JP2013257799A - Current position detection device, and current position detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To identify a current position of a person to be searched.SOLUTION: A current position detection device 100 is stored in a case that can be attached a search object, and includes: current position detection means for detecting a current position of the search object; communication means for communicating with an external information terminal via a communication network; and current position notification means for notifying the information terminal of current position information for identifying the current position of the search object detected by the current position detection means via the communication means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a current position detection device and a current position detection system.

  The following GPS antenna devices are known. The GPS antenna device includes a neck strap that also serves as an antenna, so that a user can carry the GPS device around the neck (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-26626 A

  However, in the conventional GPS antenna device, in order for the user to hold the GPS device, it is necessary to hang it from the neck, and there is a problem that the degree of freedom of the holding method is low.

A current position detection device according to the present invention is housed in a case that can be attached to a search object, and a current position detection means that detects the current position of the search object, and a communication means that communicates with an external information terminal via a communication network. And current position notifying means for notifying the information terminal of current position information for specifying the current position of the search object detected by the current position detecting means via the communication means.
A current position detection system according to the present invention is obtained by connecting the current position detection device and an information terminal via a communication network.

  According to the present invention, since the current position detection device is housed in the case that can be attached to the search object, the degree of freedom of the possession method can be improved.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a current position detection system 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a current position search device 100. FIG. It is the 1st figure showing typically case 3a which stores current position detecting device 100. It is the 2nd figure showing typically case 3a which stores current position detecting device 100. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the buckle 3d-1. It is a figure which shows the specific example at the time of attaching the case 3a to the handle part of the bag 6a. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the information terminal. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the current position detection device 100. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the information terminal 200. FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a current position detection system in the present embodiment. The current position detection system 10 includes a current position detection device 100 and an information terminal 200. The current position detection device 100 and the information terminal 200 are connected via a predetermined communication line such as the Internet or a mobile phone line. The

  In the present embodiment, the current position detection device 100 is attached to various search objects as described later, and can detect the current position. As the information terminal 200, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like is used, and the current position information can be received from the current position detection device 100 via a communication line. Thereby, the user of the information terminal 200 can search the search target object by specifying the current position of the search target object to which the current position detecting device 100 is attached.

  As a use scene of the current position detection system 100 in the present embodiment, for example, an infant or a child's belongings is set as a search target in order to prevent a child from getting lost or kidnapped, and the current position detection device is used as the search target. The case where 100 is attached and the present position of an infant or a child is grasped is mentioned. The owner of the information terminal 200 in this case is assumed to be, for example, an infant or a child guardian, a kindergarten or school teacher, or the like. In addition, in order to prevent the caregiver such as the elderly from disappearing or wrinkling, the caregiver's belongings are set as the search object, and the current position detection device 100 is attached to the search object to determine the current position of the care receiver. The case of grasping is mentioned. As the owner of the information terminal 200 in this case, for example, a care manager, a home helper, a family, a caregiver living together, a person in charge of a care facility, or the like is assumed.

  Further, in order to prevent a stalking action for a woman, there is a case where a woman's possession is set as a search object, and the current position detection device 100 is attached to the search object to grasp the woman's current position. The owner of the information terminal 200 in this case is assumed to be, for example, a female spouse, family, local crime prevention officer, police officer, or the like. Alternatively, the owner who owns the information terminal 200 uses the pet collar as a search object and attaches the current position detection device 100 to the search object to prevent the pet from being lost or lost. This can be the case.

  Furthermore, the current position detection device 100 is lent to a desired person at a theme park, a shopping mall, or the like, and the parent attaches the current position detection device 100 to a child's belongings, thereby preventing a lost child at a theme park, a shopping mall, or the like. You can also

  In the following description, a case will be described in which a search target is a person, a personal belonging is a search target, and the current position detection device 100 is attached to the search target. In the following, the user who is the owner of the information terminal 200 is called a searcher, and the user who is the owner of the current position detection device 100 is called a searchee.

  Hereinafter, the current position detection system 100 in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the current position detection device 100 in the present embodiment. The current position detection device 100 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 101, a communication module 102, a control device 103, an open / close sensor 104, an attachment / detachment sensor 105, and an operation switch 106.

  The GPS module 101 is a module for communicating with a GPS satellite and receiving positioning information for specifying the current position from the GPS satellite, and includes an antenna, a control circuit, and the like for communicating with the GPS satellite. . The positioning information is, for example, latitude / longitude information of the current position.

  The communication module 102 is a module for performing communication by connecting to an existing communication line network such as a mobile phone or a PHS (Personal Handy-Phon System), and includes an antenna, a control circuit, and the like.

  The control device 103 includes a CPU, a memory, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the current position detection device 100 as a whole. The memory constituting the control device 103 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as SDRAM and a non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The volatile memory is used as a work memory for the CPU to expand the program when the program is executed and a buffer memory for temporarily recording data. In addition, in the nonvolatile memory, firmware for operating the current position detection apparatus 100 and program data of software for operating various applications are recorded.

  The open / close sensor 104 is a sensor for detecting an open / closed state of a lid portion of a case that houses a current position detection device 100 described later. The type of the opening / closing sensor 104 is not limited as long as it can detect the opening / closing operation of the lid. For example, a sensor that detects the contact state between the storage unit and the lid unit, which will be described later, is used to detect that the lid unit has been opened when the storage unit and the lid unit change from a contact state to a non-contact state. In addition, it may be detected that the lid portion is closed when the storage portion and the lid portion are changed from a non-contact state to a contact state. Alternatively, the storage portion and the lid portion may be connected by a hinge-shaped connecting member, and the opening / closing operation of the lid portion may be detected by detecting the operation state of the hinge-shaped connecting member.

  The attachment / detachment sensor 105 is a sensor for detecting attachment / detachment to / from a search object of a case that houses a current position detection device 100 described later. The type of the attachment / detachment sensor 105 is not limited as long as it can detect attachment / detachment of a buckle, which will be described later with reference to FIG. For example, detecting on / off switching based on a signal output from a switch that turns on when a male buckle is inserted into a female buckle and turns off when the male buckle is removed from the female buckle. The attachment / detachment of the buckle may be detected by. Alternatively, an electrical contact may be provided at a location where the male buckle is inserted into the female buckle and the attachment of the buckle is detected based on a signal output from the electrical contact. Good.

  The operation switch 106 is an operation member operated by the search target person. When the operation switch 106 is operated by the search target person, an operation signal is output to the control device 103. The operation switch 106 protrudes outside the case from a hole provided on the side surface of the case so that the operation switch 106 can be operated even when the operation switch 106 is housed in the case. For example, when one button is mounted as the operation switch 106, different instructions may be given depending on the number of times the button is pressed within a predetermined time, the short press, the long press, or the like.

  The current position detection device 100 is supplied with power from a battery (not shown). A known rechargeable storage battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery is used as the battery. Note that a known charging method may be used for charging the battery. For example, a terminal for connecting an AC adapter may be provided, and charging may be performed via the AC adapter, or charging may be performed by mounting a solar panel. Alternatively, the battery may be charged by mounting a coil for non-contact charging on the battery and placing the current position detection device 100 on a mat-shaped charging device.

  Here, a case for housing the current position detection device 100 will be described. In the present embodiment, the current position detection device 100 is housed in a case 3a having a shape as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The case 3a includes a storage portion 3c for storing the current position detection device 100, a lid portion 3b that covers the upper surface of the storage portion 3c, and an attachment portion 3d for attaching the case to the search object. In FIG. 3, the storage portion 3 c and the lid portion 3 b are circular, but may have other shapes as long as the current position detection device 100 can be stored. Further, in the present embodiment, the storage portion 3c has an opening for accessing the current position detection device 100 stored in the storage portion 3c, and the opening is a lid portion as shown in FIG. It becomes the structure which can be covered by closing 3b. Further, a hole for projecting the operation switch 106 described above is provided on the side surface of the storage portion 3c.

  The lid 3b can be opened as shown in FIG. 4 in consideration of a case where repair is performed when the current position detection device 100 fails. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lid portion 3 b is opened so as to jump up with a part of the circumference as an axis. For example, the lid portion 3 b is opened like a screw type like a lid of a plastic bottle. Then, the structure which completely isolate | separates the cover part 3b and the accommodating part 3c may be sufficient.

  In addition, on the inner surface of the storage unit 3c or the inner surface of the lid portion 3b, the person to whom the searchee is protected when the searchee is lost or lost can know the contact information of the searchee. An entry section is provided for entering contact information for identifying a contact person, such as an address, a telephone number, and a name. For example, the protected searchee informs the person who has been protected that his / her contact information is written on the inner surface of the storage portion 3c or the entry portion provided on the inner surface of the lid portion 3b. You can request contact with the searcher.

  The lid 3b and the storage 3c are preferably made of a lightweight and strong material such as a resin in consideration of being attached to the searchee's belongings. Further, if a malicious person such as a kidnapper notices that the current position detection device 100 is housed in the case 3a, the case 3a may be removed from the possession of the person to be searched. The 3b and the storage part 3c are preferably opaque so that the contents cannot be seen. Furthermore, it is preferable that the size of the case 3a be as small as possible in accordance with the size of the current position detection device 100 so that the case 3a does not get in the way or become noticeable when attached to the belongings.

  The attachment portion 3d includes a buckle 3d-1 and a belt 3d-2. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the buckle 3d-1. The buckle 3d-1 is coupled by inserting the convex male buckle 5a into the concave female buckle 5b. In the present embodiment, for example, the female buckle 5b is formed integrally with the storage portion 3c, and the male buckle 5a and the female buckle 5b are each one belt passed through the belt loops 5c and 5d. It is connected by 3d-2. For this reason, if the male buckle 5a and the female buckle 5b are combined with the searchee's possession through the belt 3d-2, the case 3a can be attached to the searchee's possession. For example, a bag, shoes, or the like is assumed as the possession of the searchee. For example, FIG. 6 shows a specific example in which the case 3a is attached to the handle portion of the bag 6a through the belt 3d-2. .

  As described above, when the female buckle 5b is integrated with the storage portion 3c, the female buckle 5b and the storage portion 3c may be formed separately and then combined or bonded together, or the female buckle 5b may be integrated. You may make it integrally mold 5b and the accommodating part 3c. In addition, if both are integrally molded, the weight can be reduced as compared with the case where the storage portion 3c and the attachment portion 3d are separately molded and then combined or bonded together, and the storage portion 3c can be removed. Can reduce the possibility of dropping. In particular, the current position detection device 100 according to the present embodiment is meaningless if it is removed from the searchee's belongings, and thus has a great merit of being integrally molded in this way.

  Further, when a belt loop is provided in the storage portion 3b and the buckle 3d-1 is attached to the tip of the belt 3d-2 that has passed therethrough, the buckle 3d is attached when the case 3a is attached to the search object. -1 is fixed at a position away from the storage portion 3b. In this case, the buckle 3d-1 is also fixed to the search object separately from the case 3a. For example, when the case 3a is attached to an infant's belongings, the buckle 3d-1 is fixed to the search object separately from the case 3a. There is a possibility that the buckle 3d-1 may cause a danger to the infant, such as being caught by surrounding objects. However, as shown in the present embodiment, if the female buckle 5b is configured integrally with the storage portion 3c, the case 3a is fixed to the search object only by the belt 3d-1, thus preventing the above-described danger. can do.

  In addition, if the length of the belt 3d-2 is adjusted to a length that matches the search target to be attached, the case 3a can be exactly attached to the search target, thereby eliminating the risk of being caught by surrounding objects. it can. As a method of adjusting the length of the belt 3d-2, a length adjusting mechanism may be provided in the belt loop 5c of the buckle 5a or the belt loop 5d of the female buckle 5b, or the user can adjust the length of the belt 3d-1. You may cut and adjust. Alternatively, the seller of the case 3a in which the current position detection device 100 is housed sells a plurality of types of products with different lengths of the belt 3d-2 on the assumption that the case 3a is attached to various search unit objects. May be. Alternatively, the female buckle 5b and the storage portion 3c are configured to be detachable, and a plurality of attachment portions 3d having different lengths of the belt 3d-2 are prepared so that the searcher or the searchee can attach to the belongings. Accordingly, the attachment portion 3d having the belt 3d-2 having an appropriate length may be selected.

  In the present embodiment, a searcher possessing the information terminal 200 attaches a case 3a in which the current position detection device 100 is stored in advance to the searchee's belongings, and uses the information terminal 200 to detect the current position detection device. It is possible to specify the current position of the searchee who possesses the belongings to which 100 is attached.

  Here, the information terminal 200 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment when a smartphone is used as information terminal 200 in the present embodiment. The information terminal 200 includes a touch panel 201, a communication module 202, a control device 203, a memory slot 204, a microphone 205, and a speaker 206.

  The touch panel 201 is an electronic component that combines a display device such as a liquid crystal panel and a position input device such as a touch pad, and is an input device that can operate the device by pressing a display on the screen. For example, the user of the information terminal 200, that is, the searcher in the present embodiment, touches or slides display items such as buttons and menus displayed on the liquid crystal panel using a finger or a touch pen, thereby causing the information terminal 200 to be touched. Can be operated. The touch panel 201 detects an operation such as a touch or a slide by the searcher and outputs a detection signal to the control device 103.

  As the communication module 202, a module for connecting to the Internet via a wireless LAN access point or a module for connecting to the Internet via a mobile phone communication network is used. The information terminal 200 communicates with the wireless module 202 by connecting to the Internet, a mobile phone communication network, or the like.

  The control device 203 includes a CPU, a memory, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the entire information terminal 200. The memory constituting the control device 203 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as SDRAM and a non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The volatile memory is used as a work memory for the CPU to expand the program when the program is executed and a buffer memory for temporarily recording data. In addition, in the nonvolatile memory, firmware for operating the information terminal 200 and software program data for operating various applications are recorded. In the present embodiment, program data of a search application for receiving information from the current position detection device 100 and specifying the current position of the current position detection device 100 is installed in advance and recorded in a nonvolatile memory. . This search application is provided as an application that can be downloaded via a communication line, for example. Further, map data for displaying a map, which will be described later, is also recorded in advance in a nonvolatile memory.

  The memory slot 204 is a slot for inserting an external memory such as a memory card. The searcher can insert a memory card into the memory slot 204 to increase the storage capacity of the information terminal 200. You may make it record the program data of the application for a search in the memory card inserted in this memory slot 204. FIG.

  The microphone 205 is a sound collection device for inputting speech voices by a searcher. The speaker 206 is an output device for outputting sound.

  The searcher activates a search application on the information terminal 200 and registers the current position detection device 100 as a search target in advance. For example, the searcher performs registration by inputting device information for uniquely identifying the current position detection device 100 on the registration screen of the current position detection device 100 provided by the search application. As device information for uniquely identifying the current position detection device 100, information such as the manufacturing number of the current position detection device 100, the module ID of the GPS module 101, and the telephone number attached to the communication module 102 may be used. . The searcher detects the current position of the search target, for example, when the current position detection device 100 is attached to a plurality of items of the searchee, or when the current position detection device 100 is attached to the items of the plurality of searchees. When there are a plurality of devices 100, it is necessary to register device information of the plurality of current position detection devices 100 in the search application.

  Thus, when the registration of the device information on the search application is completed, the current position of the current position detection device 100 using the information terminal 200 can be specified. Accordingly, the searcher can easily grasp where the search target person is currently using the search application.

  Hereinafter, a method for specifying the current position of the current position detection device 100 in the present embodiment will be described. As one method, there is a method in which a searcher operates a search application to inquire about the current position of the current position detection device 100 registered in advance. In this case, the control device 203 of the information terminal 200 requests the current position detection device 100 to notify the current position based on an operation for inquiring about the current position of the current position detection device 100 by the searcher.

  In the current position detection device 100, when receiving a current position notification request from the information terminal 200, the control device 103 uses the positioning information received by the GPS module 101 as current position information via the communication module 102 as a request source. It transmits to the information terminal 200.

  In the information terminal 200, when receiving the current position information from the current position detecting device 100, the control device 203 specifies the current position of the current position detecting device 100 based on the received current position information, and specifies the specified current position. Is displayed on the touch panel 201 on the map. At this time, when the control device 203 receives the current position information from the plurality of current position detection devices 100 as a result of inquiring the current position to the plurality of current position detection devices 100, the plurality of current position detection devices 100 The current position of 100 is displayed on the touch panel 201 on the map. As a result, the searcher can always check where the search target person is now. In addition, even when the searchee does not return home and there is a possibility of lost child, habit, disappearance, etc., the current location of the searchee can be specified and headed for protection.

  As another method of specifying the current position of the current position detection device 100, there is a method in which the searchee operates the current position detection device 100 to notify the information terminal 200 of the current position. If the searchee wants to notify the searcher of his / her current position, such as when he / she gets lost, cannot move due to injury or illness, or is stalked. Can instruct notification of the current position by operating the operation switch 106. When the control device 103 detects that the operation switch 106 is operated, the control device 103 transmits the positioning information received by the GPS module 101 to the information terminal 200 via the communication module 102 as current position information. In this case, it is assumed that the transmission destination of the current position information is registered in advance and recorded in the memory included in the control device 103. This registration operation may be performed by remote operation from the information terminal 200, for example, or the current position detection device 100 is equipped with a connection module for connecting to an external terminal such as a personal computer in a wired or wireless manner. You may make it operate by operating the external terminal connected via the module for connection. Further, the number of transmission destinations that can be registered may be one or plural.

  In the information terminal 200, when receiving the current position information from the current position detecting device 100, the control device 203 specifies the current position of the current position detecting device 100 based on the received current position information, and specifies the specified current position. Is displayed on the touch panel 201 on the map. As a result, the searchee seeks help from the searcher, such as when he / she does not understand the way home, becomes unable to move due to an injury or illness, or is behind a stalker. When you want, you can tell your current location to the searcher.

  Furthermore, the searcher can also request that the current position of the current position detection device 100 be reported to an information terminal possessed by a person around the searchee. In this case, when receiving a signal requesting notification of the current position from the information terminal 200, the control device 103 identifies the current position based on the positioning information received by the GPS module 101. Then, an information terminal in which a search application having a predetermined range from the specified current position, for example, a distance from the current position within a radius of 1 km is installed is specified. For example, the search application transmits the current position information of the current position detection device 100 to a server (not shown) at regular intervals. Thereby, since the server can identify the current position of each information terminal in which the search application is installed, the control device 103 sends its current position information to the server to make an inquiry. An information terminal existing within a predetermined distance from its current position can be searched.

  The control device 103 transmits the current position information to the information terminal identified as a result of the search. Accordingly, the current position detection device 100 can report the current position to information terminals that exist within a predetermined range based on a request from the searcher. In the information terminal that has received the report, the current position of the current position detection device 100 that has been notified is displayed on the map, and it is understood that the searcher is seeking the protection of the searchee who owns the current position detection device 100. So you can protect the lost child or disappeared person towards the displayed current position.

  In the current position detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control device 103 detects that the lid portion 3b is opened based on an output signal from the open / close sensor 104, the control device 103 passes through the communication module 102. Information indicating that the lid 3b has been opened is transmitted to the information terminal 200 registered in advance as a transmission destination to notify the searcher. At this time, the control device 103 sends the positioning information received by the GPS module 101 to the information terminal 200 as current position information, thereby notifying the searcher of the point where the lid 3b is opened.

  In the information terminal 200, when the control device 203 receives information indicating that the lid 3b has been opened from the current position detection device 100 and the current position information, the control device 203 stores the current position detection device 100. The fact that the lid 3b of 3a has been opened is displayed on the touch panel 201 with characters or figures, and the current position of the current position detection device 100 is specified based on the current position information received from the current position detection device 100. The identified current position is displayed on the touch panel 201 on the map.

  As described above, the contact information for specifying the contact information of the searchee is entered on the inner surface of the storage portion 3c or the inner surface of the lid portion 3b, that is, the case 3a. Therefore, when the lid 3b is opened, there is a possibility that the search target person needs to request the third party to contact the searcher. This may be an emergency case, such as when the return path is unknown or when the patient is unable to move due to injury or illness. If the person is notified, an accident can be prevented. In addition, when the lid 3b is opened, there is a possibility that a third party has seen personal information written in the case 3a or that the current position detection device 100 has been illegally operated. These can be promptly notified to the searcher.

  Further, when the control device 103 detects that the male buckle 5a is detached from the female buckle 5b based on the output signal from the attachment / detachment sensor 105, the case 3a is searched for via the communication module 102. Information indicating that the item has been removed from the object is transmitted to the information terminal 200 registered in advance as a transmission destination to notify the searcher. At this time, the control apparatus 103 notifies the searcher of the point where the case 3a is removed from the search object by transmitting the positioning information received by the GPS module 101 to the information terminal 200 as the current position information.

  In the information terminal 200, when the control device 203 receives information indicating that the case 3a has been removed from the search object and the current position information from the current position detection device 100, the control device 203 stores the current position detection device 100. The case 3a that has been removed from the search target is displayed on the touch panel 201 with characters or figures, and the current position of the current position detection device 100 is determined based on the current position information received from the current position detection device 100. The specified current position is identified and displayed on the touch panel 201 on the map.

  If the case 3a in which the current position detection device 100 is housed is removed from the search object, the current position of the search target cannot be specified from the information terminal 200. Further, there is a possibility that the search target is in an urgent situation, for example, when the case 3a is removed from the search target by a malicious third party. Therefore, if the searcher is notified when it is detected that the case 3a has been removed from the search object, the searchee can be prevented from searching, and accidents can be prevented from occurring.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the current position detection device 100 in the present embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 8 is executed by the control device 103 as a program that starts when the power of the current position detection device 100 is turned on. Note that the current position detection apparatus 100 can be turned on and off by operating the operation switch 106.

  In step S <b> 10, the control device 103 determines whether a signal for requesting notification of the current position is received from the information terminal 200. When an affirmative determination is made in step S10, the process proceeds to step S40, and the current position is obtained by transmitting the positioning information received by the GPS module 101 as current position information to the requesting information terminal 200 via the communication module 102. The information terminal 200 is notified. Then, it progresses to step S50 mentioned later.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S10, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S <b> 20, the control device 103 determines whether or not the search target is instructed to transmit the current position to the information terminal 200 by operating the operation switch 106. If an affirmative determination is made in step S20, the process proceeds to step S40, and the positioning information received by the GPS module 101 is transmitted as current position information to the information terminal 200 registered in advance as a transmission destination via the communication module 102. Thus, the current position is notified to the information terminal 200. Then, it progresses to step S50 mentioned later.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S20, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S <b> 30, the control device 103 determines based on the output signal from the open / close sensor 104 whether or not it is detected that the lid 3 b has been opened. When an affirmative determination is made in step S30, the process proceeds to step S40, and information indicating that the lid 3b has been opened and the current position information are registered in advance as transmission destinations via the communication module 102. By transmitting to 200, the information terminal 200 is notified that the lid 3b has been opened and its position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S50.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31. In step S <b> 31, the control device 103 determines whether it is detected that the case 3 a has been removed from the search target based on the output signal from the attachment / detachment sensor 105. When an affirmative determination is made in step S31, the process proceeds to step S40, and information indicating that the case 3a has been removed from the search object and the current position information are registered in advance as the transmission destination via the communication module 102. The information terminal 200 is notified of the fact that the case 3a has been removed from the search object and its position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S50. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S31, the process proceeds directly to step S50.

  In step S50, the control device 103 determines whether or not a signal requesting notification of the current position to an information terminal existing within a predetermined distance from the current position, for example, within a radius of 1 km, has been received from the information terminal 200. . If a negative determination is made in step S50, the process proceeds to step S80 described later. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S50, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, as described above, the control device 103 identifies the current position based on the positioning information received by the GPS module 101, and is for search within a predetermined distance from the identified current position, for example, within a radius of 1 km. Identify the information terminal where the application is installed. Then, it progresses to step S70 and the control apparatus 103 notifies the present position to the information terminal 200 by transmitting present position information with respect to the information terminal specified by step S60. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S80, the control device 103 determines whether or not an instruction to turn off the power of the current position detection device 100 is given by operating the operation switch 106. If a negative determination is made in step S80, the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S80, the process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the information terminal 200 in the present embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the control device 203 as a program that is activated when the searcher is instructed to execute the search application on the information terminal 200.

  In step S110, the control device 203 determines whether or not the searcher has instructed the current position detection device 100 to inquire about the current position. If a negative determination is made in step S110, the process proceeds to step S130 described later. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S110, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S <b> 120, the control device 203 transmits a signal for requesting notification of the current position to the current position detection device 100 registered in advance via the communication module 202. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S <b> 130, the control device 203 determines whether or not the current position information described above has been received from the current position detection device 100. If a negative determination is made in step S130, the process proceeds to step S150 described later. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S130, the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S140, the control device 203 identifies the current position of the current position detection device 100 based on the current position information received from the current position detection device 100, displays the identified current position on the map, and displays the current position on the touch panel 201. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S150.

  In step S150, the control device 203 has received from the current position detection device 100 information indicating that the lid 3b of the case 3a in which the current position detection device 100 is stored and the current position information have been received. Determine whether. If a negative determination is made in step S150, the process proceeds to step S161 described later. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S150, the process proceeds to step S160.

  In step S160, the control device 203 displays on the touch panel 201 that the lid 3b of the case 3a in which the current position detection device 100 is stored is displayed on the touch panel 201 and receives it from the current position detection device 100. Based on the current position information, the current position of the current position detection device 100 is specified, and the specified current position is displayed on the map and displayed on the touch panel 201. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S161.

  In step S161, the control device 203 has received from the current position detection device 100 information indicating that the case 3a in which the current position detection device 100 is accommodated has been removed from the search object, and whether or not the current position information has been received. Determine whether. If a negative determination is made in step S161, the process proceeds to step S170 described later. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S161, the process proceeds to step S162.

  In step S <b> 162, the control device 203 displays on the touch panel 201 that the case 3 a in which the current position detection device 100 is housed is removed from the search object and displays it on the touch panel 201, and receives it from the current position detection device 100. Based on the current position information, the current position of the current position detection device 100 is specified, and the specified current position is displayed on the map and displayed on the touch panel 201. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S170.

  In step S170, the control device 203 determines whether or not the searcher has instructed the information terminal owned by the person around the searchee to report the current position of the current position detection device 100. . If a negative determination is made in step S170, the process proceeds to step S190 described later. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S170, the process proceeds to step S180.

  In step S180, the control device 203 transmits a signal for requesting the current position detection device 100 to report the current position to the surrounding information terminals. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S190.

  In step S190, the control device 203 determines whether or not the searcher has instructed to end the search application. If a negative determination is made in step S190, the process returns to step S110. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S190, the process ends.

According to the present embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) The current position detection device 100 is housed in a case 3a that can be attached to a search object, detects the current position of the search object, and specifies the current position of the detected search object via communication means. To notify the information terminal 200 of the current position information to do so. As described above, since the current position detection device 100 is housed in the case 3a that can be attached to the search object, the degree of freedom of the possession method of the current position detection device 100 can be improved.

(2) The case 3a includes a storage portion 3c having an opening for storing the current position detection device 100, a lid portion 3b that covers the opening of the storage portion, and an attachment portion for attaching the case to the search object. 3d. Thus, the current position detection device 100 can be carried by the search target person by attaching the case 3a to the search object.

(3) As shown in FIG. 5, the buckle 3d-1 is coupled by inserting the convex male buckle 5a into the concave female buckle 5b. For this reason, if the male buckle 5a and the female buckle 5b are combined with the search object through the belt 3d-2, the case 3a can be reliably attached to the search object with a simple operation.

(4) The buckle 3d-1 is configured such that the female buckle 5b is integrated with the storage portion 3c. As a result, the case 3a is provided especially for infant belongings, as compared with the case where a belt loop is provided in the storage portion 3b and the buckle 3d-1 is attached to the tip of the belt 3d-2 passing therethrough. The risk of being attached can be reduced.

(5) When the control device 103 detects that the male buckle 5a is removed from the female buckle 5b based on the output signal from the attachment / detachment sensor 105, the control device 103 searches for the case 3a via the communication module 102. Information indicating that the object has been removed and the current position information are transmitted to the information terminal 200 registered in advance as a transmission destination to notify the searcher. If the case 3a is removed from the search object, the current position of the search target cannot be specified from the information terminal 200. Further, there is a possibility that the search target has fallen into an urgent situation where it is removed from the case 3a from the search object by a malicious third party. Therefore, if the searcher is notified when it is detected that the case 3a has been removed from the search object, the searchee can be prevented from searching, and accidents can be prevented from occurring.

(6) When the control device 103 detects that the lid 3b is opened based on the output signal from the open / close sensor 104, the controller 103 confirms that the lid 3b has been opened via the communication module 102. The information shown and the current position information are transmitted to the information terminal 200 registered in advance as a transmission destination to notify the searcher. When the lid 3b is opened, there is a possibility that the person to be searched needs to contact the searcher for a third party, so the lid 3b has been opened. If an investigator is notified when an error is detected, an accident can be prevented. Further, when the lid 3b is opened, there is a possibility that personal information written in the case 3a has been stolen by a third party, or that the current position detection device 100 has been illegally operated. Therefore, it is possible to quickly notify the searcher of these.

(7) An entry section for entering contact information for specifying the contact information of the searchee is provided on the inner surface of the storage portion 3c or the inner surface of the lid portion 3b of the case 3a. Therefore, by filling in the contact information of the searchee in the entry section, the person who protected the searchee looks at the contact information written in the case and contacts the searcher. be able to.

(8) When the control device 103 receives a current position notification request from the information terminal 200, the control device 103 notifies the requesting information terminal 200 of the specified current position information. As a result, the searcher can always check where the search target person is now. In addition, even when the searchee does not return home and there is a possibility of lost child, habit, disappearance, etc., the current location of the searchee can be specified and headed for protection.

(9) The control apparatus 103 notifies the information terminal 200 registered in advance of the current position information when receiving a notification of the current position from the search target person to the information terminal 200. This makes it possible for the searchee to search for help from the searcher, such as when he / she has lost his / her way back, cannot move due to injury or illness, or is stalked. Can tell their current location.

(10) When the control device 103 receives a report request from the information terminal 200 to the surrounding information terminals, the control device 103 transmits the current position information to other information terminals existing within a predetermined range from the current position. I tried to do it. Thereby, the searcher can request the searcher's search and protection from a person near the searchee by remote operation. In other words, the information terminal that has received the notification displays the current position of the current position detection device 100 that has been notified on the map, and the searcher seeks protection of the searchee who owns the current position detection device 100. Therefore, it is possible to protect a lost child or a lost person toward the displayed current position.

-Modification-
Note that the current position detection system 10 of the above-described embodiment can be modified as follows.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 3c of the case 3a has been described as an example having an opening for accessing the current position detection device 100 stored in the storage unit 3c. However, the storage part 3c may not have an opening. In this case, the current position detection device 100 is entirely covered by the storage unit 3c. In addition, when the opening is not provided in the storage portion 3c as described above, the case 3a does not necessarily include the lid portion 3b for covering the opening. Therefore, the case 3a may not be provided with the lid portion 3b but may be configured only by the storage portion 3c and the attachment portion 3d. When the case 3a does not include the lid portion 3b, the above-described processing in step S30 in FIG. 8 and steps S150 and S160 in FIG. 9 is not necessary. Further, in this way, when the storage portion 3c does not have an opening and the case 3a does not include the lid portion 3b, the contact information for specifying the contact information of the searchee described above is entered. May not be provided, or may be provided on the upper surface of the storage portion 3c. Even when the storage portion 3c does not have an opening, a cover portion 3b is provided and concealed in order to prevent the personal information written in the entry portion provided on the upper surface from being noticed during normal use. You may do it.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the female buckle 5b is configured integrally with the storage portion 3c has been described. However, the buckle 3d-1 may be configured to be integrated with the lid 3b. Moreover, you may make it comprise the male buckle 5a as integral with the accommodating part 3c.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the current position detection device 100 includes the opening / closing sensor 104, and the control device 103 detects that the lid 3b is opened based on an output signal from the opening / closing sensor 104. In this case, an example has been described in which the searcher is notified via the communication module 102 that the lid 3b has been opened. However, the current position detection device 100 may not include the open / close sensor 104 and may not detect that the lid 3b has been opened. Whether or not the current position detection device 100 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 104 and a function for detecting that the lid 3b using the opening / closing sensor 104 has been opened is sold by a case 3a containing the current position detection device 100. It may be possible to arbitrarily select the company that purchases it or the user who purchases it.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the current position detection device 100 includes the attachment / detachment sensor 105, and the control device 103 has removed the case 3 a from the search target based on the output signal from the attachment / detachment sensor 105. An example in which the searcher is notified has been described. However, the current position detection device 100 may not include the attachment / detachment sensor 105 and may not detect that the case 3a has been removed from the search target. Whether or not the current position detection device 100 has a function for detecting that the attachment / detachment sensor 105 and the case 3a using the attachment / detachment sensor 105 have been removed from the search target is determined by a case in which the current position detection device 100 is housed. The company that sells 3a or the user who purchases it may be arbitrarily selected.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, when the case 3a is removed from the search target, the control device 103 registers in advance information indicating that the case 3a has been removed from the search target as a transmission destination. The example of transmitting to the information terminal 200 and notifying the searcher has been described. In this case, a speaker for outputting the notification sound is mounted on the current position detection device 100, and the control device 103 outputs the notification sound from the speaker, so that the case 3a is removed from the search object to the person around. You may make it notify that. In addition, a small camera capable of photographing the surroundings is mounted on the current position detection device 100, and when the case 3a is removed from the search target, the control device 103 takes a photograph at that time and sends it to the information terminal 200. You may make it transmit. Thereby, the searcher can confirm the situation at the moment when the case 3a is removed from the search object with a photograph.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, when one button is mounted as the operation switch 106, different instructions can be given depending on the number of times the button is pressed within a certain time, the short press, the long press, etc. In the above description, the power source of the current position detection apparatus 100 can be turned on / off by operating the operation switch 106. In this case, in order to prevent the current position detection device 100 from being turned off due to an erroneous operation, a complicated operation may be required to turn off the current position detection device 100. As an example, it is difficult to assume normal operation mistakes, such as pressing a button several times within a certain time, for example, 5 consecutive times, pressing a button for a long time, for example, 1 minute or more, or a combination thereof. What is necessary is just to require a complicated operation. Alternatively, the power may always be turned on, and power off by a user operation may not be permitted.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, the contact information for specifying the contact information of the searchee is entered in the case 3a, and the control device 103 has the lid 3b opened. An example of notifying the information terminal 200 when this is detected has been described. However, in order to prevent the lid portion 3b from being opened, an electronic lock mechanism for electronically locking the current position detection device 100 with the lid portion 3b of the case 3a being closed is mounted on the electronic device. The controller 103 may control whether the lock is on (locked) or off (unlocked).

  In this case, the electronic lock may be turned on or off by a user such as a searcher or a searchee by operating the operation switch 106. For example, when the control device 103 detects an operation for switching off the electronic lock based on an output signal from the operation switch 106 in a state where the electronic lock is on, that is, the lid 3b is locked. The electronic lock mechanism is controlled to release the lock. As a result, the person to be searched can open the lid 3b by himself, so that his / her contact information can be communicated to the person who has protected himself / herself.

  In addition, the searcher may be able to give an instruction from the information terminal 200 to turn on or off the electronic lock. For example, the searcher can instruct the current position detection device 100 registered in advance to release the electronic lock on the search application. In this case, the control device 203 transmits a signal for instructing the current position detection device 100 to release the electronic lock via the communication network. In the current position detection device 100 that has received this, the control device 103 controls the electronic lock mechanism to release the lock. As a result, the searcher can release the lock by remote operation so that the person who protected the searchee can know the contact information of the searchee.

  Further, the male buckle 5a of the buckle 3d-1 can be locked while being inserted into the female buckle 5b, and the lock is turned on / off in the same manner as the lock of the lid 3b. You may make it possible from any.

(8) In the above-described embodiment, when the control device 103 detects that the lid portion 3b is opened, the current position information is also displayed on the information terminal 200 together with information indicating that the lid portion 3b is opened. An example of transmitting to has been described. However, the control device 103 may transmit only information indicating that the lid 3b is opened without transmitting the current position information.

(9) In the above-described embodiment, when the control device 103 detects that the case 3a has been removed from the search target, the control device 103 presents the current information together with information indicating that the case 3a has been removed from the search target. The example in which the position information is also transmitted to the information terminal 200 has been described. However, the control device 103 may transmit only information indicating that the case 3a has been removed from the search object without transmitting the current position information.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, when the control device 103 receives a current location notification request from the information terminal 200, the control device 103 is for searching that exists within a predetermined distance from the identified current location, for example, within a radius of 1 km. An example in which the current position information is transmitted to the information terminal in which the application is installed and the current position is reported has been described. In this case, a speaker for outputting a notification sound may be mounted on the current position detection device 100, and the control device 103 may notify a person in the vicinity by outputting the notification sound from the speaker. .

(11) In the embodiment described above, since it is not known that the current position detection device 100 is housed in the case 3a, the contents of the lid 3b and the housing 3c of the case 3a are not visible. It was preferable to make it opaque. Further, the side of the case 3a where the buckle 3d-1 is not attached, that is, the surface of the lid 3b may be designed to make it appear as if it is an accessory. In addition, when a theme park or shopping mall operating company rents the current position detection system 10 to a customer for searching for lost children in the theme park or shopping mall, the character or logo mark of the theme park or shopping mall is covered. You may make it design according to the place by printing on the surface of the part 3b, or sticking the sticker which printed the character park or the logo mark of a theme park or a shopping mall on the surface of the cover part 3b.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which power is supplied to the current position detection device 100 from a rechargeable battery has been described. In this case, in order to prevent the battery from running out of charge, when the storage capacity of the battery becomes a predetermined ratio or less, for example, 10% or less, the control device 103 informs that information terminal. 200 may be notified. Further, a display member that indicates that the storage capacity of the battery has become a predetermined ratio or less with respect to the total capacity may be mounted on the current position detection device 100.

(13) In the above-described embodiment, the current position detection device 100 may be equipped with a call function so that a call can be made with the information terminal 200. As a result, the searcher can directly hear from the searchee when he / she wants to know the situation of the searchee in detail. In addition, the searchee can directly talk to the searcher when he wants to convey his situation in detail. If the searchee wishes to talk to the searcher, an emergency situation may have occurred. Therefore, when the information terminal 200 makes a call from the current position detection device 100 to the information terminal 200, the information terminal 200 If no response is made for a predetermined time, the control device 103 may receive the utterance of the searchee, convert the utterance content into character data, and send the character data to the information terminal 200 by e-mail. As a result, even when the searcher is temporarily in an area where communication is impossible, the e-mail can be received at the timing when the searcher moves to the area where communication is possible, and the utterance content from the searchee can be confirmed.

(14) In the above-described embodiment, the current position detection system 10 attaches the case 3a housing the current position detection device 100 to the possession of the searchee, so that the searcher specifies the current position of the searchee. The example used to do this was explained. However, it can also be used to specify the current position of the lost item when the possessed item with the case 3a housing the current position detecting device 100 is lost.

(15) Since the information terminal 200 of the above-described embodiment is assumed to be a smartphone having a call function, the information terminal 200 includes a microphone 205 and a speaker 206, but uses an information terminal that does not have a call function as the information terminal 200. In this case, the microphone 205 and the speaker 206 are not mounted. Further, when the flash memory provided in the control device 203 is used as the internal memory and it is not necessary to use the external memory, the memory slot 204 is also unnecessary. Further, instead of the touch panel 201, the operation member and the display member may be separate devices.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the configurations in the above-described embodiments as long as the characteristic functions of the present invention are not impaired. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which combined the above-mentioned embodiment and a some modification.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Current position detection system, 100 Current position detection apparatus, 101 GPS module, 102 Communication module, 103 Control apparatus, 104 Detachment sensor, 105 Detachment sensor, 106 Operation switch, 200 Information terminal, 201 Touch panel, 202 Communication module, 203 Control apparatus 204 Memory slot 205 Microphone 206 Speaker

Claims (28)

A current position detection device housed in a case attachable to a search object,
Current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the search object;
A communication means for communicating with an external information terminal via a communication network;
And current position notification means for notifying the information terminal of current position information for specifying the current position of the search object detected by the current position detection means via the communication means. Current position detection device. In the present position detecting device according to claim 1,
The case is
A storage section for storing the current position detection device;
A current position detection device comprising: an attachment portion attached to the storage portion and attaching the case to the search object. In the present position detection device according to claim 2,
The mounting portion is configured such that a convex male buckle is attached to one of the belts and a concave female buckle is attached to the other, and the case is attached to the search object by inserting and fixing the male buckle into the female buckle. A current position detecting device characterized in that In the present position detection device according to claim 3,
The current position detecting device, wherein the attachment part is configured such that the male buckle or the female buckle is integrated with the storage part. In the present position detection device according to claim 3 or 4,
Wearing state detecting means for detecting that the male buckle has been removed from the female buckle;
Detachment notification means for notifying that the case has been removed from the search object when the wearing state detection means detects that the male buckle has been removed from the female buckle. A current position detecting device. In the present position detection device according to claim 5,
The current position detection device, wherein the removal notification means notifies the information terminal that the case has been removed from the search object. In the present position detection device according to claim 6,
The removal notification means also notifies the current position information detected by the current position detection means when the wearing state detection means detects that the male buckle has been removed from the female buckle. A current position detecting device. In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The current position detecting device characterized in that the removal notification means notifies the surroundings that the case has been removed from the search object by outputting a notification sound via a removal notification sound output means. In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
The camera further includes photographing means for surrounding,
The removal notification means, when the wearing state detection means detects that the male buckle has been removed from the female buckle, controls the photographing means to take a photograph of the surroundings, A current position detecting device transmitting to the information terminal. In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
Buckle locking means for electronically locking the male buckle while being inserted into the female buckle and fixed;
A current position detecting device further comprising buckle locking release control means for controlling release of lock by the buckle locking means. The current position detection device according to claim 10,
The present position detection device characterized in that the buckle locking release control means controls the buckle locking means to release the lock when an unlock instruction is given by a user. In the present position detection device according to claim 10 or 11,
The present position detecting device characterized in that the buckle locking release control means controls the buckle locking means to release the lock when the unlocking is instructed from the information terminal via the communication means. In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 12,
The storage portion has an opening;
The case is
A current position detection device further comprising a lid that covers the opening of the storage unit. The current position detection device according to claim 13,
A lid opening / closing state detecting means for detecting that the lid has been opened;
And a lid opening / closing state notifying unit for notifying the information terminal that the lid has been opened when the lid opening / closing state detecting unit detects that the lid has been opened. A current position detecting device characterized by that. The current position detection device according to claim 14,
The lid opening / closing state notifying means, together with the current position information detected by the current position detecting means, when the lid opening / closing state detecting means detects that the lid has been opened. A current position detecting device characterized by notifying. In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
A lid locking means for electronically locking the lid in a closed state;
A current position detecting apparatus, further comprising: a lid part locking release control unit that controls release of the lock by the lid part locking unit. The current position detection device according to claim 16,
The current position detection device, wherein the lid portion locking release control means controls the lid portion locking means to release the lock when an unlock instruction is given by a user. The current position detection device according to claim 16 or 17,
The lid portion locking release control means controls the lid portion locking means to release the lock when unlocking is instructed from the information terminal via the communication means. . In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 13 to 18,
The case is
The present position detecting device further comprising an entry unit capable of entering contact information for specifying the contact information of the user on the inner surface of the storage unit or the inner surface of the lid unit. In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 13 to 19,
The current position detection device is characterized in that a design corresponding to a place where the current position detection device is used is provided on the surface of the storage unit or the surface of the lid. In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
A notification request receiving means for receiving a notification request of the current position from the information terminal;
The current position notifying means notifies the current position information to the requesting information terminal when the notification request receiving means receives the notification request from the information terminal. . In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
A notification instruction receiving means for receiving a notification instruction of a current position from the user to the information terminal;
The current position notifying unit notifies the current position information to the information terminal set in advance as a notification destination when the notification instruction receiving unit receives the notification instruction from a user. Position detection device. In the present position detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 22,
A current position detecting apparatus, further comprising a reporting means for reporting the current position information to the surroundings when the communication means receives a reporting request to the surroundings from the information terminal. The current position detection device according to claim 23,
The notification means performs notification by transmitting the current position information to another information terminal existing within a predetermined range from the current position of the search object detected by the position detection means. A current position detecting device. The current position detection device according to claim 23 or 24,
It further comprises a report voice output means for outputting a report voice,
The current position detecting device characterized in that the reporting means reports by outputting a voice to the surroundings via the reporting voice output means. In the present position detection apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-25,
A current position detecting device, further comprising a call means for making a call with the information terminal. The current position detection device according to claim 26,
If the information terminal does not respond for a predetermined time when a call is made to the information terminal based on an instruction from a user, the calling means converts the user's utterance content into character data, and A current position detecting apparatus, wherein data is transmitted to the information terminal.   A current position detection system in which the current position detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 27 and the information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 27 are connected via a communication network.

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