Mobile terminal, position estimation system, mobile terminal position estimation method, and program

Abstract

A mobile terminal, which is present in a cabin of a mobile body, the mobile body being provided with at least three transmitters (11) that emit radio waves, the mobile terminal (3) comprising: an acquisition unit (communication unit (31)) that acquires a result of calculating a distance between the mobile terminal (3) and each of the three transmitters (11) and position coordinates of the mobile terminal (3) in the cabin; a memory (32) that stores an on-board map in which the cabin is mapped in advance; and an estimation unit (33) that estimates the position of the mobile terminal (3) on the on-board map by superimposing the acquired position coordinates of the mobile terminal (3) on the on-board map.

Description

Mobile terminal, position estimation system, mobile terminal position estimation method and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal, a position estimation system, a method for estimating the position of a mobile terminal, and a program.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a seat environment control system for use in a transportation vehicle, which includes a reservation information acquisition unit that acquires reservation information including the reservation location of a seat reserved by a user, and a position identification unit that identifies the position of the user based on the reception strength of radio waves transmitted from a mobile terminal carried by the user who will be a passenger in the transportation vehicle when the radio waves are received by each of multiple antennas installed at multiple locations on the transportation vehicle.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle display device for a vehicle that displays information related to an in-vehicle device on a mobile terminal. This vehicle display device includes a seating position acquisition unit that acquires the seating position of an occupant carrying the mobile terminal, a display setting unit that changes the content of information displayed on the mobile terminal by an information display unit or hides information according to the seating position of the occupant acquired by the seating position acquisition unit, and an ECU that stores the fore-and-aft positions of each seat slid by a seat actuator.

[0004] Patent Literature 3 discloses a communication device that is mounted in a vehicle with multiple seats and that communicates wirelessly with a mobile device. This communication device includes a processing unit that estimates the position of the mobile device within the vehicle based on information obtained through communication with the mobile device, and a device storage unit that stores the positions of four seats within the vehicle.

[0005] JP 2019-166920 A JP 2021-146868 A JP 2023-152494 A

[0006] However, in the seat environment control system of Patent Document 1, the seat environment control system mounted on a transport vehicle identifies the location of the mobile terminal carried by the user, but if the number of these mobile terminals increases, the process for obtaining reservation information for the seat reserved by the user becomes complicated, resulting in a high load.

[0007] Furthermore, in the vehicle display device of Patent Document 2, the vehicle display device installed in the vehicle acquires the seating positions of occupants carrying mobile devices, but if the number of mobile devices increases, the processing becomes more complicated, such as changing the information displayed on the mobile devices and storing the forward / backward positions of each slid seat, and the load increases.

[0008] In addition, the communication device of Patent Document 3 estimates the position of a mobile terminal within a vehicle, but if the number of mobile terminals increases, the process of storing the positions of many seats within the vehicle becomes complicated, resulting in a high load.

[0009] None of Patent Documents 1 to 3 has any measures to prevent the processing from becoming too complicated and reduce the processing load, which is a problem.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile terminal or the like that can suppress the complexity of processing and reduce the processing load.

[0011] A mobile terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a mobile terminal located in a passenger cabin of a mobile body, and includes an acquisition unit that calculates the distance between the mobile terminal and each of at least three transmitters that emit radio waves and are provided on the mobile body, and acquires the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal in the passenger cabin; a memory that stores an in-flight map that has previously mapped the passenger cabin; and an estimation unit that estimates the position of the mobile terminal on the in-flight map by superimposing the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal on the in-flight map, wherein the memory and the estimation unit are provided in the mobile terminal.

[0012] A position estimation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a mobile terminal and at least three transmitters that emit radio waves and are provided in the mobile terminal.

[0013] A method for estimating the position of a mobile terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for estimating the position of a mobile terminal present in a passenger cabin of a mobile body, and includes: calculating the distance between the mobile terminal and each of at least three transmitters emitting radio waves installed in the mobile body; acquiring the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal in the passenger cabin by an acquisition unit; storing in a memory an in-flight map that maps the passenger cabin in advance; and overlaying the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal on the in-flight map by an estimation unit, thereby estimating the position of the mobile terminal on the in-flight map.

[0014] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute a mobile terminal position estimation method.

[0015] According to a mobile terminal or the like according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the complexity of processing and reduce the processing load.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mobile object equipped with a position estimation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the position estimation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an onboard map when position coordinates of a passenger terminal are superimposed on the onboard map. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a first operation example of the position estimation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a second operation example of the position estimation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a third operation example of the position estimation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a position estimation system according to a first modification of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the position estimation system according to the first modification of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a position estimation system according to a second modification of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the position estimation system according to the second modification of the embodiment.

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in independent claims are described as optional components.

[0019] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0020] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, the overall configuration of a position estimation system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mobile body equipped with a position estimation system 1 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, seats occupied by passengers using an IFE (In-Flight Entertainment System) terminal 10 set as an anchor are indicated by being filled in black. The IFE terminal 10 is installed on the rear surface of the seatback of the front seat and on a wall surface of the mobile body. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the position estimation system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an in-flight map in which the position coordinates of a passenger terminal 30 are superimposed on the in-flight map. FIG. 3(a) shows the in-flight map. FIG. 3(b) shows the in-flight map in which the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 are superimposed on the in-flight map of FIG. 3(a).

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, in the location estimation system 1, when a passenger on a mobile vehicle requests the provision of a service from the vehicle's crew, the location of the passenger can be identified, and the service can be provided to the identified passenger.

[0023] Here, the mobile body refers to an aircraft, vehicle, ship, etc. on which passengers and crew members who provide services to the passengers are on board. In this embodiment, the mobile body is an aircraft, and the crew members are cabin crew members.

[0024] Furthermore, the term "service" refers to a service for passengers, such as providing digital solutions to passengers via the IFE terminal 10 (video streaming, e-commerce, etc.), providing food and drink to passengers from the crew, providing merchandise to passengers from the crew, providing amenities to passengers from the crew, lending of equipment, etc.

[0025] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the position estimation system 1 includes a plurality of IFE terminals 10, a server device 20, and a plurality of mobile terminals 3.

[0026] Each of the IFE terminals 10 is a personal monitor mounted on each of a plurality of seats installed in a vehicle. When a passenger is seated in a seat, the IFE terminal 10 is disposed in front of the passenger. The IFE terminal 10 is an example of a cabin terminal.

[0027] Each of the plurality of IFE terminals 10 is communicably connected to the server device 20 via a local network established in the mobile object, and is also communicably connected to the mobile terminal 3 .

[0028] It is assumed that each of the multiple mobile terminals 3 has a dedicated application installed in memory 32 for connecting to server device 20 and receiving various services from server device 20. When the dedicated application is started, the mobile terminal 3 automatically switches to a UWB mode capable of receiving UWB (Ultra Wide Band) radio waves so that server device 20 can calculate the position of the mobile terminal 3.

[0029] Each of the multiple IFE terminals 10 has a function of performing wired or wireless communication with the server device 20 and the mobile terminal 3. The wireless communication is Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or specified low-power radio.

[0030] In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 3 includes a passenger terminal 30 carried by a passenger and a crew terminal 130 carried by a crew member. In this embodiment, the passenger terminal 30 will be mainly described, but the same applies to the crew terminal 130. The passenger terminal 30 and the crew terminal 130 are assumed to have the same configuration and function.

[0031] Each of the multiple IFE terminals 10 can accept operations from passengers. For example, when a passenger requests the provision of a service, the passenger can receive the service according to the request by operating the IFE terminal 10 and inputting the request. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the passenger can also receive the service according to the request by inputting the request to the authenticated passenger terminal 30.

[0032] Passengers can use the IFE terminal 10 to receive various services, and when a passenger starts using the IFE terminal 10, the IFE terminal 10 makes an authentication request (login request) to the passenger terminal 30.

[0033] It is preferable that the IFE terminal 10 automatically requests authentication in the background to the passenger terminal 30. If the authentication is successful, the passenger will be able to connect to the server device 20 from the mobile terminal 3 and will be able to receive various services. This allows the passenger to request the provision of services to the mobile terminal 3.

[0034] Although an example has been given of requesting authentication from the server device 20 using the IFE terminal 10, passengers may also be able to request authentication from the server device 20 by using the passenger terminal 30 to communicate with the server device 20 via wired or wireless communication without using the IFE terminal 10.

[0035] The server device 20 is a management system installed on a mobile object for providing services in response to passenger requests. In this embodiment, since the mobile object is an airplane, the server device 20 is an IFE management system. The server device 20 stores software for providing various services to passengers via the local network of the mobile object.

[0036] The server device 20 is connected to a plurality of IFE terminals 10 and a plurality of passenger terminals 30 so as to be able to communicate with them via wired or wireless communication.

[0037] Each of the passenger terminals 30 is a terminal privately owned by a passenger. The passenger terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, and is equipped with a monitor, a speaker, a wireless communication function, and the like for providing services and conveying information about the vehicle to passengers.

[0038] Next, a specific configuration of the position estimation system 1, the mobile terminal 3, the position estimation system 1, and specific functions of the position estimation method and program for the mobile terminal 3 will be described.

[0039] The position estimation system 1 can identify the position of the passenger terminal 30 present in the guest room of the mobile body. The position of the passenger terminal 30 present in the guest room of the mobile body is identified, for example, when the IFE terminal 10 starts authentication in order for the passenger to start using a service, or when the passenger requests the provision of a service after successful authentication.

[0040] In order to identify the position of the passenger terminal 30 within the vehicle, each of the multiple IFE terminals 10 has a transmitter 11. The transmitter 11 can emit radio waves in a band that can be received by the passenger terminal 30. The radio waves are, for example, UWB radio waves.

[0041] In the present embodiment, a case where each of the plurality of IFE terminals 10 has a transmitter 11 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. The IFE terminal 10 and the transmitter 11 may be separate, independent devices.

[0042] The position of the passenger terminal 30 can be identified by triangulation. For this purpose, the server device 20 sets at least three of the multiple IFE terminals 10 as anchors. The IFE terminals 10 set as anchors transition to anchor mode. The server device 20 can arbitrarily set at least three IFE terminals 10 to serve as anchors. In FIG. 1 , the seats of passengers using the four IFE terminals 10 set as anchors are shown shaded in black. Note that the server device 20 may set at least three anchor IFE terminals 10 so that they are distributed in position. Furthermore, the server device 20 can change the at least three anchor IFE terminals 10 at predetermined intervals.

[0043] The transmitters 11 of the at least three IFE terminals 10 set as anchors emit radio waves, and the passenger terminal 30 can acquire the reception strength when receiving each radio wave. The reception strength can be acquired, for example, by a wireless communication antenna mounted on the passenger terminal 30 having a wireless communication function. The passenger terminal 30 transmits the acquired reception strength to the server device 20.

[0044] The remaining IFE terminals 10 that are not set as anchors can transition to the communication mode. That is, the IFE terminals 10 can switch between the anchor mode and the communication mode.

[0045] The communication modes include a mirroring mode and a data transmission / reception mode. When the IFE terminal 10 is in the mirroring mode, an image displayed on the passenger terminal 30 can be displayed on the IFE terminal 10. When the IFE terminal 10 is in the data transmission / reception mode, communication can be performed between the IFE terminal 10 and the passenger terminal 30, and between the IFE terminal 10 and the server device 20, for example.

[0046] Since the anchor mode and the communication mode are executed exclusively, when a passenger attempts to execute the communication mode on an IFE terminal 10 that is in the anchor mode, the server device 20 may switch the IFE terminal 10 that is in the anchor mode to the communication mode, and may also extract another IFE terminal 10 and switch it from the communication mode to the anchor mode.

[0047] In addition, since the server device 20 knows which seats have been reserved by passengers, it may set an unoccupied IFE terminal 10 to the anchor mode. In addition, since the server device 20 knows whether or not the IFE terminal 10 is being operated, it may set an unoccupied IFE terminal 10 to the anchor mode even if the seat is reserved by a passenger.

[0048] In this way, by switching the IFE terminal 10 between the communication mode and the anchor mode, it is expected that the accuracy of detecting the position of the passenger terminal 30 within a specific range in the cabin can be improved as needed. By using the IFE terminal 10 as an anchor, it is not necessary to provide a separate anchor for distance measurement in the mobile body. Note that if the IFE terminal 10 does not have a UWB mode function, a separate anchor for distance measurement may be provided in the mobile body. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the UWB mode function in all IFE terminals 10.

[0049] The server device 20 also includes a calculation unit 21 that calculates the position of the passenger terminal 30 in the passenger cabin.

[0050] The calculation unit 21 calculates the distance between each of the at least three transmitters 11 and the passenger terminal 30 based on the reception strength of each of the at least three IFE terminals 10 acquired from the passenger terminal 30. The calculation unit 21 calculates the position coordinates of the mobile terminal 3 in the passenger cabin by triangulation based on the calculated distances between each of the at least three transmitters 11 and the passenger terminal 30. The position coordinates are indicated, for example, by a relative position with respect to a reference position previously set in the passenger cabin, and are, for example, two-dimensional planar coordinates or three-dimensional polar coordinates. The reference position is, for example, the IFE terminal 10 set as the anchor. The server device 20 has an in-flight map, and therefore can grasp the position of the IFE terminal 10 set as the anchor. The server device 20 then transmits the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 to the passenger terminal 30.

[0051] In addition, when a passenger receives a service, the equipment provided by the crew may be provided with an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag such as a UWB tag. The IC tag may store the seat number of the passenger receiving the service. In this case, the calculation unit 21 can calculate the position of the equipment in the passenger cabin. This allows the server device 20 to grasp the position of the equipment calculated by the calculation unit 21. For example, since the server device 20 has an in-flight map, by superimposing the position of the equipment on the in-flight map, it is possible to grasp which seat number the equipment is located at. In addition, the estimation unit 33 may estimate the passenger's seat number by taking into account not only the estimated position of the passenger terminal 30 but also the position of the equipment.

[0052] Examples of equipment include headphones installed in seats, rental tablet devices, blankets, life jackets, etc. By attaching these tags to the equipment, it is possible to grasp the number of equipment items in stock within the vehicle and their locations. Based on this information, tasks such as replenishing the equipment, putting it back in its original location, and inventorying can be carried out efficiently. Furthermore, if a passenger attempts to take equipment outside the vehicle, the server device 20 knows the location of the equipment and can take action such as sounding an alarm on an alarm device installed in the vehicle. As a result, equipment theft can be prevented.

[0053] Furthermore, if the vehicle is a vehicle for long-distance travel, the crew may serve food to the passengers. In this case, tags may be attached to trays, plates, etc. used to serve food to passengers. By attaching IC tags to the trays, plates, etc., the calculation unit 21 can calculate the positions of the trays, plates, etc. in the cabin. This allows the server device 20 to grasp the location of the served food. By comparing the positions of the trays, plates, etc. with seat information for the passengers, the server device 20 can prevent the crew from failing to serve or clear food to passengers. For example, since the server device 20 has an in-flight map, by overlaying the positions of the trays, plates, etc. on the in-flight map, it is possible to grasp the seat numbers for the trays, plates, etc. Furthermore, when the crew serves in-flight meals to passengers, if IC tags corresponding to the type of in-flight meal are attached to the trays or plates, it is possible to manage inventory in the storage room where the in-flight meals are stored.

[0054] The passenger terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31 , an estimation unit 33 , an authentication unit 34 , and a memory 32 .

[0055] The communication unit 31 is, for example, a communication interface capable of communicating with the passenger terminal 30 and the server device 20. The communication unit 31 acquires the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 from the server device 20. The communication unit 31 is an example of an acquisition unit.

[0056] Furthermore, in order to allow passengers to start using the service, the IFE terminal 10 automatically requests authentication in the background from the passenger terminal 30. The seat number pre-stored in the IFE terminal 10 is transmitted from the IFE terminal 10 to the passenger terminal 30 at the time of authentication, and therefore the communication unit 31 acquires the pre-stored seat number from the IFE terminal 10.

[0057] The communication unit 31 outputs the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 and the seat number stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10 to the estimation unit 33 .

[0058] The estimation unit 33 acquires the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 and the seat number stored in the IFE terminal 10 from the communication unit 31. First, the estimation unit 33 estimates the position of the passenger terminal 30 on the in-flight map stored in the memory 32, based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21. That is, as shown in (a) of Figure 3, the estimation unit 33 estimates the position of the passenger terminal 30 on the in-flight map, as shown by the black area in (b) of Figure 3. The estimation unit 33 estimates the seat number in the cabin of the moving object as the position of the passenger terminal 30 on the in-flight map.

[0059] The in-flight map is a map showing the internal structure of the vehicle. The in-flight map includes, for example, a map linking the locations of multiple seats arranged in the cabin of the vehicle with the seat numbers of each of the multiple seats. The in-flight map is stored in the memory 32 when a dedicated application is installed on the passenger terminal 30.

[0060] In order to improve the estimation accuracy of the estimation unit 33, each of the multiple seats provided in the passenger compartment may be provided with a terminal holder on which the passenger terminal 30 can be placed. The terminal holder may be set in advance in a location where the estimation unit 33 can accurately estimate the position of the passenger terminal 30, for example, on a seat table located near the center of the seat. When the passenger terminal 30 is placed on the terminal holder, the estimation unit 33 can accurately estimate the position of the passenger terminal 30 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 acquired by the communication unit 31.

[0061] The authentication unit 34 may perform primary authentication by comparing the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 with the seat number pre-stored in the IFE terminal 10, and determining whether the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 matches the seat number pre-stored in the IFE terminal 10. When the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 matches the seat number pre-stored in the IFE terminal 10, it may determine that the authentication is successful and generate an authentication result that permits connection to the server device 20. When the authentication unit 34 permits connection to the server device 20, passenger services can be used from the passenger terminal 30.

[0062] On the other hand, if the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 does not match the seat number pre-stored in the IFE terminal 10, the authentication unit 34 determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the passenger will have to perform authentication from the beginning.

[0063] This will also be explained in Operation Example 2 below.

[0064] Furthermore, when the authentication unit 34 obtains an authentication result in which connection to the server device 20 is permitted in the primary authentication, the authentication unit 34 may obtain, from the memory 32, seat information indicating a seat reserved by a passenger in the passenger cabin. The seat information indicates the seat number at the time of reservation of the seat in the passenger's vehicle. In this case, the authentication unit 34 may perform secondary authentication in which the authentication unit 34 determines whether the seat number at the time of reservation, the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21, and the seat number pre-stored in the IFE terminal 10 match. In other words, the authentication unit 34 may perform secondary authentication after performing primary authentication.

[0065] Specifically, as the secondary authentication, if the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number at the time of reservation, the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33, and the seat number stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10 match, the authentication unit 34 may determine that the authentication is successful and generate an authentication result that permits connection to the server device 20. When the authentication unit 34 permits connection to the server device 20, passenger services can be used from the passenger terminal 30.

[0066] On the other hand, if the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number at the time of reservation, the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33, and the seat number pre-stored in the IFE terminal 10 do not match, the authentication unit 34 determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the passenger will have to go through authentication from the beginning.

[0067] This will also be explained in Operation Example 1 below.

[0068] Also, in the above description, an authentication request from the IFE terminal 10 is described when authenticating the passenger terminal 30. For example, the authentication unit 34 may acquire, from the memory 32, the seat number of the passenger's seat in the vehicle at the time of reservation. The authentication unit 34 may acquire the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21. The authentication unit 34 may perform authentication by comparing the seat number at the time of reservation with the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21, and determining whether the seat number at the time of reservation and the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 match.

[0069] This will also be explained in Operation Example 3 below.

[0070] The memory 32 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, etc. The memory 32 stores reservation information including seat information indicating seats reserved by passengers in the cabin, an in-flight map of the vehicle on which the passengers board, etc.

[0071] The seat information can identify the seat location in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and indicates the seat number at the time of reservation. In addition to the seat information, the reservation information may also include information about the passenger, such as nationality, gender, name, and destination.

[0072] The in-flight map stored in memory 32 may be updated at predetermined intervals, or when there is some kind of trouble with the vehicle, or at the time of boarding procedures.

[0073] <Operation Example 1> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation example 1 of the mobile terminal 3, the position estimation system 1, and the method and program for estimating the position of the mobile terminal 3 will be described.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a first operation example of the position estimation system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0075] First, when a passenger of a mobile body receives a service from the IFE system, the IFE terminal 10 requests authentication from the passenger terminal 30, and the passenger terminal 30 performs personal authentication with the IFE terminal 10. Upon receiving personal authentication from the passenger terminal 30, the IFE terminal 10 executes an authentication mode (S11). The authentication mode is a mode in which authentication is performed to allow a passenger of a mobile body to receive a service.

[0076] Next, after executing the authentication mode, the IFE terminal 10 transmits the pre-stored seat information to the passenger terminal 30 (S12).

[0077] Next, the passenger terminal 30 acquires the seat information of the passenger from the IFE terminal 10 .

[0078] Next, the server device 20 mounted on the vehicle transmits a radio wave intensity acquisition request to the passenger terminal 30 to acquire the radio wave intensity of the passenger terminal 30 in order to measure the position of the passenger terminal 30 in the passenger compartment (S13).

[0079] Next, the passenger terminal 30 acquires its own radio wave strength by receiving radio waves that are radio wave strength acquisition requests from the server device 20. Specifically, the passenger terminal 30 acquires radio wave strength information indicating the radio wave strength with each of the at least three transmitters 11 by receiving radio waves that are radio wave strength acquisition requests transmitted from the transmitters 11, and transmits each acquired radio wave strength information to the server device 20 (S14).

[0080] Next, the calculation unit 21 of the server device 20 calculates the distances between the passenger terminal 30 and the at least three transmitters 11 based on the at least three pieces of radio wave intensity information acquired from the passenger terminal 30 (S15).

[0081] Next, the calculation unit 21 calculates the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 in the passenger cabin based on the calculated at least three distances (S16).

[0082] Next, the calculation unit 21 transmits the calculated position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 to the passenger terminal 30 (S17).

[0083] Next, the estimation unit 33 of the passenger terminal 30 acquires the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 from the server device 20. The estimation unit 33 estimates the seat position of the passenger terminal 30 based on the acquired position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 and the in-flight map stored in the memory 32. Specifically, since the seat position of the passenger terminal 30 is specified by the passenger's seat number, the estimation unit 33 estimates the seat number, which is the position of the passenger terminal 30 on the in-flight map, by superimposing the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 on the in-flight map (S18).

[0084] Next, the authentication unit 34 determines whether or not the seat number indicated by the seat information acquired from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12 matches the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 in step S18.

[0085] For example, if the seat number indicated by the seat information acquired from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12 does not match the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 in step S18, the estimation by the estimation unit 33 in step S18 may be incorrect. If the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number indicated by the seat information acquired from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12 does not match the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 in step S18, it determines that authentication has failed and does not permit connection to the server device 20. The position estimation system 1 may display on the passenger terminal 30 a message that the seat numbers do not match, or may end the processing of the sequence diagram of FIG. 4 and start over from the beginning.

[0086] If the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number indicated by the seat information obtained from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12 matches the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 in step S18 (S19), it determines whether the seat number at the time of reservation stored in memory 32, the seat number indicated by the seat information obtained from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12, and the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 in step S18 match.

[0087] For example, if the seat number at the time of reservation stored in memory 32, the seat number indicated by the seat information acquired from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12, and the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 in step S18 do not match, the estimation by the estimation unit 33 in step S18 may be incorrect. Therefore, if the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number at the time of reservation stored in memory 32, the seat number indicated by the seat information acquired from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12, and the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 in step S18 do not match, the authentication unit 34 determines that authentication has failed and does not permit connection to the server device 20. The location estimation system 1 may display on the passenger terminal 30 a message that the seat number at the time of reservation and the current seat number are different, or may end the processing of the sequence diagram of FIG. 4 and start over from the beginning.

[0088] If the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number at the time of reservation stored in the memory 32, the seat number indicated by the seat information obtained from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12, and the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 in step S18 match (S20), the passenger terminal 30 sends an authentication result to the IFE terminal 10 indicating that the authentication was successful and that connection to the server device 20 is permitted (S21).

[0089] Next, the IFE terminal 10 displays the authentication result obtained from the passenger terminal 30, indicating that connection to the server device 20 is permitted (S22). This allows the passenger to recognize that authentication has been permitted by the IFE system, i.e., that the passenger has been able to log in to the IFE system.

[0090] <Operation Example 2> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an operation example 2 of the mobile terminal 3, the position estimation system 1, and the method and program for estimating the position of the mobile terminal 3 will be described.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a second operation example of the position estimation system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0092] In this operation example, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] First, after steps S11 to S19, the process proceeds to step S21. That is, in this operation example, step S20 in FIG. 4 is not executed, and step S21 is executed after step S19.

[0094] Then, in step S22, the IFE terminal 10 displays the authentication result that connection to the server device 20 is permitted, so that the passenger can recognize that authentication has been permitted by the IFE system, i.e., that he or she has been able to log in to the IFE system.

[0095] <Operation Example 3> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an operation example 3 of the mobile terminal 3, the position estimation system 1, and the method and program for estimating the position of the mobile terminal 3 will be described.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a third operation example of the position estimation system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0097] In this operation example, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0098] First, in order for a passenger of a moving object to receive services from the IFE system, the IFE terminal 10 makes an authentication request in the background to the passenger terminal 30. As a result, the IFE terminal 10 executes an authentication mode and transmits an authentication request to the server device 20 to authenticate the passenger terminal 30 (S11a).

[0099] Next, when the server device 20 receives an authentication request from the IFE terminal 10, it executes step S13. After that, through steps S14 to S18, the authentication unit 34 of the passenger terminal 30 determines whether the seat number at the time of reservation stored in the memory 32 matches the seat number estimated in step S18.

[0100] If the authentication unit 34 determines that the seat number at the time of reservation stored in the memory 32 matches the seat number estimated in step S18 (S19a), the passenger terminal 30 sends an authentication result to the IFE terminal 10 permitting connection to the server device 20 (S21).

[0101] Then, in step S22, the IFE terminal 10 displays the authentication result that connection to the server device 20 is permitted, so that the passenger can recognize that authentication has been permitted by the IFE system, i.e., that he or she has been able to log in to the IFE system.

[0102] (First Modification of the Embodiment) Next, a first modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In this modification, the same components and functions as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0103] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a position estimation system 1a according to the first modification of the embodiment.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the authentication unit 34 is mounted on the passenger terminal 30 is illustrated, but this modification is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7 , the passenger terminal 30 may have a first authentication unit 34a instead of the authentication unit 34, in addition to the communication unit 31, the estimation unit 33, and the memory 32. Furthermore, the server device 20a may further have a second authentication unit 22 in addition to the calculation unit 21. The first authentication unit 34a is an example of an authentication unit.

[0105] The first authentication unit 34a of the passenger terminal 30 may acquire the seat number at the time of reserving the seat in the passenger's vehicle from the memory 32. In this case, the first authentication unit 34a may perform primary authentication by determining whether the seat number at the time of reservation matches the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21.

[0106] When the first authentication unit 34a determines that the seat number at the time of reservation matches the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21, the first authentication unit 34a may determine that the authentication is successful and generate an authentication result that permits connection to the server device 20a. When the authentication unit 34 permits connection to the server device 20a, the passenger becomes able to use passenger services from the passenger terminal 30.

[0107] On the other hand, the first authentication unit 34a determines that the authentication has failed if it determines that the seat number at the time of reservation does not match the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21. In this case, the passenger will have to perform authentication from the beginning.

[0108] When the first authentication unit 34a obtains an authentication result in which connection to the server device 20a is permitted in the primary authentication, the second authentication unit 22 of the server device 20a may acquire the seat number stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10 from the IFE terminal 10 at the time of authentication. In this case, the second authentication unit 22 may perform secondary authentication to determine whether or not the seat number stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10, the seat number at the time of reservation, and the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 match. In other words, the second authentication unit 22 may perform secondary authentication after the first authentication unit 34a performs primary authentication.

[0109] Specifically, as the secondary authentication, if the second authentication unit 22 determines that the seat number stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10, the seat number at the time of reservation, and the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 match, the second authentication unit 22 may determine that the authentication is successful and generate an authentication result that permits connection to the server device 20a. When the first authentication unit 34a permits connection to the server device 20a, passenger services can be used from the passenger terminal 30.

[0110] On the other hand, if the second authentication unit 22 determines that the seat number stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10, the seat number at the time of reservation, and the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 calculated by the calculation unit 21 do not match, the second authentication unit 22 determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the passenger will have to perform authentication from the beginning.

[0111] <Operation Example> Next, an operation example of the position estimation system 1a, the position estimation method and program for the mobile terminal 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0112] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the position estimation system 1a according to the first modification of the embodiment.

[0113] In this operation example, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0114] First, after step S11, the IFE terminal 10 executes the authentication mode and then transmits seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger to the server device 20a (S12a).

[0115] Next, after steps S13 to S18, the first authentication unit 34a of the passenger terminal 30 determines whether the seat number at the time of reservation stored in the memory 32 matches the seat number estimated in step S18.

[0116] If the first authentication unit 34a determines that the seat number at the time of reservation stored in the memory 32 matches the seat number estimated in step S18 (S19a), the passenger terminal 30 transmits the authentication result of step S19a to the server device 20a (S19b). The authentication result of step S19a includes the seat number estimated in step S18 and the seat number at the time of reservation stored in the memory 32.

[0117] If the first authentication unit 34a determines that the seat number at the time of reservation stored in the memory 32 does not match the seat number estimated in step S18, it does not permit connection to the server device 20a from the passenger terminal 30. In this case, the position estimation system 1a may display on the passenger terminal 30 a message that the seat numbers are different, or may end the processing of the sequence diagram of FIG. 8 and start again from the beginning.

[0118] Next, the server device 20a determines whether the seat number at the time of reservation, the seat number indicated by the seat information acquired from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12a, and the seat number estimated in step S18 match.

[0119] If the server device 20a determines that the seat number at the time of reservation, the seat number indicated by the seat information obtained from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12a, and the seat number estimated in step S18 match (S20a), it sends an authentication result to the IFE terminal 10 permitting connection to the server device 20a (S21a).

[0120] Then, in step S22, the IFE terminal 10 displays the authentication result indicating that connection to the server device 20a is permitted, so that the passenger can recognize that authentication has been permitted by the IFE system, i.e., that he or she has been able to log in to the IFE system.

[0121] (Modification 2 of the embodiment) Next, Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In this modification, the same configurations and functions as those of the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a position estimation system 1b according to the second modification of the embodiment.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the authentication unit 22b is mounted on the passenger terminal 30b, but this modification is not limited to this. The server device 20b may further include the authentication unit 22b in addition to the calculation unit 21. Furthermore, the passenger terminal 30b may not include the authentication unit and the first authentication unit, but may include the communication unit 31, the estimation unit 33, and the memory 32.

[0124] In this modified example, the communication unit 31 of the passenger terminal 30b transmits the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30b calculated by the calculation unit 21 to the server device 20b.

[0125] The authentication unit 22b of the server device 20b may acquire, at the time of authentication, from the IFE terminal 10, the seat number that is stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10. Furthermore, the authentication unit 22b may acquire, from the passenger terminal 30b, the seat number that is estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30b calculated by the calculation unit 21. In this case, the authentication unit 22b may perform secondary authentication in which it is determined whether or not the seat number that is stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10 matches the seat number that is estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30b calculated by the calculation unit 21.

[0126] Specifically, when the authentication unit 22b determines that the seat number stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10 matches the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30b calculated by the calculation unit 21, the authentication unit 22b may determine that the authentication is successful and generate an authentication result that permits connection to the server device 20b. When the authentication unit 22b permits connection to the server device 20b, passenger services can be used from the passenger terminal 30b.

[0127] On the other hand, if the authentication unit 22b determines that the seat number stored in advance in the IFE terminal 10 does not match the seat number estimated by the estimation unit 33 based on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30b calculated by the calculation unit 21, the authentication unit 22b determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the passenger will have to go through authentication from the beginning.

[0128] <Operation Example> Next, an operation example of the position estimation system 1b, the position estimation method and program for the mobile terminal 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0129] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the position estimation system 1b according to the second modification of the embodiment.

[0130] In this operation example, the same processes as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0131] First, after steps S11 to S18, the process proceeds to step S19b. In other words, in this operation example, after step S18 is completed without executing step S19a in Fig. 8, the passenger terminal 30b transmits the seat number estimated in step S18 to the server device 20b (S19c).

[0132] If the server device 20b determines that the seat number indicated by the seat information obtained from the IFE terminal 10 in step S12a matches the seat number estimated in step S18 (S20b), it sends an authentication result to the IFE terminal 10 permitting connection to the server device 20b (S21a).

[0133] Then, in step S22, the IFE terminal 10 displays the authentication result that connection to the server device 20b is permitted, so the passenger can recognize that authentication has been permitted by the IFE system, i.e., that he or she has been able to log in to the IFE system.

[0134] <Operational Effects> Next, operational effects of the passenger terminals 30, 30b and the position estimation method and program for the portable terminal 3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0135] As described above, the mobile terminal 3 of technology 1 relating to this embodiment is a mobile terminal located in the passenger cabin of a mobile body, and includes at least three transmitters 11 that emit radio waves and are provided on the mobile body, an acquisition unit (communication unit 31) that calculates the distance between each of the three transmitters 11 and the mobile terminal 3 and acquires the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal 3 within the passenger cabin, a memory 32 that stores an in-flight map that has previously mapped the passenger cabin, and an estimation unit 33 that estimates the position of the mobile terminal 3 on the in-flight map by superimposing the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal 3 on the in-flight map, and the memory 32 and the estimation unit 33 are provided in the mobile terminal 3.

[0136] This makes it possible to estimate the position of the passenger terminal 30 in the cabin by superimposing the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 on the in-flight map, without performing complex processing on the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30. Therefore, even if the number of passenger terminals 30 is large, it is possible to easily estimate the position coordinates of the passenger terminal 30 by simply superimposing the position coordinates of the multiple passenger terminals 30 on the in-flight map.

[0137] Therefore, with this mobile terminal 3, it is possible to prevent the processing from becoming complicated and reduce the processing load.

[0138] Furthermore, the position estimation systems 1, 1a, and 1b of Technique 2 according to the present embodiment include a mobile terminal 3 and at least three transmitters 11 that are provided in a mobile object and emit radio waves.

[0139] The position estimation systems 1, 1a, and 1b also provide the same effects as those described above.

[0140] Furthermore, in the position estimation systems 1 and 1a of technique 3 according to this embodiment, the memory 32 further stores seat information indicating seats reserved by passengers present in the passenger cabin, and further includes an authentication unit 34 that compares the position of the mobile terminal 3 estimated by the estimation unit 33 with the seat information indicating the seats reserved by the passengers, and authenticates whether the position of the mobile terminal 3 matches the seat information indicating the seats reserved by the passengers.

[0141] This makes it possible to determine whether authentication is successful or unsuccessful depending on whether the seat information at the time of the passenger's reservation matches the location of the mobile terminal 3 estimated by the estimation unit 33. This makes it possible to save the passenger, for example, the trouble of having to input and remember a PIN code, ID, and password, which are more complicated than the seat information, during authentication.

[0142] Furthermore, since it is possible to suppress an increase in the effort required for passengers to input these information, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of operation by passengers on the position estimation systems 1 and 1 a, and to suppress an increase in energy consumption in the position estimation systems 1 and 1 a. In particular, when there are a large number of passengers, it is expected that an increase in energy consumption will be further suppressed.

[0143] Furthermore, in the location estimation system 1, 1a of Technology 4 relating to this embodiment, if the location of the mobile terminal 3 matches the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger, the authentication unit 34 permits connection from the mobile terminal 3 to the mobile object management system (server device 20, 20a).

[0144] This makes it possible to automatically determine whether the automatically estimated position of the passenger terminal 30 matches the seat information stored in the memory 32 of the passenger terminal 30. This eliminates the need for passengers to enter and memorize complex PIN codes, IDs, and passwords. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption in the position estimation system 1, 1a. In particular, when there are a large number of passengers, it is expected that an increase in energy consumption will be further suppressed.

[0145] Furthermore, in the position estimation systems 1 and 1b of technology 5 according to this embodiment, a guest room terminal (IFE terminal 10) that attempts to connect to the management system (server device 20 and 20b) is disposed in each of a plurality of seats provided in the mobile body, and an authentication unit 34 and 22b are further provided that compares the passenger's seat number acquired from the guest room terminal (IFE terminal 10) with the position of the mobile terminal 3 estimated by the estimation unit 33, and authenticates whether the passenger's seat number and the position of the mobile terminal 3 match.

[0146] This makes it possible to determine whether authentication is successful or unsuccessful depending on whether the seat number stored in the IFE terminal 10 matches the position of the passenger terminal 30, 30b estimated by the estimation unit 33. This makes it possible to save passengers the trouble of having to input and remember a PIN code, ID, and password, which are more complicated than seat information, during authentication, for example.

[0147] Furthermore, passengers can be saved from the trouble of inputting and memorizing complex PIN codes, IDs, and passwords. As a result, an increase in energy consumption in the location estimation systems 1 and 1b can be suppressed. In particular, when there are a large number of passengers, it is expected that an increase in energy consumption can be further suppressed.

[0148] Furthermore, in the position estimation systems 1 and 1b of Technology 6 according to this embodiment, if the passenger's seat number matches the position of the mobile terminal 3 estimated by the estimation unit 33, the authentication unit 34 and 22b permits connection from the mobile terminal 3 to the mobile object management system (server device 20 and 20b).

[0149] This makes it possible to determine whether the seat number stored in the IFE terminal 10 matches the automatically estimated location of the passenger terminal 30, 30b. This eliminates the need for passengers to input and memorize complex PIN codes, IDs, and passwords. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption in the location estimation system 1, 1b. In particular, when there are a large number of passengers, it is expected that an increase in energy consumption will be further suppressed.

[0150] Furthermore, in the position estimation system 1 of technique 7 relating to this embodiment, the memory 32 further stores seat information indicating seats reserved by passengers present in the passenger cabin, and the authentication unit 34 compares the position of the mobile terminal 3 estimated by the estimation unit 33, the seat information indicating the seats reserved by the passengers, and the passenger's seat number acquired from the passenger cabin terminal (IFE terminal 10), and further authenticates whether the position of the mobile terminal 3, the seat information indicating the seats reserved by the passengers, and the passenger's seat number match.

[0151] This allows the success or failure of authentication to be determined depending on whether the seat information at the time of the passenger's reservation, the seat number stored in the IFE terminal 10, and the location of the passenger terminal 30 estimated by the estimation unit 33 match. This makes it possible to identify the passenger's location with greater accuracy. As a result, it becomes possible to provide an appropriate service to a passenger who requests the service, making it less likely that the service will be provided to a different passenger by mistake.

[0152] Furthermore, it is possible to save passengers the trouble of inputting and memorizing complex PIN codes, IDs, and passwords, which in turn reduces the increase in energy consumption in the location estimation system 1. In particular, when there are a large number of passengers, it is expected that the increase in energy consumption will be further reduced.

[0153] Furthermore, in the position estimation system 1 of Technology 8 relating to this embodiment, the authentication unit 34 allows the mobile terminal 3 to connect to the mobile object management system (server device 20) if the position of the mobile terminal 3, the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger, and the passenger's seat number match.

[0154] This saves passengers the trouble of having to input and remember complex PIN codes, IDs, and passwords, thereby reducing the increase in energy consumption in the location estimation system 1. In particular, when there are a large number of passengers, it is expected that the increase in energy consumption will be further reduced.

[0155] Furthermore, in the position estimation system 1, 1b of technique 9 relating to this embodiment, when the authentication unit 34, 22b permits connection, the mobile terminal 3 can connect to the management system (server device 20, 20b) and use passenger services.

[0156] This allows passengers to request the provision of passenger services using their familiar private passenger terminals 30, 30b without using the IFE terminal 10.

[0157] Furthermore, in the position estimation system 1a of technique 10 relating to this embodiment, the authentication unit includes a first authentication unit 34a, and further includes a second authentication unit 22 that compares the position of the mobile terminal 3 estimated by the estimation unit 33, seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger, and the passenger's seat number acquired from the guest room terminal (IFE terminal 10) placed at the seat, and further authenticates whether the position of the mobile terminal 3, the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger, and the passenger's seat number match.

[0158] This allows the success or failure of authentication to be determined depending on whether the seat information at the time of the passenger's reservation, the seat number stored in the IFE terminal 10, and the location of the passenger terminal 30 estimated by the estimation unit 33 match. This makes it possible to identify the passenger's location with greater accuracy. As a result, it becomes possible to provide an appropriate service to a passenger who requests the service, making it less likely that the service will be provided to a different passenger by mistake.

[0159] Furthermore, passengers can be saved from the trouble of inputting and memorizing complex PIN codes, IDs, and passwords. As a result, an increase in energy consumption in the location estimation system 1a can be suppressed. In particular, when there are a large number of passengers, it is expected that an increase in energy consumption can be further suppressed.

[0160] Furthermore, in the position estimation system 1a of technique 11 relating to this embodiment, the second authentication unit 22 permits connection from the mobile terminal 3 to the mobile object management system (server device 20a) when the position of the mobile terminal 3, the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger, and the passenger's seat number match.

[0161] This eliminates the need for passengers to input and memorize complex PIN codes, IDs, and passwords. As a result, the increase in energy consumption in the location estimation system 1a can be suppressed. In particular, when there are a large number of passengers, it is expected that the increase in energy consumption can be further suppressed.

[0162] Furthermore, in the position estimation system 1a of technique 12 relating to this embodiment, when the second authentication unit 22 permits connection, the mobile terminal 3 can connect to the management system (server device 20a) and use passenger services.

[0163] This allows passengers to request the provision of passenger services using their familiar private passenger terminals 30 without using the IFE terminals 10.

[0164] In addition, in the position estimation systems 1, 1a, and 1b of technology 13 relating to this embodiment, the cabin terminal can be switched between a communication mode in which it cooperates with the portable terminal 3 carried by the passenger, and an anchor mode in which it emits radio waves to the portable terminal 3.

[0165] According to this, by switching the IFE terminal 10 between the communication mode and the anchor mode, it is expected that the accuracy of detecting the position of the passenger terminal 30 within a specific range in the passenger room will be improved as needed. In particular, by increasing the number of IFE terminals 10 in the anchor mode, it is expected that the accuracy of detecting the position of the passenger terminal 30 will be further improved.

[0166] Furthermore, the position estimation method for a mobile terminal 3 according to technique 14 of this embodiment is a position estimation method for a mobile terminal 3 present in the cabin of a mobile body, and includes calculating the distance between the mobile terminal 3 and each of at least three transmitters 11 that emit radio waves and are provided on the mobile body, acquiring the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal 3 in the cabin by an acquisition unit (communication unit 31), storing in a memory 32 an in-flight map that maps the cabin in advance, and superimposing the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal 3 on the in-flight map, thereby estimating the position of the mobile terminal 3 on the in-flight map by an estimation unit 33.

[0167] This method for estimating the position of the portable terminal 3 also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0168] The program of technique 15 according to the present embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute the method for estimating the position of the mobile terminal 3 .

[0169] This program also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0170] (Other Modifications) The mobile terminal, the location estimation system, the mobile terminal location estimation method, and the program according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of to the embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0171] For example, in the position estimation system according to the above embodiment, the terminal holder may be provided with a detection unit capable of detecting that the passenger terminal 30 has been placed on it, or a communication interface that is connected to the placed passenger terminal 30 so as to be capable of short-range wireless communication or wired communication. The terminal holder may also have a contactless power supply function that supplies power to the placed passenger terminal 30 in a contactless manner.

[0172] Furthermore, in the position estimation system according to the above embodiment, a UWB anchor may be further disposed on the mobile body. In this case, the acoustic device provided on the mobile body may be integrated with the UWB anchor. This allows the acoustic device to be used as a ranging anchor, eliminating the need to dispose a separate UWB anchor on the mobile body.

[0173] Furthermore, in the position estimation system according to the above embodiment, the position of the passenger terminal 30 has been described, but it is also possible to determine the position of the crew terminal 130. In this case, by determining the position of the crew terminal 130, it is possible to determine the position of the crew present in the mobile object, which can be useful in creating a service procedure for providing services in response to passenger requests.

[0174] In the position estimation system according to the above embodiment, the memory of the passenger terminal may be mounted on the server device, or the memory may be mounted on both the passenger terminal and the server device.

[0175] Furthermore, the estimation unit, calculation unit, authentication unit, and the like included in the position estimation system according to the above-described embodiment are typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These units may be individually implemented as single chips, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0176] Furthermore, the integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used.

[0177] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0178] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or time-shared by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0179] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and other orders may be used. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0180] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments that a person skilled in the art may think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure.

[0181] The mobile terminal, position estimation system, mobile terminal position estimation method, and program disclosed herein are useful in fields where services are provided in mobile vehicles, such as crew members providing food and drink to passengers, crew members providing merchandise to passengers, crew members providing amenities to passengers, and rental of equipment.

[0182] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1a, 1b Position estimation system 3 Portable terminal 10 IFE terminal (cabin terminal) 11 Transmitter 20, 20a, 20b Server device (management system) 22 Second authentication unit 22b, 34 Authentication unit 30, 30b Passenger terminal (portable terminal) 31 Communication unit (acquisition unit) 32 Memory 33 Estimation unit 34a First authentication unit 130 Crew terminal (portable terminal)

Claims

1. A mobile terminal located in the cabin of a mobile body, comprising: an acquisition unit that calculates the distance between the mobile terminal and each of at least three transmitters that emit radio waves installed in the mobile body and acquires the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal in the cabin; a memory that stores an in-flight map that maps the cabin in advance; and an estimation unit that estimates the position of the mobile terminal on the in-flight map by superimposing the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal on the in-flight map, wherein the memory and the estimation unit are installed in the mobile terminal.

2. A location estimation system comprising: the mobile terminal according to claim 1; and at least three transmitters that emit radio waves and are provided on the mobile object.

3. The position estimation system of claim 2, wherein the memory further stores seat information indicating seats reserved by passengers present in the passenger cabin, and further comprises an authentication unit that compares the position of the mobile device estimated by the estimation unit with the seat information indicating the seats reserved by the passengers, and authenticates whether the position of the mobile device matches the seat information indicating the seats reserved by the passengers.

4. The location estimation system of claim 3, wherein the authentication unit allows the mobile terminal to connect to the mobile object management system if the location of the mobile terminal matches the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger.

5. A position estimation system as described in claim 2, wherein a cabin terminal is disposed in each of a plurality of seats in the mobile body, and the system attempts to connect to the management system of the mobile body; and the system further comprises an authentication unit that compares the passenger's seat number obtained from the cabin terminal with the position of the mobile terminal estimated by the estimation unit, and authenticates whether the passenger's seat number and the position of the mobile terminal match.

6. The position estimation system according to claim 5, wherein the authentication unit permits the mobile terminal to connect to the mobile object management system if the passenger's seat number matches the position of the mobile terminal estimated by the estimation unit.

7. The position estimation system of claim 5, wherein the memory further stores seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger in the passenger cabin, and the authentication unit compares the position of the mobile terminal estimated by the estimation unit with the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger and the passenger's seat number obtained from the passenger cabin terminal, and further authenticates whether the position of the mobile terminal, the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger and the passenger's seat number match.

8. The location estimation system of claim 7, wherein the authentication unit allows the mobile terminal to connect to the management system of the moving object if the location of the mobile terminal matches the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger and the passenger's seat number.

9. The position estimation system according to any one of claims 4, 6 and 8, wherein passenger services can be used from the mobile terminal when the authentication unit permits the connection.

10. The position estimation system of claim 3, wherein the authentication unit includes a first authentication unit, and further includes a second authentication unit that compares the position of the mobile device estimated by the estimation unit with the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger and the seat number of the passenger obtained from a cabin terminal located at the seat, and further authenticates whether the position of the mobile device, the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger and the seat number of the passenger match.

11. The location estimation system described in claim 10, wherein the second authentication unit allows the mobile terminal to connect to the mobile object management system if the location of the mobile terminal, the seat information indicating the seat reserved by the passenger, and the passenger's seat number match.

12. The position estimation system according to claim 11, wherein passenger services can be used from the mobile terminal when the second authentication unit permits the connection.

13. A location estimation system as described in any one of claims 5 to 8 and 11, wherein the cabin terminal can be switched between a communication mode that allows communication with the portable terminal carried by the passenger, and an anchor mode that emits radio waves to the portable terminal.

14. A method for estimating the position of a mobile terminal present in a passenger cabin of a mobile body, comprising: calculating the distance between the mobile terminal and each of at least three transmitters that emit radio waves and are provided on the mobile body; acquiring the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal in the passenger cabin using an acquisition unit; storing in a memory an in-flight map that maps the passenger cabin in advance; and overlaying the calculated position coordinates of the mobile terminal on the in-flight map, thereby estimating the position of the mobile terminal on the in-flight map using an estimation unit.

15. A program for causing a computer to execute the mobile terminal location estimation method according to claim 14.

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