the tracking system. In this embodiment, the tracking device 10 is card-shaped. The switch 14 can be switched on and off by sliding it up and down. An optical sensor 12 is provided on the top surface. Inside, a controller 20, a wireless communication circuit 16, a button battery, etc. are stored.

[0092] 3A and 3B show the appearance of the housing 2 used to store and transport an object, with Fig. 3A showing the housing 2 with the lid open and Fig. 3B showing the housing 2 with the lid closed.

[0093] 1.3 System Configuration and Hardware Configuration The configuration of the tracking system according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, a server device 40 is configured by a tracking server device C and a management server device S.

[0094] The tracking device 10 housed in the housing 2 communicates with the tracking server device C via LPWA wireless communication. The tracking server device C estimates the current location based on the reception strength of data from the tracking device 10. The estimation result, together with the data, is transmitted to the management server device S via the Internet. The management server device S records the data and the current location.

[0095] A terminal device T is provided so as to be able to communicate with the management server device S via the Internet. A user of this system can access the management server device S from the terminal device T and learn the current status and location of the tracking device 10 (i.e., the target object 30).

[0096] 5 shows the hardware configuration of the tracking device 10. A CPU 50 of the controller 20 is connected to a memory 52, a nonvolatile memory 54, an interrupt control circuit 56, the optical sensor 12, and a wireless communication circuit 16 which is a transmitter.

[0097] The light sensor 12 outputs two values, "bright" or "dark," depending on whether the measured brightness exceeds a threshold value set for the sensor 12. In this embodiment, the threshold value is set to 3 lux.

[0098] In this embodiment, a wireless communication circuit conforming to the LPWA standard, such as Sigfox (trademark), is used. The controller 20 may be, for example, an STM32WL manufactured by STMicroelectronics. Firmware (control program) 58 is stored in the non-volatile memory 54. This firmware is written via an I / O port (not shown).

[0099] These circuits are powered and operated by a button battery (not shown).

[0100] A switch 14 (single-pole, phase-throw switch) is connected to the terminal of the interrupt control circuit 56. When this switch 14 is in the OFF state, it connects the interrupt control circuit 56 to ground, and when it is in the ON state, it connects the interrupt control circuit 56 to the battery voltage Vcc via resistor R. Therefore, when the switch 14 is turned ON, a voltage Vcc (H) is applied to the terminal of the interrupt control circuit 56. When the switch 14 is turned OFF, the voltage Vcc is no longer applied to the terminal of the interrupt control circuit 56 (L).

[0101] Fig. 6 shows the hardware configuration of the management server device S described in Fig. 4. Connected to the CPU 350 are a memory 352, a communication circuit 354, an SSD 356, and a DVD-ROM drive 358. The communication circuit 354 is a circuit for connecting to the Internet.

[0102] An operating system 360 and a management program 362 are recorded on the SSD 356. The management program 362 performs its functions in cooperation with the operating system 360. These programs were originally recorded on a DVD-ROM 364 and were installed on the SSD 356 via the DVD-ROM drive 358.

[0103] The tracking server device C has substantially the same hardware configuration. In this embodiment, a server device provided on the Internet by UnaBiz Inc. is used as the tracking server device C.

[0104] An ordinary PC connectable to the Internet can be used as the user terminal device T. The basic hardware configuration is the same as that shown in Fig. 6, but it is preferable that it is equipped with a display, mouse, keyboard, etc.

[0105] 1.4 Tracking Process (1) Startup Process Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the startup process. What is shown as tracking device 10 is the processing of firmware 58. What is shown as tracking server device S is the processing of management program 362. What is shown as tracking server device C is the processing of the program recorded in tracking server device C.

[0106] Before using the tracking device 10, the user first turns on the switch 14 (see FIG. 2). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, Vcc is supplied to the terminal of the interrupt control circuit 56, and the terminal voltage becomes H. The interrupt control circuit 56 detects that the terminal voltage has changed from L to H, and issues an interrupt to the CPU 50 to cancel the deep sleep mode and enter the normal operation mode.

[0107] When the CPU 50 of the tracking device 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the tracking device 10) enters the normal operation mode, it commands the wireless communication circuit 16 to transmit activation data (FIG. 7, step S1). In response to this, the wireless communication circuit 16 transmits the activation data. In this embodiment, the LPWA wireless communication radio wave is modulated by the activation data and then transmitted.

[0108] Figure 8A shows the structure of data transmitted from the wireless transmission circuit 16. The ID is an identification code uniquely assigned to the tracking device 10 and is pre-recorded in the controller 20 at the time of manufacture. As shown in Figure 8B, events 1 to 4 correspond to startup, light / dark, dark / light, and alive / dead monitoring, respectively. In the case of startup data transmitted at startup, the event is set to "1". The battery voltage is data indicating the value detected by a sensor (not shown) built into the controller 20 as the voltage of the button battery (not shown) installed in the tracking device 10.

[0109] The LPWA radio waves transmitted from the wireless communication circuit 16 are received by the base station located in the vicinity of the tracking device 10 among the base stations installed in various locations. Figure 9 shows the relationship between the tracking device 10, base stations B1 to B4, and tracking server device C. The radio waves from the wireless transmission circuit 16 of the tracking device 10 are received by base stations B1, B2, B3, and B4. Each of base stations B1 to B4 demodulates the data from the received radio waves and transmits it to the tracking server device C together with the radio wave strength at the time of reception.

[0110] The tracking server device C receives this data (ID, event, battery voltage, reception date and time, etc.) and transmits it to the management server device S (step S31). At this time, it also calculates the position and position accuracy (error radius) of the tracking device 10 based on the reception strength received at base stations B1 to B4, and transmits this information to the management server device S. The accuracy of the calculated position varies depending on the number of base stations used in the calculation. In other words, if the estimation is based on the radio wave strength from many base stations, the position accuracy will be high, and if the estimation is based on the radio wave strength from a few base stations, the position accuracy will be low.

[0111] In this way, the accuracy determined by the number of base stations, etc. is calculated as the error radius. It can be said that the correct position is generally within the error radius centered on the calculated position.

[0112] The CPU 350 of the management server S (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as the management server device 35) receives the ID, reception date and time, activation event, battery voltage, and location from the tracking server device C and records them as tracking data in the SSD 356 (step S51).

[0113] Figure 10A shows the recorded startup data. For each tracking device 10 (i.e., for each ID), the type of event, the date and time of occurrence (the date and time when the tracking server device 30 received the event), the location, and the battery voltage are recorded. In Figure 10A, the startup of the tracking device 10 is recorded as event "1."

[0114] After starting up and transmitting the startup data, the tracking device 10 enters sleep mode (step S2). This allows the CPU 50 to perform no processing other than accepting interrupts, thereby reducing the consumption of the button battery. Sleep mode is a power-saving mode similar to deep sleep mode, but it starts up faster than deep sleep mode.

[0115] (2) Processing at the time of shipping In this specification, "shipping" refers to the period from when the housing 2 containing the object 30 is closed and preparations for shipping are completed until the housing 2 starts to move by vehicle, etc. In this embodiment, the time when the housing 2 is closed is considered to be "shipping."

[0116] The process at the time of shipping is shown in Figure 11. As mentioned above, the tracking device 10 enters sleep mode after starting up and transmitting the startup data. At this time, the tracking device 10 returns from sleep mode to normal operation mode at predetermined time intervals (for example, every few seconds) by a timer interrupt.

[0117] When the tracking device 10 returns to the normal operation mode, it acquires the binary output of the light sensor 12, either "bright" or "dark" (step S3). In this embodiment, the threshold value for distinguishing between "bright" and "dark" is set to a fairly small value (i.e., a fairly dark value). For example, it can be set to 3 lux.

[0118] The tracking device 10 determines whether the binary output of the optical sensor 12 has changed from the previous value (step S4). If it has not changed from the previous value, it does nothing and goes back into sleep mode (step S6).

[0119] If there is a change from the previous value, light-dark change data (change from light to dark) or dark-light change data (change from dark to light) is transmitted (step S5), and then the device enters sleep mode (step S6).

[0120] Thereafter, steps S3 to S6 are executed by timer interrupt at predetermined time intervals (for example, every few seconds), thereby reducing power consumption.

[0121] In this way, by making the output of the optical sensor 12 binary, it is possible to quickly determine changes in light and dark, and changes in dark and light, and reduce power consumption in the tracking device 10. Also, because an event is transmitted only when there is a change, it is possible to minimize the number of transmission processes by the wireless communication circuit 16, which consumes a lot of power, and reduce battery consumption.

[0122] The user places the object 30 to be shipped in the housing 2 shown in Fig. 3A, and also places the tracking device 10. After placing them, the user closes the cover of the housing 2 as shown in Fig. 3B. This causes the optical sensor 12 to output "dark" (step S3).

[0123] Since the light sensor 12 output "light" from when the switch 14 was turned on until the cover was closed, the tracking device 10 determines that there was a change from "light" to "dark" (step S4). Therefore, the tracking device 10 transmits light-dark change data via the wireless communication circuit 16 (step S5). In this embodiment, data indicating the event as "2" (see FIG. 8B) is transmitted via LPWA wireless radio waves.

[0124] The tracking server device C acquires the light and dark change data via the base station, adds the date, time, location, and error radius, and transmits the data to the management server device S (step S32).

[0125] The management server S receives the ID, reception date and time, light / dark event, battery voltage, and location from the tracking server device C, and records them as tracking data in the SSD 356 (step S52).

[0126] 10B shows the recorded status data. The fact that there was a change in brightness is additionally recorded as event "2."

[0127] Furthermore, the management server device S determines that shipping has been performed by receiving the light / dark change data after receiving the activation data (step S53), and records shipping as a status as shown in Fig. 10B (step S54). This makes it possible to accurately identify the date, time, and location of shipping even if shipping occurs some time after the switch 14 is turned on or if shipping occurs at a location far from where the switch 14 was turned on.

[0128] (3) Processing during transportation When the optical sensor 12 detects "darkness," the tracking device 10 transmits status data at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 24 hours) by timer interruption so that the current location can be identified. This timer interruption processing is executed independently from the timer interruption for capturing the output of the optical sensor 12 shown in FIG. 11.

[0129] 12 shows a processing flowchart for transmitting status data. When the tracking device 10 returns to normal mode due to a timer interrupt, it transmits status data. In this embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 16 is instructed to transmit alive monitoring data with the event set to "4" (step S7). In response to this, the wireless transmission circuit 16 transmits alive monitoring data with the event set to "4" via LPWA wireless radio waves.

[0130] The tracking server device S acquires the status data via the base station, adds the date, time, and location, and transmits it to the management server device S (step S33). The management server device S receives this and records it in the SSD 356 (step S53).

[0131] 10C shows the recorded vital data. Event "4" is recorded along with the date, time, location, etc. (see line 3).

[0132] Thereafter, the processes of steps S8 to S10 are repeated at predetermined time intervals by timer interruption, whereby the current location is recorded in the management server device S at predetermined time intervals, as shown in FIG.

[0133] (4) Processing Upon Arrival In this specification, "arrival" refers to the period from when the housing 2 containing the object 30 is opened until the object 30 is removed from the housing 2. In this embodiment, "arrival" refers to the time when the housing 2 is opened.

[0134] The process at the time of shipping is shown in Figure 13. The user opens the lid of the housing 2 in which the object 30 shown in Figure 3B is stored and takes out the object 30. This causes the light sensor 12 to output "bright." The tracking device 10 acquires this output (step S9).

[0135] Since the optical sensor 12 output "dark" until the cover was opened, the tracking device 10 determines that there has been a change from "dark" to "light" (step S10). Therefore, the tracking device 10 transmits dark-light change data via the wireless communication circuit 16 (step S11). In this embodiment, data indicating the event as "3" (see FIG. 8B) is transmitted via LPWA wireless radio waves.

[0136] The tracking server device C acquires the dark-light change data via the base station, adds the date, time, location, and error radius, and transmits the data to the management server device S (step S34).

[0137] The management server S receives the ID, reception date and time, dark / light event, battery voltage, and location from the tracking server device C, and records them as tracking data in the SSD 356 (step S54).

[0138] 10D shows the recorded status data, in which the occurrence of a dark-light change is additionally recorded as event "3."

[0139] Furthermore, the management server device S determines that the item has arrived by receiving the light / dark data after dispatch (step S55), and records the arrival as a status as shown in Fig. 10D (step S56). The user on the receiving side turns off the switch 14 of the tracking device 10. This causes the tracking device 10 to enter deep sleep mode.

[0140] After transmitting the dark / light data, the tracking device 10 stops the timer interruption shown in Fig. 12 and does not transmit the alive monitoring data, even if the switch 14 is turned on. Therefore, even if the switch 14 is left on, consumption of the button battery can be reduced.

[0141] When the user wants to send another object, he or she can use the tracking device 10 by turning the switch 14 on again.

[0142] In this embodiment, the tracking data recorded in the management server device S can be accessed and viewed from the terminal device T. This allows the user to confirm that the delivered item has arrived safely and has been opened.

[0143] Furthermore, since the management server device S records location information, if the "dark-light change data" (arrival) is recorded at a location different from the destination, it can be confirmed.

[0144] Furthermore, if the arrival location is registered in advance, it is possible to determine that the package has been tampered with and display the result, or to notify the pre-registered terminal device T by e-mail or the like. In this case, the destination location can be recorded in advance in the management server device S by the user in association with the ID of the tracking device 10.

[0145] Furthermore, the management server device S can extract the cases 2 that are in the dispatch state but not in the arrival state as cases that have not yet arrived. This can also be displayed or communicated to the terminal device T by e-mail or the like. In this case, it is also possible to extract and communicate only those cases that have been dispatched for a predetermined time or more from the cases that have not yet arrived.

[0146] The management server device S can tally up the time required from dispatch to arrival of each unit 2 for items with the same dispatch and arrival locations, and extract items that took significantly longer than the average (items that deviate from the average by a predetermined percentage or more). This information can also be displayed or communicated to the terminal device T by email or the like.

[0147] The management server device S can compile the routes from dispatch to arrival of each unit 2 for items with the same dispatch and arrival locations, and extract items that have taken a different route from the majority of items. This information can also be displayed or communicated to the terminal device T by e-mail or the like.

[0148] 1.5 Modifications (Other) (1) In the above embodiment, the tracking device 10 is stored in the housing 2 together with the target object 30. This allows the tracking device 10 to be repeatedly reused for other housings 2.

[0149] 14, a holder 3 for inserting and holding the tracking device 10 may be provided on the inner wall of the housing 2. The front of the holder 3 is formed as an opening 5, and the holder 3 is configured so that the optical sensor 12 of the tracking device 10 is not blocked.

[0150] Furthermore, the tracking device 10 may be fixed to the inner wall of the housing 2 or the like, so as to be integrated with the housing 2 .

[0151] (2) In the above embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 16 transmits radio waves using the LPWA system. However, the wireless communication circuit 16 may be configured to transmit radio waves using normal mobile communication such as that used in smartphones. In this case, the location can also be determined based on the strength of the radio waves received at the base station.

[0152] (3) In the above embodiment, the tracking server device C and the management server device S are configured as separate devices. However, they may be configured as a single server device.

[0153] (4) In the above embodiment, the current location of the tracking device 10 is determined not only from alive-or-dead monitoring data but also from light-dark change data and dark-light change data. However, the current location may be determined only from alive-or-dead monitoring data, and the locations where the light-dark change data and dark-light change data occurred (shipping point, arrival point) may be estimated based on the locations determined by alive-or-dead monitoring data that are close in time.

[0154] (5) In the above embodiment, the current location of the tracking device 10 is determined based on the received radio wave intensity of the light-dark change data, dark-light change data, and alive-or-dead monitoring data transmitted by the LPWA system.

[0155] However, the location of the tracking device 10 may also be determined as follows. The tracking device 10 is provided with a Wi-Fi receiver that receives radio waves from Wi-Fi base stations (access points). The Wi-Fi receiver receives radio waves from multiple Wi-Fi base stations in the vicinity and acquires information (SSID) for identifying each base station. The tracking device 10 transmits the received SSIDs of the multiple Wi-Fi base stations to the tracking server device C as status data.

[0156] The tracking server device C records the locations of Wi-Fi base stations in a target area (such as a specific area, all of Japan, the entire country, or the entire world) in association with their SSIDs. Therefore, the tracking server device C can identify the location of the tracking device 10 based on the multiple SSIDs included in the status data from the tracking device 10. The tracking device 10 can acquire the SSID simply by receiving radio waves from a Wi-Fi base station without establishing communication with the Wi-Fi base station, resulting in quick processing and a low processing load. Furthermore, if the signal transmission strength of each Wi-Fi base station is also recorded and the signal strength received by the tracking device 10 is transmitted together with the status data, a more accurate location can be estimated.

[0157] Furthermore, the current position of the tracking device 10 may be identified using a GPS receiver or the like as a position sensor. In this case, the tracking device 10 is configured to include a GPS receiver that receives signals from satellites. Based on the difference between the time each satellite transmitted a signal (determined by transmission time data included in the signal from the satellite) and the time the GPS receiver received the signal, the distance to each satellite is calculated, and the position of the tracking device 10 is obtained.

[0158] In this case, the tracking device 10 may transmit location data determined by GPS instead of the LPWA alive monitoring data. In this case, the location data becomes status data used to determine the current location.

[0159] Furthermore, when using GPS, the information indicating the light-dark change may be added with the GPS-based location information to generate the light-dark change data. In this case, the information indicating the light-dark change and the GPS-based location information may be transmitted at different times rather than simultaneously. The same applies to the dark-light change data.

[0160] (6) In the above embodiment, the tracking device 10 is in deep sleep mode until the switch 14 is turned on. However, it may be configured so that no power is supplied until the switch 14 is turned on.

[0161] (7) In the above embodiment, when the output of the optical sensor 12 changes from "bright" to "dark" in step S4, it is determined that there has been an immediate change in brightness.

[0162] However, it may be determined that the color has changed to "dark" only after it has been "dark" a predetermined number of times in succession.

[0163] (8) In the above embodiment, the alive monitoring data is transmitted by a timer interrupt from the time when a light-dark change is detected until the time when a dark-light change is detected. However, after the switch 14 is turned on, the alive monitoring data may be transmitted by a timer interrupt until the switch 14 is turned off. This allows the tracking device 10 to be easily located even if it is lost.

[0164] (9) In the above embodiment, the optical sensor 12 outputs binary data of "bright" and "dark." However, the optical sensor 12 may output the detected brightness as a numerical value, which the tracking device 10 may take in and determine whether the brightness is "bright" or "dark" based on a threshold value.

[0165] (10) In the above embodiment, one threshold value is used to determine whether an image is "bright" or "dark." However, two threshold values ​​may be provided. In this case, once an image is determined to be "bright," it is not determined to be "dark" unless it falls below the first threshold value. Also, once an image is determined to be "dark," it is not determined to be "bright" unless it exceeds a second threshold value (a value brighter than the first threshold value). This prevents malfunctions caused by repeated "bright" and "dark" changes near the threshold value.

[0166] (11) In the above embodiment, it is determined that the item is being sent when the optical sensor detects that the item is being stored. However, it may be determined that the item is being sent when the current location starts to move after the optical sensor detects that the item is being stored.

[0167] Similarly, in the above embodiment, arrival is determined when the optical sensor detects the opening, but it may also be determined that arrival occurs when the current position stops (if the current position remains in the same position as the previous time) and the opening is detected after that.

[0168] (12) In the above embodiment, the change in the amount of light caused by opening and closing the lid of the housing 2 is detected. However, if the housing 2 is bag-shaped, the change in the amount of light caused by opening and closing the opening of the bag containing the object 30 may be detected.

[0169] (13) In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the data transmitted from the tracking device 10 does not include a light intensity value. However, the light sensor 12 may output not only a binary detection value but also a light intensity value (for example, a lux number indicating the degree of brightness) and the tracking device 10 may acquire this. Furthermore, this light intensity value may be included in the transmission data and transmitted to the management server device S via the tracking server device C.

[0170] The management server device S records the light intensity values ​​received from each tracking device 10, and based on this recorded data, the administrator can determine whether the threshold value set in the light sensor 12 is appropriate. Alternatively, the management server device S may make the determination itself.

[0171] If it is determined that the threshold value is inappropriate (for example, the threshold value is too biased toward the dark or bright side), the administrator can correct the threshold value of the optical sensor 12. This can be done by putting the tracking device 10 into download mode and sending threshold value setting data from the management server device S to each tracking device 10.

[0172] (14) The above-described embodiment and its modifications can be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modifications.

[0173] 2. Second Embodiment 2.1 Functional Configuration In this embodiment, after the object 30 arrives and is removed, the empty housing 2 is also tracked to determine whether it has been returned. Therefore, it is preferable that the housing 2 is intended to be returned (it is not disposable).

[0174] 15 shows the functional configuration of a tracking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. An object 30 is stored and transported in a housing 2. When the object 30 is stored in the housing 2 for shipping, the tracking device 10 is also stored therein.

[0175] When the object 30 is stored in the housing 2, the storage / removal sensor 13 of the tracking device 10 detects that the object 30 has been stored. In response to this, the storage data transmission means 25 of the tracking device 10 determines that the object 30 has been stored in the housing 2, and transmits the storage data to the server device 40. When the shipping determination means 42 of the server device 40 receives the storage data, it determines that the housing 2 storing the object 30 has been shipped.

[0176] The status data transmitting means 28 transmits status data used to identify the current location to the server device 40 at predetermined time intervals.

[0177] When the housing 2 arrives at the destination, the housing 2 is opened, and the object 30 is removed, this is detected by the storage / removal sensor 13. The storage data transmission means 25 of the tracking device 10 receives this and determines that the object 30 has been removed from the housing 2, and transmits the removal data to the server device 40. When the arrival determination means 44 of the server device 40 receives the removal data after the shipping determination means 42 has determined that the object has been shipped, it determines that the housing 2 containing the object 30 has arrived.

[0178] The object tracking means 46 of the server device 40 tracks the location of the housing 2 containing the object 30 from the time of the dispatch determination by the dispatch determination means 42 to the time of the arrival determination by the arrival determination means 44. That is, based on the status data received during this time, the location of the object 30 is recorded at predetermined time intervals, and the object is tracked.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the housing 2 becomes empty after the object 30 has arrived and been removed, the tracking device 10 continues to transmit status data at predetermined time intervals. After the arrival determination means 44 determines that the object 30 has arrived, the housing tracking means 48 of the server device 40 tracks the position of the empty housing 2.

[0180] The case tracking means 48 checks the return locations of the empty cases 2 recorded in the recording unit, and identifies the cases 2 that do not reach the return locations even after a predetermined time has passed as unreturned cases.

[0181] As described above, in this embodiment, the location of an empty housing 2 from which the object 30 has been removed is also ascertained, and it is determined whether or not the housing 2 has reached the return location. Therefore, it is possible to identify any unreturned housings 2. This makes it possible to take measures such as encouraging the user of the housing 2 to return it.

[0182] 2.2 Appearance of Tracking Device and Housing The appearance of the tracking device 10 used in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0183] 2.3 System Configuration and Hardware Configuration The configuration of the tracking system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0184] The hardware configuration of the tracking device 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0185] The hardware configuration of the management server device S is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

[0186] The tracking server device C has substantially the same hardware configuration as the management server device S. In this embodiment, a server device provided on the Internet by UnaBiz Inc. is used as the tracking server device C.

[0187] An ordinary PC connectable to the Internet can be used as the user terminal device T. The basic hardware configuration is the same as that shown in Fig. 6, but it is preferable that it is equipped with a display, mouse, keyboard, etc.

[0188] 2.4 Tracking Process The processes at startup, shipping, transportation, and arrival are the same as those in the first embodiment. However, it is preferable that the housing 2 is not a disposable one as shown in Fig. 3 but a reusable one as shown in Fig. 14. In this embodiment, empty housings 2 are tracked to identify unreturned housings.

[0189] (1) Start-up process When the switch 14 of the tracking device 10 is turned on, it recovers from deep sleep mode and starts up. This is the same as the flowchart and explanation of Fig. 7 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the switch 14 of the tracking device 10 is kept on when in use.

[0190] (2) Processing at the time of shipping In the housing 2 shown in Fig. 14, the tracking device 10 with the switch 14 turned on is inserted into the holder 3 in advance. The processing at the time of shipping is the same as the flowchart and explanation of Fig. 11 in the first embodiment. When the object 30 is stored in the housing 2 and the lid is closed, the optical sensor 12 detects this and the tracking device 10 transmits light-dark change data (storage data). The management server device S receives this via the tracking server device C and determines that it is shipping.

[0191] (3) Processing During Transportation The location tracking processing during transportation is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 12 and its explanation in the first embodiment. The tracking device 10 transmits status data at predetermined time intervals. The management server device S receives and records the current location from the tracking server device C, and tracks the target object.

[0192] In the first embodiment, the tracking device 10 transmits the status data during the period from when it outputs the light-dark change data until when it outputs the dark-light change data. However, in this embodiment, the tracking device 10 transmits the status data while the switch 12 is on.

[0193] (4) Processing upon Arrival The processing upon arrival is the same as the flowchart and its explanation in Fig. 13 in the first embodiment. When the lid of the housing 2 stored in the object 30 is opened, the optical sensor 12 detects this, and the tracking device 10 transmits dark-light change data (extracted data). The management server device S receives this via the tracking server device C and determines that the object has arrived.

[0194] (5) Processing after Arrival In this embodiment, the following description will be given assuming that the casing 2 is returned without the lid on after arrival.

[0195] 16 shows a processing flowchart after arrival. When the tracking device 10 returns to normal mode due to a timer interrupt, it transmits status data. In this embodiment, it commands the wireless communication circuit 16 to transmit alive monitoring data with the event set to "4" (step S15). In response to this, the wireless transmission circuit 16 transmits alive monitoring data with the event set to "4" via LPWA wireless radio waves.

[0196] The tracking server device S acquires the status data via the base station, adds the date, time and current location, and transmits it to the management server device S (step S35). The management server device S receives this and records it in the SSD 356 (step S57).

[0197] Figure 17A shows the recorded status data. Event "4" is recorded along with the date, time, location, etc. (see last line).

[0198] The management server device S determines whether the acquired current location is the same as the return location previously recorded in association with the ID of the tracking device 10 (step S58). In this embodiment, if the current location is within a predetermined radius of the return location (for example, within a radius of 1 km), it is determined to be the same. If it is determined to be the same, it records a "returned" status in association with the ID of the tracking device 10 (step S59).

[0199] If the management server device S determines that the location is not the same as the return location, it records "in progress of return" (step S60). It then determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., one week or more) has passed since the arrival date and time (step S61). If the predetermined time has not passed, it remains "in progress of return." If the predetermined time has passed, it records "not returned" instead of "in progress of return" (step S62).

[0200] Thereafter, the tracking device 10 repeats the processes of steps S15 and S16 at predetermined time intervals by timer interruption, and in response, the management server device S also repeats the processes of steps S57 to S62.

[0201] As a result, the management server device S records the current location and return status of empty enclosures 2 at predetermined time intervals, as shown in Fig. 17B. The enclosure manager can access the management server device S from a terminal device to view the return status of each enclosure 2. The management server device S also notifies the recipient user of the unreturned enclosure 2 via the email address or other address recorded in association with the enclosure 2 that has been determined to be unreturned.

[0202] When the user wants to use the housing 2 returned to the return location (such as the user's warehouse) for shipping again, the user simply stores the contents 30 in the housing 2 and closes the lid, which starts the process shown in FIG.

[0203] 2.5 Modifications (Other) (1) In the above embodiment, unreturned casings are extracted based on a comparison between a pre-registered return location and the current location of the casing 2. However, it is also possible to extract an casing 2 that has remained at a location determined to have arrived for a predetermined period of time or more (for example, one week or more) as an unreturned casing. In this case, it is not necessary to register the return location in advance.

[0204] (2) In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the housing 2 will be returned without a lid after arrival. However, a foldable housing 2 (such as EcoBiz Box (trademark) from EcoBiz Inc.) may be used, and the tracking device 10 may be fixed to the surface that is on the outside when folded and on the inside when assembled.

[0205] In this way, the housing 22 is folded when the product is returned, so that the optical sensor 12 always detects light when the product is returned. Therefore, if the product is reassembled and the lid is put on when the product is next shipped, the shipping process can be carried out reliably.

[0206] (3) In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the housing 2 is returned without a lid after arrival. However, there are cases where the housing 2 is returned with a lid on. In this case, a change in light and dark may be detected, and the package may be erroneously determined to be a shipment. To avoid this, the management server device S may determine that a change in light and dark at the arrival location (within a predetermined radius is considered to be the arrival location) is not a shipment. In this case, if there is another change in light and dark after a dark-light change, it is determined to be a shipment.

[0207] In addition, the shipping location (which may be the same location as the return location) may be recorded in advance in the management server device S, and unless there is a change in brightness at the shipping location (the shipping location is within a specified radius), it may not be determined that the item has been shipped.

[0208] (4) In the above embodiment, an empty unreturned housing 2 is identified. Furthermore, for a housing 2 that is determined to be unreturned, the management server device S may prohibit the recorded tracking data from being viewed from the user terminal device T. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent use of a housing 2 that has not been returned.

[0209] (5) In the above embodiment, the optical sensor 12 is used as the storage / removal sensor. However, other sensors that can detect the presence or absence of stored items, such as a proximity sensor, a capacitance sensor, a weight sensor, or a photoelectric sensor, may also be used.

[0210] (6) In the above embodiment, the positions of the housing 2 containing the object 30 and the empty housing 2 (without the object 30) are tracked. However, the position of the housing 2 containing the object 30 may not be tracked, and only the empty housing 2 may be tracked.

[0211] (7) In the above embodiment, the tracking device 10 transmits the activation data when the switch 14 is turned on. The management server device S determines that the tracking device 10 has been dispatched if it receives the light-dark change data after receiving the activation data.

[0212] However, the startup data may not be transmitted, and the management server device S may determine that the product has been sent based on the light-dark change data without taking the startup data into consideration.

[0213] (8) In the above embodiment, not only is dispatch and arrival judged but also the location during transportation is tracked. However, it is also possible to judge only dispatch and arrival.

[0214] (9) The above-described embodiment and its modifications can be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modifications.

[0215] 3. Third Embodiment 3.1 Functional Configuration In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the dispatch and arrival are determined by detecting changes in light and dark, and changes in dark and light, based on the optical sensor 12. However, in this embodiment, the determination is made based on whether the change in the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 12 exceeds a threshold value.

[0216] 19 shows the functional configuration of the tracking system according to this embodiment. The object 30 is stored and transported in the housing 2. When the object 30 is stored in the housing 2 for shipping, the tracking device 10 is also stored therein.

[0217] When the user stores the tracking device 10 together with the target object 30 in the housing 2 and closes the lid of the housing 2, the brightness detected by the light sensor 12 changes from bright to dark. This is because there is ambient light when the user turns on the switch 14, and the surroundings become dark when the tracking device 10 is stored in the housing 2 and the lid is closed.

[0218] However, when a housing 2 made of a light-transmitting material is used in addition to a housing 2 made of a light-blocking material, it is difficult to make a judgment based on a fixed threshold value as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the judgment is made based on the amount of change in the amount of light when the cover is opened and closed, rather than the absolute value of the amount of light. In other words, if the amount of change exceeds a threshold, it is judged that a change has occurred.

[0219] The light-dark change data transmitting means 24 acquires the amount of light detected by the light sensor 12, and when the amount of change from light to dark exceeds a threshold, transmits the light-dark change data to the server device 40. When the delivery determination means 42 of the server device 40 receives the light-dark change data, it determines that the housing 2 containing the object 30 has been delivered.

[0220] When the housing 2 arrives, is opened, and the object 30 is taken out, the amount of light detected by the light sensor 12 increases (becomes brighter). If the amount of change from dark to light exceeds a threshold, the dark-light change data transmitting means 26 transmits the dark-light change data to the server device 40.

[0221] When the arrival determining means 44 of the server device 40 receives the dark / light change data after the shipping determining means 42 has determined that the item has been shipped, it determines that the housing 2 containing the object 30 has arrived.

[0222] In this embodiment, a change in light / dark or a change in dark / light is detected depending on whether the change in the amount of light exceeds a threshold value, so that dispatch and arrival can be appropriately determined for different types of housings 2.

[0223] 3.3 System Configuration and Hardware Configuration The configuration of the tracking system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0224] The hardware configuration of the tracking device 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 5. However, the optical sensor 12 in this embodiment outputs a measured light quantity value.

[0225] The hardware configuration of the management server device S is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

[0226] The tracking server device C has substantially the same hardware configuration. In this embodiment, a server device provided on the Internet by UnaBiz Inc. is used as the tracking server device C.

[0227] An ordinary PC connectable to the Internet can be used as the user terminal device T. The basic hardware configuration is the same as that shown in Fig. 6, but it is preferable that it is equipped with a display, mouse, keyboard, etc.

[0228] 3.4 Tracking Process The processes at the time of startup, dispatch, transportation, and arrival are generally the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0229] (1) Start-up Process When the switch 14 of the tracking device 10 is turned on, the tracking device 10 recovers from the deep sleep mode and starts up. This is the same as the flowchart in FIG. 7 and its explanation in the first embodiment.

[0230] (2) Processing at the Time of Shipping Figure 20 shows a processing flowchart at the time of shipping. When the object 30 is stored in the housing 2 and the lid is closed, the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 12 decreases. The tracking device 10 acquires a light amount value (step S21). Then, it differentiates the light amount value waveform, which includes previously acquired light amount values ​​(step S22).

[0231] Furthermore, the tracking device 10 judges whether this differential value exceeds a threshold value (step S23). If the differential value does not exceed the threshold value, it determines that the change is due to external noise and goes into sleep mode without taking any action (step S6).

[0232] If the amount of change in the darkening direction exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the lid has been closed and the light-dark change data is transmitted. The management server device S receives this via the tracking server device C and determines that it is a shipment (step S52).

[0233] As described above, the determination is made based on the amount of change in the amount of light due to opening and closing, so that it is possible to deal with housings 2 made of materials with different light transmittances.

[0234] (3) Processing During Transportation The location tracking processing during transportation is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 12 and its explanation in the first embodiment. The tracking device 10 transmits status data at predetermined time intervals. The management server device S receives and records the current location from the tracking server device C, and tracks the target object.

[0235] (4) Processing Upon Arrival Figure 21 shows a processing flowchart upon arrival. When the lid of the housing 2 containing the object 30 is opened at the arrival point, the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 12 increases. The tracking device 10 acquires a light intensity value (step S21). Then, it differentiates the light intensity value waveform, which includes previously acquired light intensity values ​​(step S22).

[0236] Furthermore, the tracking device 10 judges whether this differential value exceeds a threshold value (step S23). If the differential value does not exceed the threshold value, it determines that the change is due to external noise and goes into sleep mode without taking any action (step S6).

[0237] If the amount of change in the brighter direction exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the lid has been opened and the dark-to-light change data is transmitted. The management server device S receives this via the tracking server device C and determines that the item has arrived (step S54).

[0238] As described above, the determination is made based on the amount of change in the amount of light due to opening and closing, so that it is possible to deal with housings 2 made of materials with different light transmittances.

[0239] 3.5 Modifications (Other) (1) In the above embodiment, the determination is made based on the differential value of the light intensity value waveform. However, the determination may be made based on the difference from the previous light intensity value (or the average value of a predetermined number of times up to the previous value).

[0240] (2) The above-described embodiment and its modifications can be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modifications.

[0241] 4. Fourth Embodiment 4.1 Functional Configuration In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, changes in light and dark and changes in dark and light are detected based on the optical sensor 12 to determine whether the item has been shipped or arrived. However, in this embodiment, in addition to changes in light and dark due to the opening and closing of the housing 2, changes in light and dark due to the shutter 17 provided in the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 12 can also be detected. This makes it possible to accommodate housings 2 that do not change light and dark much due to opening and closing.

[0242] 21 shows the functional configuration of the tracking system according to this embodiment. The object 30 is stored and transported in the housing 2. When the object 30 is stored in the housing 2 for shipping, the tracking device 10 is also stored therein.

[0243] When the user stores the tracking device 10 together with the target object 30 in the housing 2 and closes the lid of the housing 2, the brightness detected by the light sensor 12 changes from bright to dark. This is because there is ambient light when the user turns on the switch 14, and the surroundings become dark when the tracking device 10 is stored in the housing 2 and the lid is closed.

[0244] However, a transparent housing 2 does not become dark even when the lid is closed, and does not function properly. In this embodiment, a shutter 17 is provided on the light sensor 12, and the user can close this to block ambient light. Therefore, for a normal housing 2, the lid is opened as in the first embodiment, and for a transparent housing 2, the user closes the shutter 17.

[0245] When this is detected, the light / dark change data transmitting means 24 transmits light / dark change data indicating a change from light to dark to the server device 40. When the delivery determining means 42 of the server device 40 receives the light / dark change data, it determines that the housing 2 containing the object 30 has been delivered.

[0246] When the case 2 arrives, is opened, and the object 30 is taken out, the light sensor 12 detects that the brightness has increased. If the shutter 17 was closed when the object 30 was sent, the user on the receiving side opens the shutter 17 of the tracking device 10.

[0247] When the dark-light change data transmitting means 26 detects such a change from dark to light, it transmits the dark-light change data to the server device 40 .

[0248] When the arrival determining means 44 of the server device 40 receives the dark / light change data after the shipping determining means 42 has determined that the item has been shipped, it determines that the housing 2 containing the object 30 has arrived.

[0249] 4.2 Appearance of the Tracking Device and Housing The appearance of the tracking device 10 used in this embodiment is shown in Figure 22. The optical sensor 12 is provided with a shutter 17. By sliding this shutter 17 in the direction of the arrow, the light-receiving window of the optical sensor 12 can be closed to prevent light from entering.

[0250] 4.3 System Configuration and Hardware Configuration The configuration of the tracking system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0251] The hardware configuration of the tracking device 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0252] The hardware configuration of the management server device S is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

[0253] The tracking server device C has substantially the same hardware configuration. In this embodiment, a server device provided on the Internet by UnaBiz Inc. is used as the tracking server device C.

[0254] An ordinary PC connectable to the Internet can be used as the user terminal device T. The basic hardware configuration is the same as that shown in Fig. 6, but it is preferable that it is equipped with a display, mouse, keyboard, etc.

[0255] 4.4 Tracking Process The processes at the time of startup, dispatch, transportation, and arrival are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0256] (1) Start-up Process When the switch 14 of the tracking device 10 is turned on, the tracking device 10 recovers from the deep sleep mode and starts up. This is the same as the flowchart in FIG. 7 and its explanation in the first embodiment.

[0257] (2) Processing at the time of shipping The processing at the time of shipping is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 11 and its explanation in the first embodiment. When the object 30 is stored in the housing 2 and the lid is closed, the optical sensor 12 detects this. In the case of a transparent housing 2, the user closes the shutter 17 of the tracking device 10. In response to this, the tracking device 10 transmits light-dark change data. The management server device S receives this via the tracking server device C and determines that it is shipping.

[0258] (3) Processing During Transportation The location tracking processing during transportation is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 12 and its explanation in the first embodiment. The tracking device 10 transmits status data at predetermined time intervals. The management server device S receives and records the current location from the tracking server device C, and tracks the target object.

[0259] (4) Processing upon arrival The processing upon arrival is the same as the flowchart in Figure 13 and its explanation in the first embodiment. When the lid of the housing 2 stored in the object 30 is opened, the optical sensor 12 detects this. If the shutter 17 was closed at the time of shipping, the user on the receiving side opens the shutter 17 of the tracking device 10. In response to this, the tracking device 10 transmits dark-light change data. The management server device S receives this via the tracking server device C and determines that the item has arrived.

[0260] 4.5 Modifications (Other) (1) In the above, the user decides whether to use the shutter 17. However, the tracking device 10 may be provided with a sound-emitting body made of a ferroelectric material or the like, and if a change in brightness is detected when the cover is closed, this sound-emitting body may emit a confirmation sound. In this way, the user can determine whether to use the shutter 17 by the confirmation sound.

[0261] (2) The above-described embodiment and its modifications can be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modifications.

Claims

1. A tracking system comprising a housing for storing and transporting an object, a tracking device stored inside the housing, and a server device configured to be communicable with the tracking device, wherein the tracking device includes a switch for activating the tracking device, a light sensor for detecting the ambient brightness, a transmitter for transmitting data to the server device, activation data transmission means for transmitting activation data to the server device by the transmitter when activated by the switch, light-dark change data transmission means for detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from light to dark and transmitting light-dark change data indicating the change from light to dark to the server device by the transmitter, state data transmission means for transmitting state data for specifying the current position to the server device by the transmitter at predetermined time intervals, and dark-light change data transmission means for detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from dark to light and transmitting dark-light change data indicating the change from dark to light to the server device by the transmitter; and the server device includes shipment determination means for determining that the housing containing the object has been shipped and recording the shipment of the object when the light-dark change data is received after the activation data is received, arrival determination means for determining that the housing containing the object has arrived and recording the arrival of the object when the dark-light change data is received after the shipment of the object is determined, and tracking means for determining that the object is being transported between the time when it is determined to be shipped by the shipment determination means and the time when it is determined to have arrived by the arrival determination means, specifying the position of the tracking device based on the received state data, and tracking the position of the housing containing the object. A tracking system characterized by comprising the above components.

2. A housing with a tracking device for storing and transporting an object, the housing including a tracking device housed inside the housing, the tracking device including: a switch for activating the tracking device; an optical sensor for detecting the ambient brightness; a transmitter for transmitting data to a server device; activation data transmission means for transmitting activation data to the server device by the transmitter when activated by the switch; brightness change data transmission means for detecting that the brightness detected by the optical sensor has changed from bright to dark and transmitting brightness change data indicating the change from bright to dark to the server device by the transmitter, so that the server device can determine that the housing containing the object has been shipped after receiving the activation data and then receiving the brightness change data; status data transmission means for transmitting status data for specifying the current position to the server device by the transmitter at predetermined time intervals; and dark-brightness change data transmission means for detecting that the brightness detected by the optical sensor has changed from dark to bright and transmitting dark-brightness change data indicating the change from dark to bright to the server device by the transmitter, so that the server device can determine that the housing containing the object has arrived after determining the shipment of the object and then receiving the dark-brightness change data. A housing with a tracking device is characterized by comprising the above components.

3. A switch for starting, a light sensor for detecting the ambient brightness, a transmitter for transmitting data to a server device, start data transmission means for transmitting start data to the server device by the transmitter when activated by the switch, when the server device receives the start data and then receives brightness change data, brightness change data transmission means for detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from bright to dark and transmitting brightness change data indicating the change from bright to dark to the server device by the transmitter so that it can be determined that the housing containing the object has been shipped, state data transmission means for transmitting state data for specifying the current position to the server device by the transmitter at predetermined time intervals, when the server device determines the shipment of the object and then receives dark-brightness change data, dark-brightness change data transmission means for detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from dark to bright and transmitting dark-brightness change data indicating the change from dark to bright to the server device by the transmitter so that it can be determined that the housing containing the object has arrived, and a tracking device characterized by comprising the above.

4. A tracking program for implementing a tracking device for tracking an object by a computer, the program causing the computer to function as: startup data transmission means for transmitting startup data to a server device by a transmitter when activated by a switch; brightness change data transmission means for, when the server device receives the startup data and then receives brightness change data, detecting that the brightness detected by a light sensor has changed from bright to dark so as to be able to determine that a housing containing the object has been shipped, and transmitting the brightness change data indicating the change from bright to dark to the server device by the transmitter; state data transmission means for transmitting state data for specifying the current position to the server device by the transmitter at predetermined time intervals; and dark-brightness change data transmission means for, when the server device determines the shipment of the object and then receives dark-brightness change data, detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from dark to bright so as to be able to determine that the housing containing the object has arrived, and causing the transmitter to transmit the dark-brightness change data indicating the change from dark to bright to the server device, as a tracking program.

5. A server device comprising: a shipment determination means for determining that a housing containing an object has been shipped when receiving brightness change data indicating that the surroundings of the tracking device have changed from bright to dark after receiving startup data indicating that the tracking device has been activated, and recording the shipment of the object; an arrival determination means for determining that the housing containing the object has arrived when receiving dark-brightness change data indicating that the surroundings of the tracking device have changed from dark to bright after determining the shipment of the object, and recording the arrival of the object; and a tracking means for determining that the object is in transit between the time of determination of shipment by the shipment determination means and the time of determination of arrival by the arrival determination means, specifying the position of the tracking device based on state data for specifying the current position of the tracking device received from the tracking device, and performing position tracking of the housing containing the object.

6. In the tracking system according to claim 1, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 2, the tracking device according to claim 3, or the tracking program according to claim 4, the optical sensor outputs whether the detected light is bright or dark based on a predetermined threshold value, the bright-to-dark change data transmitting means receives the output of the optical sensor and detects a change from bright to dark, and the dark-to-bright change data transmitting means receives the output of the optical sensor and detects a change from dark to bright. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

7. In the tracking system according to claim 1, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 2, the tracking device according to claim 3, or the tracking program according to claim 4, the optical sensor outputs the detected light quantity value, the bright-to-dark change data transmitting means receives the light quantity value from the optical sensor and detects a change from bright to dark based on a threshold value, and the dark-to-bright change data transmitting means receives the light quantity value from the optical sensor and detects a change from dark to bright based on a threshold value. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

8. In the tracking system according to claim 1, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 2, the tracking device according to claim 3, the tracking program according to claim 4, or the server device according to claim 5, after the tracking device arrives and transmits dark-to-bright data, it continues to transmit status data for specifying the current position. The server device determines that it is after the completion of transportation after determining arrival, specifies the position of the tracking device based on the received status data, tracks the empty housing, and includes housing tracking means for specifying a housing that has not reached the return position of the housing even after a predetermined time has elapsed as an unreturned housing. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

9. In the tracking system according to claim 1, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 2, the tracking device according to claim 3, or the tracking program according to claim 4, the light and dark change data transmitting means detects a change from light to dark when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor changes by a threshold value or more in the direction of becoming darker, and the dark and light change data transmitting means detects a change from dark to light when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor changes by a threshold value or more in the direction of becoming lighter. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

10. In the tracking system according to claim 1, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 2, the tracking device according to claim 3, or the tracking program according to claim 4, the light and dark change data transmitting means detects that the optical sensor is blocked by a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the optical sensor, or the lid of the housing is closed, and the brightness detected by the optical sensor changes from light to dark, and the dark and light change data transmitting means detects that the blocking of the optical sensor by the shutter for blocking ambient light entering the optical sensor is released, or the lid of the housing is opened, and the brightness detected by the optical sensor changes from dark to light. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

11. In the tracking system according to claim 1, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 2, the tracking device according to claim 3, the tracking program according to claim 4, or the server device according to claim 5, the server device specifies the current position of the tracking device based on the received signal strength at a plurality of base stations of the state data. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

12. In the tracking system according to claim 1, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 2, the tracking device according to claim 3, the tracking program according to claim 4, or the server device according to claim 5, the tracking device includes a receiver that receives a base station identification code from a base station of WiFi communication, includes the base station identification code of the base station that can receive a signal in the state data, and transmits it to the server device, and the server device specifies the current position of the tracking device based on the base station identification code included in the state data. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

13. In the tracking system according to claim 1, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 2, the tracking device according to claim 3, the tracking program according to claim 4, or the server device according to claim 5, the tracking device includes a position sensor for specifying the current position, and the tracking device transmits the current position specified by the position sensor as state data used for specifying the current position. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

14. A tracking system comprising: a housing for storing and transporting an object; a tracking device housed inside the housing; and a server device configured to be communicable with the tracking device, wherein the tracking device includes: a sensor for detecting that the object has been stored in the housing and that the object has been taken out of the housing; a transmitter for transmitting data to the server device; storage data transmission means for transmitting storage data indicating that the object has been stored in the housing to the server device by the transmitter; extraction data transmission means for transmitting extraction data indicating that the object has been taken out of the housing to the server device by the transmitter; state data transmission means for transmitting state data used for specifying the current position to the server device at predetermined time intervals by the transmitter; the server device includes: a recording unit for recording the return position of the housing in association with the housing ID; a shipping determination means for acquiring the storage data, determining that the housing storing the object has been shipped, and recording the shipping of the object; an arrival determination means for acquiring the extraction data, determining that the housing storing the object has arrived, and recording the arrival of the object; an object tracking means for determining that the object is being transported between the determination of shipping by the shipping determination means and the determination of arrival by the arrival determination means, specifying the position of the tracking device based on the received state data, and tracking the position of the housing storing the object; and a housing tracking means for determining that it is after the completion of transportation after the determination of arrival by the arrival determination means, specifying the position of the tracking device based on the received state data to track the empty housing, and specifying the unreturned housing based on the current position of the empty housing and the elapsed time since the determination of arrival. A tracking system characterized by this.

15. A housing with a tracking device for storing and transporting an object, the housing having a tracking device housed therein, the tracking device including: a sensor for detecting that the object has been stored in the housing and that the object has been removed from the housing; a transmitter for transmitting data to a server device; storage data transmission means for transmitting, by the transmitter, storage data indicating that the object has been stored in the housing to the server device; removal data transmission means for transmitting, by the transmitter, removal data indicating that the object has been removed from the housing to the server device; and state data transmission means for transmitting, by the transmitter, state data for use in specifying the current position to the server device at predetermined time intervals even after transportation is completed, so that after transportation is completed, the position of the tracking device can be specified, an empty housing can be tracked, and an unreturned housing can be specified based on the current position of the empty housing and the elapsed time since arrival was determined. A housing with a tracking device.

16. A tracking device including: a sensor for detecting that the object has been stored in the housing and that the object has been removed from the housing; a transmitter for transmitting data to a server device; storage data transmission means for transmitting, by the transmitter, storage data indicating that the object has been stored in the housing to the server device based on the detection by the sensor; removal data transmission means for transmitting, by the transmitter, removal data indicating that the object has been removed from the housing to the server device based on the detection by the sensor; and state data transmission means for transmitting, by the transmitter, state data for use in specifying the current position to the server device at predetermined time intervals even after transportation is completed, so that after transportation is completed, the position of the tracking device can be specified, an empty housing can be tracked, and an unreturned housing can be specified based on the current position of the empty housing and the elapsed time since arrival was determined. A tracking device.

17. A tracking program for realizing a tracking device for tracking an object by a computer, the computer being configured to: - storage data transmission means for transmitting, based on detection by a sensor, storage data indicating that the object is stored in the housing to the server device by a transmitter; - extraction data transmission means for transmitting, based on detection by the sensor, extraction data indicating that the object is taken out of the housing to the server device by the transmitter; - After the completion of transportation, the position of the tracking device is specified to track the empty housing, and based on the current position of the empty housing and the elapsed time since the arrival was determined, the non-returned housing can be specified. Even after the completion of transportation, a tracking program for functioning as state data transmission means for transmitting state data for use in specifying the current position to the server device by the transmitter at predetermined time intervals.

18. A recording unit that records the return position of the housing in association with the housing ID; - Shipping determination means for acquiring storage data indicating that an object is stored in the housing, determining that the housing containing the object has been shipped, and recording the shipment of the object; - Arrival determination means for acquiring extraction data indicating that an object has been taken out of the housing, determining that the housing containing the object has arrived, and recording the arrival of the object; - During the period from when it is determined to be shipped by the shipping determination means until it is determined to have arrived by the arrival determination means, it is determined that the object is in transit, and based on the state data for specifying the current position of the tracking device received from the tracking device, the position of the tracking device is specified, and object tracking means for tracking the position of the housing containing the object; - After it is determined to have arrived by the arrival determination means, it is determined that the transportation has been completed, and based on the state data received from the tracking device, the position of the tracking device is specified to track the empty housing, and the non-returned housing is specified based on the current position of the empty housing and the elapsed time since the arrival was determined. A server device comprising housing tracking means.

19. In the tracking system according to claim 14, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 15, the tracking device according to claim 16, the tracking program according to claim 17, or the server device according to claim 18, - The server device is characterized in that browsing of the tracking data recorded for the housing determined to be a non-returned housing is prohibited. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program.

20. In the tracking system according to claim 14, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 15, the tracking device according to claim 16, the tracking program according to claim 17, or the server device according to claim 18, the sensor is a light sensor that detects the ambient brightness, the storage data transmitting means determines that the object has been stored in the housing if the brightness detected by the light sensor changes from dark to bright, and the retrieval data transmitting means is characterized in that it determines that the object has been stored in the housing if the brightness detected by the light sensor changes from bright to dark. Tracking system, housing with a tracking device, tracking device, or tracking program.

21. In the tracking system according to claim 20, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 20, the tracking device according to claim 20, the tracking program according to claim 20, or the server device according to claim 20, the storage data transmitting means detects a change from bright to dark when the amount of light detected by the light sensor changes by a threshold value or more in the darkening direction, and the retrieval data transmitting means is characterized in that it detects a change from dark to bright when the amount of light detected by the light sensor changes by a threshold value or more in the brightening direction. Tracking system, housing with a tracking device, tracking device, or tracking program.

22. In the tracking system according to claim 20, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 20, the tracking device according to claim 20, the tracking program according to claim 20, or the server device according to claim 20, the storage data transmitting means detects that the light sensor is blocked by a shutter for blocking the ambient light entering the light sensor, or the lid of the housing is closed, and the brightness detected by the light sensor changes from bright to dark, and the retrieval data transmitting means is characterized in that it detects that the blocking of the light sensor by the shutter for blocking the ambient light entering the light sensor is released, or the lid of the housing is opened, and the brightness detected by the light sensor changes from dark to bright. Tracking system, housing with a tracking device, tracking device, or tracking program.

23. In the tracking system according to claim 14, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 15, the tracking device according to claim 16, the tracking program according to claim 17, or the server device according to claim 18, the server device is characterized in that it identifies the current position of the tracking device based on the received signal strength at a plurality of base stations of the status data. Tracking system, housing with a tracking device, tracking device, or tracking program.

24. In the tracking system according to claim 14, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 15, the tracking device according to claim 16, the tracking program according to claim 17, or the server device according to claim 18, the tracking device includes a receiver that receives a base station identification code from a base station of Wi-Fi communication, includes the base station identification code of the base station that has received a signal in the state data, and transmits the data to a server device. The server device is characterized in that it specifies the current position of the tracking device based on the base station identification code included in the state data. Tracking system, housing with a tracking device, tracking device, or tracking program.

25. In the tracking system according to claim 14, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 15, the tracking device according to claim 16, the tracking program according to claim 17, or the server device according to claim 18, the tracking device includes a position sensor for specifying the current position, and the tracking device is characterized in that it transmits the current position specified by the position sensor as state data used for specifying the current position. Tracking system, housing with a tracking device, tracking device, or tracking program.

26. A tracking system comprising: a housing for storing and transporting an object; a tracking device stored inside the housing; and a server device configured to communicate with the tracking device. The tracking device includes: a light sensor that detects the ambient brightness; a transmitter for transmitting data to the server device; a light-dark change data transmitting means that detects that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has changed by a threshold value or more in a darkening direction and transmits light-dark change data indicating that it has changed from light to dark to the server device by the transmitter; and a dark-light change data transmitting means that detects that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has changed by a threshold value or more in a brightening direction and transmits dark-light change data indicating that it has changed from dark to light to the server device by the transmitter. The server device includes: a shipping determination means that determines that the housing storing the object has been shipped when receiving the light-dark change data and records the shipping of the object; and an arrival determination means that determines that the housing storing the object has arrived when receiving the dark-light change data after determining the shipping of the object and records the arrival of the object. Tracking system characterized by the above.

27. A housing with a tracking device for storing and transporting an object, the housing including a tracking device housed inside the housing, the tracking device including: a light sensor for detecting ambient brightness; a transmitter for transmitting data to a server device; a change-in-brightness-to-darkness data transmitting means for detecting that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has changed by a threshold value or more in a darkening direction so that the server device can determine that the housing storing the object has been shipped, and transmitting, by the transmitter, change-in-brightness-to-darkness data indicating that the brightness has changed from bright to dark to the server device; and a change-in-darkness-to-brightness data transmitting means for detecting that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has changed by a threshold value or more in a brightening direction so that the server device can determine that the housing storing the object has arrived, and transmitting, by the transmitter, change-in-darkness-to-brightness data indicating that the brightness has changed from dark to bright to the server device. A housing with a tracking device is characterized by comprising the above.

28. A housing with a tracking device, including: a light sensor for detecting ambient brightness; a transmitter for transmitting data to a server device; a change-in-brightness-to-darkness data transmitting means for detecting that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has changed by a threshold value or more in a darkening direction so that the server device can determine that the housing storing the object has been shipped, and transmitting, by the transmitter, change-in-brightness-to-darkness data indicating that the brightness has changed from bright to dark to the server device; and a change-in-darkness-to-brightness data transmitting means for detecting that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has changed by a threshold value or more in a brightening direction so that the server device can determine that the housing storing the object has arrived, and transmitting, by the transmitter, change-in-darkness-to-brightness data indicating that the brightness has changed from dark to bright to the server device. A housing with a tracking device is characterized by comprising the above.

29. A tracking program for realizing a tracking device by a computer, the program causing the computer to function as: a light change data transmitting means for detecting that the amount of light detected by an optical sensor has changed by a threshold value or more in a darkening direction so as to be able to determine that a housing storing an object has been shipped at a server device, and transmitting light change data indicating a change from light to dark to the server device by a transmitter; and a dark-light change data transmitting means for detecting that the amount of light detected by the optical sensor has changed by a threshold value or more in a brightening direction so as to be able to determine that a housing storing an object has arrived at the server device, and transmitting dark-light change data indicating a change from dark to light to the server device by the transmitter.

30. In the tracking system according to claim 26, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 27, the tracking device according to claim 28, or the tracking program according to claim 29, the tracking device further includes a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the optical sensor, the light change data transmitting means detects that the optical sensor is blocked by the shutter for blocking ambient light entering the optical sensor or the lid of the housing is closed, and the amount of change in brightness detected by the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and the dark-light change data transmitting means detects that the blocking of the optical sensor by the shutter for blocking ambient light entering the optical sensor is released or the lid of the housing is opened, and the amount of change in brightness detected by the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

31. In the tracking system according to claim 26, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 27, the tracking device according to claim 28, or the tracking program according to claim 29, the server device specifies the current position of the tracking device based on the received signal strengths at a plurality of base stations of the state data.

32. In the tracking system of claim 26, the housing with a tracking device of claim 27, the tracking device of claim 28, or the tracking program of claim 29, the tracking device includes a receiver that receives a base station identification code from a base station of Wi-Fi communication, includes the base station identification code of the base station from which a signal has been received in the state data, and transmits the data to a server device. The server device is characterized in that it specifies the current position of the tracking device based on the base station identification code included in the state data. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program.

33. In the tracking system of claim 26, the housing with a tracking device of claim 27, the tracking device of claim 28, or the tracking program of claim 29, the tracking device includes a position sensor for specifying the current position, and the tracking device is characterized in that it transmits the current position specified by the position sensor as state data used for specifying the current position. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program.

34. A tracking system comprising a housing for storing and transporting an object, a tracking device stored inside the housing, and a server device configured to be communicable with the tracking device, wherein the tracking device includes a light sensor for detecting ambient brightness, a shutter for blocking the ambient light entering the light sensor, a transmitter for transmitting data to the server device, a light-dark change data transmitting means for detecting that the light sensor has been blocked by the shutter or the lid of the housing has been closed and the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from bright to dark, and transmitting light-dark change data indicating the change from bright to dark to the server device by the transmitter, and a dark-bright change data transmitting means for detecting that the blocking of the light sensor by the shutter has been released or the lid of the housing has been opened and the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from dark to bright, and transmitting dark-bright change data indicating the change from dark to bright to the server device by the transmitter, and the server device includes a shipping determination means for determining that the housing containing the object has been shipped when receiving the light-dark change data after receiving the activation data and recording the shipping of the object, and an arrival determination means for determining that the housing containing the object has arrived when receiving the dark-bright change data after determining the shipping of the object and recording the arrival of the object.

35. A housing with a tracking device for storing and transporting an object, the housing including a tracking device stored therein, the tracking device including: a light sensor for detecting ambient brightness; a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the light sensor; a transmitter for transmitting data to a server device; a light and dark change data transmission means for detecting that the light sensor is blocked by the shutter or the lid of the housing is closed, so that it can be determined by the server device that the housing storing the object has been shipped, detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from bright to dark, and transmitting light and dark change data indicating the change from bright to dark to the server device by the transmitter; and a dark and light change data transmission means for detecting that the blocking of the light sensor by the shutter is released or the lid of the housing is opened, so that it can be determined by the server device that the housing storing the object has arrived, detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from dark to bright, and transmitting dark and light change data indicating the change from dark to bright to the server device by the transmitter. A housing with a tracking device having the above components.

36. A tracking device including: a light sensor for detecting ambient brightness; a shutter for blocking ambient light entering the light sensor; a transmitter for transmitting data to a server device; a light and dark change data transmission means for detecting that the light sensor is blocked by the shutter or the lid of the housing is closed, so that it can be determined by the server device that the housing storing the object has been shipped, detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from bright to dark, and transmitting light and dark change data indicating the change from bright to dark to the server device by the transmitter; and a dark and light change data transmission means for detecting that the blocking of the light sensor by the shutter is released or the lid of the housing is opened, so that it can be determined by the server device that the housing storing the object has arrived, detecting that the brightness detected by the light sensor has changed from dark to bright, and transmitting dark and light change data indicating the change from dark to bright to the server device by the transmitter.

37. A tracking program for realizing a tracking device by a computer, which causes the computer to detect that the brightness detected by the photosensor has changed from bright to dark when the shutter blocks the photosensor or the lid of the housing is closed so that it can be determined that the housing containing the object in the server device has been shipped, and to transmit the light-dark change data indicating the change from bright to dark to the server device by the transmitter; and to detect that the brightness detected by the photosensor has changed from dark to bright when the shutter releases the blockage of the photosensor or the lid of the housing is opened so that it can be determined that the housing containing the object in the server device has arrived, and to function as a light-dark change data transmitting means for transmitting the dark-light change data indicating the change from dark to bright to the server device by the transmitter.

38. In the tracking system according to claim 34, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 35, the tracking device according to claim 36, or the tracking program according to claim 37, the tracking device is characterized in that when the lid of the housing is closed and a change from bright to dark is detected, a confirmation sound is output by a sounding body.

39. In the tracking system according to claim 34, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 35, the tracking device according to claim 36, or the tracking program according to claim 37, the server device is characterized in that the current position of the tracking device is specified based on the received signal strengths at a plurality of base stations of the status data.

40. In the tracking system according to claim 34, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 35, the tracking device according to claim 36, or the tracking program according to claim 37, the tracking device includes a receiver that receives a base station identification code from a base station of Wi-Fi communication, includes the base station identification code of the base station from which a signal has been received in the status data, and transmits the data to the server device, and the server device is characterized in that the current position of the tracking device is specified based on the base station identification code included in the status data.

41. In the tracking system according to claim 34, the housing with a tracking device according to claim 35, the tracking device according to claim 36, or the tracking program according to claim 37, the tracking device includes a position sensor for specifying a current position, and the tracking device transmits the current position specified by the position sensor as state data used for specifying the current position. A tracking system, a housing with a tracking device, a tracking device, or a tracking program characterized by this.

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