Information processing device, information processing method, program, and wireless communication system

Abstract

This information processing device is provided with a prescribed processing unit. The processing unit performs prescribed processing for bringing the attitude of a wireless antenna of a tag closer to a recommended attitude in accordance with the position of the tag in a prescribed space. The position of the tag is obtained on the basis of wireless communication between a plurality of anchors and the tag in the prescribed space.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, program, and wireless communication system

[0001] The present technology relates to the technical fields of an information processing device, an information processing method, a program, and a wireless communication system.

[0002] In indoor positioning technology, since it is difficult to receive satellite radio waves, methods that do not use satellite radio waves have been proposed. One indoor positioning technology is a method that measures the position of a tag by wireless communication between a tag, which is a terminal device carried by a user, and an anchor, which is an installation device installed in a predetermined location.

[0003] In order to measure the position of a tag with high accuracy, the quality of the wireless communication between the tag and the anchor is important, and a decrease in communication quality will result in a decrease in positioning accuracy. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a configuration in which an antenna array is reconfigured in accordance with the relative movement of a mobile wireless device in an already established two-point wireless communication.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-233292

[0005] However, because the antenna array is not reconstructed based on the relative positions of the anchors and tags obtained by positioning, it is not possible to determine whether the antenna is oriented in a way that will provide a direct path for wireless communication between multiple anchors and tags.This technology aims to set the antenna in a direction that will provide a direct path for wireless communication between tags and anchors.

[0006] The information processing device according to the present technology includes a predetermined processing unit that performs predetermined processing to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna of the tag closer to a recommended attitude in accordance with the position of the tag in a predetermined space obtained based on wireless communication between the tag positioned in the predetermined space and a plurality of anchors. By performing the predetermined processing to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna of the tag closer to the recommended attitude, the attitude of the wireless antenna of the tag can be optimized.

[0007] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an indoor positioning environment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the arrangement of each unit related to wireless communication in a tag. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the axial direction and normal vector of a monopole antenna are aligned. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a control unit of a tag. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a control unit of an anchor. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a control unit of a positioning server. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display unit when the angle formed by the normal vector and the axial direction of the wireless antenna is large. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of an image displayed on a display unit when the angle formed by the normal vector and the axial direction of the wireless antenna is small. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of an image displayed on a display unit when the angle formed by the normal vector and the axial direction of the wireless antenna is large. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of an image displayed on a display unit when the angle formed by the normal vector and the axial direction of the wireless antenna is small. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image for notifying the direction of the normal vector. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image for notifying the deviation between the normal vector and the axial direction of the wireless antenna. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image for notifying the recommended posture. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a tag according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by a control unit of a tag according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by a control unit of a positioning server according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of setting a plane. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of setting multiple planes. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing that multiple set planes are not the same plane. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of setting a plane by selecting three anchors that can communicate with the tag. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by a control unit of a positioning server in a modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of antennas.1 is a diagram showing an example of an indoor positioning environment when a patch antenna or the like is used as a wireless antenna for a tag, and a state in which the polarization planes of radio waves emitted from the tag and the anchor are aligned.

[0008] The embodiments will be described below in the following order: <1. Overview> <2. System Configuration> <3. Processing Example> <4. Example of Image Displayed on Display> <5. Second Embodiment> <6. Third Embodiment> <7. Fourth Embodiment> <8. Fifth Embodiment> <9. Various Modifications> <9-1. Modifications of Plane> <9-2. Modifications of Wireless Antenna> <9-3. Other Modifications> <10. Summary> <11. This Technology>

[0009] <1. Overview> In technology for determining the position of a tag 1, which is a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone carried by a user indoors or elsewhere where satellite radio waves cannot reach, wireless communication is required between the tag 1 and an anchor 2 installed on a ceiling or other indoor location.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of anchors 2 are provided in a predetermined space SP, and each anchor 2 performs wireless communication with a tag 1 to determine the position of the tag 1 within the space SP.

[0011] In order to identify the position of the tag 1 in the space SP, distance information Ddis from the tag 1 calculated at multiple anchors 2 is used.

[0012] To this end, the wireless communication system Sys includes a tag 1 , a plurality of anchors 2 , and a positioning server 3 .

[0013] The positioning server 3 receives distance information Ddis calculated for each anchor 2 by wirelessly communicating with each anchor 2, and calculates the position of the tag 1 within the space SP. Note that communication between the positioning server 3 and the anchors 2 may be wired communication.

[0014] The tag 1 is configured to have an internal radio antenna 11. The quality of the radio communication between the tag 1 and the anchor 2 depends on the attitude of the radio antenna 11.

[0015] The positioning server 3 transmits information to the tag 1 to improve the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchor 2. The tag 1 receives this information and executes a predetermined process to bring the orientation of the wireless antenna 11 closer to or in agreement with the recommended orientation.

[0016] The positioning server 3 uses information about the plane PL on which the anchors 2 are located to transmit the recommended orientation of the wireless antenna 11 to the tag 1. This will be described in detail later.

[0017] 2. System Configuration A first embodiment of a configuration example of a wireless communication system SysA will be described below. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless communication system SysA.

[0018] The wireless communication system SysA is configured to include a tag 1A, a plurality of anchors 2A, and a positioning server 3A. The tag 1A is an embodiment of the tag 1, the anchor 2A is an embodiment of the anchor 2, and the positioning server 3A is an embodiment of the positioning server 3. The same applies to the other components.

[0019] The tag 1A includes a control unit 12A, a posture detection sensor 13, a display unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0020] The control unit 12A is configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and executes various processes according to programs loaded into the RAM from programs stored in the ROM or non-volatile memory such as an EEP-ROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The RAM included in the control unit 12A also stores data necessary for the CPU to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0021] The control unit 12A executes a program to function as a presentation processing unit F1. The presentation processing unit F1 performs processing to present to the user information for changing the wireless antenna 11 provided in the tag 1A to a recommended orientation. The recommended orientation of the wireless antenna 11 is an orientation in which the tag 1A can perform high-quality wireless communication with the anchors 2A, and is, for example, an orientation in which multiple anchors 2A are located within the directivity range of the wireless antenna 11.

[0022] In the following description, a linear monopole antenna will be given as an example of the wireless antenna 11.

[0023] For example, the presentation processing unit F1 prompts the user to change the orientation of the tag 1A and bring the orientation of the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended orientation by displaying a predetermined image on the display unit 14. Examples of images displayed on the display unit 14 to prompt the user to change the orientation of the tag 1A will be described later.

[0024] The attitude detection sensor 13 is a sensor for detecting the attitude of the tag 1A or the attitude of the wireless antenna 11. The attitude detection sensor 13 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and is capable of detecting the tilt with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0025] In addition, if the recommended attitude of the radio antenna 11 is a state in which the axial direction Dr of the radio antenna 11, which is a monopole antenna, is aligned with the direction of gravity, the attitude detection sensor 13 only needs to detect the direction of gravity.

[0026] On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 5 described later, when the recommended posture of the wireless antenna 11 is a state in which the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11, which is a monopole antenna, is tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction of gravity, if the posture detection sensor 13 detects only the direction of gravity, it may not be possible to determine the direction in which to tilt the wireless antenna 11 to approach the recommended posture, and the recommended posture may not be properly presented to the user.

[0027] Specifically, when the plane PL formed according to the position of the anchor 2A is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, if the direction and angle of inclination of the plane PL with respect to the horizontal plane specified in the coordinate system recognized by the anchor 2A cannot be converted into information in the coordinate system recognized by the tag 1A, the recommended posture cannot be properly presented to the user.

[0028] In order to align the coordinate systems of the anchor 2A and the tag 1A, or to enable conversion of the respective coordinate systems, it is conceivable to use geomagnetic sensors attached to the tag 1A and the anchor 2A.

[0029] This makes it possible for the tag 1A equipped with a geomagnetic sensor or the positioning server 3A to detect the orientation and tilt of the tag 1A based on directions such as east, west, north, and south, and enables the tag 1A to identify the direction in which to tilt the wireless antenna 11 to approach the recommended posture.

[0030] Alternatively, multiple monopole antennas may be installed on the tag 1A, and the tag 1A may detect the phase difference of the signal received from each anchor 2A, thereby enabling the tag 1A to identify the position of each anchor 2A and unify or convert the coordinate system. This method uses angle of arrival (AoA) technology.

[0031] In this case, by identifying the inclination of the tag 1A relative to each anchor 2A located in the space SP, the tag 1A can identify the direction in which to incline the radio antenna 11 to bring it closer to the recommended posture.

[0032] Furthermore, the direction and angle of inclination of the plane PL relative to the horizontal plane may be received from the positioning server 3A as information converted into the coordinate system of the tag 1A, and the recommended orientation of the wireless antenna 11 may be presented to the user.

[0033] For example, the attitude detection sensor 13 can detect not only the direction of gravity but also the direction of travel of the user, and the recommended attitude of the wireless antenna 11 may be determined based on not only the inclination relative to the direction of gravity but also the inclination relative to the direction of travel of the user.

[0034] By the server 3A identifying the recommended posture based not only on the direction of gravity but also on the user's direction of travel, the control unit 12A of the tag 1A can identify the direction in which to tilt the wireless antenna 11 to bring it closer to the recommended posture.

[0035] Therefore, the presentation processing unit F1 can suitably present to the user the deviation between the current orientation of the wireless antenna 11 detected by the orientation detection sensor 13 and the recommended orientation, or the direction in which the wireless antenna 11 should be tilted.

[0036] Note that this is merely an example, and the tag 1A or the positioning server 3A may be configured to be able to detect the position and orientation of the tag 1A. This allows the presentation processing unit F1 of the tag 1A to suitably present to the user the direction in which to tilt the wireless antenna 11 in order to bring the current orientation of the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended orientation.

[0037] The display unit 14 is a device for displaying various types of information, and may be, for example, a display device provided in the housing of the tag 1A or a separate display device connected to the tag 1A. The display unit 14 displays images for various types of image processing, moving images to be processed, etc. on the display screen based on instructions from the control unit 12A. The display unit 14 also displays various operation menus, icons, messages, etc., i.e., a GUI (Graphical User Interface), based on instructions from the control unit 12A.

[0038] The display unit 14 displays an image for instructing the direction in which to tilt the wireless antenna 11 or the tag 1A through processing by the presentation processing unit F1. Note that text information, rather than an image, may be displayed on the display unit 14, thereby realizing processing for presenting the recommended orientation of the wireless antenna 11 to the user.

[0039] The communication unit 15 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the anchor 2 A and the positioning server 3 A. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the communication unit 15 has a configuration in which a transmission circuit 16 and a reception circuit 17 are connected to the wireless antenna 11.

[0040] The transmission circuit 16 receives, for example, a correlation sequence used for wireless communication and transmission data, and supplies an RF (Radio Frequency) signal to the wireless antenna 11 .

[0041] For this purpose, the transmission circuit 16 is configured to include a modulator that performs modulation processing, a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) that converts a digital signal from the modulator into an analog signal, a frequency synthesizer that supplies a local oscillation frequency, and a mixer that mixes the local oscillation frequency with the signal from the DAC to convert it into a transmission frequency for wireless communication.

[0042] The receiving circuit 17 receives, for example, an RF signal generated by receiving radio waves at the radio antenna 11, and outputs a demodulated baseband signal to a correlator (not shown).

[0043] To this end, the receiving circuit 17 is configured to include an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) ​​that amplifies the RF signal, a mixer that obtains I-channel and Q-channel signals by mixing the signal supplied from the LNA with a local oscillation frequency supplied from a frequency synthesizer, a BPF (Band Path Filter) that extracts signals of a specific frequency band from the signals of each channel obtained by the mixer, a VGA (Variable Gain Amplifier) ​​that adjusts the gain of the signals of each channel supplied from the BPF, and an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) for obtaining digital signals.

[0044] 4 shows an example of a specific layout of the wireless antenna 11, the control unit 12A, the attitude detection sensor 13, the transmitting circuit 16, and the receiving circuit 17. Note that Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the back side of the substrate BP on which each component is arranged.

[0045] On the surface of the substrate BP, a radio antenna 11 and a ground plane GP are arranged, with the thickness direction of the substrate BP being the axial direction Dr. The radio antenna 11 is arranged approximately in the center of the ground plane GP.

[0046] On the back surface of the substrate BP, an arithmetic processing chip such as a CPU that constitutes the control unit 12A, a transmission circuit 16, a reception circuit 17, and an attitude detection sensor 13 are arranged.

[0047] The control unit 12A is connected to the attitude detection sensor 13 so as to be able to acquire a detection signal from the attitude detection sensor 13 .

[0048] The control unit 12A is also connected to a transmission circuit 16 and a reception circuit 17, so that messages can be sent and received.

[0049] The transmitting circuit 16 and the receiving circuit 17 are each connected to a feeding point Ppd provided at one end of the radio antenna 11, which is a monopole antenna.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the anchor 2A includes a control unit 21 and a communication unit 22.

[0051] The control unit 21 is configured with, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and executes various processes according to programs loaded into the RAM from programs stored in the ROM or nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. The RAM included in the control unit 21 also stores data necessary for the CPU to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0052] The control unit 21 executes a program to function as a distance information calculation unit F2. The distance information calculation unit F2 performs processing to calculate the distance to the tag 1A by wirelessly communicating with the tag 1A.

[0053] For example, the distance information calculation unit F2 calculates the time from when a message is sent to the tag 1A until the message is returned from the tag 1A. Then, the distance information calculation unit F2 subtracts the processing time at the anchor 2A and the processing time at the tag 1A from the time difference, and treats the remaining time as the time it takes for the radio waves to travel back and forth between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A, thereby calculating the distance to the tag 1A as distance information Ddis.

[0054] The communication unit 22 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the tag 1A and the positioning server 3A. The communication unit 22 is configured to include a wireless antenna 23, a transmission circuit 24, and a reception circuit 25. As shown in Fig. 3, the configurations of the wireless antenna 23, transmission circuit 24, and reception circuit 25 are similar to the configurations of the wireless antenna 11, transmission circuit 16, and reception circuit 17 in the tag 1A. Therefore, a description of the configuration of the communication unit 22 will be omitted.

[0055] In accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21, the communication unit 22 transmits the distance information Ddis calculated by the distance information calculation unit F2 to the positioning server 3A.

[0056] The positioning server 3A includes a control unit 31A and a communication unit 32.

[0057] The control unit 31A is configured with, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and executes various processes according to programs loaded into the RAM from programs stored in the ROM or nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. The RAM included in the control unit 31A also stores data necessary for the CPU to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0058] The control unit 31A executes a program to function as a distance information acquisition unit F3, a position calculation unit F4, and a recommended posture identification unit F5.

[0059] The distance information acquisition unit F3 communicates with the anchor 2A and performs processing to acquire distance information Ddis between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A. The distance information acquisition unit F3 acquires distance information Ddis for a plurality of anchors 2A.

[0060] The position calculation unit F4 performs a process of calculating the position of the tag 1A in the space SP from the multiple pieces of distance information Ddis acquired by the distance information acquisition unit F3. In this process, for example, the position calculation unit F4 defines the space SP as a three-dimensional space with a predetermined position as the origin, and calculates the position of the tag 1A based on the coordinates of each anchor 2A.

[0061] The calculated position information about the tag 1A is transmitted to the tag 1A, for example.

[0062] It is assumed that the coordinates of each anchor 2A in the space SP are known to the positioning server 3A. For example, every time an anchor 2A is installed in the space SP, information on three-dimensional coordinates indicating the position of the anchor 2A is notified to or input to the positioning server 3A.

[0063] The recommended attitude specification unit F5 specifies a recommended attitude for the wireless antenna 11 provided in the tag 1A and transmits it as recommended attitude information Dep to the tag 1A. The recommended attitude information Dep is information that can specify a recommended attitude recommended for the wireless antenna 11.

[0064] The recommended posture information Dep is, for example, information defining a plane PL on which the multiple anchors 2A are located, or information on a normal vector Nv for the plane PL. Alternatively, the recommended posture information Dep may be information specifying the polarization plane of the radio waves emitted from the multiple anchors 2A. The following description shows an example in which the positioning server 3A transmits information on the normal vector Nv of the plane PL on which the multiple anchors 2A are located to the tag 1A as recommended posture information Dep.

[0065] The tag 1A that receives the recommended posture information Dep receives information on the normal vector Nv, and by aligning the axial direction Dr of the monopole antenna as the wireless antenna 11 with the normal vector Nv, for example, as shown in Figure 5, the efficiency of wireless communication between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A can be improved.

[0066] The communication unit 32 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the tag 1A and anchor 2A. The communication unit 32 is configured to include a wireless antenna 33, a transmission circuit 34, and a reception circuit 35. As shown in Fig. 3, the configurations of the wireless antenna 33, transmission circuit 34, and reception circuit 35 are similar to the configurations of the wireless antenna 11, transmission circuit 16, and reception circuit 17 in the tag 1A. Therefore, a description of the configuration of the communication unit 32 will be omitted.

[0067] 6 shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 12A of the tag 1A, FIG. 7 shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the anchor 2A, and FIG. 8 shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 31A of the positioning server 3A.

[0068] 6, the control unit 12A of the tag 1A determines whether the positioning function is active. The positioning function is activated, for example, when a user wants to know his or her own position in the space SP. The positioning function is realized, for example, by activating a predetermined application and communicating with the anchor 2A and the positioning server 3A.

[0069] The positioning function may be automatically activated when the tag 1A carried by the user enters a predetermined position or range in the space SP.

[0070] If it is determined that the positioning function is not activated (step S101: No determination), the control unit 12A repeats the process of step S101 again.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that the positioning function is activated (step S101: Yes determination), the control unit 12A proceeds to step S102 and acquires the output of the attitude detection sensor 13. This allows the control unit 12A to identify the attitude of the tag 1A and the wireless antenna 11, for example.

[0072] In step S103, the control unit 12A receives the recommended posture information Dep from the positioning server 3A. The recommended posture information Dep may be received in response to the control unit 12A of the tag 1A sending a request to the positioning server 3A, or may be received automatically in response to the tag 1A being positioned within a predetermined range of the space SP.

[0073] In step S104, the control unit 12A compares the current attitude of the wireless antenna 11 with the recommended attitude. This process enables the control unit 12A to determine the direction of attitude change or operation to bring the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended attitude. The control unit 12A also generates an image to be presented to the user based on the result of step S104.

[0074] In step S105, the control unit 12A presents an image to the user to inform the user of the direction in which to tilt the tag 1A in order to bring the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended orientation.

[0075] In step S106, the control unit 12A generates a polling message and transmits it to the anchor 2A via the wireless antenna 11.

[0076] In step S107, the control unit 12A performs processing to receive a response message transmitted from the anchor 2A that has received the polling message.

[0077] In step S108, the control unit 12A generates a final message and transmits it to the anchor 2A via the wireless antenna 11.

[0078] The processes of steps S106 to S108 are executed as many times as the number of anchors 2A that communicate wirelessly with the tag 1A. For example, if three anchors 2A are arranged around the tag 1A and these three anchors 2A are capable of communicating with the tag 1A, the processes of steps S106 to S108 are executed three times. Note that the process of step S106 may be executed once for each of the anchors 2A.

[0079] The tag 1A transmits the date and time of sending the polling message, the date and time of receiving the response message, and the date and time of sending the final message to the anchor 2A. The anchor 2A uses this time information to calculate distance information Ddis between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A. The distance information Ddis is used by the positioning server 3A to locate the tag 1A.

[0080] In step S109, the control unit 12A receives the positioning result for the tag 1A from the positioning server 3A. After completing the process of step S109, the control unit 12A executes the process of step S101 again. As a result, the positioning result is continuously notified from the positioning server 3A to the tag 1A while the positioning function is activated.

[0081] Next, a process executed by the control unit 21 of the anchor 2A will be described. In step S201 of Fig. 7, the control unit 21 of the anchor 2A determines whether or not a polling message has been received from the tag 1A. This process is for the message transmitted from the tag 1A in step S106 of Fig. 6.

[0082] If it is determined that the polling message has not been received (step S201: No determination), the control unit 21 executes the process of step S201 again.

[0083] If it is determined that a polling message has been received (step S201: Yes determination), the control unit 21 generates and transmits a response message to the tag 1A that is the sender of the received polling message in step S202.

[0084] In step S203, the control unit 21 waits until it receives a final message from the tag 1A, and receives the final message. This is the message transmitted from the tag 1A in the process of step S108 in FIG.

[0085] In addition, if the final message is not received from tag 1A even after waiting for a predetermined time, the control unit 21 may determine that tag 1A has left the communication range of the wireless antenna 23 or that the positioning function has transitioned to a stopped state, and may avoid further processing and return to processing in step S101.

[0086] In step S204, the control unit 21 calculates distance information Ddis between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A based on the transmission and reception times of the polling message, the transmission and reception times of the response message, and the transmission and reception times of the final message.

[0087] In step S205, the control unit 21 transmits the calculated distance information Ddis to the positioning server 3A. After completing the process of step S205, the control unit 21 executes the process of step S201 again. As a result, the distance information Ddis between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A is periodically calculated and transmitted to the positioning server 3A.

[0088] Finally, the process executed by the control unit 31A of the positioning server 3A will be described. In step S301 of Fig. 8, the control unit 31A of the positioning server 3A determines whether or not position information of the anchor 2A has been received. The position information of the anchor 2A is information indicating the location where the anchor 2A is placed in the space SP, and is, for example, information received from the anchor 2A at the time the anchor 2A is installed. Note that the position information of the anchor 2A may be directly input to the positioning server 3A by an operator using an input device of the positioning server 3A.

[0089] If it is determined that the position information of the anchor 2A has been received (step S301: Yes determination), the control unit 31A executes a process of storing the position information of the anchor 2A in the storage unit in step S302. By executing the process of step S302 every time a new anchor 2A is installed or the position of the anchor 2A is changed, the storage unit of the positioning server 3A stores the latest position information of the anchor 2A placed in the space SP.

[0090] If it is determined that the position information of the anchor 2A has not been received (step S301: No determination), the control unit 31A avoids the process of step S302.

[0091] Note that instead of executing the processes of steps S301 and S302, the control unit 31A may receive position information of the anchor 2A in the space SP by periodically communicating with the anchor 2A.

[0092] In step S303, the control unit 31A generates recommended posture information Dep. The recommended posture information Dep is, for example, information capable of identifying a plane PL that includes three anchors 2A arranged in the space SP. Specifically, the recommended posture information Dep may be information of a formula that identifies the plane PL, or information indicating a normal vector Nv of the plane PL.

[0093] In step S304, the control unit 31A transmits the recommended posture information Dep to the tag 1A. The recommended posture information Dep transmitted from the positioning server 3A is received by the tag 1A through the processing of step S103 in FIG.

[0094] In step S305, the control unit 31A determines whether or not multiple pieces of distance information Ddis have been received. The distance information Ddis is information that is received by the positioning server 3A when each anchor 2A executes step S205 in Fig. 7. The control unit 31A determines No in the process of step S305 until the positioning server 3A receives at least three pieces of distance information Ddis.

[0095] In addition, even if only one distance information Ddis is received while performing the processing from step S301 to step S305, if the distance information Ddis for the other two anchors 2A received up to that point can be used, the control unit 31A may make a Yes judgment in step S305.

[0096] The distance information Ddis can be used when, for example, the time that has elapsed since the distance information Ddis was received is less than a predetermined time and the distance information Ddis can be used to estimate the position of the tag 1A without any problems.

[0097] Therefore, the process of step S305 can be said to be a process of determining whether or not the number of pieces of distance information Ddis that can be used to estimate the position of the tag 1A is a predetermined number or more (for example, three or more).

[0098] If it is determined that multiple pieces of distance information Ddis have been received (step S305: Yes), the control unit 31A proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if it is determined that multiple pieces of distance information Ddis have not been received (step S305: No), the control unit 31A returns to step S301.

[0099] In step S306, the control unit 31A performs a process of calculating the position of the tag 1A in the space SP.

[0100] In step S307, the control unit 31A performs processing to transmit the positioning result for tag 1A obtained by calculating the position of tag 1A to tag 1A. The transmitted positioning result is received by tag 1A in step S109 of Fig. 6. After completing the processing of step S307, the control unit 31A returns to the processing of step S301 again.

[0101] By continuously executing the series of processes shown in FIG. 8, the positioning information of the tag 1A is periodically notified to the tag 1A.

[0102] Note that, as a modified example shown in Fig. 8, the processing order may be changed. For example, Fig. 8 shows an example in which the control unit 31A of the positioning server 3A generates and transmits the recommended posture information Dep, and then locates and transmits the position of the tag 1A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. After locating the position of the tag 1A, the control unit 31A may select an anchor 2A that can preferably communicate wirelessly with the tag 1A according to the position of the tag 1A, identify a plane PL corresponding to the selected anchor 2A, and generate and transmit the recommended posture information Dep based on the plane PL.

[0103] 4. Examples of Images Displayed on the Display Unit Examples of images displayed on the display unit 14 by the presentation processing unit F1 of the tag 1A will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] In the first example, different images are displayed depending on whether the deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the radio antenna 11 is less than a predetermined angle, such as 30 degrees or 45 degrees.

[0105] For example, when the angle between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the presentation processing unit F1 displays an image G1 on the display unit 14, as shown in Fig. 9. The image G1 is an image including a character string 41 that reads "NG."

[0106] On the other hand, when the deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is less than the predetermined angle, the presentation processing unit F1 displays an image G2 on the display unit 14, as shown in Fig. 10. The image G2 is an image including a character string 42 that reads "OK."

[0107] The user changes the orientation of tag 1A in various ways so that image G2 is displayed when image G1 is displayed on display unit 14, and maintains the position of tag 1A with image G2 displayed on display unit 14. This enables high-quality wireless communication between tag 1A and anchor 2A.

[0108] The second example is an example in which the degree of deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is presented to the user by the color of the image.

[0109] For example, when the angle between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the presentation processing unit F1 displays an image G3 consisting of a predetermined color or pattern such as red on the display unit 14, as shown in Figure 11.

[0110] On the other hand, if the deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is less than a predetermined angle, the presentation processing unit F1 displays an image G4 consisting of a predetermined color or pattern such as green on the display unit 14, as shown in Figure 12.

[0111] The third example is an example in which the direction of the normal vector Nv is presented to the user by an arrow.

[0112] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the presentation processing unit F1 causes the display unit 14 to display an image G5 including a first arrow icon 43 indicating the direction of the normal vector Nv.

[0113] The presentation processing unit F1 may display, on the display unit 14, an image G6 that displays the direction of the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11. For example, the image G6 shown in Fig. 14 includes a first arrow icon 43 that indicates the direction of the normal vector Nv and a second arrow icon 44 that indicates the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11.

[0114] The user can bring the orientation of the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended orientation by rotating the tag 1A in a direction that matches the orientation of the first arrow icon 43 with the orientation of the second arrow icon 44.

[0115] The fourth example is an example in which the posture that the tag 1A should take in order to put the wireless antenna 11 into the recommended posture is presented.

[0116] For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the presentation processing unit F1 causes the display unit 14 to display an image G7 including a three-dimensional image 45 showing a recommended posture of the smartphone as the tag 1A.

[0117] The user can bring the orientation of the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended orientation by rotating the tag 1A in a direction that matches the orientation of the tag 1A with the orientation of the three-dimensional image 45 on the image G7.

[0118] The fifth example is an example in which a recommended posture is presented to the user using an icon image that resembles a gyroscope.

[0119] 16, the presentation processing unit F1 displays an image G8 including an icon 46 that resembles a gyroscope and indicates the direction of the normal vector Nv on the display unit 14. The user can change the attitude of the tag 1A based on the display mode of the icon 46, thereby bringing the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended attitude.

[0120] In addition, the presentation processing unit F1 may display an image on the display unit 14 that includes both the second arrow icon 44 and the icon 46 indicating the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11, instead of the image G8 shown in Figure 16.

[0121] 5. Second Embodiment The tag 1A described above prompts the user to perform an operation to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended attitude by displaying an image on the display unit 14. A wireless communication system SysB in the second embodiment includes a tag 1B, an anchor 2A, and a positioning server 3A, and the tag 1B uses an audio output unit 18 instead of the display unit 14.

[0122] The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0123] 17, the tag 1B includes a control unit 12A, an attitude detection sensor 13, a communication unit 15, and an audio output unit 18. The audio output unit 18 is provided in the tag 1B as, for example, a speaker.

[0124] The presentation processing unit F1 of the control unit 12A of the tag 1B presents the degree of deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 to the user by outputting a predetermined sound from the audio output unit 18 instead of displaying an image on the display unit 14.

[0125] For example, when the angle formed by the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the presentation processing unit F1 outputs a sound from the audio output unit 18 notifying that the communication quality between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A has deteriorated.

[0126] On the other hand, when the deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is less than a predetermined angle, the presentation processing unit F1 outputs a sound from the audio output unit 18 notifying that the communication quality between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A is good.

[0127] Alternatively, the presentation processing unit F1 may output a sound from the audio output unit 18 to indicate the direction in which the tag 1B should be tilted to align the normal vector Nv with the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11.

[0128] The user can change the orientation of the tag 1B based on the voice output from the voice output unit 18, thereby bringing the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended orientation.

[0129] The presentation processing unit F1 may be configured to output a mechanical sound instead of a sound from the audio output unit 18. For example, the presentation processing unit F1 causes the audio output unit 18 to output a mechanical sound of a frequency according to the degree of deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11. The user can bring the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended orientation by appropriately changing the orientation of the tag 1B according to the frequency of the mechanical sound output from the audio output unit 18.

[0130] The presentation processing unit F1 may also notify the user of the angle formed by the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 using the volume of the sound instead of the height of the frequency.

[0131] The sound output by the audio output unit 18 is realized as the notification process in step S105 of FIG.

[0132] 6. Third Embodiment A wireless communication system SysC in a third embodiment includes a tag 1C, an anchor 2A, and a positioning server 3A. The tag 1C uses a light-emitting unit 19 instead of a display unit 14 or a voice output unit 18.

[0133] The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0134] 18, the tag 1C includes a light emitting unit 19 in addition to a control unit 12A, an attitude detection sensor 13, and a communication unit 15. The light emitting unit 19 is provided on the housing of the tag 1C as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like.

[0135] The presentation processing unit F1 of the control unit 12A of the tag 1C causes the light emitting unit 19 to emit light in a predetermined manner, thereby presenting to the user the degree of deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11, or the direction in which to tilt the tag 1C to align the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 with the normal vector Nv.

[0136] The appearance of the tag 1C is shown in Fig. 19. The tag 1C is configured by arranging a radio antenna 11 and the like inside a box-shaped housing 51.

[0137] Five light-emitting units 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, and 19e are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 51, for example, on the top surface 51a. The light-emitting unit 19a is arranged approximately in the center of the top surface 51a, and the light-emitting units 19b, 19c, 19d, and 19e are arranged at intervals in different directions relative to the light-emitting unit 19a.

[0138] When the angle formed by the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is less than a predetermined angle, the presentation processing unit F1 causes only the light emitting unit 19a disposed in the center to emit light.

[0139] On the other hand, when the angle formed by the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the presentation processing unit F1 causes one or two of the light-emitting units 19b, 19c, 19d, and 19e to emit light.

[0140] For example, the light emitting unit 19 emits light to notify the user of the direction in which to tilt the housing 51 of the tag 1C in order to move the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended position.

[0141] Specifically, the direction from the light-emitting portion 19a toward the light-emitting portion 19b is defined as a first direction Dr1, and the direction from the light-emitting portion 19a toward the light-emitting portion 19c is defined as a second direction Dr2.

[0142] When the wireless antenna 11 can be brought closer to the recommended position by tilting the housing 51 in the first direction Dr1, the presentation processing unit F1 causes only the light emitting unit 19b to emit light.

[0143] Furthermore, when the wireless antenna 11 can be brought closer to the recommended position by tilting the housing 51 in the second direction Dr2, the presentation processing unit F1 causes only the light emitting unit 19c to emit light.

[0144] Furthermore, if the wireless antenna 11 can be brought closer to the recommended position by tilting the housing 51 in a direction between the first direction Dr1 and the second direction Dr2, the presentation processing unit F1 causes both the light-emitting unit 19b and the light-emitting unit 19c to emit light.

[0145] The user can tilt the housing 51 appropriately according to the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 19 to bring the orientation of the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended orientation.

[0146] The light-emitting units 19b, 19c, 19d, and 19e may emit more light in an amount greater than the deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11. The light-emitting unit 19a may emit more light in an amount greater than the deviation between the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11.

[0147] The notification to the user by the light emitting unit 19 is realized as the notification process in step S105 of FIG.

[0148] Unlike the examples shown in the first, second, and third embodiments, when the tag 1 is configured to have a vibration unit equipped with a vibration motor or the like, the above-mentioned presentation to the user may be made by the vibration mode of the vibration unit. Furthermore, the presentation of information by the vibration mode of the vibration unit can be combined with the methods of the various embodiments described above.

[0149] Similarly, a plurality of presentation modes may be combined, such as by combining the first embodiment and the second embodiment to simultaneously present images and audio.

[0150] 7. Fourth Embodiment In the tag 1 in each of the above-described embodiments, the orientation of the wireless antenna 11 is brought closer to a recommended orientation by user operation. A wireless communication system SysD in the fourth embodiment includes a tag 1D, an anchor 2A, and a positioning server 3A. The tag 1D is provided with a mechanism for controlling the orientation of the wireless antenna 11, and automatically changes the orientation of the wireless antenna 11.

[0151] The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 20, the tag 1D includes a control unit 12D, a posture detection sensor 13, a communication unit 15, and a posture control unit 61.

[0153] The control unit 12D functions as a posture change instruction unit F6 by executing a program.

[0154] The attitude control unit 61 includes an actuator that changes the attitude of the radio antenna 11, a driver that controls the actuator, and the like.

[0155] The attitude change instruction unit F6 transmits instruction information to the driver, thereby realizing an actuator to change the attitude of the radio antenna 11.

[0156] The orientation of the wireless antenna 11 is automatically changed inside the tag 1D to approach the recommended orientation, so the user does not need to take measures such as changing the orientation of the tag 1D to reduce the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1D and the anchor 2A.

[0157] An example of the process executed by the control unit 12D of the tag 1D is shown in Fig. 21. Note that the same steps as those shown in Fig. 6 are given the same step numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0158] If the control unit 12D determines in step S101 that the positioning function is activated (step S101: Yes judgment), it performs each process from step S102 to step S104 to compare the current attitude of the wireless antenna 11 with the recommended attitude.

[0159] Next, in step S111, the control unit 12D determines whether the deviation between the current attitude of the wireless antenna 11 and the recommended attitude is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This process can be rephrased as determining whether the angle formed by the normal vector Nv and the axial direction Dr of the wireless antenna 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0160] If it is determined that the deviation between the current attitude of the wireless antenna 11 and the recommended attitude is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S111: Yes determination), the control unit 12D instructs the attitude control unit 61 to change the attitude in step S112. As a result, the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 approaches the recommended attitude.

[0161] On the other hand, if it is determined that the deviation between the current attitude of the wireless antenna 11 and the recommended attitude is less than the predetermined value (step S111: No determination), the control unit 12D skips step S112 and proceeds to step S106.

[0162] This maintains the position of the radio antenna 11, enabling good radio communication between the tag 1D and the anchor 2A.

[0163] By avoiding the processing of step S112 until the deviation of the attitude reaches a predetermined value or more, it becomes unnecessary to drive the attitude control unit 61 to always match the current attitude with the recommended attitude. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the tag 1D and to extend the operating time when the tag 1D is powered by a battery.

[0164] 8. Fifth Embodiment A wireless communication system SysE in a fifth embodiment includes a tag 1A, an anchor 2A, and a positioning server 3E.

[0165] The positioning server 3E has the same configuration as the positioning server 3A as well as the configuration of the anchor 2A. That is, the positioning server 3E has the function of calculating distance information Ddis from the tag 1A by communicating with the tag 1A.

[0166] The positioning server 3E is one of the anchors 2A, and can be regarded as an anchor 2A that has the functions of the positioning server 3A.

[0167] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the positioning server 3E includes a control unit 31E and a communication unit 32.

[0168] The control unit 31E functions as a distance information calculation unit F2 in addition to a distance information acquisition unit F3, a position calculation unit F4, and a recommended posture identification unit F5. The distance information calculation unit F2 enables the positioning server 3E to function as the anchor 2A.

[0169] An example of processing executed by the control unit 31E of the positioning server 3E is shown in Fig. 23. Note that the same steps as those shown in Figs. 7 and 8 are given the same step numbers, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0170] The control unit 31E executes the processes of steps S301 to S304 in FIG. 23, thereby generating and transmitting recommended posture information Dep while appropriately storing the position information of the anchor 2A.

[0171] The control unit 31E determines whether or not a polling message has been received in step S201, and calculates the distance information Ddis by appropriately executing the processes of steps S202 to S203. This process is executed so that the positioning server 3E can function as the anchor 2A.

[0172] Next, in step S311, the control unit 31E determines whether or not it has acquired multiple pieces of distance information Ddis, in other words, a number of pieces of distance information Ddis that enable positioning of the tag 1A. The multiple pieces of distance information Ddis include not only distance information Ddis received from other anchors 2A but also distance information Ddis calculated by the positioning server 3E itself.

[0173] If it is determined that multiple pieces of distance information Ddis have been acquired (step S311: Yes determination), the control unit 31E executes the processes of steps S306 and S307 to locate the position of the tag 1A and transmit the results.

[0174] On the other hand, if it is determined that multiple pieces of distance information Ddis have not been acquired (step S311: No determination), the control unit 31E avoids the processes of steps S306 and S307 and returns to the process of step S301.

[0175] The control unit 31E of the positioning server 3E continuously executes the series of processes shown in FIG. 23, whereby the control unit 31E generates distance information Ddis from the tag 1A by itself while receiving distance information Ddis from other anchors 2A, and performs positioning of the tag 1A.

[0176] 9. Various Modifications 9-1. Modifications of the Plane The plane PL described above is a plane PL that includes a plurality of anchors 2, including the positioning server 3E that also functions as the anchor 2A.

[0177] However, when there are four or more anchors 2, depending on their arrangement, all of the anchors 2 may not be included on the same plane.

[0178] Several examples will be given of cases where the position of a tag 1 is determined using four or more anchors 2 that are not on the same plane.

[0179] For example, one plane PL is defined for four anchors 2W, 2X, 2Y, and 2Z. In this case, as shown in Fig. 24, the distance between the plane PL and the anchor 2W is defined as distance Dw, the distance between the plane PL and the anchor 2X is defined as distance Dx, the distance between the plane PL and the anchor 2Y is defined as distance Dy, and the distance between the plane PL and the anchor 2Z is ​​defined as distance Dz.

[0180] In the first example, the plane where the sum of the distances Dw, Dx, Dy, and Dz is smallest is set as the plane PL.

[0181] In the second example, the plane where the sum of the squares of the distances Dw, Dx, Dy, and Dz is smallest is set as the plane PL.

[0182] 24, the recommended orientation of the radio antenna 11 is one in which the radio antenna 11 has directivity in all directions parallel to the set plane PL. Therefore, if the radio antenna 11 is a monopole antenna, the recommended orientation of the radio antenna 11 is one in which the axial direction Dr of the radio antenna 11 is perpendicular to the plane PL.

[0183] The third example is an example in which a plurality of planes PL are set, each of which includes three anchors 2 out of four anchors 2W, 2X, 2Y, and 2Z.

[0184] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, a first plane PL1 including the anchors 2W, 2X, and 2Z and a second plane PL2 including the anchors 2X, 2Y, and 2Z are set.

[0185] FIG. 26 shows an example of the first plane PL1 and the second plane PL2 when the anchors 2W, 2X, 2Y, and 2Z are viewed from the horizontal direction.

[0186] As shown in the figure, the first plane PL1 and the second plane PL2 are different planes.

[0187] If, as a result of positioning by the positioning server 3, it is estimated that the tag 1 is located in the area surrounded by anchors 2W, 2X, and 2Z, the normal vector Nv1 of the first plane PL1, etc. is transmitted to the tag 1 as recommended posture information Dep.

[0188] On the other hand, if it is estimated that the tag 1 is located in the area surrounded by the anchors 2X, 2Y, and 2Z, the normal vector Nv2 of the second plane PL2 and the like are transmitted to the tag 1 as the recommended posture information Dep.

[0189] If the tag 1 and the anchor 2Z cannot communicate effectively due to the presence of an obstacle between them, the positioning server 3 may set a third plane PL3 that includes the anchors 2W, 2X, and 2Y out of the four anchors 2W, 2X, 2Y, and 2Z, as shown in Fig. 27. In this case, the normal vector Nv3 of the third plane PL3 and the like are transmitted to the tag 1 as recommended attitude information Dep.

[0190] 28 shows an example of processing executed by the control unit 31A of the positioning server 3A when this modification is applied to the wireless communication system SysA in the first embodiment. That is, the wireless communication system SysA includes anchors 2W, 2X, 2Y, and 2Z as anchors 2A. Note that the same step numbers are used for processing similar to the processing shown in FIG. 8, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0191] The control unit 31A executes step S302 as appropriate in accordance with the determination process of step S301, thereby storing the position information of each anchor 2A such as anchors 2W, 2X, 2Y, and 2Z in the storage unit.

[0192] The control unit 31A determines whether or not a plurality of pieces of distance information Ddis have been received, specifically, whether or not a sufficient number of pieces of distance information Ddis have been received to enable positioning of the tag 1A.

[0193] If it is determined that multiple pieces of distance information Ddis have been received (step S305: Yes determination), the control unit 31A executes the processes of steps S306 and S307 to locate the tag 1A and transmit the positioning results.

[0194] Next, in step S321, the control unit 31A selects three anchors 2A in accordance with the positioning results. This process is, for example, a process of selecting three anchors 2A from anchors 2W, 2X, 2Y, and 2Z shown in Fig. 25. The anchors 2A selected here are the three anchors 2A that form a triangle containing the tag 1A.

[0195] Next, in step S322, the control unit 31A sets a plane PL that includes the three selected anchors 2A.

[0196] In step S303, the control unit 31A generates recommended posture information Dep according to the set plane PL, and in step S304, performs processing to transmit the generated recommended posture information Dep to the tag 1A.

[0197] That is, as the tag 1A moves, the system selects anchors 2A suitable for locating the tag 1A, and tilts the wireless antenna 11 to a position that enables suitable communication with those anchors 2A. This improves the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1A and the anchors 2A, and improves the accuracy of the positioning results for the tag 1A.

[0198] Here, the three selected anchors 2A are selected under the condition that the tag 1A is included inside the triangle formed by the three anchors 2A. Alternatively, the three anchors 2A may be selected based on the distance information Ddis from the tag 1A. Specifically, the three anchors 2A may be selected in order of the distance from the tag 1A. In other words, the tag 1A does not have to be located inside the triangle formed by the selected three anchors 2A.

[0199] It can be estimated that the anchor 2A close to the tag 1A is likely to be able to perform favorable wireless communication with the tag 1A. Therefore, by locating the tag 1A based on the distance information Ddis calculated by the anchor 2A close to the tag 1A, highly accurate positioning can be achieved.

[0200] <9-2. Modified Examples of Wireless Antenna> A monopole antenna has been shown as an example of the wireless antenna 11. As the monopole antenna, a monocone antenna, a spherical monopole antenna, a planar monopole antenna, a linear monopole antenna, or the like can be used, as shown in Fig. 29. Furthermore, not only a monopole antenna but also a dipole antenna or the like can be suitably used as the wireless antenna 11.

[0201] Furthermore, other types of antennas such as a square patch antenna, a circular patch antenna, a helix antenna, and a dielectric antenna can also be used as the radio antenna 11.

[0202] For example, a square patch antenna has directivity in the thickness direction on one side where a radiating element is provided, so it is difficult to perform good wireless communication with all of the anchors 2 arranged in positions surrounding the square patch antenna.

[0203] Therefore, when a square patch antenna is used as the wireless antenna 11, the positional relationship between the tag 1 and the anchor 2 must be taken into consideration.

[0204] A specific description will be given with reference to Fig. 30. The wireless communication system SysA includes a tag 1A, an anchor 2A, and a positioning server 3A.

[0205] The predetermined space SP is a space SP inside a building. The anchor 2A is disposed near the ceiling that forms the space SP. The position of the anchor 2A is, for example, about 3 m from the floor.

[0206] The tag 1A is a portable terminal device carried by a user and is usually located about 1 m to 1.5 m above the floor.

[0207] The tag 1A in this modified example does not have a radio antenna 11 as a monopole antenna having directivity in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Dr, i.e., in the radial direction of the antenna axis, but rather has a radio antenna 11 as a square patch antenna having directivity in only one direction, the thickness direction of the antenna.

[0208] Each anchor 2A is positioned above or diagonally above the tag 1A. In this case, the recommended orientation of the wireless antenna 11 is one in which it has upward directivity. In Figure 30, the directivity of the wireless antenna 11 is shown as a cone with the tag 1A at its apex.

[0209] In other words, by positioning the square patch antenna serving as the radio antenna 11 provided in the tag 1A in an upwardly directional position, in other words, by orienting the thickness direction of the radio antenna 11 in the vertical direction, it is possible to ensure suitable communication between the tag 1A and the anchor 2A.

[0210] Furthermore, if the anchors 2A placed in the space SP are placed on only one wall, good communication between each anchor 2A and the tag 1A can be ensured by directing the directivity of the square patch antenna in the direction of the wall on which the anchors 2A are installed.

[0211] That is, in the tag 1A, an antenna having directivity in only one direction, such as a square patch antenna, can be used as the wireless antenna 11 depending on the situation.

[0212] The radio antenna 23 of the anchor 2 may be an antenna having directivity in only one direction, such as a square patch antenna.

[0213] The anchor 2 is a device that is installed on a wall or ceiling, and even if it has directivity toward the wall or ceiling, it does not contribute to the quality of wireless communication with the tag 1. Furthermore, depending on the situation, wireless radio waves emitted toward the wall or ceiling may be reflected by the wall or ceiling before reaching the tag 1, causing multipath transmission and potentially degrading the quality of wireless communication.

[0214] By adopting a square patch antenna or the like as the radio antenna 23 of the anchor 2 and providing directivity that eliminates directivity toward the wall or ceiling, the effects of multipath can be reduced and the quality of wireless communication can be improved.

[0215] <9-3. Other Modifications> After obtaining the positioning result of the tag 1, the positioning server 3 may select three or more anchors 2 arranged in positions surrounding the tag 1, and which are located at a distance that allows appropriate wireless communication with the tag 1. Then, the positioning server 3 may request only the selected anchors 2 to transmit the distance information Ddis calculated for the tag 1.

[0216] In this case, the positioning server 3 appropriately reselects an anchor 2 in accordance with the positioning result of the tag 1. As a result, the positioning server 3 only needs to communicate wirelessly with the selected anchor 2, thereby reducing unnecessary wireless communication. Furthermore, the positioning server 3 may update the recommended attitude information Dep for optimal communication each time an anchor 2 is reselected, and notify the tag 1 of the updated recommended attitude information Dep. This allows the user to have the wireless antenna 11 adopt an appropriate recommended attitude according to the position of the tag 1.

[0217] The positioning server 3 may determine the position of the tag 1 with an error less than a predetermined value, or may simply identify the triangle that includes the tag 1 among the triangles connecting the three anchors 2.

[0218] By identifying the three anchors 2 arranged around the tag 1, it is possible to identify the plane PL that includes the three anchors 2, and calculate the normal vector Nv of the plane PL. Therefore, it is possible to transmit the recommended attitude information Dep to the tag 1, and the tag 1 can perform suitable communication with the identified three anchors 2. This allows the positioning of the tag 1 to be performed with high accuracy.

[0219] As mentioned above, the positioning server 3 stores in its storage unit the position information for the anchor 2. At this time, if the height direction, i.e., the vertical direction position of the anchor 2 is not stored in the storage unit of the positioning server 3, the plane PL may be estimated as a horizontal plane. That is, the recommended orientation of the wireless antenna 11 serving as a monopole antenna provided in the tag 1 may be an orientation in which the axial direction Dr coincides with the vertical direction.

[0220] In other words, when multiple anchors 2 are located at the same height, the position information excluding the height information may be stored in the storage unit of the positioning server 3. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of information stored in the storage unit of the positioning server 3. Also, the process of identifying the plane PL can be simplified.

[0221] The storage unit of the positioning server 3 may store only the position information of the anchor 2 that is placed at a different height from the other anchors 2, together with the height information.

[0222] The wireless communication system Sys described above has been described with an example in which the positioning of a tag 1 carried by a user is performed using an anchor 2 and a positioning server 3. The scope of application of the wireless communication system Sys is not limited to this. For example, an air vehicle such as a drone may be used as the tag 1, and anchors 2 may be placed vertically in a space SP, which is a flight space, and the positioning of the drone in the space SP may be performed using the anchors 2 and the positioning server 3. This can contribute to the safe flight of the drone. Furthermore, if the drone is autopiloted, using the positioning results of the tag 1 as the drone for autopiloting can achieve more efficient and safer autopiloting.

[0223] Alternatively, a transport robot moving within a warehouse may be used as a tag 1, an anchor 2 may be placed at an appropriate position in a space SP that is a work space, and the position of the transport robot in the space SP may be measured using the anchor 2 and the positioning server 3. By measuring the positions of multiple transport robots, it is possible to select a transport robot that will efficiently perform the next task and to avoid collisions between transport robots.

[0224] It is assumed that the tag 1 serving as a transport robot will maintain a constant posture relative to the direction of gravity. In this case, as shown in Figure 31, the recommended posture of the wireless antenna 11 is one in which the plane of polarization of the wireless antenna 11, which serves as a monopole antenna provided in the tag 1, is perpendicular to the ground. The wireless antenna 23 of the anchor 2 placed in the space SP is a square patch antenna with a feed point provided at a position where the plane of polarization is perpendicular to the ground. This ensures stable communication between the tag 1 and the anchor 2.

[0225] Note that the respective functions of the tag 1, anchor 2, and positioning server 3 shown in each figure may be provided in any of the devices provided in the wireless communication system Sys. For example, the recommended posture identification unit F5 described as a function provided in the positioning server 3 may be provided in the tag 1. Similarly, the positioning server 3 may be provided with the distance information acquisition unit F3, one of the anchors 2 may be provided with the position calculation unit F4, and one of the other anchors 2 may be provided with the recommended posture identification unit F5. That is, each function may be distributed among multiple anchors 2 and positioning servers 3. This makes it possible to reduce the processing burden on each device. Furthermore, each function may be provided redundantly in multiple devices. This makes it possible, even if one device fails, for the other devices to perform the functions provided by the failed device, thereby realizing a fault-tolerant wireless communication system Sys.

[0226] <10. Summary> In the following description, tags 1A, 1B, etc. will be collectively referred to as "tag 1." The same applies to other reference numerals.

[0227] As described above using various examples, the information processing device included in the wireless communication system Sys in the present technology includes a predetermined processing unit that performs predetermined processing to change the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 of the tag 1 to a recommended attitude in accordance with the position of the tag 1 in a predetermined space (space SP) obtained based on wireless communication between the tag 1 and multiple anchors 2 located within the predetermined space. For example, if the information processing device is the tag 1, the predetermined processing unit may be a presentation processing unit F1 that performs display or the like to change the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 to the recommended attitude. Furthermore, if the information processing device is a positioning server 3, the predetermined processing unit may be a communication unit 32 that performs processing to transmit recommended attitude information Dep to the tag 1, or a control unit 31 that controls the transmission processing. The tag 1 and multiple anchors 2 are located within the predetermined space. The position of the tag 1 within the predetermined space can be calculated based on wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchors 2. The information processing device performs processing to change the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 of the tag 1 to a recommended attitude in accordance with the position of the tag 1 obtained in this manner. Here, the recommended attitude is, for example, an attitude that ensures a direct path to the anchors 2. By executing a predetermined process to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 of the tag 1 closer to the recommended attitude, the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 of the tag 1 can be optimized. That is, the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 of the tag 1 can be brought closer to the recommended attitude that allows a direct route to be established in wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchor 2. This improves the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchor 2, and enables highly accurate position estimation of the tag 1. Furthermore, by estimating the position of the tag 1 with high accuracy, appropriate information based on the position information of the tag 1 can be transmitted. Specifically, it becomes possible to perform highly accurate automatic operation of a device equipped with the tag 1, to guide a user carrying a device equipped with the tag 1 along a recommended route to reach a destination, and to provide information on the nearest store at an appropriate time.

[0228] As described with reference to FIG. 2 and other figures, the positioning server 3 as an information processing device may include a distance information acquisition unit F3 that acquires distance information Ddis between the tag 1 and anchors 2 from multiple anchors 2, and a position calculation unit F4 that calculates the position of the tag 1 within a predetermined space (space SP) based on the multiple pieces of distance information Ddis acquired from the anchors 2. Furthermore, the communication unit 32 or the control unit 31 as a predetermined processing unit may execute a predetermined process of outputting information (recommended position information Dep) that can identify a recommended position to the tag 1. For example, the positioning server 3 as an information processing device may be a device that acquires distance information Ddis from each anchor 2 and calculates the position of the tag 1. The positioning server 3 outputs information for adjusting the position of the wireless antenna 11 provided on the tag 1 to approach the recommended position, taking into account the position information of the tag 1 and the positions of the anchors 2 located around it. The tag 1 that receives this information can appropriately change the position of the wireless antenna 11 based on this information. This improves the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchors 2.

[0229] 28 and other drawings, the position calculation unit F4 in the positioning server 3 serving as an information processing device may calculate the position of the tag 1 based on distance information Ddis acquired from three or more anchors 2 selected from a plurality of anchors 2 based on the distance information Ddis. This selects three or more anchors 2 suitable for calculating the position of the tag 1, for example, the three anchors 2 closest to the tag 1. Then, by using the anchors 2 positioned close to the tag 1, the position of the tag 1 can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0230] 25, 28, etc., the recommended attitude for the radio antenna 11 of the tag 1 may be an attitude that improves the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and three or more anchors 2 selected from the multiple anchors 2 based on the distance information Ddis. In this way, the recommended attitude is an attitude that improves the quality of wireless communication between each of the selected anchors 2 and the tag 1, and it is possible to cause the radio antenna 11 to take an attitude that is suitable for the radio antenna 11.

[0231] 22 and 23 , the positioning server 3E as an information processing device may include a communication unit 32 that performs wireless communication with the tag 1 and a distance information calculation unit F2 that calculates distance information Ddis from the tag 1. That is, the positioning server 3E may have the function of the anchor 2. In other words, some of the multiple anchors 2 may be provided as master anchors that have the function of the positioning server 3. This makes it possible to reduce the number of devices and thereby reduce costs.

[0232] 2 and 3, the information processing device may be configured as a tag 1 having a wireless antenna 11, and may include a receiving unit (communication unit 15) that receives information that can identify the recommended posture (recommended posture information Dep). This allows the tag 1, which is an information processing device, to receive information related to the recommended posture from the positioning server 3, which is another information processing device, and to perform processing to optimize the posture of the wireless antenna 11 based on the received information. This allows wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchor 2 to be performed appropriately.

[0233] 2 and other figures, the tag 1 serving as an information processing device may include an attitude detection sensor 13 that detects the attitude of the wireless antenna 11. For example, the attitude detection sensor 13 is a three-axis acceleration sensor. This allows the tag 1 serving as an information processing device to properly grasp the deviation between the current attitude of the wireless antenna 11 and the recommended attitude, and to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 closer to the recommended attitude.

[0234] As described with reference to Figures 2, 17 to 19, etc., the predetermined processing unit (presentation processing unit F1) in the tag 1 as an information processing device may execute, as the predetermined processing, a presentation process that presents to the user information for causing the user to change the orientation of the wireless antenna 11 based on information that can identify the recommended orientation (recommended orientation information Dep). This allows the user to optimize the orientation of the portable terminal device (tag 1) held by the user based on the presentation information. Note that the presentation process may, for example, be a process of presenting an image, or a process of presenting the deviation between the current orientation and the recommended orientation by outputting audio, or a process of presenting the deviation between the current orientation and the recommended orientation by vibrating the portable terminal device.

[0235] As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 9 to 16 , the tag 1 as an information processing device may include a display unit 14 on which an image is displayed, and the predetermined processing unit (presentation processing unit F1) may perform the presentation process by displaying the image on the display unit 14. This allows the user to change the attitude of the portable terminal device as the tag 1 based on the displayed image. The displayed image may be, for example, an image that represents the portable terminal device in three dimensions, or an image that represents in three dimensions an arrow indicating the orientation of the wireless antenna 11 provided on the portable terminal device. Alternatively, the displayed image may be an image that indicates the difference between the current attitude of the wireless antenna 11 and the recommended attitude using colors or the like, and is presented to the user.

[0236] 20 and 21 , the tag 1D as an information processing device includes an attitude control unit 61 that controls the attitude of the wireless antenna 11, and the predetermined processing unit (attitude change instruction unit F6) may execute, as the predetermined processing, a process of causing the attitude control unit 61 to control the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 to approach the recommended attitude. For example, if the tag 1D is a portable terminal device, the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 disposed therein can be changed regardless of the attitude of the tag 1D, making it possible to perform wireless communication between the tag 1D and the anchor 2 in an appropriate manner without the user having to change the attitude of the portable terminal device. Furthermore, if the information processing device as the tag 1D is a large device or the like whose attitude is difficult to change, changing only the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 makes it easy to change the wireless communication between the tag 1D and the anchor 2 to one of high quality.

[0237] As described with reference to Figure 4 etc., the tag 1 as an information processing device may be equipped with a monopole antenna as the wireless antenna 11. A monopole antenna has omnidirectional directivity in the radial direction of the antenna's axial direction Dr. This makes it possible to perform wireless communication with multiple anchors 2 in an optimal manner by having the wireless antenna 11 assume an orientation in which the axis of the monopole antenna is perpendicular to the plane PL on which each anchor 2 is located. That is, for example, when anchors 2 are arranged at various positions in the horizontal direction, the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and anchors 2 can be improved by using a monopole antenna and bringing the orientation closer to the recommended orientation.

[0238] As explained with reference to Figure 5 etc., the recommended attitude of the radio antenna 11 provided in the tag 1 may be specified by a plane PL obtained based on the position information of multiple anchors 2 in a predetermined space (space SP). By specifying the recommended attitude by the plane PL obtained based on the position information of the anchors 2, the recommended attitude is determined to be an attitude that allows for optimal output and reception of radio waves along the plane PL. In other words, the recommended attitude is determined to be an attitude that improves the quality of wireless communication with multiple anchors 2 located on the plane PL. In other words, the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchors 2 can be improved.

[0239] 5 and other figures, the recommended attitude of the wireless antenna 11 included in the tag 1 may be specified by information on the normal vector Nv (Nv1, Nv2) with respect to the plane PL. For example, if the wireless antenna 11 included in the tag 1 is a monopole antenna, by bringing the normal vector Nv and the antenna axial direction Dr closer to or coinciding with each other, it becomes possible for the monopole antenna to suitably receive radio waves radiated from each anchor 2 located on the plane PL, or for the monopole antenna to suitably radiate radio waves to each anchor 2. This makes it possible to improve the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchors 2.

[0240] 31 and other figures, the recommended attitude of the wireless antenna 11 included in the tag 1 may be specified by the plane of polarization of the radio waves output from the multiple anchors 2. This makes it possible to align the plane of polarization of the radio waves radiated from the wireless antenna 11 included in the tag 1 with the plane of polarization of the radio waves radiated from the anchors 2. This makes it possible to further improve the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and the anchors 2.

[0241] 1, 8, etc., the plane PL for specifying the recommended orientation of the wireless antenna 11 provided in the tag 1 may be a plane PL that includes the positions in a predetermined space (space SP) of multiple anchors 2. For example, by making the wireless antenna 11 adopt an orientation that allows it to emit non-directional radio waves with respect to the plane PL on which each anchor 2 is arranged, it is possible to improve the quality of wireless communication between the tag 1 and each anchor 2 arranged on the plane PL.

[0242] As described with reference to FIG. 24 etc., the plane PL for specifying the recommended attitude of the wireless antenna 11 provided in the tag 1 may be a plane PL having a short distance to multiple anchors 2. The distance between the plane PL and the anchors 2 is the length of a perpendicular line drawn from the anchor 2 to the plane PL. By setting the plane PL such that the distance between the plane PL and each anchor 2 is short, it becomes possible to perform suitable wireless communication with many anchors 2 when the wireless antenna 11 adopts an attitude that allows it to emit non-directional radio waves with respect to the plane PL. This makes it possible to estimate the position of the tag 1 with high accuracy. Note that the plane PL may be set based on the sum of the distances of each anchor 2 from the plane PL, or based on the sum of the squares of the distances of each anchor 2 from the plane PL.

[0243] The information processing method of the present technology involves an information processing device executing a predetermined process to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 of the tag 1 closer to a recommended attitude in accordance with the position of the tag 1 within a predetermined space (space SP) obtained based on wireless communication between the tag 1 positioned within the predetermined space and multiple anchors 2.

[0244] The program in this technology causes an information processing device to execute a predetermined process to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna 11 of the tag 1 closer to a recommended attitude depending on the position of the tag 1 within a predetermined space (space SP) obtained based on wireless communication between the tag 1 positioned within the predetermined space and multiple anchors 2.

[0245] The wireless communication system Sys in the present technology includes a tag 1 positioned in a predetermined space (space SP) and having a wireless antenna 11, a plurality of anchors 2 positioned in the predetermined space and performing wireless communication with the tag 1, and an information processing device (positioning server 3) that communicates with the anchors 2, wherein the anchor 2 has a distance information calculation unit F2 that calculates distance information Ddis from the tag 1 based on the wireless communication. The information processing device also has a distance information acquisition unit F3 that acquires the distance information Ddis from the plurality of anchors 2, a position calculation unit F4 that calculates the position of the tag 1 within the predetermined space based on the distance information Ddis, and an output unit (communication unit 32 or control unit 31) that outputs to the tag 1 information (recommended position information Dep) that can identify a position recommended for the wireless antenna 11 depending on the position of the tag 1.

[0246] The above-mentioned various functions and effects can also be obtained by such an information processing method, program, or wireless communication system Sys.

[0247] These programs can be pre-recorded on a hard disk drive (HDD) or a ROM in a microcomputer having a CPU, which serves as a built-in recording medium in a computer or other device. Alternatively, the programs can be temporarily or permanently stored (recorded) on removable recording media such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a Magneto Optical (MO) disk, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or a memory card. Such removable recording media can be provided as so-called packaged software. These programs can be installed on a personal computer or the like from a removable recording medium, or downloaded from a download site via a network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

[0248] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0249] Furthermore, the above-described examples may be combined in any manner, and even when various combinations are used, the above-described various operational effects can be obtained.

[0250] <11. The Present Technology> The present technology may also have the following configurations. (1) An information processing device comprising: a predetermined processing unit that performs predetermined processing to cause the attitude of a wireless antenna of a tag positioned in a predetermined space to approach a recommended attitude in accordance with the position of the tag in the predetermined space, which is obtained based on wireless communication between the tag and a plurality of anchors. (2) The information processing device according to (1) above, comprising: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information between the tag and the anchor from a plurality of anchors; and a position calculation unit that calculates the position of the tag in the predetermined space based on the plurality of distance information acquired from the anchors, wherein the predetermined processing unit executes processing to output information that can identify the recommended attitude to the tag. (3) The information processing device according to (2) above, wherein the position calculation unit calculates the position of the tag based on the distance information acquired from three or more anchors selected from the plurality of anchors based on the distance information. (4) The information processing device according to any of (2) to (3) above, wherein the recommended attitude is set to be an attitude that improves the quality of wireless communication between the tag and three or more anchors selected from the plurality of anchors based on the distance information. (5) The information processing device according to any of (2) to (4), comprising: a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the tag; and a distance information calculation unit that calculates the distance information to the tag. (6) The information processing device according to any of (1) to (5), configured as the tag having the wireless antenna, and comprising: a receiving unit that receives information that can identify the recommended posture. (7) The information processing device according to (6), comprising: an attitude detection sensor that detects the posture of the wireless antenna. (8) The information processing device according to any of (6) to (7), wherein the predetermined processing unit executes, as the predetermined processing, a presentation process that presents to a user information that causes the user to change the posture of the wireless antenna based on the information that can identify the recommended posture. (9) The information processing device according to (8), comprising: a display unit that displays an image, and wherein the predetermined processing unit performs the presentation process by displaying the image on the display unit.(10) The information processing device according to (6) above, further comprising an attitude control unit that controls the attitude of the wireless antenna, wherein the predetermined processing unit executes, as the predetermined processing, a process of having the attitude control unit execute control to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna closer to the recommended attitude. (11) The information processing device according to any of (6) to (10) above, further comprising a monopole antenna as the wireless antenna. (12) The information processing device according to any of (1) to (11) above, wherein the recommended attitude is specified by a plane obtained based on position information of the plurality of anchors in the predetermined space. (13) The information processing device according to (12) above, wherein the recommended attitude is specified by information on normal vectors with respect to the plane. (14) The information processing device according to (12) above, wherein the recommended attitude is specified by a polarization plane of radio waves output from the plurality of anchors. (15) The information processing device according to any of (12) to (14) above, wherein the plane is a plane that includes the positions of the plurality of anchors in the predetermined space. (16) The information processing device according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the plane is a plane on which a distance to the plurality of anchors is short. (17) An information processing method, in which an information processing device executes a predetermined process for making the attitude of a wireless antenna of a tag approach a recommended attitude in accordance with a position of the tag in a predetermined space obtained based on wireless communication between the tag positioned in the predetermined space and a plurality of anchors. (18) A program that causes an information processing device to execute a predetermined process for making the attitude of a wireless antenna of a tag approach a recommended attitude in accordance with a position of the tag in the predetermined space obtained based on wireless communication between the tag positioned in the predetermined space and a plurality of anchors.(19) A wireless communication system comprising: a tag positioned in a predetermined space and having a wireless antenna; a plurality of anchors positioned in the predetermined space and communicating wirelessly with the tag; and an information processing device communicating with the anchors, wherein the anchors have a distance information calculation unit that calculates distance information from the tag based on the wireless communication; and the information processing device has: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires the distance information from the plurality of anchors; a position calculation unit that calculates the position of the tag within the predetermined space based on the distance information; and an output unit that outputs to the tag information that can identify a recommended posture for the wireless antenna depending on the position of the tag.

[0251] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Tag (information processing device) 2, 2A, 2W, 2X, 2Y, 2Z Anchor 3, 3A, 3E, 3F Positioning server (information processing device) 11 Wireless antenna 13 Attitude detection sensor 14 Display unit 15 Communication unit (receiving unit) 32 Communication unit (predetermined processing unit) 61 Attitude control unit Ddis Distance information Dep Recommended attitude information (information that can identify recommended attitude) F1 Presentation processing unit (predetermined processing unit) F2 Distance information calculation unit F3 Distance information acquisition unit F4 Position calculation unit Nv, Nv1, Nv2 Normal vector PL Plane PL1 First plane (plane) PL2 Second plane (plane) SP Space (predetermined space) Sys, SysA, SysB, SysC, SysD Wireless communication system

Claims

1. An information processing device having a predetermined processing unit that performs predetermined processing to bring the attitude of the radio antenna of a tag closer to a recommended attitude depending on the position of the tag within a predetermined space obtained based on wireless communication between the tag positioned within the predetermined space and multiple anchors.

2. An information processing device as described in claim 1, comprising: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information between the tag and the anchor from a plurality of the anchors; and a position calculation unit that calculates the position of the tag within the specified space based on the plurality of pieces of distance information acquired from the anchors, wherein the specified processing unit executes a process of outputting information that can identify the recommended posture to the tag as the specified processing.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the position calculation unit calculates the position of the tag based on the distance information acquired from three or more anchors selected from the plurality of anchors based on the distance information.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the recommended posture is a posture that improves the quality of wireless communication between the tag and three or more anchors selected from the plurality of anchors based on the distance information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, comprising: a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the tag; and a distance information calculation unit that calculates the distance information to the tag.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, configured as the tag having the wireless antenna, and comprising a receiving unit that receives information that can identify the recommended posture.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, further comprising an attitude detection sensor for detecting the attitude of the wireless antenna.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined processing section executes, as the predetermined processing, a presentation process of presenting to the user information for causing the user to change the attitude of the wireless antenna based on the information capable of identifying the recommended attitude.

9. An information processing device according to claim 8, further comprising a display unit for displaying an image, wherein the predetermined processing unit performs the presentation process by displaying the image on the display unit.

10. An information processing device according to claim 6, further comprising an attitude control unit that controls the attitude of the wireless antenna, wherein the predetermined processing unit executes, as the predetermined processing, a process of causing the attitude control unit to execute control to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna closer to the recommended attitude.

11. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the wireless antenna is a monopole antenna.

12. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the recommended posture is specified by a plane obtained based on position information of a plurality of the anchors within the specified space.

13. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the recommended posture is identified by information on a normal vector for the plane.

14. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the recommended posture is specified by the plane of polarization of radio waves output from the plurality of anchors.

15. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the plane is a plane that includes the positions of a plurality of the anchors in the predetermined space.

16. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the plane is a plane having a short distance to a plurality of the anchors.

17. An information processing method in which an information processing device executes a predetermined process to bring the attitude of the wireless antenna of a tag closer to a recommended attitude in accordance with the position of the tag within a predetermined space, which is obtained based on wireless communication between the tag positioned within the predetermined space and multiple anchors.

18. A program that causes an information processing device to execute a predetermined process to bring the attitude of the radio antenna of a tag closer to a recommended attitude in accordance with the position of the tag within a predetermined space, obtained based on wireless communication between the tag positioned within the predetermined space and multiple anchors.

19. A wireless communication system comprising: a tag positioned in a predetermined space and having a wireless antenna; a plurality of anchors positioned in the predetermined space and communicating wirelessly with the tag; and an information processing device communicating with the anchors, wherein the anchors have a distance information calculation unit that calculates distance information from the tag based on the wireless communication, and the information processing device has: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires the distance information from the plurality of anchors; a position calculation unit that calculates the position of the tag within the predetermined space based on the distance information; and an output unit that outputs to the tag information that can identify a recommended posture for the wireless antenna depending on the position of the tag.

Images