JP2009245286A - Method, system for calculating distribution of head-count, radio communication apparatus, and server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To estimate distribution of head-count by grasping existence of radio tags located outside detection areas of tag readers. <P>SOLUTION: The tags 11, 12 move into the respective detection areas A1, A2, A3 in the tag readers 1, 2, 3 and when receiving area codes ID1, ID2, ID3, the area codes ID1, ID2, ID3, are stored, the stored area codes is synthesized with a tag identification code Node ID, temporary tag identification codes tmpID to be temporarily used is generated, and transmitted to the tag readers 1, 2, 3. The tags 11, 12 exchange the temporary tag identification codes tmpID outside the detection areas A1, A2, A3, and when the tags move into the detection areas A1, A2, A3, transmit the exchanged temporary tag identification codes tmpID (rcvID) to the tag readers 1, 2, 3. An estimation node 101 estimates head-count in a specific area and specific time near the specific area based on the temporary tag identification codes tmpID, received time, the exchanged temporary tag identification codes recID, and exchange time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a number distribution calculation method and a number distribution calculation system using a wireless communication device held by a person.
The present invention also relates to a wireless communication apparatus and a server in the above-mentioned number distribution calculation system.

As a conventional example, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a wireless tag is provided as a wireless communication device in a card held by a person, and the wireless communication device communicates with the wireless tag in an area for calculating the distribution of people. A system is known in which a plurality of tag readers are distributed and the tag reader communicates with wireless tags located in the wireless area (zone) and collects tag IDs to calculate the distribution of the number of people in the target area. It has been. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for visualizing the size of a group, a title of a specific person, etc., instead of displaying the collected tag IDs as they are for the purpose of protecting personal privacy. ing.
JP 2006-155431 A (abstract)

  However, in a system in which a plurality of tag readers communicating with a wireless tag are arranged apart from each other and the detection areas (wireless areas) of the plurality of tag readers are separated, the presence of a wireless tag located outside the detection area of the tag reader is grasped. There is a problem that the distribution of the number of people cannot be estimated. In particular, it is not possible to respond to a request to roughly grasp the number of people located in a specific area by arranging the tag reader only at a specific position such as a condemned place in a disaster or the like.

In view of the problems of the conventional example, the present invention can estimate the distribution of the number of persons by grasping the presence of wireless tags located outside the detection area of the tag reader in a system in which the detection areas of the plurality of tag readers are separated from each other. An object of the present invention is to provide a distribution calculation method and distribution system for the number of persons.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication device and a server in the above-mentioned number distribution calculation system.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a connection between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which detection areas are spaced apart from each other. A method for calculating the distribution of the number of people by performing wireless communication with
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices advertises area identification information for identifying its own detection area to the plurality of first wireless communication devices;
When each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device receives the area identification information and generates first temporary identification information combined with the identification information of the own device. And transmitting to the second wireless communication device;
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices receiving and transmitting the first temporary identification information to a server when communication with the first wireless communication device is possible;
When the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with each other but cannot communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first temporary identification information is exchanged, and the second wireless communication device Transmitting the exchanged first temporary identification information as second temporary identification information together with the exchange time to the second wireless communication apparatus when communication with a communication apparatus becomes possible;
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices receiving and transmitting the second temporary identification information to a server when communication with the first wireless communication device is possible;
The server receives the first temporary identification information and records it in the database together with the reception time, receives the second temporary identification information and the exchange time, records it in the database, and records it in the database. Estimating the number of people at a specific time in a specific area and its vicinity based on the first temporary identification information and the reception time and the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time;
It was set as the structure which has.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a plurality of first wireless communication devices held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication devices in which detection areas are spaced apart from each other. A distribution calculation system for the number of people by calculating the distribution of the number of people by performing wireless communication between them,
Means for advertising each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices to each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices with area identification information for identifying its own detection area;
When each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device receives the area identification information and generates first temporary identification information combined with the identification information of the own device. Means for transmitting to the second wireless communication device;
Means for receiving and transmitting the first temporary identification information to a server when each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices is communicable with the first wireless communication device;
When the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with each other but cannot communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first temporary identification information is exchanged, and the second wireless communication device Means for transmitting the exchanged first temporary identification information as second temporary identification information together with the exchange time to the second wireless communication apparatus when communication with a communication apparatus becomes possible;
Means for receiving and transmitting the second temporary identification information to a server when each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices can communicate with the first wireless communication device;
The server receives the first temporary identification information and records it in the database together with the reception time, receives the second temporary identification information and the exchange time, records it in the database, and records it in the database. Means for estimating the number of persons at a specific time in a specific area and its vicinity based on the first temporary identification information and the reception time and the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time;
It was set as the structure which has.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a plurality of first wireless communication devices held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication devices in which detection areas are spaced apart from each other. The first wireless communication device in the distribution calculation system for the number of people to calculate the distribution of the number of people by performing wireless communication between them,
When communication with the second wireless communication device is possible, each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices receives area identification information advertised to the first wireless communication device to identify its own detection area. Means for generating first temporary identification information synthesized with the identification information of the own device and transmitting the first temporary identification information to the second wireless communication device;
The second wireless communication device exchanges the first temporary identification information when communication with the other first wireless communication device is possible but communication with the second wireless communication device is not possible. Means for transmitting the exchanged first temporary identification information as the second temporary identification information together with the exchange time to the second wireless communication apparatus when communication with the second wireless communication apparatus is possible.
The configuration was provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a plurality of first wireless communication devices held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication devices in which detection areas are spaced apart from each other. The second wireless communication device in the distribution calculation system for the number of people to calculate the distribution of the number of people by performing wireless communication between the two,
Means for advertising area identification information for identifying its own detection area to the plurality of first wireless communication devices;
Means for receiving and transmitting to the server first temporary identification information that each of the plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses receives the area identification information and combines with the identification information of its own apparatus;
Receiving the second temporary identification information and the exchange time transmitted as the second temporary identification information together with the first temporary identification information exchanged with each other by the plurality of first wireless communication devices. Means for sending to the server,
The configuration was provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a plurality of first wireless communication devices held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication devices in which detection areas are spaced apart from each other. A server in a distribution calculation system for the number of people that calculates the distribution of the number of people by performing wireless communication between them,
Including area identification information for identifying respective detection areas of the plurality of second wireless communication devices and identification information of the first wireless communication devices, respectively transmitted from the plurality of first wireless communication devices. Means for receiving the first temporary identification information together with the reception time of the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication device and recording it in a database;
Means for receiving and recording the second temporary identification information exchanged outside the area of the second wireless communication device and the exchange time by each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices in the database;
Means for estimating the number of persons at a specific time in a specific area and its vicinity based on the first temporary identification information and the reception time recorded in the database and the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time;
It was set as the structure which has.
In addition, the present invention performs wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication devices held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication devices in which detection areas are spaced apart from each other. To estimate the number of people at a specific time near a specific area,
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices advertises area identification information for identifying its own detection area to the plurality of first wireless communication devices,
When each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device receives the area identification information and generates first temporary identification information combined with the identification information of the own device. And
When the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with each other but cannot communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first temporary identification information is exchanged, and the second wireless communication device When the communication with the communication device becomes possible, the exchanged first temporary identification information is transmitted as second temporary identification information to the second wireless communication device together with the exchange time,
When the plurality of second wireless communication devices can communicate with the first wireless communication device, the second temporary identification information is received and transmitted to the server,
The server receives the second temporary identification information and replacement time and records it in a database, and a specific time near a specific area based on the second temporary device identification information and replacement time recorded in the database Estimate the number of people in
The configuration.

  With this configuration, the second wireless communication device that is the tag reader advertises the area identification information to the first wireless communication device that is the wireless tag, and the first wireless communication device receives the area identification information and the identification information of the own device. The first temporary identification information combined is generated and transmitted to the second wireless communication device, and the first wireless communication device exchanges the first temporary identification information with each other outside the area and exchanges them. Since the temporary identification information and the exchange time thereof are transmitted to the second wireless communication device, in the system where the detection areas of the plurality of tag readers are separated from each other, the presence of the wireless tag located outside the detection area of the tag reader is grasped. Distribution can be estimated.

  According to the present invention, in a system in which the detection areas of a plurality of tag readers are separated, it is possible to estimate the distribution of the number of persons by grasping the presence of a wireless tag located outside the detection area of the tag reader.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a number distribution calculation system according to the present invention. This system includes, as nodes, a client 100 that transmits a request for estimating the number distribution, an estimation node (server) 101 that receives a request from the client 100 and estimates the distribution of the number of persons, and provides the estimation result to the client 100; A plurality of tag readers 1, 2, 3 in which detection areas (wireless areas) A1, A2, A3 are spaced apart, and a plurality of wireless tags (tags) provided in a card held by a person and capable of communicating with each other 11 and 12 are connected through each link.

  Here, the tag 11 at the position shown in FIG. 1 moves from the detection area A1 of the tag reader 1 to the outside of the detection area A1, then moves into the detection area A2 of the tag reader 2, and then from within the detection area A2 of the tag reader 2. It shows that it moved out of the detection area A3 and then moved into the detection area A3 of the tag reader 3. Further, the tag 12 at the position shown in FIG. 1 is not located in any of the detection areas A1, A2, and A3 of the tag readers 1, 2, and 3, but communicates with the tag 11 located in the area A2. Indicates.

  In such a system, each of tag readers 1, 2, and 3 transmits an area code (ID1, ID2, and ID3 to be described later) in a format as shown in FIG. Advertising). The tags 11 and 12 have their own unique and invariant tag identification codes Node ID stored in advance, moved into the detection areas A1, A2, and A3 in the tag readers 1, 2, and 3, and the area codes ID1, ID2, When ID3 is received, the area code ID1, ID2, and ID3 are stored and combined with the tag identification code Node ID in a format as shown in FIG. 3 to generate a temporary tag identification code tmpID for temporary use. As shown in FIG. 3, the method for synthesizing the temporary tag identification code tmpID is configured such that the area identification code ID1, ID2, ID3 is on the upper bit side and the tag identification code Node ID is on the lower bit side, or vice versa. Configuration may be sufficient.

  Then, the tag 11 (and 12) transmits an ID notification message including its own temporary tag identification code tmpID and tag identification code Node ID to the tag readers 1, 2, 3 as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the tag 11 moves as shown in FIG. 1 as the tag reader 1 → 2 → 3, the tag reader 1, 2, 3 is notified of the temporary tag identification code tmpID having different area code ID1, ID2, ID3 portions. To do. When the tag readers 1, 2, and 3 receive the ID notification message from the tags 11 and 12, as shown in FIG. 5, the temporary tag identification code tmpID and the tag identification code Node ID in the ID notification message, and the reception time of the ID notification message Is transmitted to the estimation node 101. The estimation node 101 records the content of the received passage report message in the database DB-1 (described later).

  Further, when the tags 11 and 12 at the positions shown in FIG. 1 approach the area where they can wirelessly communicate with each other, the temporary tag identification codes tmpID stored in each other are exchanged, and the temporary tag identifications received from the other party are exchanged. Temporary tag that is stored and stored as history data with the code tmpID and its reception time as exchange time, and received / stored from the other party when moved to the detection area A1, A2, A3 of the tag reader 1, 2, 3 The identification code tmpID is notified to the tag readers 1, 2, and 3.

  FIG. 6 shows the format of a history record notification message for notifying the tag readers 1, 2, and 3 of the temporary tag identification code tmpID received and stored by the tag 11 from the counterpart tag 12. This message is composed of the tmpID and Node ID of the transmission source tag 11, the number of history records, and one or more history records. Each history record includes a reception time (exchange time) when each tmpID is received from the destination tag 12 and each rcvID that is tmpID. When the tag readers 1, 2, and 3 receive the history record notification message from the tag 11, the tag readers 1, 2, and 3 transmit a history data report message having the same content to the estimation node 101. The estimation node 101 records the contents of the received history data report message in the database DB-2 (described later), and upon receiving a request from the client 100, the distribution of the number of people based on the databases DB-1 and DB-2 as described later. Is estimated.

  Specific examples will be described in detail below. FIG. 7 shows an example of the initial state (time t = t0). In the example shown in FIG. 7, a tag A with Node ID = a and a tag B with Node ID = b are located in the detection area A1 (area code = ID1) of the tag reader 1. At this time, the temporary tag identification codes tmpID of the tags A and B can be described as ID1a and ID1b, respectively, according to the format example of tmpID in FIG. Similarly, the tag C of Node ID = c and the tag D of Node ID = d are located in the detection area A2 (area code = ID2) of the tag reader 2, and therefore, the temporary tag identification code of the tags C and D tmpID is ID2c and ID2d, respectively. Further, a tag E with Node ID = e and a tag X with Node ID = x are located in the detection area A3 (area code = ID3) of the tag reader 3, and therefore, a temporary tag identification code tmpID of the tags E and X. Are ID3e and ID3x, respectively. These temporary tag identification codes tmpID are uploaded to the estimation node 101 via the tag readers 1, 2, and 3, and stored in a database (DB-1 described later) in the estimation node 101 together with time t = t 0.

  FIG. 8 shows positional changes of the tags A to E and X from the initial state shown in FIG. 7 (time t = t0) to time t = t1, t2, and t3. First, since tags A, D, and E have not moved from the initial state shown in FIG. 6, their tmpIDs do not change. The tags B, C, and X move as follows, and their tmpID changes. When any tag is located in the detection areas A1, A2, and A3 of the tag readers 1, 2, and 3, its own tmpID is transmitted to the tag readers 1, 2, and 3. Therefore, each tmpID is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the database DB-1 in the estimation node 101 stores the time t = t1, t2, and t3 together.

<Tag B>
t = t1: It is located in the detection area A1 of the initial tag reader 1 (tmpID = ID1b).
t = t2: Moved outside the detection area A1 of the tag reader 1, but not moved into any of the detection areas A2 and A3 of the tag readers 2 and 3, so tmpID does not change (tmpID = ID1b). However, the tmpIDs of the tags C and X were exchanged by approaching an area where the tags C and X can communicate with each other (described later).
t = t3: Moved into the detection area A2 of the tag reader 2 (tmpID = ID1b → ID2b).

<Tag C>
t = t1: It is located in the detection area A2 of the initial tag reader 2 (tmpID = ID2c).
t = t2: Moved outside the detection area A2 of the tag reader 2, but not moved into any of the detection areas A1 and A2 of the tag readers 1 and 3, so tmpID does not change (tmpID = ID2c). However, the tmpIDs of the tags B and X were approached and exchanged with each other (described later).
t = t3: Moved into the detection area A1 of the tag reader 1 (tmpID = ID2c → ID1c).

<Tag X>
t = t1: Moved into the detection area A2 of the tag reader 2 (tmpID = ID3x → ID2x).
t = t2: Moved out of the detection area A2 of the tag reader 2, but not moved into any of the detection areas A1 and A3 of the tag readers 1 and 3, so tmpID does not change (tmpID = ID2x). However, the tmpIDs of the tags C and X were exchanged by approaching an area where the tags C and X can communicate with each other (described later).
t = t ₃ : The tag X does not move after t = t ₂ and does not enter anywhere in the areas A1, A2, and A3. Therefore, tag C, X are each enters the area A1 or A2, but in communication with each tag reader 1 or reader 2 at t = t _3, tag X is not subjected to any reader 1,2,3 both communication There is no state.

<Exchange of tmpID outside area at t = t2>
<< Tag B >>
The tmpID = ID2c and ID2x of the tags C and X are received. Next, at t = t3, tmpID = ID2c, ID2x, and reception time t = t2 are transmitted to the tag reader 2 in the history record notification message shown in FIG. 6 together with its own tmpID = ID2b. In this case, the history record notification message transmitted by tag B is composed of two history records, tmpID = ID2b of tag B, Node ID = b of tag B, and the number of history records = 2. The two history records are composed of reception times t = t2 when tmpID = ID2c and ID2x are received from the tags C and X, and rcvIDs where tmpID = ID2c and ID2x are received from the tags C and X, respectively. When the tag reader 2 receives the history record notification message from the tag B, the tag reader 2 transmits a history data report message having the same content to the estimation node 101. The estimation node 101 records the history data in the history data report message in the database DB-2 shown in FIG.

<< Tag C >>
Respective tmpID = ID1b and ID2x of tags B and X are received. Next, at t = t3, tmpID = ID1b, ID2x, and reception time t = t2 are transmitted to the tag reader 1 together with its own tmpID = ID2c by the history record notification message shown in FIG. When the tag reader 1 receives the history record notification message from the tag C, the tag reader 1 transmits a history data report message having the same contents to the estimation node 101. The estimation node 101 stores the history data in the history data report message in the database shown in FIG. Record in DB-2.

<< Tag X >>
Respective tmpID = ID1b and ID2c of tags B and C are received. Since no detection areas A1, A2, and A3 are moved at t = t3, tmpID = ID1b, ID2c and its own tmpID = ID2x cannot be transmitted to any of tag readers 1, 2, and 3.

<Estimated node database>
FIG. 9A shows the database DB-1 when the tags A, B, C, D, E, and X transmit their tmpIDs. FIG. 9B shows a database DB-2 of tmpID (rcvID) exchanged at t = t2 and received by the tag readers 1 and 2 at t = t3 and reported to the estimation node 101. For example, when it is desired to calculate the number of people and their positions at t1 <t <t3, tmpID received by the tag readers 1, 2, and 3 from (1) in FIG. Are ID1a, ID2d, and ID3e, the tags A, D, and E of Node ID = a, d, and e are located in the detection areas A1, A2, and A3 of the tag readers 1, 2, and 3, respectively. It can be seen that the tags B, C, and X were not located in any of the detection areas A1, A2, and A3. Further, when it is desired to calculate the number of people and the position of the detection area A2 of the tag reader 2 at t1 <t <t3, it can be seen from (2) of FIG. 9A that the tag D is located.

  Further, when it is desired to estimate the number of rcvIDs whose tmpID is exchanged outside the area at t1 <t <t3 and the approximate position, this can be understood from (3) of the database DB-2 shown in FIG. 9B. Further, when it is desired to calculate the movement source area and the number of people, this can be understood from (4) of FIG. In particular, focusing on the tag X, at t = t2, the tag reader 2 moves out of the detection area A2 and does not move into any of the detection areas A1 and A3 of the tag readers 1 and 3, but tmpID = ID2x is changed to another tag. It turns out that it transmitted to B and C.

<Tag configuration and operation>
FIG. 10 shows the configuration of tags 11 and 12 (including tags A, B, C, D, E, and X). The wireless reception means 21 receives beacons transmitted from the tag readers 1 to 3 in a format as shown in FIG. 2, tmpID transmitted from other tags, and the like. The beacon analysis unit 22 analyzes the beacon received by the wireless reception unit 21 and acquires the area codes of the tags 1 to 3, and the tmpID generation unit 23 combines the area code acquired by the beacon analysis unit 22 and its own Node ID. The generated temporary tag identification code tmpID is generated in a format as shown in FIG. The rcvID recording means 24 records tmpID received from other tags as rcvID and the current time of the timer 28 as rcvID reception time (exchange time). The ID notification message generating means 25 generates an ID notification message having a format as shown in FIG. 4, and the history record notification message generating means 26 generates a history record notification message having a format as shown in FIG. The ID transmission means 27 transmits its own tmpID to other tags. The wireless transmission means 29 transmits an ID notification message and a history record notification message to the tag readers 1 to 3 and transmits its own tmpID to other tags.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart when the tag receives a beacon from the tag reader. First, it is checked whether or not a beacon is received (step S71), and if it is received, the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, it is checked whether a new area code has been received. If received, the process proceeds to step S73. If not received, the process proceeds to step S75. In step S73, a temporary tag identification code tmpID is generated by synthesizing the newly received area code and its own Node ID, and then an ID notification message including tmpID and Node ID is transmitted to the tag reader (step S74). In a succeeding step S75, it is checked whether or not history data including tmpID (rcvID) received from another tag exists. If it exists, a history record notification message is transmitted to the tag reader, and then the process returns to step S71. If there is no history data received from another tag in step S75, the process returns to step S71.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for exchanging tmpID between tags. First, it sends its own tmpID (step S81), and then checks whether or not tmpID (rcvID) has been received from another tag (step S82). The received time (exchange time) is recorded (step S83).

<Configuration and operation of tag reader>
FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the tag readers 1 to 3. The wireless reception unit 31 and the wireless transmission unit 33 perform wireless communication with the tags 11 and 12 (including tags A, B, C, D, E, and X), and the wired reception unit 32 and the wired transmission unit 34 are connected to the estimation node 101. Perform wired communication. The beacon generating means 35 generates a beacon for transmitting (advertisement) its own area code to the tags 11 and 12 (including tags A, B, C, D, E, and X) as shown in FIG. The transmission unit 38 transmits the beacon generated by the beacon generation unit 35. The passage report message generating means 36 generates a passage report message for transmission to the estimation node 101 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the history data report message generating means 37 is for reporting the history record notification message received from the tags 11 and 12 (including tags A, B, C, D, E, and X) to the estimation node 101. Generate historical data report messages. The current time of the timer 39 is used as the ID notification message reception time in the passage report message.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the tag reader. First, when beacon transmission is started (step S61), it is checked whether an ID notification message has been received from the tags 11 and 12 (including tags A, B, C, D, E, and X) (step S62). If received, the ID notification message and the reception time t are transmitted to the estimation node 101 (step S63), and then the process proceeds to step S64. If the ID notification message is not received in step S62, the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, it is checked whether or not a history record notification message has been received from the tags 11 and 12 (including tags A, B, C, D, E, and X). The message and the reception time t are transmitted to the estimation node 101 (step S65), and then the process returns to step S61. If no history record notification message has been received in step S64, the process returns to step S61.

<Configuration and operation of estimation node>
FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the estimation node 101. The wired receiving unit 41 and the wired transmitting unit 42 perform wired communication with the tag readers 1 to 3 and the client 100. The passage report message recording unit 43 and the history data report message recording unit 44 record the passage report message and the history data report message transmitted from the tag readers 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Each of the number estimating means 45 and the position estimating means 46 estimates the number of persons and the position in response to the estimation data request from the client 100.

<Calculation of number of people and position>
FIG. 16 shows a communication sequence between the client 100 and the estimation node 101 which is a server when calculating the number of people and positions. 17 is a flowchart showing the process of the estimation node 101, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process of the database DB-1 in FIG. 17 in detail, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the process of the database DB-2 in FIG. 16 and 17, when the client 100 transmits an estimation data request designating “area code” and “time range” to the estimation node 101, the estimation node 101 receives the estimation data request (step S1), the approximate number of persons corresponding to the database DB-1 is calculated (step S2). In step S2, as shown in detail in FIG. 18, data in which the “reception time at the tag reader” in the database DB-1 falls within the requested “time range” is extracted (step S11), and then “ The “received tag reader” detects data that matches the requested “area code” (step S12), and then calculates the approximate number of people from this number of data (step S13).

  Next, an approximate number of corresponding persons is calculated from the database DB-2 (step S3). In step S3, as shown in detail in FIG. 19, data in which “the time when tmpID (rcvID) is received from another tag” in the database DB-2 falls within the requested “time range” is extracted (step S21). Then, an rcvID that uses an area code that matches the requested “area code” in the “rcvID” in the extracted data is detected (step S22), and then the approximate number of people is calculated from this number of data. (Step S23). Next, the estimation node 101 calculates the approximate number of people by summing the two types of numbers calculated from the databases DB-1 and DB-2 (step S4), and then “area code”, “time range”, and “ An estimated data response including “approximate number of people” is transmitted to the client 100 (step S5).

<Estimating the position of a specific person>
According to the databases DB-1 and DB-2, it is also possible to estimate the position of a specific person who is not currently located in the detection areas A1, A2, and A3. FIG. 20 shows a case where the position of the tag X is estimated from the databases DB-1 and DB-2. When there is a request to estimate the position of the tag X of Node ID = x within the time range of t1 <t <t3, first, the database DB-1 starts as shown in (1) of FIG. Node ID = x can be detected at t = t0 and t1, but cannot be detected at t1 <t <t3. However, the latest (t = t1) tmpID = ID2x of the tag X is known from the database DB-1. Therefore, referring to the database DB-2, since there is an rcvID that matches tmpID = ID2x at t = t2 after t = t1, the tag X is “detection area A2 in the time range of t1 <t <t3”. It can be estimated that it is located in the vicinity.

<Position estimation operation>
FIG. 21 shows a communication sequence between the client 100 and the estimation node 101 which is a server when estimating the position of a specific person. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing of the estimation node 101. When the client 100 transmits an estimation data request designating “Node ID” and “time range” to the estimation node 101, the estimation node 101 receives this estimation data request (step S40), and the database DB-1 Thus, “Node ID” corresponding to the requested condition is searched (step S41). Next, it is checked whether or not the corresponding “Node ID” exists in the database DB-1 (step S42). If not, the client 100 is informed that the position estimation data is not possible (step S51). finish.

  On the other hand, if the corresponding “Node ID” is present in the database DB-1 in step S42, the area where the tag is located with reference to the “received tag reader” of the extracted “Node ID” from the database DB-1. Is identified as position estimation data 1 (step S43). Next, all tmpIDs corresponding to the extracted “Node ID” are obtained from the database DB-1 (step S44), and then rcvIDs that match the tmpID obtained from the database DB-1 are extracted from the database DB-2 ( Step S45). Next, it is checked whether or not the corresponding rcvID exists in the database DB-2 (step S46). If not, the position estimation data 1 is returned to the client 100 (step S50), and then this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the corresponding rcvID exists in the database DB-2 in step S46, the area estimated to be in the vicinity is specified as the position estimation data 2 based on the extracted rcvID area code (step S47). Next, the position estimation data 1 and 2 are returned to the client 100 (step S49), and then this process ends.

<Modification of system>
As a modification of the system, a plurality of tag readers may be arranged in one area. FIG. 23 shows a modified example in which tag readers 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 are arranged in area 1, and tag readers 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 are arranged in areas. 1 same area code (ID1) is transmitted. In addition, tag readers 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 are disposed in area 2, and tag readers 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 transmit the same area code (ID2) of area 2. ing.

FIG. 24 shows a communication sequence in the system shown in FIG.
(1) When the tag a moves into the detection area of the tag reader 1-1 and receives the area code ID1, a temporary tag identification code tmpID = ID1a obtained by combining the area code ID1 and Node ID = a is generated, and tmpID = An ID notification message including ID 1a and Node ID = a is transmitted to the tag reader 1-1. When the tag reader 1-1 receives this ID notification message, the tag reader 1-1 transmits a passage report message including tmpID = ID1a, Node ID = a, and reception time t to the estimation node 101. When the estimated node 101 receives this passage report message, it records the correspondence between tmpID = ID1a and Node ID = a in the database DB-1. Next, when the tag a moves to the detection area of the tag reader 1-2, the same area code ID1 is received, so the tmpID is not changed.

  (2) Next, when the tag a moves to the detection area of the tag reader 2-1, it receives a different area code ID2, so generates a temporary tag identification code tmpID = ID2a obtained by combining the area code ID2 and Node ID = a, An ID notification message including tmpID = ID2a and Node ID = a is transmitted to the tag reader 2-1. When the tag reader 2-1 receives this ID notification message, the tag reader 2-1 transmits a passing report message including tmpID = ID2a, Node ID = a, and reception time t to the estimation node 101. When the estimated node 101 receives this passage report message, it records the correspondence between tmpID = ID2a and Node ID = a in the database DB-1.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a method for estimating the position of a tag outside the detection area of the tag reader in the system shown in FIG. 23, and FIG. FIGS. 25 and 26 show, as an example, a case where tag a moves from inside area 1 to outside area 1 and communicates with tag b, and then tag b moves into area 2. FIG.

  (1) First, when the tag a receives the area code ID1 from the tag reader 1-1 in the area 1, a temporary tag identification code tmpID = ID1a obtained by combining the area code ID1 and Node ID = a is generated, and tmpID = ID1a And an ID notification message including Node ID = a is transmitted to the tag reader 1-1. When the tag reader 1-1 receives this ID notification message, the tag reader 1-1 transmits a passage report message including tmpID = ID1a, Node ID = a, and reception time t to the estimation node 101. When the estimated node 101 receives this passage report message, it records the correspondence between tmpID = ID1a and Node ID = a in the database DB-1.

(2) Next, when tag a moves out of area 1 to communicate with tag b and tmpID = ID1a is transmitted to tag b, tag b records tmpID = ID1a together with reception time t.
(3) Next, when the tag b moves into the area 2 and receives the area code ID2 from the tag reader 2-1, it generates a temporary tag identification code tmpID = ID2b by combining the area code ID2 and Node ID = b. An ID notification message including tmpID = ID2b and Node ID = b is transmitted to the tag reader 2-1. When the tag reader 2-1 receives this ID notification message, the tag reader 2-1 transmits a passing report message including tmpID = ID2b, Node ID = b, and reception time t to the estimation node 101. When the estimated node 101 receives this passage report message, it records the correspondence between tmpID = ID2b and Node ID = b in the database DB-1.

  Next, the tag b receives a history record notification message including tmpID = ID2b, Node ID = b, the number of history records n, and history data for the number n (the time received from the tag a and rcvID which is tmpID). It transmits to the tag reader 2-1. When the tag reader 2-1 receives this history record notification message, the tag reader 2-1 transmits a history data report message having the same content to the estimation node 101. When receiving the history data report message, the estimation node 101 records the history data in the database DB-2, and then estimates that the tag a is located in the vicinity of the area 1 when the history data report message is received.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the area code ID1, ID2, ID3 and the tag identification code Node ID are combined and generated as the temporary tag identification code tmpID, but instead of the tag identification code Node ID, As a second embodiment, an arbitrary number such as a beacon reception time or a randomly generated value may be used. In this way, as the identification information of the own device, in addition to the tag identification code NodeID, a value that can be automatically or autonomously determined by the tag, such as a beacon reception time or a randomly generated value, may be used. Is possible.

  Note that each functional block used in the description of the above embodiment is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually made into one chip, or may be made into one chip so as to include a part or all of them. The name used here is LSI, but it may also be called IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI's, and implementation using dedicated circuitry or general purpose processors is also possible. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after manufacturing the LSI or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Further, if integrated circuit technology comes out to replace LSI's as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or a derivative other technology, it is naturally also possible to carry out function block integration using this technology. For example, biotechnology can be applied.

  The present invention has an effect that in a system in which detection areas of a plurality of tag readers are separated from each other, the presence of a wireless tag located outside the detection area of the tag reader can be grasped and the distribution of the number of persons can be estimated. It can be used for a wireless tag system.

The system block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment of the distribution calculation system of the number of persons concerning this invention The block diagram which shows the example of a format of the beacon which the tag reader of FIG. 1 transmits FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a format example of a temporary tag identification code of a tag in FIG. The block diagram which shows the example of a format of the ID notification message which the tag of FIG. 1 transmits to a tag reader. The block diagram which shows the example of a format of the passage report message which the tag reader of FIG. 1 transmits to an estimation node The block diagram which shows the example of a format of the log record notification message which the tag of FIG. 1 transmits to a tag reader Explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the initial state of the system of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which time passed from the initial state of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the database of the presumed node of FIG. 1 (a) Database DB-1 (b) Database DB-2 The block diagram which shows the structure of the tag of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of the beacon reception of the tag of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of the temporary tag identification code exchange of the tag of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the tag reader of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process of the tag reader of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the presumption node of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence of a client and an estimation node in the case of estimating a person number and a position in the system of FIG. Flow chart showing processing of the estimation node The flowchart which shows the process of database DB-1 of FIG. 17 in detail The flowchart which shows the process of database DB-2 of FIG. 17 in detail Explanatory drawing which shows the process which estimates the position of the tag which is not located in the detection area of a tag reader in the system of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence in the case of estimating the position of the tag which is not located in the detection area of a tag reader in the system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process in the case of estimating the position of the tag which is not located in the detection area of a tag reader in the system of FIG. Configuration diagram showing a modification of the system of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence in the system of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows exchange of the temporary tag identification code in the system of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence at the time of temporary tag identification code exchange in the system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3 Tag reader (second wireless communication device)
11, 12 Wireless tag (first wireless communication device)
21 wireless reception means 22 beacon analysis means 23 tmpID generation means 24 rcvID recording means 25 ID notification message generation means 26 history record notification message generation means 27 ID transmission means 28 timer 29 wireless transmission means 31 wireless reception means 32 wired reception means 33 wireless transmission Means 34 Wired transmission means 35 Beacon generation means 36 Passage report message generation means 37 History data report message generation means 38 Beacon transmission means 39 Timer 41 Wired reception means 42 Wired transmission means 43 Passage report message recording means 44 History data report message recording means 45 Number estimation means 46 Position estimation means 100 Client 101 Estimation node (server)

Claims (11)

Distribution of the number of persons by performing wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which the respective detection areas are spaced apart Is a method for calculating the distribution of the number of people,
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices advertises area identification information for identifying its own detection area to the plurality of first wireless communication devices;
When each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device receives the area identification information and generates first temporary identification information combined with the identification information of the own device. And transmitting to the second wireless communication device;
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices receiving and transmitting the first temporary identification information to a server when communication with the first wireless communication device is possible;
When the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with each other but cannot communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first temporary identification information is exchanged, and the second wireless communication device Transmitting the exchanged first temporary identification information as second temporary identification information together with the exchange time to the second wireless communication apparatus when communication with a communication apparatus becomes possible;
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices receiving and transmitting the second temporary identification information to a server when communication with the first wireless communication device is possible;
The server receives the first temporary identification information and records it in the database together with the reception time, receives the second temporary identification information and the exchange time, records it in the database, and records it in the database. Estimating the number of people at a specific time in a specific area and its vicinity based on the first temporary identification information and the reception time and the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time;
How to calculate the distribution of the number of people you have. Estimating the position of the specific first wireless communication device at a specific time based on the first temporary identification information and the reception time recorded in the database and the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time. ,
The method according to claim 1, further comprising a distribution calculation of the number of persons. Distribution of the number of persons by performing wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which the respective detection areas are spaced apart A system for calculating the distribution of the number of people,
Means for advertising each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices to each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices with area identification information for identifying its own detection area;
When each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device receives the area identification information and generates first temporary identification information combined with the identification information of the own device. Means for transmitting to the second wireless communication device;
Means for receiving and transmitting the first temporary identification information to a server when each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices is communicable with the first wireless communication device;
When each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with each other but cannot communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first temporary identification information is exchanged, and the second Means for transmitting the exchanged first temporary identification information as second temporary identification information together with the exchange time to the second wireless communication apparatus when communication with the wireless communication apparatus becomes possible.
Means for receiving and transmitting the second temporary identification information to a server when each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices can communicate with the first wireless communication device;
The server receives the first temporary identification information and records it in the database together with the reception time, receives the second temporary identification information and the exchange time, records it in the database, and records it in the database. Means for estimating the number of persons at a specific time in a specific area and its vicinity based on the first temporary identification information and the reception time and the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time;
Distribution calculation system for the number of people you have. Means for estimating a position of the specific first wireless communication device at a specific time based on the first temporary identification information and the reception time recorded in the database and the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time; ,
The number distribution calculation system according to claim 3, further comprising: Distribution of the number of persons by performing wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which the respective detection areas are spaced apart In the first wireless communication device in the distribution calculation system of the number of persons for calculating
When communication with the second wireless communication device is possible, each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices includes area identification information that is advertised to the first wireless communication device in order to identify each detection area. Means for receiving and generating first temporary identification information combined with identification information of the own apparatus and transmitting the first temporary identification information to the second wireless communication apparatus;
The second wireless communication device exchanges the first temporary identification information when communication with the other first wireless communication device is possible but communication with the second wireless communication device is not possible. Means for transmitting the exchanged first temporary identification information as the second temporary identification information together with the exchange time to the second wireless communication apparatus when communication with the second wireless communication apparatus is possible.
A wireless communication device provided. Distribution of the number of persons by performing wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which the respective detection areas are spaced apart The second wireless communication device in the distribution calculation system of the number of persons for calculating
Means for advertising area identification information for identifying its own detection area to the plurality of first wireless communication devices;
Means for receiving and transmitting to the server first temporary identification information that each of the plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses receives the area identification information and combines with the identification information of its own apparatus;
Receiving the second temporary identification information and the exchange time transmitted as the second temporary identification information together with the first temporary identification information exchanged with each other by the plurality of first wireless communication devices. Means for sending to the server,
A wireless communication device provided. Distribution of the number of persons by performing wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which the respective detection areas are spaced apart A server in a distribution calculation system for the number of people to calculate
First information including area identification information for identifying each detection area of the plurality of second wireless communication devices and identification information of the first wireless communication device respectively transmitted from the plurality of first wireless communication devices. Means for receiving the temporary identification information of one together with the reception time of the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication device and recording it in a database;
Each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices receives the second temporary identification information exchanged outside the area of the second wireless communication device and the exchange time of the first temporary identification information. Means for recording in the database;
The first temporary identification information is received and recorded in the database together with the reception time, the second temporary identification information and the exchange time are received and recorded in the database, and the first temporary information recorded in the database is recorded. Means for estimating the number of persons at a specific time in a specific area and its vicinity based on the temporary identification information and the reception time of the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time,
Server with. Means for estimating a position of the specific first wireless communication device at a specific time based on the first temporary identification information and the reception time recorded in the database and the second temporary device identification information and the exchange time; ,
The server according to claim 7, further comprising: Distribution of the number of persons by performing wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which the respective detection areas are spaced apart Is a method for calculating the distribution of the number of people,
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices advertises area identification information for identifying its own detection area to the plurality of first wireless communication devices;
When each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device receives the area identification information and generates first temporary identification information combined with the identification information of the own device. And steps to
When the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with each other but cannot communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first temporary identification information is exchanged, and the second wireless communication device Transmitting the exchanged first temporary identification information as second temporary identification information together with the exchange time to the second wireless communication apparatus when communication with a communication apparatus becomes possible;
Each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices receiving and transmitting the second temporary identification information to a server when communication with the first wireless communication device is possible;
The server receives the second temporary identification information and replacement time and records it in a database, and a specific time near a specific area based on the second temporary device identification information and replacement time recorded in the database Estimating the number of people in
How to calculate the distribution of the number of people you have. Distribution of the number of persons by performing wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which the respective detection areas are spaced apart A system for calculating the distribution of the number of people,
Means for advertising each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices to each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices with area identification information for identifying its own detection area;
When each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device receives the area identification information and generates first temporary identification information combined with the identification information of the own device. Means to
When the plurality of first wireless communication devices can communicate with each other but cannot communicate with the second wireless communication device, the first temporary identification information is exchanged, and the second wireless communication device Means for transmitting the exchanged first temporary identification information as second temporary identification information together with the exchange time to the second wireless communication apparatus when communication with a communication apparatus becomes possible;
Means for receiving and transmitting the second temporary identification information to a server when each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices can communicate with the first wireless communication device;
The server receives the second temporary identification information and replacement time and records it in a database, and a specific time near a specific area based on the second temporary device identification information and replacement time recorded in the database Means for estimating the number of people in
Distribution calculation system for the number of people you have. Distribution of the number of persons by performing wireless communication between a plurality of first wireless communication apparatuses held by a plurality of persons and a plurality of second wireless communication apparatuses in which the respective detection areas are spaced apart A server in a distribution calculation system for the number of people to calculate
Each of the plurality of first wireless communication devices receives area identification information advertised to the first wireless communication device so that each of the plurality of second wireless communication devices identifies its detection area. The first temporary identification information is generated by combining with the identification information of its own device, and when the first temporary identification information is communicable with each other but not with the second wireless communication device, the first temporary identification information is obtained. The second temporary identification information that is exchanged and transmitted as the second temporary identification information together with the exchange time when communication with the second wireless communication apparatus becomes possible, and the second temporary identification information Means for receiving an exchange time from the second wireless communication device;
Means for recording the received second temporary identification information and its exchange time in a database;
Means for estimating the number of people at a specific time in the vicinity of a specific area based on the second temporary identification information and the exchange time recorded in the database;
Server with.

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