JP2013235008A - Indoor transmitter, position information providing system, information management device, and program for making computer function as information management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information management device for supporting the decision of an installation plate of a transmitter.SOLUTION: An information management device includes: an input device for accepting input to the management device; a display device; a memory device for storing design information for three-dimensionally displaying a place in which a transmitter can be installed; and a processor for controlling the operation of the management device. The processor is configured so as to display one or mode place candidates for specifying the place in which the transmitter can be installed on a screen displayed on the basis of the design information, display an output range of the transmitter on the screen, and store data for identifying the transmitter, one place candidate selected from the one or more place candidates, and the design information in the memory device in associated with each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for providing position information. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for providing position information even in an environment where a signal transmitted from a satellite that transmits a positioning signal does not reach.

  Conventionally, a global positioning system (GPS) is known as a positioning system. A satellite for transmitting a signal used for GPS (hereinafter referred to as “GPS signal”) (hereinafter referred to as a GPS satellite) is flying at an altitude of about 20,000 km from the ground. The user can measure the distance between the GPS satellite and the user by receiving and demodulating the signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. Therefore, when there is no obstacle between the ground and the GPS satellite, positioning using a signal transmitted from the GPS satellite is possible. However, for example, when using GPS in an urban area, a building that stands in the forest becomes an obstacle, and the user's location information providing device often cannot receive signals transmitted from GPS satellites. Further, due to the diffraction or reflection of the signal by the building, an error occurs in the distance measurement using the signal, and as a result, the positioning accuracy often deteriorates.

  In addition, there is a technique for receiving a weak GPS signal penetrating through a wall or a roof in a room, but the reception situation is unstable, and the positioning accuracy is lowered.

  The positioning has been described above by taking the GPS as an example, but the phenomenon described above is generally applicable to a positioning system using a satellite. The satellite positioning system is not limited to GPS, and includes, for example, systems such as GLONASS (GLOobal NAvigation Satellite System) in the Russian Republic and Galileo in Europe.

  Here, the technique regarding provision of position information is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-67086 (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-67086 A

  However, according to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-67086, the reader or writer is unique to the system that provides position information, and has a problem that it lacks versatility. In order to avoid interference, it is necessary to suppress transmission output, the range in which position information can be received is limited, continuous position information cannot be acquired, and a large number of transmitters are required to cover a wide range. There was a problem that it was necessary.

  In addition, regarding the acquisition or notification of position information, for example, since the installation location is known in advance in the case of a fixed telephone, the transmission location can be specified by a telephone transmitted from the fixed telephone. However, since mobile communication has become common with the spread of mobile phones, there are increasing cases in which location information of a caller cannot be notified like a fixed phone. On the other hand, regarding emergency reports, legislation has been developed to include location information in reports from mobile phones.

  In the case of a mobile phone having a conventional positioning function, the position information is acquired at a place where a signal from a satellite can be received, and thus the position of the mobile phone can be notified. However, there is a problem that position information cannot be obtained by a conventional positioning technique in a place where radio waves cannot be received such as indoors and underground shopping streets.

  Therefore, for example, a technique is also conceivable in which a plurality of transmitters that can transmit a signal similar to a GPS signal are arranged in a room, and the position is obtained based on the principle of three-side measurement similar to GPS. However, in this case, it is necessary to synchronize the time of each transmitter, and there is a problem that a transmitter capable of such high-precision synchronization becomes expensive.

  Further, since propagation of radio waves becomes complicated due to reflection in the room or the like, even if an expensive transmitter as described above is installed, there is a problem that an error of about several tens of meters easily occurs.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to provide position information without degrading accuracy even in a place where radio waves from a satellite that transmits a positioning signal cannot be received. It is to provide a position information providing system that provides information.

  Another object is to provide a low-cost position information providing system that provides position information based on a signal that can be easily synchronized with the time of a satellite that transmits a signal for positioning.

  Still another object is to provide a position information providing system capable of easily installing and maintaining a transmitter installed indoors.

  Another object is to provide an indoor transmitter that provides position information without lowering accuracy even in a place where radio waves from a satellite that transmits a positioning signal cannot be received.

  Another object is to provide an indoor transmitter that provides position information on the basis of a signal that can be easily synchronized with the time of a satellite that transmits a signal for positioning.

Another object is to provide an indoor transmitter that can be easily installed and maintained.
Another object is to provide an information management apparatus for supporting the construction of a position information providing system.

  Still another object is to provide a program for causing a computer to function as an information management apparatus for supporting the construction of a position information providing system.

  According to one embodiment, an indoor transmitter is provided that can provide position information using a second positioning signal having the same data format as the first positioning signal that is a spread spectrum signal from a plurality of satellites. Is done. The indoor transmitter includes a first storage means for storing position data for specifying a place where the indoor transmitter is installed, and a second positioning having position data in synchronization with the internal clock signal. Based on the generation means for generating the signal as a spread spectrum signal, the transmission means for transmitting the spread spectrum signal, and the external clock signal supplied from the outside through the first path, the internal clock signal is generated in the generation means. External clock supply means for supplying. The external clock supply means includes driver means for sending the internal clock signal via a second path different from the first path when receiving the external clock signal.

  Preferably, an indoor transmitter, a plurality of digital filters, and a selection means for selecting any of the plurality of digital filters are further provided. The generating means generates a second positioning signal having position data as a spread spectrum signal according to the band defined by the digital filter selected by the selecting means.

  Preferably, the first storage means stores spread code data for spread spectrum. The indoor transmitter further includes data input means for receiving the spread code data and writing the received spread code data to the first storage means. The generating means generates the second positioning signal as a spread spectrum signal based on the spread code data input from the outside of the indoor transmitter.

  Preferably, the generation means is a logic circuit that can be programmed according to firmware supplied from outside.

  Preferably, the generation unit is configured to orthogonally modulate the second positioning signal. The position data includes first data unique to the indoor transmitter and second data representing the installation location of the indoor transmitter. The generating means is configured to generate, as a second positioning signal, a first phase signal in which the first data is modulated and a second phase signal in which the second data is modulated. .

  Preferably, the generation unit is configured to phase-modulate the second positioning signal. The phase-modulated second positioning signal includes an identifier of a code that encodes the second positioning signal.

  According to another embodiment, a position information providing system capable of providing position information using a first positioning signal that is a spread spectrum signal from a plurality of satellites is provided. The system includes a clock generator for generating and transmitting a plurality of reference clocks, and a plurality of indoor transmitters. Each indoor transmitter has a first storage means for storing position data for specifying a place where the indoor transmitter is installed, a first positioning signal having position data in synchronization with the internal clock signal, A generating unit for generating a second positioning signal having the same data format as a spread spectrum signal, a transmitting unit for transmitting the spread spectrum signal, and a first path from a clock generator among a plurality of reference clock signals And an external clock supply means for supplying an internal clock signal to the generation means based on the external clock supplied by. The external clock supply means includes driver means for sending the internal clock signal to the clock generator via a second path different from the first path when receiving the external clock signal. The clock generator controls so that the transmitted external clock and the returned internal clock are synchronized. The position information providing system further includes a position information providing device. The position information providing apparatus stores in the receiving means for receiving the spread spectrum signal, the second storage means for storing the spread code pattern for the first and second positioning signals, and the second storage means. A means for specifying a corresponding spreading code pattern by synchronizing and correlating a spread code pattern corresponding to the spread spectrum signal received by the receiving means on the basis of the spreading code pattern being received; A determination unit for determining which of the first and second positioning signals is received based on a signal obtained by demodulating using the spreading code pattern specified by the specifying unit; and a result of the determination The position information deriving means for deriving the position information of the position information providing device and the position information deriving means And output means for outputting the position information.

  Preferably, when the second positioning signal transmitted by the single indoor transmitter is received, the position information deriving unit acquires the position data from the signal obtained by demodulation. When a plurality of first positioning signals are received, position information is calculated based on the plurality of spread spectrum signals.

  Preferably, the position data includes first data specific to the indoor transmitter. The generation unit of the indoor transmitter generates a first phase signal obtained by orthogonally modulating the first data as a second positioning signal.

  Preferably, the position information providing device can communicate with a communication device that provides position information associated with the first data via a communication line. When the receiving means receives the second positioning signal, the position information deriving means is associated with the first data by communicating with the communication device based on the first data included in the first phase signal. Get the location information.

  Preferably, the position data includes second data representing an installation location of the indoor transmitter. The generating means generates a second phase signal obtained by orthogonally modulating the second data as a second positioning signal.

  Preferably, the position information providing system further includes a plurality of digital filters and a selection unit for selecting any of the plurality of digital filters. The generating means generates a second positioning signal having position data as a spread spectrum signal according to the band defined by the digital filter selected by the selecting means.

  Preferably, when the receiving unit receives the second positioning signal, the position information deriving unit extracts the second data from the second phase signal. The output means displays the installation location based on the second data.

  Preferably, the first storage means stores spread code data for spread spectrum. The indoor transmitter further includes data input means for receiving the spread code data and writing the received spread code data to the first storage means. The generating means generates the second positioning signal as a spread spectrum signal based on the spread code data input from the outside of the indoor transmitter.

  Preferably, the generation means is a logic circuit that can be programmed according to firmware supplied from outside.

  Preferably, the format of the second positioning signal is the same as the format of the first positioning signal, and includes position data instead of the navigation message included in the first positioning signal. The position information deriving means of the position information providing apparatus includes a calculating means for calculating the position of the position information providing apparatus based on each navigation message when a plurality of first positioning signals are received.

  Preferably, the position data is data that directly indicates the position of the indoor transmitter using only the position data. The output means outputs position information derived from only the position data as an image representing the measured position.

  According to another embodiment, an information management device is provided to assist in determining the location of the transmitter. This information management device includes an input device for receiving an input to the device, a display device, a storage device for storing design information for displaying in three dimensions a place where the transmitter can be installed, and the operation of the management device And a processor for controlling. The processor displays one or more location candidates for specifying a location where the transmitter is installed on a screen displayed based on the design information, displays an output range of the transmitter on the screen, and Data for identifying a transmitter, one location candidate selected from one or more location candidates, and design information are associated with each other and stored in a storage device.

  Preferably, the processor is configured to display each transmitter location candidate based on the output range of each of the plurality of transmitters.

  Preferably, the information management device further includes an output device for outputting design information and one place candidate associated with the design information.

  According to another embodiment, a program for causing a computer to function as an information management device is provided. The computer includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The program identifies the location where the transmitter is installed, the step of loading into the processor design information that displays in three dimensions the location where the transmitter can be installed in the processor, the step of displaying the screen based on the design information Displaying one or more location candidates to perform, displaying a transmitter output range, data for identifying the transmitter, and one location candidate selected from the one or more location candidates And writing to the memory in association with the design information.

  Preferably, the program further causes the processor to display a location candidate of each transmitter based on the output range of each of the plurality of transmitters.

  According to one embodiment, position information can be provided without degrading accuracy even in a place where radio waves from a satellite that transmits a positioning signal cannot be received. According to another embodiment, position information can be provided at low cost based on a signal that can be easily synchronized with the time of a satellite that transmits a signal for positioning. Further, according to another embodiment, it is possible to easily install and maintain a transmitter installed indoors.

According to another aspect, management of position information allocated to the indoor transmitter is facilitated.
The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure showing the structure of the positional information provision system 10 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of indoor transmitter 200. FIG. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode of the data storage in EEPROM243 with which the indoor transmitter 200 is provided. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the modulator 245a for performing the modulation | alteration according to a signal format among the circuits implement | achieved by FPGA245. It is a figure which shows the spectrum intensity distribution of the signal of a L1 C / A code, and the signal of a L1C code. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the message data generation apparatus 245b. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the message data generation apparatus 245c. It is a figure showing the structure of the signal 500 transmitted by the transmitter mounted in a GPS satellite. It is a figure showing the 1st structure of a L1C compatible signal. It is a figure showing the 2nd structure of a L1C compatible signal. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the system configuration | structure in "external synchronization mode". It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the structure which synchronizes the clock of indoor transmitter 200-1 to 200-4 with the timing pulse from the clock generator 2010. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of position information providing apparatus 100. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the process which the Doppler process part 418 performs. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by position information providing apparatus 100. It is a figure showing the display of the screen in the display 440 of the positional information provision apparatus 100. FIG. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the positional information provision apparatus 1000 which concerns on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the scene where the positional information provision apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is used. It is a figure showing the usage condition of the positional information provision apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the mobile telephone 1200 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the information provision server 1230 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in a hard disk 1450 included in the information providing server 1230. It is a figure showing the usage condition of the setting system 2300 which supports the determination of the installation place of the indoor transmitter which comprises a positional information provision system. 12 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a CPU of a computer system that implements setting system 2300. It is a figure showing an example of the screen displayed by the display device with which setting system 2300 is provided. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing data generated for installing an indoor transmitter and stored in a setting system 2300. It is a figure showing the one aspect | mode of the data storage in the memory | storage device which IMES installation examination system database 2350 has. It is a figure showing the simulation of the indoor transmitter implement | achieved by the setting system 2300. It is a figure showing one mode of construction of the whole surveillance system containing remote surveillance system 2360. It is a figure which represents notionally the format of the L1C / A signal which consists of 3 words. It is a figure which represents notionally the format of the L1C / A signal which consists of 4 words. It is a figure which represents notionally the format of the L1C / A signal containing short ID. It is a figure which represents notionally the format of the L1C / A signal containing medium ID. It is a figure showing the frame structure comprised according to the number of words. It is a figure which represents notionally the frame 3500 containing short ID and position information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
With reference to FIG. 1, a position information providing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a position information providing system 10. The position information providing system 10 flies at an altitude of about 20,000 km above the ground and transmits GPS satellites 110, 111, 112, 113 that transmit signals for positioning (hereinafter referred to as “positioning signals”), Position information providing devices 100-1 to 100-4 functioning as devices that provide position information. The location information providing devices 100-1 to 100-4 are collectively referred to as the location information providing device 100. The position information providing device 100 has a hardware configuration similar to that of a terminal having a conventional positioning device, such as a mobile phone, a car navigation system, and other mobile positioning devices. By changing the software, the position information providing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized as a terminal apparatus capable of positioning even indoors.

  Here, the positioning signal is a so-called spectrum spread signal, for example, a so-called GPS signal. However, the signal is not limited to a GPS signal. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the positioning system will be described using GPS as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to other satellite positioning systems (for example, Galileo, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)). Etc.).

  The center frequency of the positioning signal is, for example, 1575.42 MHz. The spread frequency of the positioning signal is, for example, 1.023 MHz. In this case, the frequency of the positioning signal is the same as the frequency of the C / A (Coarse and Acquisition) signal or the L1C signal in the existing GPS L1 band. Therefore, since the front end of an existing positioning signal receiving circuit (for example, a GPS signal receiving circuit) can be used, the position information providing apparatus 100 performs signal processing from the front end without adding a new hardware circuit. A positioning signal can be received simply by changing the software.

  In another aspect, the positioning signal may be modulated by a rectangular wave of 1.023 MHz. In this case, for example, if the data channel of the positioning signal to be newly transmitted in the L1 band is the same, the user receives the positioning signal using a receiver that can receive and process a new GPS signal. it can. The frequency of the rectangular wave is preferably 1.023 MHz. The frequency for modulation may be determined by a trade-off with existing C / A signals and / or spectrum separation to avoid interference with other signals. The mode of modulation is not limited to this.

  The GPS satellite 110 is equipped with a transmitter 120 that transmits a positioning signal. Similar transmitters 121, 122, and 123 are mounted on the GPS satellites 111, 112, and 113, respectively.

  The location information providing devices 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 having the same functions as the location information providing device 100-1 can be used in buildings 130 and other places where radio waves are difficult to reach, as will be described below. is there. That is, the indoor transmitter 200-1 is attached to the ceiling of the first floor of the building 130. Position information providing apparatus 100-4 receives a positioning signal transmitted from indoor transmitter 200-1. Similarly, indoor transmitters 200-2 and 200-3 are also attached to the ceilings of the second and third floors of the building 130, respectively. Here, the time of each indoor transmitter 200-1, 200-2, 200-3 (hereinafter referred to as “ground time”) and the time of the GPS satellites 110, 111, 112, 113 (hereinafter referred to as “satellite time”). ) May be independent of each other and need not be synchronized. However, each satellite time needs to be synchronized. Therefore, each satellite time is controlled by an atomic clock mounted on each satellite. Moreover, it is preferable that the ground time which is the time of each indoor transmitter 200-1, 200-2, 200-3 is also mutually synchronized as needed.

  However, in the present invention, as will be described later (FIG. 11), the time of the indoor transmitters 200-1, 200-2, 200-3 and the satellite time can be synchronized with a relatively simple device configuration. Therefore, when it is necessary to synchronize the satellite time and the ground time as a system configuration, it is possible to cope with such synchronization.

  A spread spectrum signal transmitted as a positioning signal from each transmitter of a GPS satellite is generated by modulating a navigation message with a pseudo noise code (PRN (Pseudo Random Noise) code). The navigation message includes time data, orbit information, almanac, ionospheric correction data, and the like. Each transmitter 120 to 123 further receives data (for example, PRN-ID (Identification)) for identifying the transmitter 120 to 123 itself or each GPS satellite on which the transmitters 120 to 123 are mounted. keeping.

  The position information providing apparatus 100 includes data and a code generator for generating each pseudo noise code. When the position information providing apparatus 100 receives the positioning signal, the position information providing apparatus 100 executes a demodulation process, which will be described later, using a code pattern of a pseudo-noise code assigned to each satellite transmitter or each indoor transmitter, and receives the received signal. Can be identified from which satellite or from which indoor transmitter. In addition, the L1C signal, which is one of the positioning signals, includes a PRN-ID in the data, thereby preventing signal acquisition / tracking with an erroneous code pattern that is likely to occur when the reception level is low. it can.

[Transmitter mounted on GPS satellite]
Since the configuration of the transmitter mounted on the GPS satellite is well known, an outline of the configuration of the transmitter mounted on the GPS satellite will be described below. The transmitters 120, 121, 122, and 123 each perform an atomic clock, a storage device that stores data, an oscillation circuit, a processing circuit that generates a positioning signal, and a spectrum generated by a signal generated by the processing circuit. An encoding circuit for encoding, a transmission antenna, and the like are included. The storage device stores ephemeris, almanac of each satellite, navigation message having ionospheric correction data, and the like. When each transmitter transmits an L1C / A signal, the processing circuit generates a positioning signal with a code pattern that can be a PRN-ID. Therefore, if the code pattern of the received positioning signal is specified, the transmitter that transmitted the positioning signal is identified.

  On the other hand, when each transmitter transmits an L1C signal, the storage device stores the PRN-ID. In this case, the processing circuit generates a positioning signal including the PRN-ID. Therefore, when the positioning signal generated as the L1C signal is received, the PRN-ID is acquired from the positioning signal.

  The processing circuit generates a message for transmission using time information from the atomic clock and each data stored in the storage device.

  Here, for each of the transmitters 120 to 123, a code pattern of a pseudo noise code for performing spread spectrum encoding is defined in advance. Each code pattern is different for each transmitter (that is, for each GPS satellite). The encoding circuit spreads the message using such a pseudo-noise code. Each of the transmitters 120 to 123 converts the encoded signal into a high frequency and transmits it to outer space via a transmission antenna.

  As described above, transmitters 120-123 transmit spread spectrum signals that do not cause harmful interference with other transmitters. Here, “not causing harmful interference” can be ensured by an output level limited to such an extent that interference does not occur. Alternatively, it can be realized by an aspect of separating the spectrum. This signal is transmitted by a carrier wave called L1 band, for example. Each transmitter 120, 121, 122, 123 transmits a positioning signal having the same frequency, for example, according to a spread spectrum communication system. Therefore, even when the positioning signal transmitted from each satellite is received by the same position information providing apparatus 100-1, the positioning signals are received without mutual interference.

  As for the positioning signal from the indoor transmitter on the ground, similarly to the signal transmitted from the satellite, signals from the plurality of indoor transmitters can be received without mutual interference.

[Hardware configuration of indoor transmitter 200]
The indoor transmitter 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the indoor transmitter 200. The indoor transmitter 200 is a general term for the indoor transmitters 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3.

  The indoor transmitter 200 is electrically connected to a wireless interface (hereinafter referred to as “wireless I / F”) 210, a digital processing block 240, and a digital processing block 240, and is a reference for the operation of each circuit portion. A reference clock input / output block (hereinafter referred to as “reference clock I / O block”) 230 for supplying a clock, an analog processing block 250 electrically connected to the digital processing block 240, and an analog processing block 250 And an antenna (not shown) that transmits a signal for positioning, and a power source (not shown) for supplying a power supply potential to each part of the indoor transmitter 200.

  Note that the power source may be built in the indoor transmitter 200 or may be configured to accept external power supply.

[Wireless communication interface]
The wireless I / F 210 is an interface for wireless communication, and short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth), PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), or wireless communication such as a mobile phone network, commands from the outside. For receiving setting parameters and program (firmware, etc.) data from the outside, or transmitting data to the outside as necessary.

  By providing such a wireless I / F 210, the indoor transmitter 200 can be set parameters such as position data (indoor transmitter transmitted by the indoor transmitter 200) even after installation on an indoor ceiling or the like. The data representing the place where the computer 200 is installed can be changed, or by changing the firmware, it is possible to cope with different communication methods.

  Note that access to the indoor transmitter 200 via the wireless I / F 210 is preferably protected by an ID and a password. In this way, modification of data or programs by a third party other than the administrator of the indoor transmitter 200 can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, a wireless interface is assumed. However, if a wired interface can be used even when wiring is installed at the installation site or installation is taken into consideration, the wired interface is used. It is also possible.

  Further, the communication is realized by public lines, LAN (Local Area Network), USB (Universal Serial Bus) serial distribution, etc., but is not particularly limited.

[Digital processing block]
The digital processing block 240 is mounted on the processor 241 that controls the operation of the indoor transmitter 200 according to a command from the wireless I / F 210 or according to a program, and stores a program executed by the processor 241. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 242, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 243 for storing setting parameters among the data from the wireless I / F 210, and indoors under the control of the processor 241. Field programmable gate array (hereinafter referred to as “FPGA”) 245 that generates a baseband signal transmitted from transmitter 200 and firmware of FPGA 245 among data from wireless I / F 210 are stored. EEPROM2 of 44 and a digital / analog converter (hereinafter referred to as “D / A converter”) 247 that converts the baseband signal output from the FPGA 245 into an analog signal and supplies the analog block 250 to the analog block 250.

  That is, the digital processing block 240 generates data serving as a source of a signal transmitted by the indoor transmitter 200 as a positioning signal. The digital processing block 240 sends the generated data as a bit stream to the analog processing block 250.

  Although not particularly limited, for example, the firmware program stored in the EEPROM 244 is loaded into the FPGA 245 when the FPGA 245 is powered on. The firmware program information (bit stream data) is loaded into a configuration memory configured by an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 246 in the FPGA 245. Each bit data of the loaded bit stream data becomes an information source of a circuit realized on the FPGA 245, and a circuit specified by the firmware program is realized by customizing resources provided in the FPGA 245. The FPGA 245 can achieve high versatility and flexibility by having configuration data outside without depending on the hardware.

  Further, the processor 241 sets the following parameters as parameters set in the indoor transmitter 200 in the SRAM 246 (register) of the FPGA 245 based on data stored in the EEPROM 243 in accordance with an external command received from the wireless I / F 210. Store things.

1) Pseudo-noise code (PRN code)
2) Transmitter ID
3) Transmitter coordinates 4) Message (this is formatted in the same format as navigation messages from satellites in FPGA 245)
5) Digital filter selection parameters As will be described later, in the FPGA 245, for example, bandpass filters for 1 MHz, 2 MHz, and 4 MHz (center frequency: 1575.42 MHz) are pre-programmed. The “selection parameter” is a parameter for selecting any one of the bandpass filters.

  A program for operating the processor 241 is also stored in the EEPROM 243 in advance, and the program is read from the EEPROM 243 and transferred to the RAM 242 when the indoor transmitter 200 is activated.

  The storage device for storing the program or data is not limited to the EEPROM 243 or 244. Any storage device that can store data in a nonvolatile manner may be used. Further, as will be described later, when external data is input, any storage device capable of writing data may be used. The data structure of data stored in the EEPROM 243 will be described later.

(Analog processing block)
The analog processing block 250 uses the bit stream output from the digital processing block 240 to modulate a 1.57542 GHz carrier wave, generates a transmission signal, and transmits the transmission signal to the antenna. The signal is transmitted from the antenna.

  That is, the signal output from the D / A converter 247 of the digital processing block 240 is up-converted by the up-converter 252 and passes through the band-pass filter (BPF) 253 through the amplifier 254 to amplify only a signal in a predetermined frequency band. Then, the signal is up-converted again by the up-converter 255 and a signal of a predetermined band is taken out by the SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) filter, and then the signal of the set intensity is obtained by the variable attenuator 257 and the RF switch 258. It is converted and sent out from the antenna.

  The mode of signal generation is not limited to the above. For example, the above example shows an example in which two-stage modulation is performed, but one-stage modulation may be used, or signal conversion may be performed directly.

  Note that the clock used by the up-converter 252 and the up-converter 255 is obtained by multiplying the clock supplied from the reference clock I / O block 230 to the FPGA 245 by the multiplier 251.

  The level setting of the variable attenuator 257 and the RF switch 258 is controlled by a control signal from the processor 241 that has passed through the FPGA 245. The signal intensity is changed by the variable attenuator 257. Both the variable attenuator 257 and the RF switch 258 operate as part of an “individual variable function of IQ modulation amplitude” described later.

  In this way, a signal having the same configuration as a positioning signal from a satellite is transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200. In this case, the content of the signal is not exactly the same as the content included in the positioning signal transmitted from the satellite. An example of the configuration of a signal transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200 will be described later (FIG. 8).

  In the above description, the FPGA 245 is used as the arithmetic processing device for realizing the digital signal processing in the digital processing block 240. However, other arithmetic processing can be used as long as the device can change the modulation function of the wireless device by software. A device may be used.

  In FIG. 2, the clock signal (Clk) is supplied from the digital processing block 240 to the analog processing block 250, but may be supplied directly from the reference clock I / O block 230 to the analog processing block 250.

  Furthermore, in order to clarify the explanation, the digital processing block 240 and the analog processing block 250 are separately shown in the present embodiment, but physically, they may be mixedly mounted on one chip. .

(Reference clock I / O block)
The reference clock I / O block 230 supplies the digital processing block 240 with a clock signal that defines the operation of the digital processing block 240 or a clock signal for generating a carrier wave.

  In the “external synchronization mode”, the reference clock I / O block 230 supplies the clock signal to the digital processing block 240 and the like based on the synchronization signal supplied from the external clock generator to the external synchronization link port 220. To do. The operation in the “external synchronization mode” will be described in more detail later.

  On the other hand, in the “external clock mode”, the reference clock I / O block 230 selects an external clock signal supplied to the external clock port 220 by the multiplexer 232, and outputs a clock signal output from a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit 233. In synchronization with the external clock, the synchronized clock signal is supplied to the digital processing block 240 and the like.

  On the other hand, in the “internal clock mode”, the reference clock I / O block 230 selects the internal clock signal generated by the internal clock generator 231 using the multiplexer 232, and outputs the clock signal output from the PLL circuit 233 and the internal clock. Synchronously, the synchronized clock signal is supplied to the digital processing block 240 and the like.

  The internal state of the transmitter (for example, “PLL control” signal) can be monitored by a signal output from the wireless I / F 210 by the processor 241. Alternatively, the wireless I / F 210 inputs a code pattern of a pseudo-noise code for spreading and modulating a signal transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200, or the wireless I / F 210 should be transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200 Input of other data can also be accepted. The other data is, for example, text data (position data) representing a place where the indoor transmitter 200 is installed. Alternatively, when the indoor transmitter 200 is installed in a department store or other commercial facility, advertisement data can be input to the indoor transmitter 200 as the other data.

  When the code pattern of the pseudo noise code (PRN code) is input to the indoor transmitter 200, it is written in a region defined in advance in the EEPROM 243. Thereafter, the written PRN-ID is included in a signal for positioning. Other data is also written in an area reserved in advance in the EEPROM 243 according to the type of the data.

[Data structure of data stored in EEPROM 243]
A data structure of data stored in the EEPROM 243 of the indoor transmitter 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in EEPROM 243 provided in indoor transmitter 200. The EEPROM 243 includes areas 300 to 350 for storing data.

  In the area 300, a transmitter ID is stored as a number for identifying the transmitter. The transmitter ID is, for example, a number and / or English character or other combination that is written in a memory in a nonvolatile manner when the transmitter is manufactured or installed. Alternatively, in another aspect, the transmitter ID may be associated as a unique ID with a position where the transmitter is installed (such as geographical position information, an address, or other artificially determined position information). Good.

  The PRN-ID of the pseudo noise code assigned to the transmitter is stored in area 310. The name of the transmitter is stored in area 320 as text data.

  The code pattern of the pseudo noise code assigned to the transmitter is stored in area 330. The code pattern of the pseudo-noise code is a finite number of codes assigned in advance for the position information providing system according to the embodiment of the present invention, from among code patterns belonging to the same sequence as the pseudo-noise code for satellites. The code pattern selected from the patterns is a code pattern different from the code pattern of the pseudo-noise code assigned to each satellite.

  There are a finite number of pseudo-noise code patterns that can be allocated for this system for providing location information, but the number of indoor transmitters depends on the size of the installation location of each transmitter or the configuration of the installation location (such as the number of floors of a building). ), And a plurality of indoor transmitters more than the number of code patterns may be used. Therefore, there can be a plurality of transmitters having the same pseudo-noise code pattern. In this case, the installation location of the transmitter having the same code pattern may be determined in consideration of the signal output. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a plurality of positioning signals using the same pseudo-noise code pattern from being received by the same position information providing apparatus at the same time.

  Position data for specifying the location where the indoor transmitter 200 is installed is stored in the area 340. The position data is represented as a combination of latitude, longitude, and altitude, for example. In the area 340, an address, a building name, and the like may be stored in addition to the position data or instead of the position data. In the present invention, the transmitter 200-1 uses only the data, such as “combination of latitude, longitude, altitude”, “address, name of building”, “combination of latitude, longitude, altitude and address, name of building”. The data that can specify the installation location of the device is collectively referred to as “position specifying data”.

  Further, the area 350 stores filter selection parameters for filter selection. Although not particularly limited, for example, “1 MHz”, “2 MHz”, and “4 MHz” are selected as the band-pass filter bandwidths corresponding to the filter selection parameters “0”, “1”, and “2”, respectively. .

  Here, as described above, the PRN-ID, the name of the communication device, the code pattern of the pseudo-noise code, the position specifying data, and the filter selection parameter can be changed to other data input via the wireless interface 210.

[Configuration of FPGA 245]
Hereinafter, a circuit realized by the FPGA 245 illustrated in FIG. 2 will be described.

  First, FIG. 4 shows a baseband signal of a C / A (Coarse and Acquisition) code which is a positioning signal put on the L1 band (1575.42 MHz) of the carrier wave of the current GPS signal among the circuits realized by the FPGA 245. Alternatively, the baseband signal of the L1C code, which is a positioning signal used in the L1 band of a new positioning satellite system (for example, the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), is modulated according to each signal format. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the modulator 245a for this.

  Here, for example, BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) modulation is performed on the C / A code, and QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) modulation is performed on the L1C code. As will be apparent from the following description, the modulation method for converting a digital value into an analog signal is not limited to BPSK modulation or QPSK modulation, and other methods that can be realized by the FPGA 245 may be used.

  Here, although the configuration shown in FIG. 4 is basically the configuration of a QPSK modulator, if the signal to be put on the I phase and the signal to be put on the Q phase are the same signal, as a result, A circuit configuration that can realize both BPSK modulation and QPSK modulation by utilizing the fact that it is equivalent to BPSK modulation. However, an independent circuit may be programmed for each method in accordance with the modulation method realized by the modulator 245a.

  Referring to FIG. 4, modulator 245a includes PRN code registers 2462 and 2464 that receive and store the PRN code stored in EEPROM 243, and message data generating device 245b or message data generating device 245c as described later. Message code registers 2466 and 2468 for receiving and storing message data in accordance with the signal format of C / A code or L1C code from

  Here, the PRN code set in the EEPROM 243 is input to the PRN code registers 2462 and 2464 from the outside. As described above, in the BPSK modulation, the message code registers 2466 and 2468 and the PRN code registers 2462 and 2464 are used. The same data is stored in each. On the other hand, in the case of QPSK modulation, the message code registers 2466 and 2468 and the PRN code registers 2462 and 2464 store data different in I-phase data and Q-phase data, respectively.

  The modulator 245a further multiplies the time series data read from the PRN code register 2462 and the time series data read from the message code register 2466, and the time series data and message code read from the PRN code register 2464. A multiplier 2454 that multiplies the time-series data read from the register 2468, a level control circuit 2456 that is controlled by the level control signal LVC1 from the processor 241 and changes the intensity of the signal input from the multiplier 2452, and the processor 241. The level control circuit 2458 is controlled by the level control signal LVC2 from the multiplier 2 and changes the intensity of the signal input from the multiplier 2454, and the output from the level control circuit 2456 FIR filter 2460 that functions as a bandpass filter having a bandwidth selected by the filter selection parameter, and an FIR filter that functions as a bandpass filter having a bandwidth selected by the filter selection parameter with respect to the output from the level control circuit 2458 2462.

  The modulator 245a further generates a modulation reference clock according to the signal format based on the clock signal from the reference clock I / O block 230, and is synchronized with the signal from the clock circuit 2472 in advance. Look-up table 2474 for outputting data corresponding to the set sine wave and cosine wave as an I-phase modulation signal and a Q-phase modulation signal, and a signal corresponding to the sine wave output from lookup table 2574 and FIR From the multiplier 2464 that multiplies the signal from the filter 2460, the multiplier 2466 that multiplies the signal corresponding to the cosine wave output from the lookup table 2574 and the signal from the FIR filter 2462, and multipliers 2464 and 2466 An adder 2468 for adding the signals of The output from the adder 2368 to buffer and an output buffer 2470 for outputting to the D / A converter 247.

  The data included in the signal output from the modulator 245a to the D / A converter 247 as described above is as follows.

[When outputting a signal compatible with the current GPS signal]
When the FPGA 245 firmware is configured to output a signal compatible with the current GPS signal (signal compatible with the L1 C / A code: L1 C / A compatible signal), the modulator 245 a For both the I-phase signal and the information on the “latitude / longitude / height” of the transmitter is modulated as a message, a BPSK-modulated signal is generated. Here, the term “compatible signal” means a signal that can be received with a common front end unit as a receiver because it has a common signal format.

[When outputting a signal compatible with the L1C signal: L1C compatible signal]
Next, the case where the circuit configuration is such that the FPGA 245 firmware outputs a signal compatible with the L1C signal will be described.

First, as a premise, the L1C signal from the satellite will be briefly described.
As described above, the L1C signal from the satellite is QPSK-modulated, and the pilot signal for acquisition by the receiver is modulated on the Q-phase signal. The Q-phase signal is 3 dB higher than the I-phase signal. On the other hand, a navigation message or the like is carried on the I-phase signal.

  Here, the reason why the acquisition pilot signal is included in the Q-phase signal is as follows.

  That is, the C / A code of the current GPS signal is a 1023 chip signal with a 1 msec period, and the same signal continues for 20 periods, so that the S / N can be increased by integration, whereas the L1C signal Since 10230 is 10 msec period for 10230 chips, the S / N cannot be increased by integration because the same signal has only one period. Therefore, it is necessary to use the Q-phase signal of the signal from the satellite for capturing.

  On the other hand, for a signal compatible with the L1C signal from the indoor transmitter 200, the transmitter ID can be carried on the Q-phase signal. This is because the intensity of the signal transmitted by the indoor transmitter 200 is stronger than the intensity of the signal transmitted from the GPS satellite, and thus no acquisition signal is required. This is because the signal from the GPS satellite is weak when it propagates to the ground, so a signal for acquisition is required, whereas in the case of an indoor transmitter, the signal strength is to prevent multipath or unstable propagation. It is based on the situation that it is necessary to raise. On the other hand, position specifying data such as latitude / longitude / height data is placed on the I-phase signal.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating spectral intensity distributions of an L1 C / A code signal and an L1C code signal. In FIG. 5, in the L1 band, a P code which is a military code transmitted from a satellite together with a C / A code, and an M code signal mainly transmitted from a satellite together with an L1C signal are also used. The spectral intensity is also shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, for the C / A code, there is a main peak at a center frequency of 1575.42 MHz and a sidelobe signal around it. On the other hand, the L1C code has a null point at the center frequency of 1575.42 MHz in order to suppress interference with the C / A code, two main peaks on both sides, and a sidelobe signal on the outer side. Exists.

  Therefore, for the C / A code, only the main peak can be extracted by a 1 MHz bandwidth band pass filter, and for the L1C code, only the main peak can be extracted by a 2 MHz bandwidth band pass filter.

  As described above, the intensity of the signal at the point where the signal transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200 is received is larger than the signal intensity when the signal transmitted from the GPS satellite is received on the ground. Therefore, only the target frequency component is transmitted, and interference with other signals can be suppressed.

[Message data generation device 245b]
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of the message data generation device 245b when the firmware of the FPGA 245 is set to transmit a signal compatible with the C / A code in the L1 band.

  As will be described below, the message data generation device 245b performs processing for placing position specifying data or the like given from the outside in a portion corresponding to the navigation message in the C / A code of the L1 band according to the signal format. is there.

  The message data generation device 245b reads the TOW (Time Of Week) information in the C / A code of the L1 band based on the command interface 2482 that receives the command 2480 from the processor 241 and the command given from the command interface 2482. A TOW command interpreter 2484, a command interpreter 2488 that reads the contents of commands other than the TOW command, a TOW generator 2486 that generates TOW information based on signals from the TOW command interpreter 2484, and a TOW generator 2486 And a message bank 2490 for receiving and storing message information from the command interpreter 2488.

  Message bank 2490 includes banks 01 and 02 each having a capacity of 30 bits for storing TOW information, and banks 03 to 10 each having a capacity of 30 bits for storing message information. Each bank 01 to 10 has an area 2490a for storing information for 24 bits, and a CRC generator 2492 generates a CRC code (6 bits) for error detection from the data for 24 bits. The data is stored in an area 2490b following the area 2490a of each bank.

  The sequence counter 2494 sequentially gives a read signal to the banks 01 to 10 in synchronization with the MSG clock MSGClock based on the clock from the reference clock I / O block 230. In response to this, the data from the banks 01 to 10 is transferred. It is read out and stored in the message register 2496.

  Data in message register 2496 is written to both message code registers 2466 and 2468. Subsequent processing is as described for the operation of the modulator 245a of FIG.

[Message data generation device 245c]
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of the message data generation device 245c when the firmware of the FPGA 245 is set to transmit a signal compatible with the L1C code.

  As will be described below, the message data generating device 245c performs processing for placing position identification data, transmitter ID, and the like given from the outside in a portion corresponding to the navigation message and pilot signal in the L1C code according to the signal format. Is what you do.

  The message data generation device 245c includes a command interface 2502 that accepts a command 2500 from the processor 241, a message command interpreter 2504 for interpreting the content of data to be transmitted as a message based on the command given from the command interface 2502, A message bank 2506 that receives and stores message information for the I phase from the message command interpreter 2504 and a message bank 2508 that receives and stores message information for the Q phase from the message command interpreter 2504 are provided.

  Message bank 2506 includes banks I00 to I10 each having a capacity of 150 bits for storing information for I phase. The message bank 2508 includes banks Q00 to Q02 each having a capacity of 48 bits for storing information for Q phase, banks Q03 to Q05 having a capacity of 63 bits for storing information for Q phase, Banks Q06 to Q08 each having a capacity of 75 bits for storing phase information are included. The capacity of each bank for the Q phase is not limited to these values. For example, the capacity of the banks Q00 to Q08 can be set to 150 bits, which is the same capacity as the banks for the I phase. .

  Here, in the message bank 2508 for the Q phase, for example, a transmitter ID is stored. On the other hand, the I-phase message bank 2506 includes not only the above-mentioned “position specifying data” but also “data for advertisement”, “traffic” given from the outside of the indoor transmitter 200 via the wireless I / F 210, for example. Information, “weather information” and “disaster information” can also be stored. The disaster information includes, for example, earthquake prediction and earthquake occurrence information. Here, the above-mentioned “outside” includes a business apparatus that provides each of the above-mentioned information, a server device operated by a public office, or the like. Such information may be sent from the external server device in real time, or may be updated periodically. Alternatively, the operation manager of the indoor transmitter 200 may update the data as needed. For example, when each indoor transmitter 200 is installed in a department store, data for advertisement may be given to the indoor transmitter 200 by the operation manager as one of the sales activities of the department store.

  Although not particularly limited, BCH error correction codes are added to data stored in banks Q00 to Q08, and error detection codes are added to data stored in banks I00 to I10. Can do. As a result, with respect to the data in the banks Q00 to Q08 in which transmitter IDs having a short data length are repeatedly included, correct data can be obtained every time it is received in this short cycle, so that received data can be determined early. As a result, the reception data can be determined earlier on the Q phase side than on the I phase side, and the process can proceed to a position information acquisition process (inquiry to the server) as will be described later.

  The message data generation device 245c further responds to a command from the command interface 2502 and a sequence manager 2510 that reads data from the banks I00 to I10 for data included in the I-phase signal in a sequence according to the command from the command interface 2502. And a sequence manager 2512 that reads data from the banks Q00 to Q08 for the data included in the Q-phase signal.

  Further, the message data generation device 245c sequentially reads data from the sequence manager 2510 and the sequence manager 2512 in synchronization with the MSG clock MSGClock based on the clock from the reference clock I / O block 230, and separately reads the message code register. A message register 2514 for writing to 2466 and 2468 is provided.

  Data in message register 2514 is written to both message code registers 2466 and 2468. Subsequent processing is as described for the operation of the modulator 245a of FIG.

  When the signal generated by the message data generating device 245c is transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200, the receiver side (position information providing device side) also has a 150-bit message bank I00 on the I-phase transmitter side. Corresponding to each of I10, storage areas distinguished by I00 to I10 are provided, and corresponding to the Q-phase message banks Q00 to Q08, storage areas distinguished by Q00 to Q08 are provided. It is assumed that By doing so, the contents of the storage area on the receiver side are updated each time any of the new data stored in the banks I00 to I10 or the banks Q00 to Q08 is received. For this reason, it is assumed that the data stored in the banks I00 to I10 and Q00 to Q08 includes an identifier that can identify which bank is the data.

  The messages generated by the message data generation device 245c are summarized as follows for the messages transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200. Hereinafter, a signal generated by the message data generation device 245c is referred to as an “L1C compatible message”.

  The L1C compatible message is composed of an I-phase signal and a Q-phase signal. Independent and separate messages are modulated on the I-phase signal and the Q-phase signal, respectively. Specifically, short information such as a transmitter ID is modulated in the Q-phase signal. Since the data length of the Q-phase signal is shorter than that of the I-phase signal, the receiver can quickly capture the Q-phase signal and acquire the ID immediately. However, since the ID has no meaning (for example, position information) by itself, the receiver cannot know the position only by the transmitter ID. Therefore, for example, the receiver accesses the site of the server device that provides the position information via the mobile phone network, transmits the transmitter ID to the server device, and transmits the position information associated with the transmitter ID to the server device. It is acquired from the server device.

  On the other hand, position specifying data is modulated in the I-phase signal. Furthermore, in a certain aspect, a configuration in which a message included in the I-phase signal is variable is possible. For example, in addition to position information, variable messages such as traffic information, weather information, and disaster information can be modulated on the I-phase signal. Thereby, when the indoor transmitter 200 and the external network are connected, the variable message can be updated in real time, and appropriate information can be provided to the user of the receiver. Since the I-phase signal includes the position information itself, the receiver user can know his / her position without connecting the receiver to the network. Therefore, for example, even when a disaster occurs and the communication line is congested, if the L1C compatible message can be received, the position of the receiver can be specified. In this case, if the receiver can transmit the position as a mobile phone, the receiver of the signal can easily specify the position of the transmitter (that is, the victim) of the signal.

  As described above, the I-phase signal and the Q-phase signal have a difference in modulated information itself and a difference in configuration such as a signal length. The receiver only needs to be able to receive at least one of the signals in order to acquire the position information. Therefore, the user of the receiver can select which of the I-phase signal and the Q-phase signal is received as necessary. This selection is realized when the user inputs a setting that defines which signal is received to the receiver. Alternatively, the receiver may be automatically switched from the I-phase signal reception mode to the Q-phase signal reception mode when the connection to the server via the communication line fails due to timeout due to congestion of the communication line. .

  The C / A signal includes a PRN-ID and a message (for example, position information). Since the message can be updated in real time, the latest message can be included in the C / A signal.

[Data structure of signal transmitted from indoor transmitter 200]
First, the structure of a signal compatible with the C / A code in the L1 band carrying the message generated by the message data generation device 245b will be described.

[L1 C / A compatible signal]
The positioning signal transmitted from the transmitter will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a signal 500 transmitted by a transmitter mounted on a GPS satellite. The signal 500 includes five 300-bit subframes, that is, subframes 510 to 550. Subframes 510 to 550 are repeatedly transmitted by the transmitter. The subframes 510 to 550 are each 300 bits, for example, and transmitted at a bit rate of 50 bps (bit per second). Therefore, in this case, each subframe is transmitted in 6 seconds.

  The first subframe 510 includes 30-bit TOH 511, 30-bit time information 512, and 240-bit message data 513. In detail, the time information 512 includes time information acquired when the subframe 510 is generated, and a subframe ID. Here, the subframe ID is an identification number for distinguishing the first subframe 510 from other subframes. The message data 513 includes a GPS week number, clock information, health information of the GPS satellite, orbit accuracy information, and the like.

  The second subframe 520 includes 30-bit TOH 521, 30-bit time information 522, and 240-bit message data 523. The time information 522 has the same configuration as the time information 512 in the first subframe 510. The message data 523 includes ephemeris (ephemeris, broadcast calendar). Here, the ephemeris refers to orbit information of a satellite that transmits a positioning signal. The ephemeris is highly accurate information that is sequentially updated by a control station that manages the navigation of the satellite.

  The third subframe 530 has the same configuration as the second subframe 520. That is, the third subframe 530 includes 30-bit TOH 531, 30-bit time information 532, and 240-bit message data 533. The time information 532 has the same configuration as the time information 512 in the first subframe 510. The message data 533 includes an ephemeris.

  The fourth subframe 540 includes a 30-bit TOH 541, 30-bit time information 542, and 240-bit message data 543. Unlike the other message data 513, 523, and 533, the message data 543 includes almanac information, a summary of satellite health information, ionospheric delay information, UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) parameters, and the like.

  The fifth subframe 550 includes 30-bit TOH 551, 30-bit time information 552, and 240-bit message data 553. Message data 553 includes almanac information and a summary of satellite health information. Each of the message data 543 and 553 is composed of 25 pages, and the above different information is defined for each page. Here, the almanac information is information representing a general orbit of a satellite, and includes information on all GPS satellites as well as the satellite. When transmission of subframes 510 to 550 is repeated 25 times, the same information is transmitted by returning to the first page.

  Subframes 510 to 550 are transmitted from transmitters 120, 121, and 122, respectively. When the subframes 510 to 550 are received by the position information providing apparatus 100, the position of the position information providing apparatus 100 includes the maintenance / management information included in the TOHs 511 to 551, time information 512 to 552, and message data 513 to 513. 553 and is calculated.

  The signal 560 has the same data length as the message data 513 to 553 included in the subframes 510 to 550. Signal 560 differs from subframes 510-550 in that it has data representing the location of the source of signal 560 in place of orbit information represented as ephemeris (message data 523, 533).

  That is, the signal 560 includes a 6-bit PRN-ID 561, a 15-bit transmitter ID 562, an X coordinate value 563, a Y coordinate value 564, a Z coordinate value 565, an altitude correction coefficient (Zhf) 566, an address 567 and reserve 568. The signal 560 is transmitted from the indoor transmitters 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3 in place of the message data 513 to 553 included in the subframes 510 to 550.

  The PRN-ID 561 is an identification number of a code pattern of a group of pseudo-noise codes allocated in advance to a transmitter (for example, the indoor transmitters 200-1, 200-2, 200-3) that is a transmission source of the signal 560. It is. The PRN-ID 561 is different from the identification number of the code pattern of a group of pseudo-noise codes assigned to each transmitter mounted on each GPS satellite, but is a code pattern generated from the same series of code strings. It is the number assigned to it. The position information providing apparatus obtains one of the code patterns of the pseudo noise code assigned for the indoor transmitter from the received signal 560, and the signal is transmitted in subframes 510 to 550 transmitted from the satellite. It is specified whether there is a signal 560 transmitted from an indoor transmitter.

  The X coordinate value 563, the Y coordinate value 564, and the Z coordinate value 565 are data representing the position where the indoor transmitter 200 is attached. The X coordinate value 563, the Y coordinate value 564, and the Z coordinate value 565 are represented, for example, as latitude, longitude, and altitude. The altitude correction coefficient 566 is used to correct the altitude specified by the Z coordinate value 565. The altitude correction coefficient 566 is not an essential data item. Therefore, when the accuracy higher than the altitude specified by the Z coordinate value 565 is not required, the coefficient may not be used. In this case, for example, data representing “NULL” is stored in the area allocated for altitude correction coefficient 566.

  In the reserved area 568, “address, building name”, “advertisement data”, “traffic information”, “weather information”, “disaster information” (for example, earthquake information) are assigned.

[L1C compatible signal]
Next, the structure of a signal compatible with the L1C code carrying the message generated by the message data generation device 245c will be described.

Hereinafter, the data structure of the I-phase signal will be described.
[Configuration I phase signal 1]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration of the L1C compatible signal. In FIG. 9, six subframes are transmitted. As the first subframe, signal 810 is transmitted by the transmitter. The signal 810 includes a 30-bit TOH 811, a 30-bit time information 812, a 6-bit PRN-ID 813, a 15-bit transmitter ID 814, an X coordinate value 815, a Y coordinate value 816, and a Z coordinate value 817. Including. The first 60 bits of signal 810 are identical to the first 60 bits of each of subframes 510-550 transmitted by a GPS satellite.

  In the reserved area 818, “address, building name”, “advertisement data”, “traffic information”, “weather information”, and “disaster information” (for example, earthquake information) are assigned.

  As the second subframe, signal 820 is transmitted by the transmitter. Signal 820 includes a 6-bit subframe ID 821, an altitude correction factor 822, and a transmitter location address 823. The third to sixth subframes are also defined by predefining different information in the 144 bits backward from the subframe ID of the signal 820 (in the signal 820, the altitude correction coefficient 822 and the transmitter position address 823). Similarly transmitted. The information included in each subframe is not limited to the above. For example, advertisements related to location information, Internet site URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), and the like may be stored in a predefined area in each subframe.

  Signals 830 to 870 indicate transmission examples of third to sixth subframes having the same structure as the signals 810 and 820 and the signal 820 described above. That is, the signal 830 includes a first subframe 831 and a second subframe 832. The first subframe 831 has the same header as subframes 510 to 550 transmitted from GPS satellites. Second subframe 832 is a frame corresponding to signal 820.

  Signal 840 includes a first subframe 831 and a third subframe 842. The first subframe 831 is the same as the first subframe 831. The third subframe has the same structure as signal 820.

  Such a configuration is repeated up to a signal 870 for transmitting the sixth subframe 872. Signal 870 includes a first subframe 831 and a sixth subframe 872.

  When the transmitter repeatedly transmits the signal 830 to the signal 870, the first subframe 831 is transmitted for each signal transmission. After the first subframe 831 is transmitted, any other subframe is interpolated. That is, the transmission order of each subframe is as follows: first subframe 831 → second subframe 832 → first subframe 831 → third subframe 842 → first subframe →. 6 subframes 872 → first subframe 831 → second subframe 832...

[Second configuration of I-phase signal]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration of the L1C compatible signal. The structure of the message data may be defined independently of the subframes 510 to 550.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing the second configuration of L1C compatible signal 910. Referring to FIG. 10, signal 910 includes TOH 911, preamble 912, PRN-ID 913, transmitter ID 914, first variable 915, X coordinate value 916, Y coordinate value 917, and Z coordinate value. 918 and parity / CRC 919. The signal 920 has a configuration similar to that of the signal 910. Here, a second variable 925 is included instead of the first variable 915 in the signal 910.

  Each signal has a length of 150 bits. Six signals having the same structure are transmitted. You may comprise the signal which has such a structure as a signal transmitted from an indoor transmitter.

  Since each signal shown in FIG. 10 also has a PRN-ID, position information providing apparatus 100 can specify the transmission source of the received signal based on the PRN-ID. If the transmission source is an indoor transmitter, the signal includes an X coordinate value, a Y coordinate value, and a Z coordinate value. Therefore, the position information providing apparatus 100 can display the indoor position.

[System configuration in external synchronization mode]
Hereinafter, the system configuration in the above-described “external synchronization mode” and the operation of the indoor transmission apparatus in that case will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a system configuration in such an “external synchronization mode”.

  Assume that a plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4 are installed in one building, for example. In the following description, it is assumed that there are four indoor transmitters for simplicity of explanation, but the number of indoor transmitters may be larger.

  As shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that a GPS receiver 2004 is operating upon receiving a signal from a GPS antenna provided on the roof of a building.

  The GPS receiver 2004 can obtain a clock signal GPS-clock that is synchronized with the satellite time with an accuracy of about several tens of ns. Upon receiving this clock signal GPS-clock, the clock generator 2010, for example, via a wired or wireless connection, a synchronization signal (timing pulse) to the external synchronization link ports 220 of the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4. Supply. Return pulses are returned to the clock generator 2010 from the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4. Based on the return pulse, the delay amount of the timing pulse transmitted from the clock generator 2010 to each of the indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4 is the delay (phase difference) between the transmitted timing pulse and the return pulse. Is adjusted by negative feedback so that is minimized. In each of the indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4, the driver 234 supplies a clock signal to the digital processing block 240 or the like.

  The GPS receiver 2004 and the clock generator 2010 are synchronized on the order of several tens ns (nanoseconds). The clock generator 2010 and each of the indoor transmitters 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4 are synchronized with each other by several hundreds ps (picoseconds) by synchronizing with negative feedback. Therefore, the accuracy of synchronization between the GPS receiver 2004 and each of the indoor transmitters 2001, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4 is limited to several tens of ns. Such a restriction affects the function of providing time by each indoor transmitter 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4.

  However, since the clock generator 2010 and each indoor transmitter 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4 are synchronized at several hundreds ps, ranging (time until reaching the receiver) The positioning using can be realized with an accuracy of several hundreds of ps.

  In each of the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4, each clock can be synchronized in the order of several hundreds ps (picosecond), whereby the following system can be realized.

  1) A precise clock and timing can be provided to each position information providing apparatus 100-1 (that is, a receiver). In order for the receiver to receive the signals of the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4, as a result, it is necessary to synchronize with the spreading codes of the signals from the indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4. In other words, the establishment of reception means that synchronization is established between the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4 and the receiver. Therefore, the receiver can provide such a highly synchronized clock for an application that requires time synchronization by extracting the synchronized clock. For example, such a synchronous clock can be provided for applications that require precise time synchronization of networks, settlement, transactions, and other time accuracy.

  2) Further, by using signals from the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4, it is possible to perform pseudorange measurement using an ADR (Accumulated Doppler Range) difference. As described above, in the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4, since the clocks are synchronized with high accuracy (for example, on the order of several hundreds ps), position measurement with high accuracy (distance from the indoor transmitter) ) Is possible. It should be noted that the above description can be easily understood by those skilled in the art, and thus detailed description will not be repeated.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a configuration in which the clocks of the indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4 are synchronized by the timing pulse from the clock generator 2010.

  In FIG. 12, only the component part about the indoor transmitter 200-1 is extracted and shown among the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4. The clock pulse generation unit 2100 is common to the plurality of indoor transmitters 200-1 to 200-4.

  Referring to FIG. 12, first, a timing pulse is generated from clock / pulse generator 2100. The timing pulse is input to the transmission delay amount measuring unit 2102 and the timing delay circuit 2104. The transmission delay measuring unit 2102 operates a counter and counts until a return pulse comes. The pulse input to the timing delay circuit 2104 is input to the differential driver 2108 with 0 delay and transmitted to the indoor transmitter 200.

  In the indoor transmitter 200, the driver 234 that is a clock generation block of the indoor transmitter 200 is synchronized by this timing pulse. The driver 234 transmits the synchronized timing pulse to the differential receiver 2106. The counter operated by the transmission delay amount measuring unit 2102 is stopped, and the total delay amount (ΔT) is measured. The measured value is converted into a delay amount (1 Clock-Δt) for one clock, and is input to the timing delay circuit 2104 to constitute a delay circuit. This is repeated, and negative feedback is configured so that Δt is minimized.

  As a result, it is possible to transmit a signal synchronized with the clock pulse of the clock / pulse generator 2100 to the indoor transmitter 200. Further, not only the transmission system delay but also the correction including the clock generation delay and jitter inside the indoor transmitter 200 can be performed.

  This delay correction technique can improve the reliability of the system by automatically correcting an error factor such as cable delay and constantly monitoring the correction state when the indoor transmitter 200 is operated synchronously.

  In addition, the delay amount is adjusted independently for each of the other indoor transmitters 200-2 to 200-4.

[Configuration of Position Information Providing Device 100-1 (Receiver)]
The position information providing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of position information providing apparatus 100.

  The position information providing apparatus 100 includes an antenna 402, an RF (Radio Frequency) front circuit 404 electrically connected to the antenna 402, a down converter 406 electrically connected to the RF front circuit 404, and a down converter A / D (Analog to Digital) converter 408 electrically connected to 406, baseband processor 410 electrically connected to A / D converter 408, and electrically connected to baseband processor 410 A memory 420, a navigation processor 430 electrically connected to the baseband processor 410, and a display 440 electrically connected to the navigation processor 430.

  Memory 420 includes a plurality of areas for storing code patterns of pseudo-noise codes, which are data for identifying each source of positioning signals. As an example, in one aspect, when 48 code patterns are used, memory 420 includes regions 421-1 to 421-48 as shown in FIG. 13. In another aspect, when more code patterns are used, more area is secured in the memory 420. Conversely, a code pattern that is smaller than the number of areas reserved in the memory 420 may be used.

  As an example, when 48 code patterns are used, for example, when 24 satellites are used in the satellite positioning system, 24 identification data for identifying each satellite and 12 spare data are included in the region. 421-1 to 421-36. For example, the areas 421-1 to 421-32 are areas used for storing data for GPS satellites and include a spare area. At this time, for example, the code pattern of the pseudo noise code for the first satellite is stored in the area 421-1. From this, the code pattern is read out, and the cross-correlation process with the received signal is performed, whereby the signal can be tracked and the navigation message included in the signal can be decoded. Here, the method of storing and reading the code pattern is exemplarily shown, but a method of generating a code pattern by a code pattern generator is also possible. The code pattern generator is realized, for example, by combining two feedback shift registers. It should be noted that the configuration and operation of the code pattern generator can be easily understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Similarly, the code pattern of the pseudo-noise code assigned to the indoor transmitter that transmits the positioning signal is stored in areas 421-37 to 421-46. For example, the code pattern of the assigned pseudo-noise code for the first indoor transmitter is stored in area 421-37. In this case, in this embodiment, an indoor transmitter having 10 code patterns from PRN-173 to PRN-182 can be used, but the same code pattern is within a range that can be received by the same location information providing apparatus. It is preferable to arrange each indoor transmitter so that there is no indoor transmitter that uses the. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to install 11 or more indoor transmitters on the same floor of the building 130, for example. In addition, the code pattern which each indoor transmitter can use is an illustration, Comprising: It is not restricted to these. Each code pattern is specified based on, for example, an assignment shown in IS-GPS-200.

  As described above, when receiving an L1C compatible signal, storage areas corresponding to the banks I00 to I10 and Q00 to Q08 are set in the memory 420, respectively.

  The baseband processor 410 performs positioning based on a correlator unit 412 that receives an input of a signal output from the A / D converter 408, a control unit 414 that controls the operation of the correlator unit 412, and data output from the control unit 414. And a determination unit 416 for determining a signal transmission source.

  When the operation mode is specified by the user as the mode for performing position measurement based on the ADR difference described above, the baseband processor performs Doppler processing on the clock signal supplied from the reception clock unit 416. The unit 418 gives the ADR difference value to the control unit 414 by calculating the ADR difference value associated with the Doppler effect.

  The navigation processor 430 includes an outdoor positioning unit 432 for measuring the position of the outdoor location information providing apparatus 100 based on a signal output from the determination unit 416, and an indoor position based on data output from the determination unit 416. And an indoor positioning unit 434 for deriving information indicating the position of the information providing apparatus 100. At this time, the indoor positioning unit 434 performs positioning based on the ADR difference values from the control unit 414 and the determination unit 416 when performing positioning based on the ADR difference.

  The antenna 402 can receive the positioning signals transmitted from the GPS satellites 110, 111, and 112 and the positioning signals transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200, respectively. In addition, when the location information providing apparatus 100 is realized as a mobile phone, the antenna 402 can transmit and receive a signal for wireless telephone or a signal for data communication in addition to the above-described signal.

  The RF front circuit 404 receives the signal received by the antenna 402 and performs noise reduction or filter processing for outputting only a signal having a predetermined bandwidth. A signal output from the RF front circuit 404 is input to the down converter 406.

  The down converter 406 amplifies the signal output from the RF front circuit 404 and outputs it as an intermediate frequency signal. This signal is input to the A / D converter 408. The A / D converter 408 performs digital conversion processing on the input intermediate frequency signal and converts it into digital data. Digital data is input to the baseband processor 410.

  In the baseband processor 410, the correlator unit 412 performs a correlation process between the code pattern read out from the memory 420 by the control unit 414 and the received signal. For example, the correlator unit 412 performs matching between two types of code patterns provided by the control unit 414 that are different in code phase by 1 bit and digital data transmitted from the A / D converter 408. The correlator unit 412 tracks the positioning signal received by the position information providing apparatus 100 using each code pattern, and specifies a code pattern having an arrangement that matches the bit arrangement of the positioning signal. Thereby, since the code pattern of the pseudo noise code is specified, the position information providing apparatus 100 can determine from which satellite the received positioning signal is transmitted or from the indoor transmitter. Further, the position information providing apparatus 100 can demodulate and decode the message using the specified code pattern.

  Specifically, the determination unit 416 performs the determination as described above, and sends data corresponding to the determination result to the navigation processor 430. The determination unit 416 determines whether the PRN-ID included in the received positioning signal is a PRN-ID assigned to a transmitter other than the transmitter mounted on the GPS satellite.

  Here, as an example, a case where 24 GPS satellites are used in the positioning system will be described. In this case, if a spare code is included, for example, 36 pseudo-noise codes are used. At this time, PRN-01 to PRN-24 are used as numbers for identifying each GPS satellite (PRN-ID), and PRN-25 to PRN-36 are used as numbers for identifying spare satellites. The spare satellite is a satellite that is newly launched in addition to the satellite that was originally launched. That is, such a satellite is launched in preparation for a failure of a GPS satellite or a transmitter mounted on the GPS satellite.

  Furthermore, tentatively, twelve pseudo-noise code patterns are assigned to transmitters (for example, indoor transmitter 200) other than the transmitter mounted on the GPS satellite. At this time, a number different from the PRN-ID assigned to the satellite, for example, PRN-173 to PRN-182, is assigned to each transmitter. Therefore, in this example, 48 PRN-IDs exist. Here, PRN-173 to PRN-182 are assigned to the indoor transmitters according to the arrangement of the indoor transmitters, for example. Therefore, if a transmission output that does not interfere with signals transmitted from each indoor transmitter is used, the same PRN-ID may be used for different indoor transmitters. With such an arrangement, more transmitters can be used than the number of PRN-IDs allocated for terrestrial transmitters.

  Therefore, the determination unit 416 refers to the code pattern of the pseudo noise code stored in the memory 420, and the code pattern acquired from the received positioning signal matches the code pattern assigned to the indoor transmitter. Judge whether to do. If these code patterns match, the determination unit 416 determines that the positioning signal is transmitted from the indoor transmitter. If not, the determination unit 416 determines that the signal is transmitted from a GPS satellite, and stores in the memory 420 which satellite the allocated code pattern is the code pattern assigned to. It is determined with reference to the code pattern. Although an example in which a code pattern is used is shown as an aspect of determination, the above determination may be made by comparing other data. For example, comparison using PRN-ID may be used for the determination.

  Then, when the received signal is transmitted from each GPS satellite, the determination unit 416 sends the data acquired from the identified signal to the outdoor positioning unit 432. The data obtained from the signal includes a navigation message. On the other hand, when the received signal is transmitted from the indoor transmitter 200 or the like, the determination unit 416 sends data acquired from the signal to the indoor positioning unit 434. This data is a coordinate value set in advance as data for specifying the position of the indoor transmitter 200. Alternatively, in another aspect, a number that identifies the transmitter may be used.

  In the navigation processor 430, the outdoor positioning unit 432 executes processing for calculating the position of the position information providing apparatus 100 based on the data transmitted from the determination unit 416. Specifically, the outdoor positioning unit 432 calculates the propagation time of each signal using data included in signals transmitted from three or more GPS satellites (preferably four or more), and the calculation result Based on the above, the position of the position information providing apparatus 100 is calculated. This process is executed using a known satellite positioning method. This process can be easily understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, details of the description will not be repeated here.

  On the other hand, in the navigation processor 430, the indoor positioning unit 434 executes a positioning process when the position information providing apparatus 100 is present indoors based on the data output from the determination unit 416. As will be described later, the indoor transmitter 200 transmits a positioning signal including data (position specifying data) for specifying a place. Therefore, when the position information providing apparatus 100 receives such a signal, data included in the signal can be taken out and used as the position of the position information providing apparatus 100 using the data. The indoor positioning unit 434 performs this process. Further, by using the well-known ADR data described above, highly accurate positioning can be realized even indoors.

  Data calculated by the outdoor positioning unit 432 or data read by the indoor positioning unit 434 is used for display on the display 440. Specifically, these data are incorporated into the data for displaying the screen, and an image representing the measured position or an image for displaying the place where the indoor transmitter 200 is installed is generated, and the display 440 is displayed.

  In addition, the position information providing apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 450 for exchanging data with the outside, for example, with a position information providing server (not shown) under the control of the control unit 414. .

  In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13, although not particularly limited, in signal processing from reception of a positioning signal to generation of information displayed on the display, the antenna 402, the RF front circuit 404, the down converter 406, and the A / D converter 408 include: It is configured by hardware (front end unit 400), and the processing of the baseband processor 410 and the navigation processor 430 can be executed by a program stored in the memory 420. In addition, about the process of the correlator part 412, it can also be set as the structure implement | achieved by hardware instead of software.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining processing performed by the Doppler processing unit 418. Since this process is common technical knowledge for those skilled in the art, an outline of the process will be described below.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the received code signal input from front end unit 400 is captured and tracked in replica code and correlator unit 412 read from memory 420 by control unit 414 in synchronization with the clock. However, when the Doppler effect is included in the received code signal, the synchronization for obtaining the correlation value is lost. Therefore, the signal from the reception clock unit 416 is multiplied by the signal from the Doppler numerically controlled oscillator (hereinafter referred to as “Doppler NCO”) 4182 by the multiplier 4184 and modulated. Here, the transmission frequency of the Doppler NCO 4182 is changed according to the correlation strength data from the correlator unit 412. As a result, if the processing for correlating the received code and the replica code is timed, a correlation value can be obtained. Therefore, once the correlation is obtained, the Doppler NCO 4182 is controlled so as to maintain the state in which the correlation is obtained. For example, when a user who carries position information providing apparatus 100 (for example, a mobile phone with a positioning function, a so-called GPS terminal) approaches the indoor transmitter 200-2 from the position of indoor transmitter 200, a signal from Doppler NCO 4182 Is accumulated by Doppler integrator 4186 to obtain ADR data. By using this ADR data, it is possible to obtain frequency phase information and perform ranging.

Hereinafter, the process of performing ranging based on the value of ADR will be described.
With reference to FIG. 15, the control process of the position information providing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processes executed by baseband processor 410 and navigation processor 430 of position information providing apparatus 100.

  In step S610, position information providing apparatus 100 acquires (tracks and captures) a positioning signal. Specifically, the baseband processor 410 receives an input of a received positioning signal (data after digital conversion processing) from the A / D converter 408. The baseband processor 410 generates code patterns having different code phases that reflect possible delays as replicas of the pseudo-noise code, and detects the presence or absence of correlation between the code pattern and the received positioning signal. The number of generated code patterns is, for example, twice the number of bits of the code pattern. As an example, for example, when the chip rate is 1023 bits, 2046 code patterns having a delay of ½ bit, that is, a code phase difference may be generated. And the process which takes the correlation with the received signal using each code pattern is performed. The baseband processor 410 may lock the code pattern and specify the satellite that has transmitted the positioning signal based on the code pattern when an output exceeding a predetermined strength is detected in the correlation processing. it can. There is only one pseudo-noise code having the bit pattern of the code pattern. As a result, the pseudo-noise code used for spread spectrum encoding of the received positioning signal is specified.

  As will be described later, the process for obtaining the correlation between the signal acquired by reception and the code pattern of the position information providing apparatus 100 that is a receiver can also be realized as a parallel process.

  In step S612, baseband processor 410 specifies the source of the positioning signal. Specifically, determination section 416 is based on the PRN-ID associated with the transmitter that uses the code pattern of the pseudo-noise code used during modulation to generate the signal (for example, the memory in FIG. 13). 420) identifying the source of the signal. If the positioning signal is transmitted from the outdoors, control is transferred to step S620. If the positioning signal is transmitted indoors, the control moves to step S630. If the plurality of received signals include those transmitted from outdoors and indoors, control is transferred to step S640.

  In step S620, position information providing apparatus 100 obtains data included in the signal by demodulating the positioning signal. Specifically, the outdoor positioning unit 432 of the navigation processor 430 uses the code pattern temporarily stored in the memory 420 for the positioning signal (the code pattern in which the above-described “lock” is performed, hereinafter “lock”). The navigation message is acquired from the subframes constituting the signal. In step S622, outdoor positioning unit 432 executes normal navigation message processing for calculating a position using the acquired four or more navigation messages.

  In step S624, outdoor positioning unit 432 executes a process for calculating the position of position information providing apparatus 100 based on the result of the process. For example, when the position information providing apparatus 100 receives each positioning signal transmitted from four or more satellites, the distance is calculated by calculating the orbit of each satellite included in the navigation message demodulated from each signal. Information, time information, etc. are used.

  In another aspect, when position information providing apparatus 100 receives a positioning signal (outdoor signal) transmitted by a satellite and a signal from an indoor transmitter (indoor signal) in step S612, In step S640, position information providing apparatus 100 obtains data included in the signal by demodulating the positioning signal. Specifically, the outdoor positioning unit 432 obtains data in subframes constituting the positioning signal by superimposing the locked code pattern on the positioning signal transmitted by the baseband processor 410. In this case, the position information providing apparatus 100 receives the signal from the satellite and the signal from the indoor transmitter, and thus operates in the “hybrid” mode. Therefore, as for the signal from each satellite, data for positioning is acquired or data for ranging is acquired. As for the signal from the indoor transmitter, data having the coordinate value and other position information is acquired. That is, in step S642, the indoor positioning unit 434 performs a process of acquiring the X coordinate value 563, the Y coordinate value 564, and the Z coordinate value 565 from the positioning signal transmitted by the indoor transmitter 200, and the GPS satellite. The navigation message is acquired from the positioning signal transmitted by, and processed. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S624. In this case, in step S624, sorting for determining a signal used for position calculation is performed based on, for example, the intensity of an indoor signal and an outdoor signal. As an example, when the intensity of the indoor signal is larger than the intensity of the outdoor signal, the indoor signal is selected, and the coordinate value included in the indoor signal is set as the position of the position information providing apparatus 100.

  On the other hand, if the source of the positioning signal is indoors in step S612, for example, if the intensity of the indoor signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, then in step S630, determination unit 414 determines that the signal is It is determined whether the signal is an L1C / A signal or an L1C signal. If the signal is an L1C / A signal, control switches to step S631. If the signal is an L1C signal, control switches to step S632.

  In step S631, determination unit 414 determines the message type of the positioning signal. If the message type is 0 (FIG. 30) or 1 (FIG. 31), control switches to step S633. If the message type is 3 (FIG. 32) or 4 (FIG. 33), control switches to step S636.

  In step S632, the determination unit determines whether the positioning signal is the I phase or the Q phase. If the positioning signal is the I phase, the control is switched to step S633. If the positioning signal is Q-phase, control switches to step S636.

  In step S633, the position information providing apparatus 100 acquires data included in the signal by demodulating the positioning signal. Specifically, the indoor positioning unit 434 acquires message data from the subframes constituting the positioning signal by superimposing the locked code pattern on the positioning signal transmitted from the baseband processor 410. . This message data is included in the positioning signal transmitted by the indoor transmitter instead of the navigation message included in the positioning signal transmitted from the satellite. Accordingly, the format length of the message data is preferably the same as the format length of the navigation message.

  In step S634, the indoor positioning unit 434 uses the coordinate values (that is, data for specifying the installation location of the indoor transmitter (for example, the X coordinate value 563, the Y coordinate value 564 in the signal 560 in FIG. 8), from the data. Z coordinate value 565)) is acquired. In addition, in addition to such coordinate values, when text information representing an installation location or an address of the installation location is included in the frame, the text information is acquired. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S650. Here, when it is designated to perform ranging using the ADR difference, positioning is performed based on the obtained coordinate value and the ADR value.

  On the other hand, when the reception mode of the L1C / A signal or the L1C signal is set in step S630, subsequently, in step S636, the position information providing apparatus 100 demodulates the positioning signal, and thereby includes the data included in the signal. (Transmitter ID) is acquired. In step S638, the position information providing apparatus 100 receives the position information corresponding to the transmitter ID from a server (not shown) by transmitting the transmitter ID via the network.

  In step S650, navigation processor 430 executes a process for displaying position information on display 440 based on the position calculation result. Specifically, image data for displaying the acquired coordinates or data for displaying the installation location of the indoor transmitter 200 is generated and transmitted to the display 440. The display 440 displays the position information of the position information providing apparatus 100 in the display area based on such data.

[Display screen]
With reference to FIG. 16, the display mode of the positional information of the positional information providing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating screen display on display 440 of position information providing apparatus 100. When position information providing apparatus 100 receives a positioning signal transmitted from each GPS satellite outdoors, display 440 displays an icon 710 indicating that the position information has been acquired based on the positioning signal. Thereafter, when the user of the position information providing apparatus 100 moves indoors, the position information providing apparatus 100 cannot receive a positioning signal transmitted from each GPS satellite. Instead, position information providing apparatus 100 receives a signal transmitted by indoor transmitter 200, for example. As described above, this signal is transmitted by the same method as the positioning signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. Therefore, position information providing apparatus 100 performs the same process on the signal as the process executed when a positioning signal is received from the satellite. When position information providing apparatus 100 acquires position information from the signal, icon 720 indicating that the position information has been acquired based on a signal transmitted from a transmitter installed indoors is displayed on display 440.

  As described above, the location information providing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a transmission installed at a place where a radio wave from a GPS satellite cannot be received, such as an indoor or underground mall. The radio waves transmitted from the devices (for example, indoor transmitters 200-1, 200-2, 200-3) are received. The position information providing apparatus 100 acquires information (for example, coordinate value, address) specifying the position of the transmitter from the radio wave and displays the information on the display 440. Thereby, the user of the position information providing apparatus 100 can know the current position. In this way, position information is provided even in a place where a positioning signal cannot be received directly.

  This ensures stable reception of signals indoors. Further, even indoors, position information can be provided with a stable accuracy of about several meters.

  Further, the ground time (the time of the transmitter such as the indoor transmitter 200) and the satellite time may be independent from each other, and are not necessarily synchronized. Accordingly, an increase in cost for manufacturing the indoor transmitter can be suppressed. In addition, even after the location information providing system is operated, it is not necessary to synchronize the time of the indoor transmitter, so that the operation becomes easy. Conversely, when the indoor transmitter 200 is used in a system that needs to synchronize the satellite time and the ground time, the indoor transmitter 200 itself realizes such synchronization with a simple circuit configuration. You can also

  Each signal transmitted from each indoor transmitter contains the information itself for specifying the location where the transmitter is installed, so the position based on each signal transmitted from multiple satellites. There is no need to calculate information, and therefore position information can be derived based on a signal transmitted from a single transmitter.

  In addition, by receiving a signal transmitted from a single indoor transmitter, the location of the signal reception location can be specified, making it easier to provide a location than GPS or other conventional positioning systems. Can be realized.

  In this case, the position information providing apparatus 100 does not require dedicated hardware for receiving a signal transmitted by the indoor transmitter 200, and uses hardware that realizes a conventional positioning system for signal processing. It can be realized by changing the software. Therefore, since it is not necessary to design hardware for applying the technology according to the present embodiment from the beginning, an increase in the cost of the position information providing apparatus 100 is suppressed and it becomes easy to spread. Further, for example, a position information providing device that prevents an increase in circuit scale or complexity is provided.

  Specifically, the memory 420 of the position information providing apparatus 100 holds a PRN-ID defined in advance for an indoor transmitter and / or a satellite. The position information providing apparatus 100 performs processing for determining whether the received radio wave is transmitted from a satellite or an indoor transmitter based on the PRN-ID based on the program. Operate. This program is realized by an arithmetic processing device such as a baseband processor. Alternatively, the position information providing apparatus 100 can be configured by changing the circuit element for determination to a circuit element including a function realized by the program.

  Further, when the position information providing apparatus 100 is realized as a mobile phone, the acquired information may be held in a nonvolatile memory 420 such as a flash memory. Then, when the mobile phone is transmitted, the data held in the memory 420 may be transmitted to the transmission destination. In this way, the location information of the transmission source, that is, the location information acquired by the location information providing apparatus 100 as a mobile phone from the indoor transmitter is transmitted to the base station that relays the call. The base station stores the position information together with the reception date and time as a call record. Further, when the destination is an emergency contact (for example, 110 in Japan), the location information of the source may be notified as it is. Thereby, the notification of the caller from the mobile body is realized in the same manner as the notification of the caller at the time of emergency contact from the conventional fixed telephone.

  Further, with respect to a transmitter installed at a specific location, a position information providing system is realized by a transmitter capable of transmitting a signal similar to a signal transmitted by a transmitter mounted on a GPS satellite, Galileo, or other positioning satellite. . This eliminates the need to redesign the transmitter from scratch.

  The position information providing system according to the present embodiment uses a spread spectrum signal as a positioning signal. According to the transmission of this signal, the power per frequency can be reduced, so that, for example, it is considered that radio wave management becomes easier as compared with a conventional RF tag. As a result, it becomes easy to construct a position information providing system.

  Moreover, the indoor transmitter 200 can change a setting parameter by wireless I / F210 after installation. For this reason, the installation procedure can be simplified, for example, by rewriting the position specifying data for specifying the installation location in a batch after the installation. Also, among the information transmitted as a message, “advertisement data”, “traffic information”, “weather information”, “disaster information”, etc. can be rewritten in real time and provided to the receiver, so various services can be realized. In addition, the indoor transmitter 200 can rewrite the firmware of the FPGA 245 for performing signal processing. For this reason, it is possible to use the same hardware in communication systems (modulation systems etc.) of various positioning systems.

  In addition, since the band of the signal to be transmitted can be selectively limited by the digital band limiting filter, interference with other systems can be suppressed, and the frequency utilization efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, since different information can be provided for the I-phase signal and the Q-phase signal, it is possible to provide flexible position information according to the situation. Since the amplitudes of the I-phase signal and the Q-phase signal can be individually adjusted, it is possible to modulate not only quadrature but also different phases. Also, because the transmission level is variable, depending on the installation location, for example, it can be transmitted power below the regulation of laws and regulations that regulate the use of radio waves such as the Japanese Radio Law, so a special license for installation is required. It becomes unnecessary.

<First Modification>
Instead of the configuration of the correlator unit 412 provided in the position information providing apparatus 100, a plurality of correlators may be used. In this case, since the process for matching the positioning signal to the replica is executed in parallel, the calculation time of the position information is shortened.

  A position information providing apparatus 1000 according to this modification includes an antenna 1010, a bandpass filter 1020 electrically connected to the antenna 1010, a low noise amplifier 1030 electrically connected to the bandpass filter 1020, and a low noise amplifier 1030. , A band-pass filter 1050 electrically connected to the down converter 1040, an A / D converter 1060 electrically connected to the band-pass filter 1050, and an A / D converter A parallel correlator 1070 including a plurality of correlators electrically connected to 1060, a processor 1080 electrically connected to the parallel correlator 1070, and a memory 1090 electrically connected to the processor 1080 are included.

  The parallel correlator 1070 includes n correlators 1070-1 to 1070-n. Each correlator simultaneously executes matching between the received positioning signal and a code pattern generated to demodulate the positioning signal based on a control signal output from the processor 1080.

  Specifically, the processor 1080 gives each parallel correlator 1070 a command to generate a code pattern that reflects a delay that may occur in the pseudo-noise code (shifting the code phase). This command is, for example, the number of satellites × 2 × 1023 (the length of the code pattern of the pseudo-noise code used) in the current GPS. Each parallel correlator 1070 generates a code pattern having a different code phase using a code pattern of a pseudo-noise code defined for each satellite based on a command given to each parallel correlator 1070. Then, one of all the generated code patterns matches the code pattern of the pseudo noise code used for modulation of the received positioning signal. Therefore, the code pattern of the pseudo-noise code can be instantly specified by configuring the number of correlators necessary for performing the matching process using each code pattern as the parallel correlator 1070 in advance. This processing can be similarly applied when the position information providing apparatus 100 receives a signal from an indoor transmitter. Therefore, even when the user of the position information providing apparatus 100 is indoors, the position information can be acquired instantaneously.

  In other words, the parallel correlator 1070 performs matching in parallel for all of the pseudo-noise code code pattern defined for each satellite and the pseudo-noise code code pattern defined for each indoor transmitter at the maximum. Is possible. In addition, according to the relationship between the number of correlators and the number of code patterns of pseudo-noise codes assigned to satellites and indoor transmitters, all of the code patterns of pseudo-noise codes specified for each satellite and each indoor transmitter are as follows: Even when matching is not performed collectively, the time required to acquire the position information can be greatly shortened by parallel processing using a plurality of correlators.

  Here, since the satellite and the indoor transmitter transmit signals by the spread spectrum method which is the same communication method, the pseudo-noise code patterns assigned to the satellite and the indoor transmitter can be used in the same series. The parallel correlator can be shared for both the signal from the satellite and the transmission from the indoor transmitter, and the reception processing can be performed in parallel without specially distinguishing between the two.

  The position information providing apparatus 1000 in FIG. 17 is not particularly limited, but in the signal processing from reception of the positioning signal to generation of information displayed on the display (not shown in FIG. 17), the antenna 1010, the bandpass filter Reference numeral 1020, a low noise amplifier (LNA) 1030, a down converter 1040, a band pass filter 1050, an A / D converter 1060, and a correlator 1070 are configured by hardware and perform arithmetic processing for positioning (control processing described in FIG. 15). ) Can be executed by the processor 1080 by a program stored in the memory 1090.

  Also, in the configuration of FIG. 17, the Doppler processing unit 418 corrects the Doppler effect as described in FIGS. 13 and 14 with respect to the timing at which the processor 1080 reads the replica code from the memory 1090 and applies it to the correlator 1070. , ADR data can be acquired and ADR ranging can be performed.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The position information providing system according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a plurality of indoor transmitters are attached.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode of the position information providing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 18, indoor transmitters 1110, 1120, and 1130 are attached to the ceiling of the same floor. Each indoor transmitter executes the same processing as the indoor transmitter 200 described above. That is, each indoor transmitter transmits a positioning signal including data representing a place where each indoor transmitter is attached.

  In this case, depending on the installation position of the indoor transmitter, there is an area (that is, a space) where any signal transmitted from each adjacent indoor transmitter can be received. For example, region 1140 is a region where signals transmitted from indoor transmitters 1110 and 1120 can be received. Similarly, area 1150 is an area where positioning signals transmitted by indoor transmitters 1120 and 1130 can be received.

  Therefore, for example, when the position information providing apparatus 1160 according to the present invention is present at the position shown in FIG. 18, the position information providing apparatus 1160 includes the indoor transmitter 1110 included in the signal transmitted from the indoor transmitter 1110. Can be acquired as the position of the position information providing apparatus 1160. Thereafter, when the user of position information providing apparatus 1160 moves to a position corresponding to, for example, area 1140, position information providing apparatus 1160 can also receive a signal transmitted by indoor transmitter 1120 in addition to indoor transmitter 1110. In this case, which position determination data included in which signal is determined as the position of the position information providing apparatus 1160 can be determined by, for example, recalculating the weights of the two indoor transmitters based on the received signal strength, Can be determined. For example, when the output level of each indoor transmitter is set to 2 bits, the indoor transmitter has four output levels. In such a case, when signals transmitted from a plurality of indoor transmitters are received, data having the highest reception intensity among them may be used for displaying the position information. If the intensity of each signal is the same, the position of the position information providing apparatus 1160 may be determined by deriving an arithmetic sum of data included in those signals.

  As described above, according to position information providing apparatus 1160 according to the present embodiment, even when a plurality of signals for positioning are received indoors, the source of any signal can be specified. The transmission source, that is, the mounting position of the transmitter installed indoors can also be specified.

  Here, “indoor” is not limited to the inside of a building or other buildings, and may be any place where radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites cannot be received. Such places include, for example, underground shopping streets, railway vehicles and the like.

  In this case, the size of the area covered by one indoor transmitter can be limited, so there is no need to increase the intensity of the transmitted signal from the indoor transmitter, and laws and regulations governing the use of radio waves, such as the Japanese Radio Act It is easy to make the transmission power below the regulation of the above, and no special license is required for the installation of the indoor transmitter.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The position information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment provides data for identifying the transmitter, instead of specifying the position based on the data included in the indoor transmitter, to the apparatus that provides information about the transmitter. In the case of transmission, processing that can acquire position information is communication using a mobile phone network. Therefore, the position information providing apparatus according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be realized using a mobile phone.

  Since the configuration for positioning the position based on the positioning signal from the satellite is common, the operation when the transmitter ID is received from the indoor transmitter will be mainly described below.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode of the position information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The position information providing apparatus is realized as a mobile phone 1200. The cellular phone 1200 can receive a positioning signal transmitted by the indoor transmitter 1210. Indoor transmitter 1210 is connected to the Internet 1220. An information providing server 1230 that can provide information on the indoor transmitter 1210 is connected to the Internet 1220. In the information providing server 1230, it is assumed that a plurality of transmitter IDs and position information corresponding to each of the transmitter IDs are registered in the database. A base station 1240 that communicates with the mobile phone 1200 is also connected to the Internet 1220.

  When the cellular phone 1200 receives a signal transmitted by the indoor transmitter 1210, the transmitter ID for identifying the indoor transmitter 1210 is acquired from the signal. The transmitter ID is included in the message in the signal transmitted by the indoor transmitter 1210, for example. The cellular phone 1200 transmits the transmitter ID (or along with the PRN-ID) to the information providing server 1230. Specifically, the mobile phone 1200 starts communication with the base station 1240 and sends packet data including the acquired transmitter ID to the information providing server 1230.

  When the information providing server 1230 recognizes the transmitter ID, the information providing server 1230 refers to a database associated with the transmitter ID and reads position specifying data related to the ID. When the information providing server 1230 transmits the data to the base station 1240, the base station 1240 transmits the data. When the mobile phone 1200 detects the arrival of the data, the location of the transmitter 1210 and other information can be acquired from the data according to the browsing operation by the user of the mobile phone 1200.

  Here, the configuration of the cellular phone 1200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of mobile phone 1200. The cellular phone 1200 includes an antenna 1308, a communication device 1302, a CPU 1310, an operation button 1320, a camera 1340, a flash memory 1344, a RAM 1346, a data ROM 1348, and a memory card, each of which is electrically connected. It includes a drive device 1380, an audio signal processing circuit 1370, a microphone 1372, a speaker 1374, a display 1350, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 1376, a data communication IF 1378, and a vibrator 1384.

  A signal received by the antenna 1308 is transferred to the CPU 1310 by the communication device 1302. CPU 1310 transfers the signal to audio signal processing circuit 1370. The audio signal processing circuit 1370 performs predetermined signal processing on the signal and sends the processed signal to the speaker 1374. The speaker 1374 outputs sound based on the signal.

  The microphone 1372 receives an utterance to the mobile phone 1200 and outputs a signal corresponding to the uttered voice to the voice signal processing circuit 1370. The audio signal processing circuit 1370 performs signal processing defined in advance for a call based on the signal, and sends the processed signal to the CPU 1310. CPU 1310 converts the signal into data for transmission and sends the data to communication device 1302. When communication device 1302 transmits the signal via antenna 1308, base station 1240 receives the signal.

  The flash memory 1344 stores data sent from the CPU 1310. Conversely, the CPU 1310 reads data stored in the flash memory 1344, and executes a predetermined process using the data.

  The RAM 1346 temporarily holds data generated by the CPU 1310 based on an operation performed on the operation button 1320. Data ROM 1348 stores data or a program for causing mobile phone 1200 to execute a predetermined operation. The CPU 1310 reads the data or program from the data ROM 1348 and causes the mobile phone 1200 to execute a predetermined process.

  Memory card driving device 1380 accepts the mounting of memory card 1382. The memory card driving device 1380 reads data stored in the memory card 1382 and sends it to the CPU 1310. Conversely, the memory card driving device 1380 writes the data output by the CPU 1310 into the data storage area secured in the memory card 1382.

  The audio signal processing circuit 1370 executes processing for a signal used for a call as described above. Note that the CPU 1310, the audio signal processing circuit 1370, the flash memory 1344, the RAM 1346, the data ROM 1348, and the memory card driving device 1380 may be integrally configured.

  Display 1350 displays an image defined by the data based on the data output from CPU 1310. For example, when the flash memory 1344 stores data (for example, URL) for accessing the information providing server 1230, the display 1350 displays the URL.

  LED 1376 realizes a predetermined light emission operation based on a signal from CPU 1310. For example, when the LED 1376 can display a plurality of colors, the LED 1376 emits light in a color associated with the data based on data included in a signal output from the CPU 1310.

  The data communication IF 1378 accepts attachment of a data communication cable. The data communication IF 1378 sends a signal output from the CPU 1310 to the cable. Alternatively, the data communication IF 1378 sends data received via the cable to the CPU 1310.

  Vibrator 1384 performs an oscillation operation at a predetermined frequency based on a signal output from CPU 1310. The basic operation of the mobile phone 1200 can be easily understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated here.

  The mobile phone 1200 further includes a positioning signal receiving antenna 1316 and a positioning signal receiving front end unit 1314.

  Here, the positioning signal reception front end unit 1314 includes the antenna 402, the RF front circuit 404, the down converter 406, and the A / D that are realized by hardware in the configuration of the position information providing apparatus 100 described in FIG. Converter 408 is included. On the other hand, the processing of the baseband processor 410 and the navigation processor 430 that are realized by software in the configuration of the position information providing apparatus 100 is executed by the positioning processing unit 1312 on the CPU 1310 by a program loaded from the flash memory 1344 to the RAM 1346. can do. Also here, the processing of the correlator unit 412 may be realized by hardware instead of software. Note that the hardware configuration and the software configuration may be the same as those of the location information providing apparatus 1000 described with reference to FIG.

  Also in the configuration of FIG. 20, the Doppler processing unit 418 corrects the Doppler effect as described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 for the timing at which the CPU 1310 reads the replica code from the memory 1344 (or RAM 1346, ROM 1348) and applies it to the correlator. It is possible to obtain ADR data and perform ranging by ADR.

  A specific configuration of the information providing server 1230 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of information providing server 1230. The information providing server 1230 is realized by, for example, a well-known computer system.

  The information providing server 1230 includes, as main hardware, a CPU 1410, a mouse 1420 and a keyboard 1430 that receive input of instructions from a user of the information providing server 1230, data generated by executing a program by the CPU 1410, or a mouse 1420 or a keyboard. RAM 1440 for temporarily storing data input via 1430, hard disk 1450 for storing large amounts of data in a nonvolatile manner, CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) drive 1460, monitor 1480, Communication IF 1470. The hardware is connected to each other by a data bus. A CD-ROM 1462 is attached to the CD-ROM drive 1460.

  Processing in the computer system that implements the information providing server 1230 is realized by the hardware and software executed by the CPU 1410. Such software may be stored in the hard disk 1450 in advance. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM 1462 or other data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by another information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the data recording medium by the CD-ROM drive 1460 or other data reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 1470 and then temporarily stored in the hard disk 1450. The software is read from the hard disk 1450 by the CPU 1410 and stored in the RAM 1440 in the form of an executable program. CPU 1410 executes the program.

  The hardware of the computer system that realizes the information providing server 1230 shown in FIG. 21 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the information providing server 1230 according to the present invention is software stored in the RAM 1440, the hard disk 1450, the CD-ROM 1462, or other data recording media, or software that can be downloaded via a network. The operation of the hardware of the computer system is well known. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The recording medium is not limited to the above-mentioned CD-ROM 1462, hard disk 1450, and the like, but is a magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC. (Integrated Circuit) A medium capable of holding a fixed program such as a semiconductor memory such as a card (including a memory card), an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a flash ROM may be used.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 1410 but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  With reference to FIG. 22, the data structure held in the information providing server 1230 will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in hard disk 1450. Hard disk 1450 includes areas 1510 to 1550 for storing data.

  A record No. for identifying a data record stored in the hard disk 1450. Is stored in area 1510. A transmitter ID for identifying a transmitter that transmits a positioning signal is stored in area 1520. Data (coordinate values) for representing the place where the transmitter is installed is stored in area 1530. This data is stored in the hard disk 1450 every time each transmitter is installed, for example. The specific name of the place where the transmitter is installed is stored in area 1540. This data is used so that, for example, an administrator who manages data stored in the hard disk 1450 (or a service provider who provides location information using the information providing server 1230) can recognize the data. Data representing the address where the transmitter is installed is stored in area 1550. This data is also used by the administrator in the same manner as the data stored in the area 1540.

  The provision of transmitter position information by the information providing server 1230 is as follows. The mobile phone 1200 uses the transmitter ID included in the message acquired from the received signal and the data (URL or the like) for accessing the information providing server 1230 to request packet data (hereinafter, “ Request "). The cellular phone 1200 transmits the request to the base station 1240. This transmission is realized by a known communication process. When receiving the request, the base station 1240 transfers the request to the information providing server 1230.

  The information providing server 1230 detects the reception of the request. The CPU 1410 acquires the transmitter ID from the request and searches the hard disk 1450. Specifically, CPU 1410 performs matching processing as to whether or not the acquired transmitter ID matches the transmitter ID stored in area 1520. If there is a transmitter ID that matches the transmitter ID included in the data transmitted from the mobile phone 1200 as a result of the matching process, the CPU 1410 displays the coordinate value (area 1530) associated with the transmitter ID. , And packet data for returning the position information to the mobile phone 1200 is generated. Specifically, CPU 1410 generates packet data by adding the address of mobile phone 1200 to the header in addition to data having coordinate values. The CPU 1410 transmits the packet data to the base station 1240 via the communication IF 1470.

  When the base station 1240 receives the packet data transmitted by the information providing server 1230, the base station 1240 transmits the packet data based on the address included in the data. Note that the base station 1240 may store the received packet data and the reception time in a nonvolatile storage device (for example, a hard disk device). Thereby, since a history of acquisition of position information by the user of the mobile phone 1200 is left, it is possible to grasp the route traveled by the user.

  When the mobile phone 1200 is within a range where radio waves from the base station 1240 can reach, the mobile phone 1200 receives packet data transmitted by the base station 1240. When a predetermined operation (for example, an operation for browsing an electronic mail) is performed in order to browse data received by the user of the mobile phone 1200, the display 1350 displays the coordinate value of the transmitter. Thereby, the user can know the approximate position. In this way, it is not necessary to register coordinate values in advance for each transmitter installed indoors, so that the installation location of the transmitter can be changed more flexibly.

  As described above, even in the position information providing system according to the present embodiment, the signal transmitted from the transmitter installed on the ground has data (transmitter ID) for identifying the transmitter depending on the situation. Contains. This data is stored in association with the position information in the server device that provides the position information of the transmitter. The mobile phone 1200 functioning as a location information providing device acquires the location information by transmitting a transmitter ID to the server device. When such a method of providing information is used, it is not necessary for the transmitter itself to hold the position information of the transmitter, so that the installation location of the transmitter can be easily changed.

<Construction of location information providing system>
Next, with reference to FIG. 23 to FIG. 29, a mechanism for supporting the construction of the position information providing system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode of the setting system 2300 that supports the determination of the installation location of the indoor transmitter that constitutes the position information providing system. In one aspect, the setting system 2300 can function as a GIS (Geographic Information System) by linking building design information and geographic information.

  The setting system 2300 is connected to the network 2340. Connected to the network 2340 are client PCs (Personal Computers) 2310, 2320, and 2330 and an IMES (Indoor Messaging System) installation review system database 2350. A remote monitoring system 2360 is connected to the IMES installation examination system database 2350. The remote monitoring system 2360 is connected to the local monitoring system 2380 via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) 2370.

  The setting system 2300 and the IMES installation examination system database 2350 are each realized by a computer system having a known configuration. For example, the computer system has the configuration shown in FIG. In another aspect, the setting system 2300 and the IMES installation review system database 2350 may be realized by the same computer system. The IMES installation examination system database 2350 stores, for example, floor CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data, floor attribute information, indoor NW (Network) data, IMES parameter information, and arrangement information.

  The floor CAD data is created by, for example, a well-known CAD system. The floor attribute information represents an attribute in a specific space where the indoor transmitter is installed. For example, the floor attribute information includes the area and height of the space, the material of the walls and ceilings constituting the space, the wall layout, and the like. The indoor NW data includes network arrangement information for data communication arranged at a place where an indoor transmitter is installed. The format of the floor CAD data is, for example, DXF (Data eXchange Format), but data in other formats may be used.

  The IMES parameter information includes information unique to each indoor transmitter arranged on the floor. The unique information includes data for identifying each indoor transmitter, a PRN code assigned to each indoor transmitter, and location information assigned to the indoor transmitter for use as IMES (eg, address, Latitude, longitude, altitude, etc.). The arrangement information includes the position of the indoor transmitter on the floor. For example, the arrangement information is configured in a manner in which data for identifying an indoor transmitter is associated with floor position information.

  Data stored in the IMES installation review system database 2350 is created by the setting system 2300. In one aspect, setting system 2300 stores an input device for receiving input to setting system 2300, a display device that displays an image, and design information that displays a place where an indoor transmitter can be installed in three dimensions. And a processor for controlling the operation of the setting system 2300. The processor displays one or more location candidates for specifying a location where the indoor transmitter is installed on a screen displayed based on the design information. The processor also displays the output range of the indoor transmitter on the screen. Furthermore, the processor is configured to associate the data for identifying the indoor transmitter, one location candidate selected from the one or more location candidates, and the design information in association with each other and store the data in the storage device. .

  In other aspects, the processor may display each transmitter location candidate based on the output range of each of the plurality of indoor transmitters. For example, each indoor transmitter location candidate is arranged so that each output range has an overlapping portion.

  In yet another aspect, setting system 2300 may further include an output device for outputting design information and one place candidate associated with the design information. The output device includes an interface for communicating with, for example, the IMES installation review system database 2350. The output device includes a display device. For example, when displaying the location candidate of the transmitter, sorting based on the location or name of the location candidate may be performed. Further, the processor may be configured to assign each PRN-ID so that the same PRN-ID is not assigned to each indoor transmitter. The allocation logic in this case is, for example, as follows. The number of PRN-IDs allocated for the indoor transmitter is limited, for example, N. In this case, it is considered that a circle centered on the other transmitter is circumscribed around a circle centered on the first transmitter. A PRN-ID other than the PRN-ID assigned to the first transmitter can be used. Then, (N-1) PRN-IDs can be used for the other transmitters. Therefore, when the user of the setting system 2300 sets the PRN-ID assigned to the first indoor transmitter as an initial value, the setting system 2300, for example, based on the PRN-ID other than the initial value, for example, By sequentially listing PRN-IDs that can be used for each transmitter, each transmitter and PRN-ID are assigned.

  More simply, assuming that the radio wave range by the transmitter is a hexagon, the number of hexagons circumscribing the hexagon is six. Therefore, by assigning a total of seven PRN-IDs to each transmitter, it is possible to prevent the same PRN-ID from being assigned to adjacent indoor transmitters. In addition, about the area | region where the range which a signal reaches overlaps, a position can be pinpointed, for example by employ | adopting the signal with the strong signal received by the mobile telephone 1200 as a positional information provision apparatus.

  The client PCs 2310, 2320, and 2330 include an editor that edits the screen data of the building on which the position information providing system is constructed. Further, the client PCs 2310, 2320, and 2330 can edit environment information and other attribute information of each floor of the building. The attribute information includes the floor size, layout, wall material, and the like. The attribute information is data that can be obtained from the design information of the building, but the user of the client PCs 2310, 2320, and 2330 can directly input the attribute information.

  The remote monitoring system 2360 can input parameters used by the indoor transmitter to the indoor transmitter. For example, the remote monitoring system 2360 can transmit the parameter to the indoor transmitter via the network. The transmission mode may be either wired or wireless.

  The remote monitoring system 2360 can further communicate with other information management systems via a network. For example, the remote monitoring system 2360 can communicate with an information management system that transmits or transmits signals for positioning. The remote monitoring system 2360 can receive the latest information from the information management system. Alternatively, the remote monitoring system 2360 may have a diagnostic function. For example, the remote monitoring system 2360 may report the state of the indoor transmitter or the operation state of the position information providing system using the indoor transmitter to the information management system periodically or on demand. it can.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 24, a control structure of setting system 2300 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the CPU of the computer system that implements setting system 2300. A computer system that implements the setting system has a known configuration shown in FIG. 21, for example. Thus, the control structure of the setting system 2300 will be described with the aid of such a configuration.

  In step S2450, the CPU converts the raster format drawing given to setting system 2300 into vector data. Conversion to vector data is performed by a known technique. The drawings include, but are not limited to, a plan view, an elevation view, a cross-sectional view, and a quadrature view.

  In step S2420, the CPU creates floor CAD data for database registration. The floor CAD data includes, for example, layout data for each floor of the building. The height of the floor is given as separate attribute information. By creating the floor CAD data, the data specifications are unified, so that unified management by a database becomes possible. Also, the attribute information can be managed by the database.

  In step S2430, the CPU creates an indoor network (NW) for database registration. The indoor network is used to connect each indoor transmitter to the network. Using this network, it is possible to transmit registration data from the management apparatus to each indoor transmitter and update the registered data. Alternatively, a general-purpose network constructed on the floor can be linked to each indoor transmitter. Alternatively, in a situation where a user walking on the floor uses a mobile phone or other mobile communication terminal, information communication using a communication function of the mobile communication terminal is also possible.

  In step S2440, the CPU registers the created floor CAD data and indoor network data as a database.

  In step S2450, the CPU accepts input of data for specifying the installation location of the indoor transmitter in the database. For example, the user operates the mouse to input a place where each of the one or more indoor transmitters is installed in a plan view (floor CAD data) displayed on the monitor screen. Alternatively, the CPU may display other arrangement locations as candidates in consideration of the transmission output of the indoor transmitter and the radio wave range based on one arrangement location input by the user. In this case, for example, the CPU starts from the first placement location and adds the radio range of the indoor transmitter installed at that location to the radio range of the indoor transmitter installed at another location. A location that is far away is displayed on the monitor as a candidate for the location of another indoor transmitter. In this case, in order to narrow down a plurality of candidates to a specific candidate, the CPU places other indoor transmitters at the same latitude or longitude as the latitude and longitude of the place where the first indoor transmitter is placed, for example. Candidates may be displayed. In addition, when the building (commercial building, condominium, etc.) where the position information providing system is installed is composed of a plurality of floors having the same layout, the CPU diverts the data initially determined for one floor. You can also.

  In step S2460, the CPU simulates the installation location of the indoor transmitter based on the range of radio waves output from the indoor transmitter. For example, the CPU reads the attribute information of each indoor transmitter from the memory, and displays the range that the indoor transmitter can cover on the display device based on the attribute information. The attribute information includes a range in which a radio wave transmitted from the indoor transmitter reaches, a transmission output, and the like. Further, the CPU determines whether the ranges are adjacent to each other. If there is no adjacent range, the CPU changes the location of one of the indoor transmitters by a preset value so that the range covered by each indoor transmitter overlaps. change. Alternatively, the CPU may change the location candidate according to the user's input. In this case, the user can determine the location of each indoor transmitter while referring to the screen.

  In step S2470, CPU determines whether or not the installation location of the indoor transmitter has been determined. This determination is made based on, for example, an administrator input given to setting system 2300. In another aspect, this determination may be made by detecting whether or not there is no longer a range that is not covered by any of the indoor transmitters at the place where the indoor transmitter is installed. When CPU determines that the installation location of the indoor transmitter has been determined (YES in step S2470), CPU switches control to step S2480. If not (NO in step S2470), CPU returns control to step S2450.

  In step S2480, the CPU associates the installation location of the indoor transmitter with the floor CAD data, saves them in the storage device, and updates the database registered in step S2440.

  In step S2490, based on the command given to setting system 2300, the CPU outputs the contents of the updated database to IMES installation examination system database 2350, and further outputs it to remote monitoring system 2360.

[Display mode]
With reference to FIG. 25, the display mode of the screen in the setting system 2300 will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the display device included in setting system 2300. Referring to FIG. 25A, the display device displays a specific floor, which is an installation location of the indoor transmitter, in three dimensions. Referring to FIG. 25 (B), setting system 2300 displays each image representing indoor transmitters 2510, 2520, 2530 for the floor CAD data. These images are displayed according to preset intervals, for example, based on the input given to display the first indoor transmitter. Alternatively, any of the images may be changed based on an input by the operator of the setting system 2300. In this case, the changed data is temporarily written in the volatile memory of the setting system 2300 and can be used for the subsequent simulation of the installation location.

  Note that the screen shown in FIG. 25A represents a specific floor from a specific direction, but screens from other directions can also be used. Further, the floor displayed by the setting system 2300 is not limited to a specific floor, and may be any floor derived from data created based on design information given to the setting system 2300.

[Data structure]
The data structure of the setting system 2300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram conceptually showing data generated for installing the indoor transmitter and stored in setting system 2300. Referring to FIG. 26A, the storage device stores data represented in two dimensions as a place for installing the indoor transmitter. Referring to FIG. 26B, in addition to data 2610, the storage device further stores network wiring 2620 constructed on the floor.

  Referring to FIG. 26C, the storage device stores attribute information 2630 of the floor. The attribute information 2630 includes, for example, the name of the building (XXX building), the owner (YYY Corporation), the number of floors of the building / the number of floors of the store (8th floor / 3rd floor), and the name of the room or store (ZZZ shop). And the ceiling height (2800 mm) of the floor and other information.

[Data structure of IMES installation examination system database 2350]
With reference to FIG. 27, a data structure in IMES installation examination system database 2350 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of data storage in a storage device included in the database.

  The IMES installation examination system database 2350 stores data generated by the setting system 2300 in a storage device. The storage device stores registration floor CAD data / indoor NW data 2710, registration floor attribute information 2720, and IMES parameter basic information 2730. These data are associated with each other.

  The floor CAD data / indoor NW data 2710 is the same as the data shown in FIG. The registration floor attribute data 2720 is the same as the floor attribute information 2630 shown in FIG.

  The IMES parameter basic information 2730 includes information such as a model ID (manufacturing number), position information (latitude, longitude, height), PRN, transmission output of an indoor transmitter, and transmission range. The model ID is a number unique to the indoor transmitter, and for example, a production number or a product number is used. The position information is information indicating a place where the indoor transmitter is installed, and is acquired by, for example, a GPS system or another satellite positioning system. Alternatively, it can be obtained by adding design information of the building to the location of the building where the indoor transmitter is used. For example, the design information can be reflected in the coordinate values of the foundation of the building.

  The PRN is a code assigned to the indoor transmitter, and is different from the PRN assigned to the positioning satellite. The transmission output is a signal output of the indoor transmitter, and is defined in advance as a design specification of the indoor transmitter. Similarly, the transmission range is defined in advance as data unique to the indoor transmitter.

[Simulation of output range]
With reference to FIG. 28, the simulation of the output range by the indoor transmitter will be described. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an indoor transmitter simulation realized by setting system 2300. Setting system 2300 displays indoor transmitters 2510, 2520, 2530 on a display device (eg, monitor 1480). Further, the setting system 2300 displays the output range of each indoor transmitter based on the IMES parameter basic information 2730 with the location of each indoor transmitter as the center. The display device displays the output ranges as radio wave ranges 2810, 2820, and 2830, respectively.

  In the example shown in FIG. 28, since the radio wave ranges 2810, 2820, and 2830 are separated from each other, there is a region where the radio wave output from each indoor transmitter is not received. Therefore, the operator of the setting system 2300 can change the location on the screen of the indoor transmitters 2510, 2520, 2530 by operating a mouse or other input device. Alternatively, the CPU of the setting system 2300 may change the positions of the indoor transmitters 2510, 2520, 2530 so that overlapping ranges exist using the data of the radio wave ranges 2810, 2820, 2830. In this case, the movement amount to be changed is set in advance in the setting system 2300.

  The setting system 2300 according to the present embodiment may include a security function in a certain aspect. For example, only a specific administrator who has been granted access authority can assign or change the PRN-ID for each transmitter.

[Remote monitoring system]
With reference to FIG. 29, the remote monitoring system 2360 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of construction of the entire monitoring system including the remote monitoring system 2360. Remote monitoring system 2360 is connected to VPN 2370. In addition, another network system 2910 is connected to the VPN 2370. Network system 2910 is further connected to local monitoring system 2380 via local area network 2920.

  The remote monitoring system 2360 is realized by a computer system having a known configuration. The remote monitoring system 2360 stores data (see FIG. 23) sent from the IMES installation examination system database 2350. The remote monitoring system 2360 can set the indoor transmitter, monitor the operation state, detect an abnormality, and the like based on data sent from the local monitoring system 2380.

  The network system 2910 functions as a gateway device that manages communication between the remote monitoring system 2360 and the local monitoring system 2380. The network system 2910 may be configured to include the local monitoring system 2380 in another aspect.

  Local monitoring system 2380 includes a computer system having a well-known configuration and the indoor transmitter according to each of the above-described embodiments. The computer system is connected to an indoor transmitter. In this case, the computer system may be directly connected to the indoor transmitter, or may be connected via a master device in another aspect. In this case, the master device realizes communication with each of the plurality of indoor transmitters. For example, one master device is provided for each floor of a building, and can monitor all of a plurality of indoor transmitters installed on the floor. The master device is also realized by a computer system having a known configuration.

  In another aspect, the local monitoring system 2380 can read and write data inside the indoor transmitter based on a signal transmitted from a mobile phone or other mobile communication terminal. The communication method in this case is not particularly limited, but a communication method that uses an output that is not subject to regulation by the supervisory authority is preferable. The communication standard of the mobile communication terminal is, for example, IrDA (Infrared Data Association), Bluetooth (registered trademark: Bluetooth), or the like, but may be other communication standards.

  In addition, the mobile communication terminal may transmit information related to the indoor transmitter to the IMES installation examination system database 2350 and store the information. Thereby, the user of the mobile communication terminal can adjust a parameter (for example, transmission output) that defines the operation of the indoor transmitter while confirming the operating state of the indoor transmitter.

  As described above, setting system 2300 according to the present embodiment can plot the location of one or more indoor transmitters on the drawing data of each floor. Thereby, it is possible to easily determine the location of each of the plurality of indoor transmitters.

<Signal format>
The format of the signal transmitted by indoor transmitter 200 or a GPS satellite according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described mode. Therefore, another format will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Message type = 0]
FIG. 30 conceptually shows the format of an L1C / A signal composed of three words. This signal includes a first word 3010, a second word 3020, and a third word 3030. Each word is 30 bits long. The message type of this signal is “0”, for example.

  The first word 3010 includes an 8-bit preamble 3011, 3-bit message type ID 3012, 8-bit floor data 3013, 2-bit latitude (LSB) 3014, 3-bit longitude (LSB) 3015, 6 Bit parity 3016. The bit pattern of message type ID 3012 is, for example, 000 (= indicates type “0”), but other bit patterns may be used depending on the type. Any bit pattern that distinguishes this signal from other signals may be used.

  Second word 3020 includes 3-bit CNT 3021, 21-bit latitude (MSB) 3022, and 6-bit parity 3023. The third word 3030 includes a 3-bit CNT 3031, a 21-bit latitude (MSB) 3032, and a 6-bit parity 3033.

[Message type = 1]
FIG. 31 is a diagram conceptually showing the format of an L1C / A signal composed of 4 words. This signal includes a first word 3110, a second word 3120, a third word 3130, and a fourth word 3140. Each word is 30 bits long. The message type of this signal is “1”, for example.

  The first word 3110 includes an 8-bit preamble 3111, a 3-bit message type ID 3112, a 9-bit floor data 3113, a 4-bit reserve 3114, and a 6-bit parity 3115. The bit pattern of message type ID 3112 is, for example, 001 (= indicates type “1”), but other bit patterns may be used depending on the type. Any bit pattern that distinguishes this signal from other signals may be used.

  Second word 3120 includes 3-bit CNT 3121, 21-bit latitude (MSB) 3122, and 6-bit parity 3123. The third word 3130 includes a 3-bit CNT 3131, a 21-bit latitude (MSB) 3132, and a 6-bit parity 3133. The fourth word 3140 includes a 3-bit CNT 3141, a 12-bit altitude 3142, a 2-bit reserve 3143, a 3-bit latitude (LSB) 3144, a 3-bit longitude (LSB) 3145, and a 6-bit parity. 3146.

[Message type = 3]
FIG. 32 conceptually shows a format of L1C / A signal 3200 including a short ID. The message type of the signal 3200 is “3”, for example.

  The signal 3200 includes an 8-bit preamble 3220, a 3-bit message type ID 3220, a 12-bit short ID (IDs) 3230, a 1-bit BD 3240, and a 6-bit parity 3250. The bit pattern of message type ID 3220 is, for example, 011 (= indicates type “3”), but other bit patterns may be used depending on the type. Any bit pattern that distinguishes this signal from other signals may be used.

[Message type = 4]
FIG. 33 conceptually shows a format of an L1C / A signal including a medium ID. The message type of this signal is “4”, for example.

  This signal includes a first word 3310 and a second word 3320. The first word 3310 includes an 8-bit preamble 3311, a 3-bit message type ID 3312, a 12-bit short ID (IDM) (MSB) 3313, a 1-bit BD 3314, and a 6-bit parity 3315. The bit pattern of message type ID 3312 is, for example, 100 (= indicates type “4”), but other bit patterns may be used depending on the type. Any bit pattern that distinguishes this signal from other signals may be used. Second word 3320 includes 3-bit CNT 3321, 21-bit medium ID (IDM) (LSB) 3322, and 6-bit parity 3323.

  An example of the frame configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a frame configuration configured according to the number of words. Each word is 30 bits in length.

  The frame 3410 consists of one word. The frame 3410 includes an 8-bit preamble 3411, a 3-bit message type ID 3412, a 13-bit data bit 3413, and a 6-bit parity 3414.

  Frame 3420 consists of two words. The first word of frame 3420 includes an 8-bit preamble 3421, a 3-bit message type ID 3422, a 13-bit data bit 3423, and a 6-bit parity 3424. The second word of frame 3420 includes a 3-bit CNT 3425, a 21-bit data bit 3426, and a 6-bit parity 3427.

  Frame 3430 consists of three words. The first word of frame 3430 includes an 8-bit preamble 3431, a 3-bit message type ID 3432, a 13-bit data bit 3433, and a 6-bit parity. The second word of frame 3430 includes 3-bit CNT 3435, 21-bit 3436, and 6-bit parity 3437. The third word of frame 3430 includes a 3-bit CNT 3438, a 21-bit data bit 3439, and a 6-bit parity 3440.

  With reference to FIG. 35, another example of the frame configuration will be described. FIG. 35 is a diagram conceptually showing a frame 3500 including a short ID and position information.

  The first word of frame 3500 includes preamble 3510, message type ID 3512, data bits 3512, and parity 3513. The second word includes a preamble 3514, a message type ID 3515, floor data 3516, and parity 3517. The third word includes CNT 3518, latitude data 3519, and parity 3520. The fourth word includes CNT 3521, longitude data 3522, and parity 3523. The position information is composed of the second to fourth words.

  The signal format described above is exemplary, and application of the indoor transmitter 200 according to the present embodiment is not limited to such a format.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The position information providing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to, for example, a mobile phone having a positioning function, a portable positioning terminal, a portable monitoring terminal, and other terminals that can receive signals for positioning. In addition, the transmitter according to the present invention can be applied to, for example, a transmitter installed indoors and other transmission devices.

  10 position information providing system, 110, 111, 112 GPS satellite, 120, 121, 122 transmitter, 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 1000, 1160, 1170 position information providing device, 130 building 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 1110, 1120, 1130, 1210 indoor transmitter, 210 wireless I / F, 220 external synchronization link port, 221 external clock port, 230 reference clock I / O block, 240 Digital processing block, 250 analog block, 1010, 1308 antenna, 1140, 1150 area, 1220 Internet, 1382 memory card, 1462 CD-ROM.

Claims (5)

An information management device for supporting the determination of the installation location of a transmitter,
An input device for receiving input to the management device;
A display device;
A storage device for storing design information for displaying in three dimensions a place where the transmitter can be installed;
A processor for controlling the operation of the management device,
The processor is
Displaying one or more location candidates for specifying a location where the transmitter is installed on a screen displayed based on the design information;
Displaying the output range of the transmitter on the screen; and
Information management configured to associate data for identifying the transmitter, one location candidate selected from the one or more location candidates, and the design information in association with each other and store the information in the storage device apparatus.   The information management device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to display a location candidate of each transmitter based on an output range of each of the plurality of transmitters.   The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising an output device for outputting the design information and the one place candidate associated with the design information. A program for causing a computer to function as an information management device, wherein the computer includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor, and the program is stored in the processor.
Loading design information into memory to display in three dimensions the location where the transmitter can be installed;
Displaying a screen based on the design information;
Displaying one or more candidate locations for identifying a location where the transmitter is installed;
Displaying an output range of the transmitter;
A program that executes data for identifying the transmitter, one location candidate selected from the one or more location candidates, and writing the design information in association with the design information.   The program according to claim 4, wherein the program further causes the processor to execute a step of displaying a location candidate of each of the transmitters based on an output range of each of a plurality of the transmitters.

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