Location information management device, method, and program, and location information management system

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a location information storage unit (21) which receives and stores location information outputted from a portable location information detection device (10); and a control unit (23) which performs control such that the location information stored in the location information storage unit (21) is not output to a user of the location information detection device (10).

Description

Position Information Management Device, Method, Program, and Position Information Management System

[0001] The present invention relates to a position information management device, method, program, and position information management system for managing position information detected by a position information detection device.

[0002] Conventionally, a position information detection device that detects position information using a GPS function has been proposed. Systems for preventing theft by providing a position information detection device in a vehicle or the like, and systems for preventing a person from getting lost by having a position information detection device carried by an elderly person or a child have been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). As the position information detection device, for example, a small and easily portable device such as an IC tag has been proposed.

[0003] In the conventional system, the position information detected by the position information detection device is transmitted to the owner of the position information detection device, and the owner can confirm the position of the stolen vehicle or the missing person by checking the position information and report it to the police or the like.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-110327, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-122082, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-059226

[0005] However, since the position information detection device as described above is available to anyone, there is a possibility that there will be people who misuse it, rather than for the original purposes of theft prevention, missing person prevention, and lost item prevention.

[0006] For example, a malicious user may install a position information detection device on a vehicle of another person instead of their own vehicle and use it for a vehicle theft plan by checking the position information. Or, a malicious user may install a position information detection device on the belongings of a certain person without the person's knowledge for the purpose of stalking the person.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a position information management device, method, program, and position information management system that can prevent the misuse of a position information detection device such as an IC tag.

[0008] The location information management device of the present invention comprises a location information storage unit that receives and stores location information output from a portable location information detection device, and a control unit that controls the location information stored in the location information storage unit so as not to be output to the user of the location information detection device.

[0009] According to the location information management device of the present invention, location information output from a portable location information detection device is received and stored, and the stored location information is not output to the user of the location information detection device, thereby preventing misuse of the location information detection device.

[0010] A block diagram showing the schematic configuration of one embodiment of the location information management system of the present invention. A diagram showing an example of a table associating identification information of a user terminal device, user information, identification information of a location information detection device, and location information. A flowchart illustrating the processing flow of one embodiment of the location information management system of the present invention.

[0011] Hereinafter, a location information management system using one embodiment of the location information management device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the location information management system 1 of this embodiment.

[0012] The location information management system 1 of this embodiment is a system that can prevent the misuse of, for example, the theft prevention tag IC and the child loss prevention tag IC mentioned above.

[0013] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the location information management system 1 of this embodiment comprises a location information detection device 10, a location information management device 20, a terminal device 30 for the user of the location information detection device 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the user terminal device 30), and an operator terminal device 40. The user of the location information detection device 10 refers to the actual user, and includes, for example, the purchaser of the location information detection device 10, the person who registered the location information detection device 10 as a user, the installer of the location information detection device 10, the owner of the location information detection device 10, and those to whom it has been transferred or lent. Furthermore, the term "user" is not limited to individuals but also includes organizations.

[0014] The location information detection device 10 and the location information management device 20, and the location information management device 20 and the user terminal device 30 are connected by wireless or wired communication lines, and are configured to communicate with each other. Telephone lines or internet lines can be used as communication lines.

[0015] Furthermore, the location information management device 20 and the operator terminal device 40 are connected by a communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and are configured to communicate with each other.

[0016] Although Figure 1 only shows one location information detection device 10 and one user terminal device 30, in reality, the location information management system 1 includes multiple combinations of location information detection devices 10 and user terminal devices 30. The location information management device 20 stores and manages the location information and its identification information detected by each location information detection device 10, as well as the identification information of each user terminal device 30, in association with each other. The management of location information for each location information detection device 10 will be described in detail later.

[0017] The location information detection device 10 has a location detection function such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and outputs the location information detected by the location detection function to the location information management device 20 using a known communication line. The location detection method used by the location information detection device 10 may be a location detection method using information such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or any known location detection method may be used. Furthermore, a low-power long-range communication (LPWA) communication line is preferable, but mobile communication such as 5G or 4G, or short-range communication such as Bluetooth may also be used.

[0018] The location information detection device 10 is configured, for example, as an IC tag and installed in a vehicle such as an automobile or motorcycle, and used as an anti-theft IC tag. The IC tag of the location information detection device 10 can also be carried by the elderly or children, or attached to pets such as cats or dogs, and used as an IC tag to prevent them from getting lost. Furthermore, the IC tag of the location information detection device 10 can be attached to the belongings of the user of the user terminal device 30 (for example, a laptop computer, tablet, bag, or suitcase), and used as an IC tag to prevent theft and loss.

[0019] The location information detection device 10 is not limited to IC tags; it may also be configured as a small terminal device or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) plug-in type. It may also be incorporated into other devices, or the location information detection device 10 may be configured by installing software that performs the functions of the location information detection device 10 on a predetermined device. In short, the location information detection device 10 can be configured in any way as long as it has a location information detection function and a function to notify the location information management device 20 of that location information.

[0020] Furthermore, as described above, the location information detection device 10 and the user terminal device 30 are linked by pairing or other means. The number of location information detection devices 10 linked to a single user terminal device 30 is not limited to one; multiple devices may be linked.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the location information management device 20 includes a location information storage unit 21, a notification reception unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0022] The location information storage unit 21 receives and stores location information output from the location information detection device 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the location information storage unit 21 has a table pre-stored in which the identification information and user information of each user terminal device 30 are associated with the identification information of each location information detection device 10 paired with each user terminal device 30.

[0023] The location information storage unit 21 then receives the identification information and location information output from each location information detection device 10, and based on the identification information, stores the location information of each location information detection device 10 in association with the identification information and user information of each user terminal device 30, as shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the identification information of each user terminal device 30 is used, but this is not limited to this, and for example, account information for logging into the location information management device 20 (including the user information of the account) may be stored in association with the identification information and location information of each location information detection device 10. This makes it possible to associate the logged-in user with the identification information and location information of the location information detection device 10 even when logging in from a terminal device other than the user terminal device 30.

[0024] The notification reception unit 22 receives notifications output from each user terminal device 30. Examples of notifications include information about the theft of an item to which a location information detection device 10 is installed, or information about a person who is missing and carrying a location information detection device 10.

[0025] When a notification is received by the notification reception unit 22, the control unit 23 reads the location information of the location information detection device 10 stored in the location information storage unit 21 and outputs it to an output destination other than the user terminal device 30.

[0026] Specifically, the control unit 23 in this embodiment refers to the table shown in Figure 2 based on the notification and identification information output from each user terminal device 30, and reads and obtains the location information associated with that user terminal device 30 from the location information storage unit 21. The control unit 23 then displays this location information on the monitor of the operator terminal device 40 used by the operator. When the control unit 23 displays the location information on the monitor of the operator terminal device 40, it also displays the user information of the user terminal device 30. The operator confirms the location information and user information displayed on the monitor and contacts the police station to convey that information.

[0027] When storing account information in the table shown in Figure 2, the control unit 23 refers to the table shown in Figure 2 based on the notification output from each user terminal device 30 and its account information, and reads and obtains the location information associated with that account information from the location information storage unit 21. The control unit 23 then displays the location information and the user information contained in the account information on the monitor of the operator terminal device 40 used by the operator. In other words, the control unit 23 outputs the location information to an output destination other than the terminal device that was logged in using the above account information.

[0028] The destinations to which location information can be output include, for example, public institutions such as the police, local governments, administrative bodies and the military, corporations such as security companies, the organization operating this system, and individuals other than specially contracted users.

[0029] The location information management device 20 is composed of a computer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), semiconductor memory, hard disk, and communication interface.

[0030] An embodiment of the location information management program of the present invention is installed in the semiconductor memory or hard disk of the location information management device 20. The functions of each of the above-mentioned parts are realized when the location information management program is executed by the control unit 23 equipped with a CPU. In this embodiment, the functions of each of the above-mentioned parts are realized by the location information management program as described above, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and some or all of the functions may be composed of hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other electrical circuits.

[0031] Next, the user terminal device 30 will be described.

[0032] The user terminal device 30 includes a CPU, semiconductor memory, hard disk, and communication interface. The user terminal device 30 can consist of, for example, a tablet, smartphone, desktop computer, or notebook computer.

[0033] An application (program) for the location information detection device 10 is installed on the semiconductor memory or hard disk of the user terminal device 30. The user launches the application using the user terminal device 30 and inputs their information. This information includes, for example, the user's name, address, telephone number, and other contact information.

[0034] Then, the user information and the identification information of the user terminal device 30 are output to the location information management device 20 by the functions of the above application and registered in the table shown in Figure 2.

[0035] Furthermore, through the functions of the above application, the aforementioned notification is input by the user and output to the location information management device 20.

[0036] In this embodiment, an application installed on the user terminal device 30 is used, but the system is not limited to this; a web service running on a browser may also be used.

[0037] Next, the processing flow of the location information management system 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 3. Here, we will explain the case where the location information detection device 10 is an anti-theft IC tag.

[0038] First, the user of the location information detection device 10 starts the application on the user terminal device 30, inputs their own information and the identification information of the location information detection device 10 using the functions of the application, and outputs the user's information and the identification information of the location information detection device 10 from the user terminal device 30 to the location information management device 20, which stores it in the location information storage unit 21 (S10).

[0039] The user then installs the location information detection device 10 on their vehicle or other personal belongings (S12). It is desirable to install it in a way that it is concealed and not visible from the outside. The location information detection device 10 then detects the location information of the personal belongings (S14), and this location information, along with the identification information of the location information detection device 10, is output to the location information management device 20.

[0040] The location information and identification information output from the location information detection device 10 are received by the location information management device 20. The location information management device 20 then refers to the identification information of the location information detection device 10 that is pre-stored in the location information storage unit 21 and stores the location information linked to the same identification information as the received identification information (S16). The location information detection device 10 continues to detect location information, and the detected location information is sequentially stored in the location information storage unit 21.

[0041] Then, if the user of the location information detection device 10 becomes aware that their belongings, such as a vehicle, have been stolen (S18), they activate the application on the user terminal device 30, input that their belongings have been stolen, and use the application's functions to notify the location information management device 20, while the identification information of the user terminal device 30 is output to the location information management device 20 (S20). The notification output from the user terminal device 30 is then received by the notification reception unit 22 of the location information management device 20 (S22).

[0042] Furthermore, the user of the location information detection device 10 files a theft report with the police station (S24), which is accepted by the police station (S26). The user may also file a theft report with the police station before making a report from the user terminal device 30. In this case, the information of the police station to which the theft report was filed may be included in the report output from the user terminal device 30.

[0043] When a report is received by the report reception unit 22, the control unit 23 of the location information management device 20 refers to the identification information received along with the report and reads and obtains the location information and user information (name, contact information, etc.) linked to the identification information stored in the location information storage unit 21 (S28).

[0044] Then, the control unit 23 causes the acquired position information and the user information to be displayed on the monitor of the operator terminal device 40 (S30). The operator checks the position information and the user information displayed on the monitor and contacts the police station to convey the information (S32). At this time, since there is a possibility that the person who filed the theft report may misuse the position information, it is desirable to also convey the caution not to convey the position information to the person who filed the theft report.

[0045] The police station that has received the report from the operator checks whether a theft report has been filed by the reported user, and if a theft report has been filed, searches for the belongings based on the reported position information (S34).

[0046] Note that it is desirable to transmit the position information to the police not only once but also to contact and notify, or to create a dedicated site for the police and post it so that the police can check it in real time. Regarding the dedicated site for the police, it is desirable to issue a dedicated account and password for each position information detection device 10 as needed.

[0047] According to the position information management system 1 of the above embodiment, when receiving a report output from the user terminal device 30, the position information of the position information detection device 10 stored in the position information storage unit 21 is read out, and the position information is not output to the user but is output to an output destination other than the user terminal device 30 (for example, the operator terminal device 40). Therefore, for example, if the user is a misuser, the position information is output to an output destination other than the misuser's terminal device, so that the misuse of the position information can be prevented.

[0048] For example, explain the case where the user of the position information detection device 10 is a stalker and there is a theft disguise by the stalker. In this case, the stalker installs the position information detection device 10 on the belongings or vehicle of the person being stalked.

[0049] The stalker, wanting to know the location of the person they are stalking, reports the location information from the user terminal device 30 to the location information management device 20 and also files a false theft report with the police. The location information management device 20 acquires the location information of the location information detection device 10, and the operator transmits it to the police.

[0050] Police begin investigations based on transmitted location information, but they also interview the objects or people involved, so stalkers may become targets of the investigation.

[0051] With conventional systems, even if the user's identity is verified, there is a risk that the target's location information may be transmitted to the stalker, and even if an arrest is made afterward, there is a possibility that criminal acts may be committed before the arrest.

[0052] According to the above embodiment, location information is not notified to the stalker, it is difficult for the stalker to file a false theft report with the police, and it is also difficult for the stalker to illegally obtain location information from the police, thus effectively preventing the misuse of the location information detection device 10.

[0053] In the location information management system 1 of the above embodiment, location information is output from the location information management device 20 to the operator terminal device 40, which the operator then checks and contacts the police station. However, the system is not limited to this, and for example, the location information and user information may be automatically output to a server device such as a police station using the functions of the location information management program. The output format may be text information, or it may be voice information, such as an automated voice message played from a police station's telephone. In this case, the location information may be provided only to the police station without informing the operator.

[0054] Furthermore, as described above, when the location information management device 20 automatically outputs location information and user information to a server device such as a police station, the user may pre-select and set the output destination for location information and user information from among multiple output destinations such as police stations. The timing of setting the output destination may be when registering the user's information, or, for example, when the object on which the location information detection device 10 is installed is stolen or lost, the user may select a police station or other location near the theft or loss location as the output destination. The selection of the output destination may be done using the user terminal device 30, or it may be done by logging into the location information management device 20 from another terminal device and setting it.

[0055] Furthermore, regarding the selection of the destination for location information output, a list of candidate destinations may be pre-configured in the location information management device 20, allowing the user to select a destination from that list. This prevents location information from being sent to a false destination. In addition, if a user attempts to set a destination (email address or phone number) for a non-existent police station in the location information management device 20, the control unit 23 may reject this setting and prevent it from being set.

[0056] Next, we will explain how to use the location information detection device 10 to search for missing elderly people or children. In this case, the location information detection device 10 is installed on shoes, bags, or hats that the elderly person or child who is being protected uses on a daily basis.

[0057] If a person under protection who has been fitted with the location information detection device 10 goes missing, the user, such as a care facility or guardian, will use the user terminal device 30 to notify the location information management device 20, and a missing person report will be filed with the police.

[0058] The location information of the location information detection device 10 is acquired by the location information management device 20, transmitted to the police by the operator, and the police begin searching for the person under protection.

[0059] According to the above embodiment, the location information detection device 10 is less susceptible to illegal use, and by taking advantage of its characteristics that allow for miniaturization and concealment, it can be attached to or hidden in everyday items such as shoes, bags, and hats. Therefore, elderly people and others can wear it daily without even realizing it.

[0060] Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is possible to conceal the device, so even if a child is kidnapped, for example, it will be difficult for the kidnapper to find the location information detection device 10 and therefore difficult to destroy.

[0061] Next, we will describe how the location information detection device 10 of the above embodiment is used in business operations. In this case, the location information detection device 10 may be enclosed with important documents or installed in a company vehicle.

[0062] Furthermore, if an item to which the location information detection device 10 is installed is stolen or lost, the user will notify the location information management device 20 using the user terminal device 30, and a theft report or lost property report will be filed with the police.

[0063] The location information of the location information detection device 10 is acquired by the location information management device 20, transmitted to the police by the operator, and the police verify the item. After the police verify the identity of the user, the item is returned.

[0064] In existing systems, the company could track the location information of employees using the system, leading to privacy concerns and employee reluctance. In particular, when it was necessary to transport items outside of working hours, such as when a vehicle was lent out or when carrying documents during business trips, the system could track the employee's movements outside of working hours, raising privacy concerns. With the location information management system 1 of the above embodiment, location information is not transmitted to the company, thus preventing the aforementioned privacy concerns.

[0065] Furthermore, in the location information management system 1 of the above embodiment, the user notifies the location information management device 20 using the user terminal device 30, but notifications may also be made from the terminal device of a third party other than the user. In this case, for example, when a notification is made from the terminal device of a third party to the location information management device 20, the identification information of the location information detection device 10 is also output to the location information management device 20. This makes it possible to identify and output the location information of the location information detection device 10 even when the notification comes from the terminal device of a third party.

[0066] Furthermore, in the location information management device 20, the control unit 23 may be configured to automatically determine theft or other incidents involving the location information detection device 10. Specifically, the control unit 23 may compare the location information of the user terminal device 30 with the location information of the location information detection device 10, and if only the location information of the location information detection device 10 has moved, it may determine that theft or other incidents have occurred and then acquire and display the location information of the location information detection device 10.

[0067] Furthermore, if the control unit 23 determines that theft or other theft has occurred, it may notify the user terminal device 30 that the item to which the location information detection device 10 is installed may have been stolen. This allows the user to quickly recognize that their item may have been stolen. The location information of the user terminal device 30 can be obtained by the location detection function of the user terminal device 30. In addition, the notification function described above may be turned on or off in the user terminal device 30.

[0068] Furthermore, the automatic determination in the control unit 23 is not limited to the method described above. For example, it may be determined that theft or other incidents have occurred when the location information of the location information detection device 10 falls outside a range pre-set by the user or the like. In other words, the control unit 23 may automatically determine that theft or other incidents have occurred when it detects a change in the location information by analyzing the movement of the location information of the location information detection device 10.

[0069] In the location information management system 1 of the above embodiment, the control unit 23 may output information to the user terminal device 30 confirming the storage of the location information of the location information detection device 10 if the distance between the location information of the user terminal device 30 and the location information of the location information detection device 10 is below a preset threshold and the distance below the threshold is maintained for a predetermined time, that is, if the location information detection device 10 is near the user. The information confirming the storage of the location information of the location information detection device 10 is information that indicates that the location information of the location information detection device 10 is stored in the location information storage unit 21 of the location information management device 20.

[0070] In this embodiment, the user cannot determine whether the location information detection device 10 is functioning correctly because the location information detection device 10 does not output location information to the user terminal device 30. However, the user can confirm that the location information detection device 10 is functioning correctly by receiving and displaying location information storage confirmation information as described above on the user terminal device 30. The output of location information storage confirmation information may be performed only when an output request signal is output from the user terminal device 30 to the location information management device 20, or it may be performed at a predetermined time interval. The user may also be able to select these output methods. Furthermore, as described above, location information detection by the location information detection device 10 can utilize known systems such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile phone communication networks in addition to GNSS lines. However, if Bluetooth is used, for example, there is a risk that it may be easily detected by terminal devices such as smartphones. Therefore, in order to enhance the confidentiality of the location information detection device 10, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions may be deliberately restricted.

[0071] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the present invention.

[0072] (Note 1) The location information management device of the present invention comprises a location information storage unit that receives and stores location information output from a portable location information detection device, and a control unit that controls the location information stored in the location information storage unit so as not to be output to the user of the location information detection device.

[0073] (Note 2) In the location information management device described in Note 1, when the control unit receives a notification from the user, it may output the location information to a destination other than the user, instead of outputting it to the user.

[0074] (Note 3) In the location information management device described in Note 1 or 2, when a change in location information is detected, the control unit may output the location information to a destination other than the user, instead of outputting it to the user.

[0075] (Note 4) In the location information management device described in any of Notes 1 to 3, the control unit compares the location information of the user's terminal device with the location information of the location information detection device, and if only the location information of the location information detection device is moving, it can notify the terminal device.

[0076] (Note 5) In the location information management device described in any of Notes 1 to 4, the control unit can accept the user's setting of an output destination and output location information to the set output destination.

[0077] (Note 6) In the location information management device described in any of Notes 1 to 5, the control unit has multiple output destination candidates set in advance, and can set the output destination by accepting the selection of one of the output destinations from among the multiple output destination candidates.

[0078] (Note 7) In the location information management device described in any of Notes 1 to 6, the control unit may output information to the terminal device confirming the storage of the location information of the location information detection device if the distance between the location information of the terminal device and the location information of the location information detection device is less than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0079] (Note 8) The location information management system of the present invention comprises a location information management device described in any one of Notes 1 to 7, the location information detection device, and the terminal device.

[0080] (Note 9) The location information management method of the present invention receives and stores location information output from a portable location information detection device, and manages the stored location information so as not to output it to the user of the location information detection device.

[0081] (Note 10) The location information management program of the present invention causes a computer to perform the steps of receiving and storing location information output from a portable location information detection device, and managing the stored location information so as not to be output to the user of the location information detection device.

[0082] 1. Location information management system 10. Location information detection device 20. Location information management device 21. Location information storage unit 22. Notification reception unit 23. Control unit 30. User terminal device 40. Operator terminal device

Claims

1. A location information management device comprising: a location information storage unit that receives and stores location information output from a portable location information detection device; and a control unit that controls the location information stored in the location information storage unit so as not to be output to the user of the location information detection device.

2. A location information management device according to claim 1, comprising a notification receiving unit that receives notifications from the user, wherein when the notification receiving unit receives a notification, the control unit does not output the location information to the user, but outputs it to an output destination other than the user.

3. The location information management device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that a change in the location information has occurred, it does not output the location information to the user, but outputs it to an output destination other than the user.

4. The location information management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit compares the location information of the user's terminal device with the location information of the location information detection device, and if only the location information of the location information detection device is moving, it notifies the terminal device.

5. The location information management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit receives the setting of the output destination by the user and outputs the location information to the set output destination.

6. The location information management device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit has a plurality of output destination candidates set in advance, and sets the output destination by accepting the selection of any of the plurality of output destination candidates.

7. The location information management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs information to the terminal device confirming the storage of the location information of the location information detection device when the distance between the location information of the terminal device and the location information of the location information detection device is less than or equal to a preset threshold.

8. A location information management system comprising a location information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the location information detection device, and the terminal device.

9. A location information management method that receives and stores location information output from a portable location information detection device, and manages the stored location information so as not to output it to the user of the location information detection device.

10. A location information management program that causes a computer to perform the steps of receiving and storing location information output from a portable location information detection device, and managing the stored location information so as not to be output to the user of the location information detection device.

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