JP2000076573A - Monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a monitoring system for lowering power consumption so as to monitor a monitoring object for a long period of time without exchanging a battery. SOLUTION: In the state of monitoring whether or not target equipment leaves from owner's equipment based on specified signals from the main owner's equipment, only a specified signal turning reception part composed of an antenna 34, a turning circuit 36, a demodulation part 38, a comparator 40 and a system activation control part 42 of the target equipment is in an operation state, the other circuit part is set in a suspension state. The power consumption in a monitoring state by the target equipment is reduced as much as possible, the target equipment continuously performs monitoring for a long period of time and in the case that the monitoring object is robbed or the like during the long period of time, the case is quickly reported to a management center.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring a monitoring object such as a cash box using a target machine and an owner machine, and more particularly, to a monitoring system attached to the monitoring object. The present invention relates to a monitoring system configured to minimize power consumption during monitoring of a target device that constantly monitors whether or not the target device has left the owner device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When transporting cash as an object to be monitored, for example, cash is transported while being closely monitored by an observer so that cash is not robbed.
In some cases, cash may be robbed of the entire transport box while the watchman looks away, or the cashbox may be robbed, for example, by shooting or stabbing the watchman. Such a situation is not limited to cash, that is, a cash transport box, but may be, for example, a bag containing important documents, a handbag, and the like.

[0003] When an emergency such as a steal of monitored objects such as a cash box, a bag, and a handbag occurs, an emergency occurs to promptly notify the police or the like of the emergency. In order to constantly monitor whether or not the monitoring target has been monitored, a target device serving as a monitoring alarm can be attached to the monitoring target, and whether or not the monitoring target has been robbed by the target device can be monitored.

[0004]

As described above, when a target machine is attached to a monitored object and the target machine constantly monitors whether or not the monitored object has been robbed,
Since the target machine is set to the monitoring state of the monitoring target for a relatively long time, the life of the battery that operates the target machine becomes a problem. In many cases, the battery of the target unit cannot be easily replaced while the target unit is in the monitoring state, so if the power consumption of the target unit is large, the battery will be exhausted immediately and the monitoring state will continue for a long time. There is a problem that you can not.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system with low power consumption so that a monitoring target can be monitored for a long time without replacing a battery.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 is provided on a monitored object so as to be freely movable together with the monitored object.
A target machine capable of obtaining position information, and an owner machine paired with the target machine and movably provided;
Having a management center for monitoring in cooperation with the target machine and the owner machine, the owner machine has a transmission unit for transmitting a specific signal including electromagnetic waves and sound waves, the target machine, the target machine, Communication means for communicating with the management center;
Receiving means for receiving only the specific signal transmitted from the transmitting means of the owner machine, determining means for determining whether the level of the received specific signal is lower than a predetermined set value, As a result of the determination, when the level of the specific signal is lower than a set value, the activation unit that activates the communication unit and supplies abnormality information to the communication unit, and when the abnormality information is supplied to the communication unit, Control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the abnormality information to the management center; and setting the communication means and the control means to a sleep state until the communication means is activated by the activation means; Operating state setting means for setting only the judging means and the activating means to an operating state, and when the management center receives the abnormality information, the target machine is searched for a position of the target machine. And summarized in that and a positional information acquisition control means for controlling so as to obtain et positional information.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when monitoring whether or not the target machine has left the owner machine based on a specific signal from the owner machine, receiving means and determination means of the target machine. Since only the monitoring part consisting of the activating means is in the operating state and the other parts are in the rest state, the consumption of the battery in the monitoring state by the target machine can be reduced as much as possible, and the target machine continuously monitors for a long time. If the monitored object is robbed during this long time, the management center is notified promptly, and the position of the monitored object can be detected and tracked without running out of battery in the middle.
It can be performed accurately.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a target device provided on a monitored object so as to be freely movable together with the monitored object and capable of obtaining positional information, and a pair with the target device. A main owner machine movably provided, a pair with the target machine, a spare owner machine movably provided, and monitoring in cooperation with the target machine, the main owner machine and the spare owner machine. The owner machine has transmitting means for transmitting specific signals including electromagnetic waves and sound waves, and the target machine has communication means for communicating with the management center; and a spare owner machine. Distance detecting means for detecting the distance between the receiving means, receiving means for receiving only the specific signal transmitted from the transmitting means of the owner machine, and a level of the received specific signal is a predetermined set value Determining means for determining whether the distance is lower than a predetermined value, and when the level of the specific signal is lower than a set value, starting means for starting the distance detecting means, and the started distance detecting means. Measurement control means for controlling the distance to the spare owner device via the control unit, and controlling the communication means to transmit abnormality information to the management center when the measured distance is equal to or longer than a predetermined distance. Communication control means, and the communication means, the distance measurement means, the measurement control means, and the communication control means are set to a sleep state until the distance measurement means is activated by the activation means,
Operating state setting means for setting only the receiving means, the judging means and the activating means to an operating state, and when the management center receives the abnormality information, the position from the target machine is searched to find the position of the target machine. It is essential to have position information acquisition control means for controlling so as to obtain information.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when monitoring whether or not the target machine has left the owner machine based on the reception level of the specific signal from the main owner machine, the reception of the target machine is performed. Only the monitoring part consisting of the means, the judgment means and the starting means is in the operating state, and the other parts are in the rest state, so that the consumption of the battery in the monitoring state by the target machine can be reduced as much as possible, and the target machine can monitor for a long time. It can be performed continuously, and when it is detected that the target machine has left the main owner machine in the monitoring state, confirmation measurement is performed by the spare owner machine, so that malfunction can be prevented,
Only the real abnormality information can be reported to the management center.

[0010] Further, the present invention according to claim 3 provides the invention according to claim 1.
In the invention described in (2), the gist is that the target device is configured by a PHS terminal with a location information function, and the owner device is configured by a PHS terminal.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the target device is constituted by a PHS terminal with a location information function, and the owner device is constituted by a PHS terminal. Can be achieved.

The present invention according to claim 4 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
In the invention according to any one of the above, the position information acquisition control means of the management center has means for controlling so as to obtain position information of the target device at predetermined time intervals so as to follow the target device. And

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the management center can obtain the position information of the target machine at predetermined time intervals and follow the target machine. Even when the opponent who has robbed the object flees, it is possible to accurately capture the trajectory while sequentially pursuing its trajectory.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The monitoring system shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a PHS terminal with a PHS location information service function, and is configured to be able to communicate with a base station 7 via a wireless line 6 and to form a pair with the target device 1. Owner device 3 which is composed of a PHS terminal which can communicate with the base station 7 via the wireless line 6, and which is configured to form a pair with the target device 1 like the owner device 3. , Which can communicate with the base station 7 and the wireless line 6 and is connected to the ISDN network 9 to which the base station 7 is connected, and the ISDN network 9 to which the base station 7 is connected, and the ISDN It has a management center 11 that can communicate with the target machine 1, the main owner machine 3 and the spare owner machine 5 via the network 9 and the base station 7.

The target machine 1 is provided in a monitored object or the like so as to be freely movable together with the monitored object such as a cash transport box, and the main owner machine 3 guards or monitors the monitored object. It is owned and provided by an observer or the like, and can move freely with the observer or the like. Further, the spare owner machine 5 is fixedly provided on a transport vehicle for transporting the monitored object, for example, and can move freely with the transport vehicle or the like. The management center 11 monitors the monitoring of the monitoring target as a whole in cooperation with the target machine 1, the main owner machine 3, and the spare owner machine 5.

The target machine 1 is a PHS terminal with a location information service function, and the location information of the target machine 1 is transmitted to the management center 11 by the ISDN network 9 and the base station 7.
It is configured to be able to be obtained through. Then, for example, when the cash transport box storing the target machine 1 is robbed by a robber or the like and the robber escapes with the cash transport box storing the target machine 1, the position of the target machine 1 is determined as described above. When the management center 11 obtains the information via the base station 7, it is possible to accurately identify the location of the cash transport box, and thus the burglary.

Further, the main owner unit 3 includes a specific signal transmitting unit for transmitting a specific signal including, for example, an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave, whereas the target unit 1 transmits the specific signal transmitted from the specific signal transmitting unit. Is provided with a specific signal tuning receiving section that receives only the signal of In addition, the specific signal tuning receiving unit is always supplied with power from the battery, and in the monitoring state in which the specific signal tuning receiving unit is constantly operating, the specific signal tuning receiving unit always receives the specific signal from the main owner unit 3. The other circuit parts of the target machine 1 are normally set in a sleep state, and are in a low power consumption state or a no power consumption state. Then, only when an abnormal state occurs in which the specific signal tuning reception unit detects a decrease in the reception level of the specific signal, the other circuit parts of the target device 1 are configured to be supplied with power and to be in an operating state. I have.

Further, the target machine 1 and the main owner machine 3
A distance detector is provided for detecting the electric field strength of the PHS radio waves transmitted by each other and measuring the distance between the two. Note that the distance detection unit of the target device 1 is included in other circuit portions of the target device 1. Further, the target device 1 is configured to detect the electric field intensity of the PHS radio wave from the reserve owner device 5 using this distance detection unit and measure the distance to the reserve owner device 5. I have.

The target machine 1 is the main owner machine 3
The specific signal transmitted from the specific signal transmission unit is always received by the specific signal tuning reception unit, and the reception level of the specific signal is monitored, and it is determined that the reception level has become lower than a predetermined set value. Upon detection, the target machine 1 becomes the main owner machine 3
Judgment of the occurrence of an abnormal state that has been separated from, for example, robbery, etc., and set other circuit parts to the operating state,
The occurrence of this abnormal state is notified to the main owner machine 3, and for confirmation, the main owner machine 3 uses the distance measuring means of the main owner machine 3 to measure the distance between the target machine 1 and the main owner machine 3. Let me measure the distance of

As a result, if the distance measured by the main owner unit 3 is longer than a predetermined distance, the target unit 1 further uses its own distance measuring means to check the spare owner unit 5 for further confirmation. To measure the distance to the spare owner's machine 5. If the measured distance between the target machine 1 and the spare owner machine 5 is also a predetermined distance or more, it is determined that a true abnormal situation has occurred, and the target machine 1
Transmits abnormal information to the management center 11 via the wireless line 6, the base station 7, and the ISDN network 9, and notifies the management center 11 of the occurrence of an abnormal situation.

When the management center 11 is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal situation from the target machine 1, the management center 11 acquires the position information of the target machine 1 while communicating with the target machine 1, and sends this position information to the relevant department such as police. report. As a result, the related departments such as the police can operate based on the position information of the target machine 1 to secure the target machine 1, that is, the cash transport box, which is the monitoring target housed in the target machine 1. it can.

Next, the configurations of the target machine 1, the main owner machine 3, the spare owner machine 5, and the management center 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, the configuration of the main owner machine 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the main owner unit 3 includes an antenna 61 for transmitting and receiving a PHS radio wave for communicating with the base station 7 via the wireless line 6,
An antenna switch 63 for switching 1 for transmission or reception, and a transmission power amplifier 6 for amplifying a transmission signal transmitted from the antenna 61 via the antenna switch 63
5, a modulation section 67 for modulating a transmission signal supplied to the transmission power amplifier 65, and an RF & IF section 7 supplied with a signal received by the antenna 61 via the antenna switch 63
1. A demodulation unit 73 that demodulates a received signal from the RF & IF unit 71, is connected to the modulation unit 67 and the demodulation unit 73, and performs a baseband process and a time division multiplexing process of a transmission / reception signal to the modulation unit 67 and the demodulation unit 73. Time division multiple access processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as TDMA unit) 6
9. The antenna switches 63, R connected to the TDMA unit 69 and configured to detect the electric field strength of the PHS radio wave received by the antenna 61.
The F & IF unit 71, the distance detection unit 75 that measures the distance between the target machine 1 and the main owner unit 3 based on the signal processed by the TDMA unit 69 via the demodulation unit 73, and the entire main owner unit 3 Microcomputer unit (hereinafter abbreviated as MCU) 77 for controlling the system operation of
A microcomputer unit interface (hereinafter abbreviated as MCU-IF) 79 connected to the MCU 77; a RAM 81 connected to the MCU 77 via the MCU-IF 79 to store temporary data and the like; The MCU 77 is connected via the ROM 83 and the MCU-IF 79, which stores a program describing the operation procedure and the like of the main owner machine 3 and fixed data.
And a display & input unit 85 for displaying various information supplied from the MCU 77 and inputting various information to be supplied to the MCU 77, a battery 87 for supplying the operating voltage of the main owner unit 3 to each unit, A contactless battery charge control unit 89 that controls charging of the battery 87;
A set abnormal operation detecting unit 91 for detecting an abnormal operation including wear and the like of the unit 7, a set abnormal notification device 9 for notifying the abnormal operation detected by the set abnormal operation detecting unit 91 by a buzzer, for example.
3, an audio interface (hereinafter abbreviated as audio I / F) 95 connected to the TDMA unit 69, the audio I / F 9
5 is connected to the TDMA unit 69 through which the voice of the monitor who is the owner of the unit 3 is detected and converted into an electric signal by the TDMA unit.
A microphone 97 to be supplied to the unit 69, a speaker 9 that receives the signal through the antenna 61, and outputs a received signal supplied from the audio I / F 95 via the antenna switch 63, the RF & IF unit 71, the demodulation unit 73, and the TDMA unit 69 as audio.
9 and the above-described specific signal transmitting section 90 which emits a specific signal including an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave.

The specific signal transmitting section 90 transmits the MCU-
The MCU 77 is connected via the IF 79 to the MCU 77.
Oscillation control unit 74 controlled by
An oscillation circuit 76 that is activated by the device to perform an oscillating operation and outputs a signal of a specific frequency, a modulation unit 78 that modulates a signal from the oscillation circuit 76, and a transmission power that amplifies the signal modulated by the modulation unit 78 It comprises an amplifier 80 and an antenna 82 for radiating the signal amplified by the transmission power amplifier 80 as the specific signal.

Main owner machine 3 configured as shown in FIG.
Radiates a specific signal from the antenna 82 of the specific signal transmitting unit 90, and the radiated specific signal is transmitted to the target device 1
Is received by the specific signal tuning receiver.
If the level of the specific signal received by the target device 1 is lower than a predetermined value, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred. In this case, the target device 1 measures the distance to the main owner device 3. Is requested. As a result, the main owner machine 3 measures the distance to the target machine 1 by its own distance detecting section 75, and transmits the measured distance information to the MCU-
The measured distance is supplied to the MCU 77 via the IF 79, the measured distance is compared with a predetermined distance in the MCU 77, and if the measured distance is equal to or longer than the predetermined distance, abnormality information is created, and the abnormality information is transmitted from the TDMA unit 69 under the control of the MCU 77. Modulation unit 6
7, transmission power amplifier 65, antenna switch 63,
The signal is transmitted to the target device 1 or the management center 11 via the antenna 61.

Next, the configuration of the target machine 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The target machine 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, an antenna 21 for transmitting and receiving a PHS radio wave for communicating with the base station 7 via the radio line 6, an antenna switch 23 for switching the antenna 21 for transmission or reception, and an antenna 2
1, a transmission power amplifier 25 for amplifying a transmission signal to be transmitted, a modulator 27 for modulating a transmission signal supplied to the transmission power amplifier 25, and an RF & IF to which a signal received by the antenna 21 via the antenna switch 23 is supplied. Part 3
1, connected to a demodulation unit 33, a modulation unit 27, and a demodulation unit 33 for demodulating a received signal from the RF & IF unit 31,
A time division multiplex access processing section (hereinafter abbreviated as TDMA section) 29 for performing baseband processing and time division multiplex processing of a transmission / reception signal with respect to modulation section 27 and demodulation section 33, and is connected to TDMA section 29 and received by antenna 21. Done P
Antenna switch 23 for RF electric field strength, RF & I
A distance detecting unit 3 that measures the distance between the target machine 1 and the main owner machine 3 or the spare owner machine 5 based on the signal processed by the TDMA unit 29 via the F unit 31 and the demodulation unit 33.
5. a microcomputer unit (hereinafter abbreviated as MCU) 37 for controlling the entire system operation of the target machine 1, a microcomputer unit interface (hereinafter abbreviated as MCU-IF) 39 connected to the MCU 37, MCU3 via MCU-IF39
7, a RAM 41 for storing temporary data, etc.
The ROM 43, which is connected to the MCU 37 via the CU-IF 39 and stores fixed data and a program describing the operation procedure of the target machine 1, etc., and the MCU-IF 3
9, a display & input unit 45 for displaying various information supplied from the MCU 37 and inputting various information to be supplied to the MCU 37, and a battery 47 for supplying the operating voltage of the target machine 1 to each unit. A contactless battery charge control unit 49 that controls charging of the battery 47; a set abnormal operation detection unit 51 that detects abnormal operation including exhaustion of the battery 47; and an abnormal operation detected by the set abnormal operation detection unit 51. It comprises a set abnormality notification device 53 for notifying by a buzzer or the like, and the above-described specific signal tuning reception unit 50 for receiving the specific signal radiated from the antenna 82 of the specific signal transmission unit 90 of the main owner unit 3. .

The specific signal tuning receiving section 50 includes an antenna 34 for receiving a radio wave of a specific signal radiated from the specific signal transmitting section 90 of the main owner unit 3, and a specific signal among the signals received by the antenna 34. A tuning circuit 36 for tuning to the specific signal to detect only the signal, a demodulation unit 38 for demodulating an output signal of the tuning circuit 36, and a level of an output signal of the demodulation unit 38, that is, a reception level of the specific signal is determined. If the reception level is lower than the set value,
In response to the output signal of the comparator 40 and the output signal of the comparator 40, the other circuit parts other than the specific signal tuning reception unit 50 are set to the operating state, and the output signal of the comparator 40 is set as an abnormal signal.
It comprises a system activation control unit 42 that supplies the MCU 37 via the CU-IF 39.

It is important to note that the target device 1 configured as described above is housed in an object to be monitored, and is usually monitored in order to reduce power consumption so that the object to be monitored can be monitored for a long time. In this state, only the specific signal tuning receiving unit 50 is supplied with operating power from the battery 47 and is set to the operating state, and the other circuit parts are set to the low power consumption state or the idle state of the no power consumption state. Then, the specific signal tuning receiving unit 50 receives the level of the specific signal transmitted from the specific signal transmitting unit 90 of the main owner unit 3, and the level of the specific signal falls below a predetermined set value. When it is detected that an abnormal condition has occurred, the system activation control unit 42 controls the system unit 42 to supply operating power from the battery 47 to the other circuit parts of the target machine 1 so as to be in the operating state. Activation control unit 42
From the MCU3 via the MCU-IF39.
7, thereby causing the MCU 37 to recognize the occurrence of an abnormal state.

When the MCU 37 recognizes the occurrence of the abnormal state, the target machine 1 causes the main owner machine 3 to measure the distance from the target machine 1 for confirmation. Will be described in detail later in the description of the operation.

The main owner 3 shown in FIG. 3 includes a voice I / F 95, a microphone 97, and a speaker 99.
The target machine 1 shown in FIG. 2 is not provided with these communication means, whereas the target machine 1 is provided in a monitoring target such as a cash transport box. This is because there is no need to make a call.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the spare owner machine 5 will be described in detail. The reserve owner device 5 includes an antenna 101 for transmitting a PHS radio wave for communicating with the base station 7 via the wireless line 6, a transmission power amplifier 103 for amplifying a transmission signal transmitted from the antenna 101, and a transmission power. A modulation unit 105 that modulates a transmission signal to be supplied to the amplifier 103;
A time division multiple access processing unit (hereinafter, TDMA) that performs baseband processing and time division multiplex processing of a transmission signal for
) 107, a microcomputer unit (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer unit) that controls the entire system operation of the main owner machine 3.
MCU 109, a microcomputer unit interface (hereinafter abbreviated as MCU-IF) 111 connected to the MCU 109, the MCU-IF
A RAM 113 connected to the MCU 109 via the RAM 111 for storing temporary data and the like, and a program, fixed data, and the like which are connected to the MCU 109 via the MCU-IF 111 and describe the operation procedure of the spare owner machine 5 and the like. MCU 115 via MCU-IF 111
A display & input unit 117 which is connected to the MCU 109 and displays various information supplied from the MCU 109 and inputs various information supplied to the MCU 109; a battery 119 which supplies the operating voltage of the spare owner machine 5 to each unit; A contactless battery charge control unit 121 that controls charging of the battery 119, a set abnormal operation detection unit 123 that detects abnormal operation including exhaustion of the battery 119, and a buzzer that detects abnormal operation detected by the set abnormal operation detection unit 123, for example. And the like.

Since the spare owner machine 5 does not need a communication function similarly to the target machine 1, the voice I / F 95 and the microphone 97 as shown in the main owner machine 3 in FIG.
No communication means including the speaker 99 is provided.

As shown in detail in FIG. 5, the management center 11 includes a management center general controller 131 for controlling the overall operation of the management center 11, a map database 133 storing map information, and a target machine 1. , A location information acquisition / storage server 135 that accumulates the acquired location information, searches the map database 133 based on the acquired location information of the target device 1, and obtains a latitude from the location information of the target device 1. And longitude information,
A location information map development unit 137 developed on the map, a monitor 139 displaying the position of the target machine 1 developed on the map by the location information map development unit 137, the target machine 1, the main owner machine 3, and a spare It comprises a radio status monitoring control unit 141 for monitoring and controlling the status of radios such as the owner device 5 and an external institution linking unit 143 for cooperating with an external institution such as police.

The management center 11 has an ISDN 9
Connected to the PHS network 8 and also to the telephone network or I
It is connected to related departments 15 such as police via a communication network 13 such as an SDN network.

Next, the operation of the monitoring system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 to 14 are continuous flowcharts showing a series of operations of the target machine 1, and FIGS. 9 to 11 are continuous flowcharts showing a series of actions of the main owner machine 3. 12 to 14 are continuous flow charts showing a series of operations of the management center 11, and the flow charts of the respective figures are shown by way of jump destination symbols "b" to "re" surrounded by circles. It is something that is continuous.

First, the target machine 1 performs initialization (initialization) as shown in FIG. 6 (step S1).
1) Then, predetermined operation preparation is performed (step S1).
3), it is determined whether the preparation has succeeded or failed (step S15). If the preparation has failed, the failure is notified to the main owner machine 3 (step S17). Then, it is determined whether this notification is completed or failed, and if it fails,
The target machine 1 sounds an alarm sound by the set abnormality notifying device 53 (step S21), and when completed, waits for an operation instruction from a monitor or the like as an operator of the main owner machine 3 (step S23). ).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the preparation has been successful, the preparation is determined to be successful.
(Step S25), and the setting status of the target device 1 is notified to the main owner device 3 (step S27). Then, the target device 1 performs an operation setting process based on the setting information from the main owner device 3 (step S29),
An operation start waiting state is set (step S31).

When the operation of the target machine 1 is started, first, the target machine 1 is set to the monitoring state, whereby only the specific signal tuning receiving section 50 is set to the operating state, and the other circuit portions are set to the resting state (step). S34). As a result, the specific signal tuning receiving section 50 constantly receives and monitors only the specific signal transmitted from the specific signal transmitting section 90 of the main owner unit 3, and the level of the specific signal falls below a predetermined set value. (Steps S36 and S3)
8). The above processing is performed when the target machine 1 is started up and the target machine 1 enters the monitoring state to monitor the level decrease of the specific signal transmitted from the specific signal transmitting unit 90 of the main owner machine 3. The processing proceeds to the processing when the level of the specific signal is reduced. This specific processing is performed in cooperation with the operation of the main owner unit 3 and the management center 11. Therefore, the description of the operation of the target machine 1 is temporarily stopped here, and then the operation of the main owner machine 3 at the time of the first startup will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, the main owner machine 3
Initialization (initialization) is performed (step S81),
Then, a predetermined operation preparation is performed (step S83), and it is determined whether the preparation in the main owner machine 3 has succeeded or failed (step S85). When the preparation of the main owner machine 3 is successful, it is determined whether or not the preparation of the target machine 1 is successful based on the notification from the target machine 1 (step S).
87). If the preparation of the main owner machine 3 has failed, or if it has been found that the preparation of the main owner machine 3 has succeeded but the preparation of the target machine 1 has failed, the failure of the preparation is regarded as the main owner machine 3. To the observer who is the owner of the
89), and waits for an operation by the supervisor of the main owner machine 3 or the like (step S91).

On the other hand, if both the preparation of the main owner machine 3 and the preparation of the target machine 1 are successful, the process proceeds to step S93,
The setting status notification is received from the target device 1 and the operation setting information is transmitted to the target device 1 (step S9).
5), and enters an operation start waiting state (step S97).

Next, when the main owner machine 3 enters the operation start state, it makes a call to the management center 11 (step S).
99), it is checked whether or not the call has been normally completed (step S103). When the call is normally completed, the main owner machine 3 enters a preparation state for notification of position information (step S105). The above processing is processing when the main owner machine 3 is started.

Although the operation of the spare owner machine 5 is not shown in the flow chart, the processing when the spare owner machine 5 starts up is the same as the above-described process when the main owner machine 3 starts up. .

As described above, when the processing at the time of startup of the main owner unit 3 is completed, the operation of the main owner unit 3 is temporarily stopped, and then the operation of the management center 11 is explained halfway. I do.

The management center 11, as shown in FIG.
First, the main owner machine 3, the spare owner machine 5, and the target machine 1 are in a waiting state for completion of the above-described location information notification preparation processing (step S141), and it is checked whether or not all the machines have been completely prepared. (Step S143).

As described in the processing procedure of each machine described above, when all of the main owner machine 3, the spare owner machine 5, and the target machine 1 are in the state of preparing for the notification of the location information, the management center 11 firstly sets a certain amount. The position information of the main owner machine 3 is obtained for each time (step S145). This main owner machine 3
Is performed by accessing the base station 7 in the service area where the main owner unit 3 is located from the management center 11 via the ISDN network 9.

When the position information of the main owner machine 3 is obtained, it is checked from the position information whether the main owner machine 3 has deviated from the course (step S147). If there is no deviation and there is no abnormality, it is checked whether there is an operation abnormality notification from each of the main owner machine 3, the spare owner machine 5, and the target machine 1 (step S149). If there is no operation abnormality notification and there is no abnormality, it is checked whether or not there is an emergency occurrence notification from the target machine 1 (step S151). If there is no emergency occurrence notification from the target machine 1 and there is no abnormality, the process returns to step S145,
The repeated waiting process between steps S145 to S155 is performed in the same manner.

Further, the management center 11 executes step S14
7 as a result of checking whether or not the main owner machine 3 has deviated from the course, the management center 11 calls the main owner machine 3 if it is determined that the main owner machine 3 has deviated from the course. The status is checked with a monitor or the like who is the owner of the main owner machine 3 (step S153).

In response to this status check, the main owner machine 3
Is a continuation of the above-described processing in step S10 in FIG.
7, the response to the check on whether or not there is a control instruction from the management center 11 indicates that there is a control instruction from the management center 11, and the process proceeds to step S109. 1
Perform 1

When the management center 11 receives the notification of no abnormality from the main owner machine 3 (step S155),
Similarly, returning to step S145, steps S145 to S145 are executed.
The repeated standby processing during S155 is performed in the same manner.

The main owner machine 3 determines in step S109
After contacting the management center 11 with no abnormality at
Alternatively, if there is no control instruction from the management center 11 in step S107, it is checked whether there is a distance confirmation request from the target device 1 (step S111). If there is no distance confirmation request from the target machine 1, the main owner machine 3 checks whether or not there is a request for position information from the management center 11 (step S112). If there is no request for position information from the management center 11, the process returns to step S107 and the same operation is repeated. If there is a request for position information, the current position of the main owner machine 3 is notified to the management center 11. (Step S114) Then, the process returns to Step S107, and the same operation is repeatedly performed.

As described above, while the main owner machine 3 repeatedly performs the processing between steps S107 to S114, and the management center 11 performs the processing from steps S145 to S15.
5, while the standby process is repeatedly performed, the level of the specific signal received from the specific signal transmitting unit 90 of the main owner device 3 in step S38 described above is lower than the set value. If the level of the specific signal is lower than the set value while monitoring whether or not the abnormal condition mode is set, the abnormal state mode is set and other circuit portions of the target device 1 are set. The sleep state is released, and the entire target device 1 is set to the operation state.

When the level of the specific signal received by the specific signal tuning receiving unit 50 of the target unit 1 from the specific signal transmitting unit 90 of the main owner unit 3 becomes lower than the set value,
This is a case where the target machine 1 is separated from the main owner machine 3, which may be a result of the robbery or the like of a monitored object, such as a cash box, in which the target machine 1 is stored, as a result. Since there is a possibility that the target machine 1 has separated from the owner machine 3, the target machine 1 requests the main owner machine 3 to perform a distance confirmation process for confirmation (step S).
51).

The main owner machine 3 receives the distance confirmation request from the target machine 1 in step S111, and measures the distance between the target machine 1 and the main owner machine 3 in the main owner machine 3 (step S111). S113). In this distance measurement, the PHS radio wave transmitted from the target machine 1 in the main owner machine 3 is received by the antenna 61, and the received P
The distance detector 75 measures the distance between the main owner device 3 and the target device 1 based on the electric field strength of the HS radio wave.

After measuring the distance to the target machine 1, the main owner machine 3 checks whether the measured distance on the main owner machine 3 side is larger than a predetermined set value (step S115). As a result, if the measured distance on the main owner machine 3 side is larger than the set value, step S1
23, but if it is not large, a notification to that effect is sent to a supervisor or the like who is the operator of the main owner machine 3 (step S1).
17). That is, the measurement result at the main owner machine 3 is within a predetermined set value, and the distance between the two is not large,
The measurement result of the target machine 1 is out of a predetermined set value, and a notice is given to a supervisor or the like that the distance between the two is large.

An observer who is the operator of the main owner machine 3
When this notification is received, it is determined whether or not the states of the main owner machine 3 and the target machine 1 are abnormal based on the actually existing state of the main owner machine 3 and the target machine 1 and the positional relationship between the two (step S1). S119). As a result, when there is no abnormality, the target device 1 is notified of no abnormality (step S121).

The target machine 1 receives the notification of no abnormality from the main owner machine 3 in step S53, and since it is a notification of no abnormality, returns to step S34 and repeats the same processing as described above.

However, step S of the main owner machine 3
As a result of the determination in step 119 as to whether or not the states of the main owner machine 3 and the target machine 1 are normal, there has been no response for a certain period of time or an abnormal communication from a monitor or the like who is the owner of the main owner machine 3. In this case, the process proceeds to step S123.

In step S123, the main owner machine 3 notifies the target machine 1 that the measurement result of the main owner machine 3 is out of the range and the measurement result of the target machine 1 is also out of the range. Then, a command is issued to the target machine 1 to confirm the distance from the spare owner machine 5, and the main owner machine 3 waits for a response from the target machine 1 (step S125).

The target machine 1 issues a command for confirming the distance from the main owner machine 3 to the spare owner machine 5 in step S.
Received at 53, the target device 1 measures the distance to the spare owner device 5 (step S55). After measuring the distance to the spare owner machine 5, the target machine 1 determines whether the measured distance to the spare owner machine 5 is larger than a predetermined set value (step S57). If the result of this determination is that the measured distance to the spare owner machine 5 is not greater than the set value, the main owner machine 3 is notified of this fact and the operation of the primary owner machine 3 is awaited ( Step S6
7) It is checked whether or not there is a notification from the main owner machine 3 that an emergency has occurred (step S69). As a result, if there is a notification from the main owner machine 3 that there is no abnormality, the processing of the target machine 1 returns to step S34 and repeats the same processing as described above. If there is no contact or no contact, the process proceeds to step S61, and the occurrence of an abnormal situation is notified to the management center 11.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S57 that the measured distance between the target machine 1 and the spare owner machine 5 is larger than the set value, the main owner machine 3 is notified of the fact, that is, the target machine 1 1 and the main owner machine 3 as well as the measurement distance between the target machine 1 and the spare owner machine 5 are out of range. As a result, for example, the cash transport box containing the target machine 1 is stored. Such an object to be monitored is robbed, and it is determined that an emergency situation has occurred in which the target machine 1 has separated from the main owner machine 3, and a notification of the occurrence of this emergency situation is sent to the main owner machine 3 (step S59).

The target machine 1 notifies the management center 11 that an emergency has occurred (step S61). The target machine 1 checks whether or not the notification of the abnormal situation to the management center 11 has succeeded (step S63). If the notification has not succeeded, the target machine 1 performs re-notification or notifies the spare contact. Until the notification is successful (step S65).

The notification of the occurrence of an emergency to the main owner machine 3 in step S59 of the target machine 1 is sent to the main owner machine 3
Received in step S127, the main owner machine 3
Is a notification of the occurrence of an emergency from the target machine 1, so that it is in a state of waiting for operation of a supervisor or the like who is the owner of the main owner machine 3 and waiting for control of the management center 11 (step S129).

The main owner machine 3 determines in step S125
When it is monitored whether or not a notification of the occurrence of an emergency has been received from the target device 1 in a state of waiting for a response from the target device 1 (step S127), step S127 is performed.
The notification performed at 67, that is, the measurement distance between the target machine 1 and the main owner machine 3 is out of the range, but the measurement distance between the target machine 1 and the spare owner machine 5 is within the range. Is notified, the status quo is checked by a monitor or the like who is the operator of the main owner machine 3 (step S13).
1) It is determined whether there is no abnormality (step S13)
3). If there is no abnormality, a notification of no abnormality is sent to the target machine 1 (step S135), and if there is an abnormality or there is no response from a monitor or the like, the occurrence of an emergency is notified to the target machine 1. (Step S13
7). The target machine 1 receives the notification of the occurrence of the emergency from the main owner machine 3 in step S69 described above,
The occurrence of an abnormal situation is notified to the management center 11 (step S61).

When the notification of the occurrence of the abnormal situation to the management center 11 in step S61 succeeds, the target machine 1 starts to notify the management center 11 of the position information (step S71), and determines whether or not there is a control instruction from the management center 11. Is monitored (step S73). If there is a control instruction from the management center 11, the processing shown in step S75 is performed according to the control command from the management center 11. If there is no control instruction from the management center 11, it is checked whether or not there is a request for position information from the management center 11 (step S77). If there is no position information request from the management center 11, the process returns to step S71,
In the same manner, the standby processing at the time of occurrence of an abnormal situation in steps S71 to S79 is performed in the same manner. If there is a request for position information from the management center 11, the current position of the management center 11 is notified to the management center 11 (step S79). , Step S
Returning to step 71, the repeat standby processing at the time of occurrence of an abnormal situation in steps S71 to S79 is performed in the same manner.

When the management center 11 is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal situation from the target machine 1 in step S61, the management center 11 receives the notification of occurrence of the abnormal situation in step S151 in the repeated standby processing between steps S145 to S155, and proceeds to step S157. Then, the position of the target machine 1 is checked, and the position of the main owner machine 3 is also checked (step S1).
59) It is checked whether or not the distance between the target machine 1 and the main owner machine 3 is really larger than the set value (step S161).

As a result of this check, if it is found that the distance between the two is farther than the set value, the process proceeds to step S163. If it is found that both are not far, the process proceeds to step S175. The process proceeds to notify the supervisor or the like who is the owner of the main owner machine 3 to check the current status and check whether or not a false report has been made (step S17).
7). As a result of the check, in the case of a false report, the operation is reset (step S179), the process returns to step S145, and the repeated standby process between steps S145 to S155 is performed in the same manner. If there is no response from the third party, the process proceeds to step S163.

In step S163, that is, when it is found that the distance between the two is far away or when there is no misinformation or there is no response from the main owner machine 3, in step S163, the management center 11 13
, The occurrence of an emergency is reported to the related department 15 such as the police, and then the acquisition of the position information of the target machine 1 is started (step S165). That is, the management center 11
Requests the position information from the target device 1 (step S167).

The target machine 1 receives the request for position information from the management center 11 in step S77 of the repeated standby process when an abnormal situation occurs between steps S71 to S79, and determines the current position of the target machine 1 in the management center. 11
(Step S79).

The management center 11 sends a notification of the current location from the management center 11 to the location information acquisition / storage server 135.
(Step S169), the position information map developing unit 137 develops the latitude and longitude of the position of the target device 1 on a map of the personal computer based on the acquired position information of the target device 1 (step S171). , Monitor 1
The information is displayed on the display 39 and the position information is provided to the related department (step S173). As a result, the related department can grasp the position of the target device 1 from the provided position information, contact the nearest police station or the like, for example, and contact the target device 1 existing at this position, that is, the target device 1 An operation is performed so as to secure, for example, a cash transport box, which is a monitoring target stored therein.

The above-described steps S163 to S17
The process of contacting the related departments such as the police, requesting the location information, acquiring the location information, and providing the location information to the related departments is repeatedly performed.
In the case where a monitored object stored in the target machine 1 such as a burglary having a cash transport box or the like escapes, the trajectory can be accurately traced while sequentially tracing the trajectory.

Note that steps S157 to S157 described above are performed.
The process of 179 is performed not only when there is a notification of the occurrence of an emergency from the target device 1 but also in the above-described step S155.
Is determined in the same manner when there is no response from the main owner machine 3 or when there is an abnormal notification.

The management center 11 proceeds to step S14
Step S1 during the repeated standby processing between 5 and S155
When an operation abnormality notification is received from the target machine 1, the main owner machine 3 or the spare owner machine 5 in 49, step S181
To understand the contents of the abnormal operation (step S18).
1) It is determined whether restoration is possible under the control of the management center 11 (step S183). If the restoration is not possible, a monitoring person or the like who is the administrator of the main owner machine 3 is notified to that effect (step S183). In step S185), if the repair is possible, the control command is transmitted from the management center 11 to change the setting, reset the system, and the like (step S187), and execute the main owner machine 3 or the target machine. The operation and the setting state are checked for No. 1 (step S18).
9), determine whether the operation is normal or not (step S19)
1). If the result of this determination is abnormal, a notification is made to a supervisor or the like who is the administrator of the main owner machine 3 (step S19).
3) If the status is normal, the management center 11 returns to step S145, repeats the standby processing between steps S145 to S155 in the same manner, and prepares for occurrence of an emergency or notification of operation abnormality.

In the above-described embodiment, when a monitor or the like carrying the main owner unit 3 enters, for example, a building or the like, the main owner unit 3 composed of a PHS terminal becomes difficult to receive radio waves. When the distance between the target machine 1 and the main owner machine 3 is more than a predetermined distance, abnormal information may be generated or the main owner machine 3 may not respond. Occurs, it can be determined that there is no abnormal situation by confirming the distance between the target machine 1 and the spare owner machine 5, and in such a case, an observer carrying the main owner machine 3 etc. Therefore, when a supervisor or the like enters the building, the main owner machine 3 can notify the management center 11 or the like in advance and prevent the situation from being recognized as an occurrence of an abnormal situation. .

In the above embodiment, the PHS is used as the target machine 1, the main owner machine 3, and the spare owner machine 5.
Although the case where a terminal is used has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. Basically, any device that can detect that the distance between the target machine and the owner machine is greater than a predetermined distance and that can communicate with the management center by the target machine or the owner machine can be used. It is.

Further, the distance measurement between the target machine and the owner machine does not need to be based on the strength of the electric field strength. Depending on the method, spread spectrum, infrared ray or the like can be used.

[0076]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a state where it is monitored whether or not the target machine has left the owner machine based on a specific signal from the owner machine, the target machine can be monitored. Only the monitoring part consisting of the receiving means, judgment means, and activation means of the machine is in the active state, and the other parts are in the rest state, so that the battery consumption in the monitoring state by the target machine can be reduced as much as possible, and the target machine can be used for a long time. Monitoring can be performed continuously. If the monitored object is stolen, for example, during this long period of time, a notification is promptly sent to the management center, and the detection and tracking of the position of the monitored object is also performed. It can be performed accurately without running out of battery.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in a state where it is monitored whether or not the target machine has left the owner machine based on the reception level of the specific signal from the main owner machine, the target machine cannot be monitored. Only the monitoring part consisting of the receiving means, the judgment means, and the activation means is in the operating state, and the other parts are in the rest state. Can be performed continuously, and when it is detected that the target unit has left the main owner unit in the monitoring state, confirmation measurement is performed by the spare owner unit, preventing malfunctions and real abnormalities. Only information can be reported to the management center.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the target device is constituted by a PHS terminal with a position information function,
Since the owner machine is composed of PHS terminals, the current PHS
A terminal can be used, and the price can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the management center obtains the position information of the target machine at predetermined time intervals,
Since the target machine can be followed, for example, even when an opponent who robbed the monitored object stored in the target machine flees, the trajectory can be accurately captured while sequentially pursuing the trajectory.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a target machine used in the monitoring system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main owner unit used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a spare owner device used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management center used in the monitoring system shown in FIG.

6 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the target machine used in the monitoring system shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation subsequent to FIG. 6 of the target machine used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation subsequent to FIG. 7 of the target machine used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the main owner unit used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation subsequent to FIG. 9 of the main owner unit used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation subsequent to FIG. 10 of the main owner unit used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the management center used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation subsequent to FIG. 12 of the management center used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation subsequent to FIG. 13 of the management center used in the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Target machine 3 Main owner machine 5 Reserve owner machine 7 Base station 9 ISDN 11 Management center 34 Antenna 36 Tuning circuit 38 Demodulation unit 40 Comparator 42 System activation control unit 50 Specific signal tuning reception unit 90 Specific signal transmission unit

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) CA09 CA12 CA25 CB27 DA01 DA14 DA16 DA20 EA08 EA11 EA13 EA19 EA25 EA36 EA41 EA43 EA45 FA02 FA06 FA18 5C087 AA02 AA03 AA09 AA24 AA32. GG31 GG43 GG48 GG52 GG54 GG70 GG83 GG86 5K067 AA43 BB04 BB27 CC21 DD28 EE02 EE10 EE16 EE32 EE38 JJ53 KK05 LL01 5K101 KK14 LL11 MM07 NN41

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A target machine provided on a monitored object so as to be freely movable together with the monitored object and capable of obtaining positional information, and an owner machine paired with the target machine and movably provided. And a management center for monitoring in cooperation with the target machine and the owner machine, wherein the owner machine has transmission means for transmitting a specific signal including an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave. Communication means for communicating with the management center; receiving means for receiving only the specific signal transmitted from the transmission means of the owner device; and a level of the received specific signal being lower than a predetermined set value. Determining means for determining whether the specific signal level is lower than a set value, and activating the communication means to supply abnormality information to the communication means. When the abnormality information is supplied to the communication means, control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the abnormality information to the management center; and the communication means until the communication means is activated by the activation means. Operating state setting means for setting the means and the control means to a halt state, and setting only the receiving means, the judging means and the activating means to the operating state, wherein the management center, upon receiving the abnormality information, A monitoring system comprising: a position information acquisition control unit that controls to obtain position information from the target device in order to find a position of the device. 2. A target machine provided on a monitored object so as to be freely movable together with the monitored object and capable of obtaining position information, and a main owner paired with the target machine and movably provided. A target device, a spare owner device paired with the target device, movably provided, and a management center for monitoring in cooperation with the target device, the main owner device and the spare owner device, The owner machine has transmitting means for transmitting a specific signal including an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave, and the target machine has a communication means for communicating with the management center, and a distance for detecting a distance between the spare owner machine. Detecting means, receiving means for receiving only the specific signal transmitted from the transmitting means of the owner device, and determining whether or not the level of the received specific signal is lower than a predetermined set value Determining means, when the determination result indicates that the level of the specific signal is lower than a set value, the starting means for starting the distance detecting means, and the spare owner machine via the started distance detecting means. Measurement control means for controlling the distance to be measured, communication control means for controlling the communication means to transmit abnormality information to a management center when the measured distance is equal to or more than a predetermined distance, and the activation means Setting the communication means, the distance measurement means, the measurement control means, and the communication control means to a dormant state until the distance measurement means is started, and setting only the reception means, the determination means, and the start means to an active state. And a status setting unit. When the management center receives the abnormality information, the management center performs control to obtain position information from the target device in order to search for the position of the target device. Monitoring system characterized by having an information acquisition control unit. 3. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the target device is a PHS terminal with a location information function, and the owner device is a PHS terminal. 4. The position information acquisition control means of the management center includes means for controlling so as to obtain position information of the target device at predetermined time intervals so as to follow the target device. The monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.