JP2014165814A - Server device for managing multiple signal output devices, and portable device program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remotely monitor an operation state of each signal output device such as the presence/absence of a failure even in the case where a plurality of signal output devices arranged in a distributed manner are not connected to a network, in a system for providing information or services depending on a location of a portable device.SOLUTION: A server device comprises: means for identifying a signal output device from which a signal is outputted on the basis of data transmitted by signals outputted from the signal output devices; means for receiving, from a portable device which receives a signal from any one of the plurality of signal output devices and obtains data transmitted by the signal, a message including the data; and means for detecting a signal output device evaluated as being in a fault state where a signal to be outputted is not normally outputted, on the basis of a receiving situation of the message from the portable device.

Description

  The present invention uses a signal output device installed at each location to grasp the occasional location of the mobile device to be moved and provides each signal output in a system that provides information or services according to each location. The present invention relates to a technique for remotely managing a device.

  In recent years, in a space such as indoors or underground where GPS radio waves are difficult to reach, a user of a mobile device can obtain location information of the mobile device in real time and provide information and services depending on the location information while walking. This technology is being actively developed (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

  As shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-250150 (unpublished prior application of the present applicant), the present applicant also installs a plurality of signal output devices that output acoustic signals using the upper limit range of the audible frequency. We are developing technology to provide information-related services.

“Indoor positioning starts to be used and spreads with high precision” Nikkei Electronics February 20, 2012, pages 65-71

  In the system as described above, when a large number of signal output devices are arranged in order to realize a desired service, it is conceivable that each signal output device is not provided with a network connection function in order to reduce the cost. In operating the system, it is necessary to manage whether these acoustic signal devices are operating normally (whether they are out of order), but if there is no network connection function, the system administrator etc. outputs each signal. You must frequently visit the site where the equipment is installed to check for failures. Moreover, since the indoor positioning signal is not visible or audible to humans, it has to be checked by taking a measuring instrument, which is troublesome to manage.

  The present invention provides a system for providing information and services depending on the location of a mobile device, even when a plurality of signal output devices that are distributed are not connected to a network, whether or not each signal output device has a failure, etc. It is an object of the present invention to be able to remotely monitor the operating state of the system.

  A server device according to an example according to the principle of the present invention is a server device for managing a plurality of signal output devices, and the plurality of signal output devices may be portable devices existing within a signal reachable range. For example, it has a function of continuously outputting receivable signals, and they are installed apart from each other so that each signal reaches different ranges. The server device includes means for identifying from which signal output device the signal is output based on each data transmitted by the signal output from each signal output device, and a plurality of signals A means for receiving a message including the data from a portable device that has received a signal from any of the output devices and obtained data transmitted by the signal, and a reception status of the message from the portable device And a means for detecting a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state in which a signal to be output is not normally output.

  According to this configuration, the server device uses the fact that the portable device that has received the signal output from the signal output device is connected to the server device in order to receive location-dependent information and services. , A message containing data that can identify the signal output device that is the output source of the signal that is actually received by the mobile device is received from the mobile device, and each acoustic signal device is normal based on the reception status of these messages. It is possible to detect a signal output device to be inspected or repaired by a system administrator or the like by evaluating whether it is operating normally (no failure).

  The server apparatus evaluates the failure state based on the fact that the message that should be received from the portable device when each signal output apparatus normally outputs a signal to be output is not received. It can be carried out.

  Here, when a signal to be output from a certain signal output device is normally output, a determination that a message to be received from the portable device has not been received is performed by various methods as follows. Can do.

  In the first technique, the server device determines that the certain signal output device is based on the fact that the elapsed time from the last reception of the message about the certain signal output device from the portable device exceeds a predetermined value. Evaluate that it is in the fault state.

  In the second method, the server device uses a reception pattern of the past message for a certain signal output device to output a signal that the certain signal output device should normally output from the portable device. A determination is made that the message that should be received has not been received, and based on this determination, the signal output device is evaluated to be in the failed state.

  In the third method, the server device receives the message from the portable device about the signal output device installed around a certain signal output device, and the message from the portable device about the certain signal output device. And a determination that the message that should be received from the portable device is not received when the signal output device normally outputs a signal to be output. Based on the determination, the device is evaluated as being in the failure state.

  In a fourth method, the portable device has a positioning function that does not depend on the signal output device, and the server device includes means for receiving a message including a history of a position associated with movement of the portable device, The signal output device is evaluated to be in the failure state based on the fact that the message from the portable device regarding the signal output device including the signal reachable range in the position history is not received.

  In the fifth method, the portable device has a function of detecting an error included in the signal when the data is obtained from the received signal, and the server device includes the data from the portable device. The information on the error is received together with the message, and a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state is detected based on the detection status of the error.

  The sixth method has a function of detecting the magnitude of the signal when the portable device obtains data from the received signal, and the server device includes the message including the data from the portable device and the message. Information on the magnitude of the signal is received, and a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state is detected based on a change in the magnitude of the signal.

  Two or more of the first to sixth methods may be used in appropriate combination.

  In order to use the fourth to sixth methods, a program for enabling a system to provide information or services from a system to a mobile device, wherein a signal from any of a plurality of signal output devices is the mobile device When a message including data transmitted by the signal is transmitted from the portable device to the server device, the signal received by the portable device is transmitted from any signal output device to the server device. Program code for specifying whether the information has been output and providing the information or service, and a signal output that is evaluated as being in a failure state in which the server device does not normally output a signal to be output And a program code for transmitting a message including additional information for detecting a device from the portable device to the server device. That the program may be installed in a portable device.

  In the case of the fourth method, the portable device has a positioning function that does not depend on the signal output device, and additional information to be transmitted to the server device is a history of a position associated with movement of the portable device. Thus, based on the fact that the server device has not received a message including the data about the signal output device including a signal reachable range in the location history from the mobile phone, the signal output device Have them evaluate that they are in a fault state.

  In the case of the fifth (or sixth) method, the portable device detects an error (or detects the magnitude of the signal) included in the signal when obtaining data from the received signal. The additional information to be transmitted to the server device is the error information (or the signal magnitude information), so that the server device has the data and the error detection status ( Or a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state is detected based on the change in the magnitude of the signal).

  Based on the data, the server device stores information to be provided to the mobile device that has received the signal from each signal output device, and the mobile device that has transmitted the message including the data. And a means for providing the stored information corresponding to the signal output device.

  As a result, the portable device that has received the signal output from the signal output device uses the message transmitted to the server device to obtain and receive the location-dependent information, and the server device receives the message from the portable device. It is possible to evaluate whether each acoustic signal device is operating normally (whether it is out of order) based on the reception status of.

  The portable device that communicates with the server device has a function of caching the information corresponding to some signal output devices and requesting the server device for the information corresponding to a signal output device that does not have a cache. A message including the data from the portable device includes a first message indicating that the information has been acquired from the cache and a second message requesting the information from the server device. And means for detecting a signal output device that is evaluated to be in the failure state of the server device, and detecting the signal output device based on the first and second messages, and providing the information of the server device May be provided in response to the second message.

  In order to realize a portable device having the cache function, a program for enabling information or service to be provided from a system to a portable device, wherein a signal from any of a plurality of signal output devices is the portable device When a message including data transmitted by the signal is transmitted from the portable device to the server device, the signal received by the portable device is transmitted from any signal output device to the server device. Program code for specifying whether the information has been output and providing the information or service, and a signal output that is evaluated as being in a failure state in which the server device does not normally output a signal to be output A program for transmitting a message including additional information for detecting a device from the portable device to the server device A program and a Mukodo, may be installed on the mobile device.

  In this case, the portable device in which the program is installed has a function of caching the information corresponding to some of the signal output devices and requesting the server device for the information corresponding to the signal output device for which no cache exists. The additional information to be transmitted to the server device indicates that the information has been acquired from the cache, so that a message including the data and a message including the additional information are transmitted to the server device. Based on the above, a signal output device that is evaluated to be in a failure state is detected.

  In the above configuration, the first message also indicates the number of times that the mobile device has acquired the information from the cache, and the server device, based on the number of times of information acquisition indicated by the first message, A means for charging the portable device may be provided.

  As a result, the server device can appropriately charge the number of times the information is used even for a portable device having a cache function, and charge for the service.

  Each of the above-mentioned server apparatuses transmits a message including the data for a service provided by collecting information indicating which signal output apparatus the mobile device has moved through. The device may further include means for transmitting information on a location specified based on the data to the service.

  As a result, the mobile device that has received the signal output from the signal output device uses the message transmitted to the server device in order to be provided with a location-dependent service, and the server device receives the message from the mobile device. Based on the reception status of the message, it is possible to evaluate whether each acoustic signal device is operating normally (whether it has failed).

  The plurality of signal output devices may output an acoustic signal or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal using an upper limit range of an audible frequency.

  Accordingly, it is possible to receive a signal output from the signal output device using a function built in a device that is widely spread as a mobile device such as a smartphone.

  Each of the signal output devices selects one or a plurality of frequencies corresponding to data for specifying the signal output device from a predetermined number of frequencies included in a frequency range using an upper limit range of the audible frequency, A sine wave having a selected frequency may be output as an acoustic signal.

  In this way, using acoustic marker technology that uses high-frequency acoustic signals that are difficult for humans to recognize, it can be used in indoor and underground spaces, detects position information, etc. at high speed, and detects errors according to the operating environment. It becomes possible to make it smaller.

  In accordance with the principle of the present invention, the server device also uses one or a plurality of frequencies as described above for a signal output device that includes data to be transmitted by modulating / demodulating sound waves in an acoustic signal. Even for signal output devices that include the data to be transmitted by selecting the frequency when the superimposed high-frequency sine wave is output without modulation / demodulation, the operating status such as the presence or absence of failure can be monitored remotely. It will be possible to monitor.

  The portable device that has received the latter type of acoustic signal is made to analyze the signal, and information (position information, etc.) is provided to the portable device based on the extracted data (for example, acoustic signal identification ID). In this case, since the frequency detection of the sine wave in the high sound range can be performed at high speed in the portable device, the position can be detected in real time not only in a stationary state but also in walking speed. The position information obtained based on the data represented by the detected frequency may be used as an absolute position as it is, or to correct the relative position information acquired by pedestrian autonomous navigation (PDR) or the like. It may be used.

  In the latter method, data transmitted by the acoustic signal may be represented by a predetermined number of bits, and the value of each bit may be represented by the presence or absence of an output of each sine wave of the predetermined number of frequencies.

  Thereby, for example, a portable device that has detected the frequency of a sine wave in the high frequency range has a value of 1 for a detected frequency and a value of 0 for a frequency that has not been detected in a predetermined number of frequencies. By replacing with a bit string, data transmitted from the signal output device can be obtained, and higher-speed processing becomes possible.

  The frequency range using the upper limit range of the audible frequency of the acoustic signal is divided into a plurality of sub-frequency ranges, and each of the signal output devices has a frequency corresponding to data for specifying the signal output device, The server device selects from the frequencies included in one of a plurality of sub-frequency regions, and the server device selects the frequency within the sub-frequency regions in which two or more signal output devices that overlap the reach of the acoustic signal are different from each other. Means for determining the data for each of the signal output devices may be provided.

  As a result, even if the portable device receives the acoustic signals from two or more signal output devices at the same time, the frequencies selected in different sub-frequency regions are received, so the acoustic signals interfere. Can be prevented.

  Furthermore, the data transmitted by the acoustic signal is represented by a combination of which of the frequencies included in one sub-frequency region is selected and which sub-frequency region is used. You may do it.

  As a result, while preventing interference of the acoustic signal, the amount of information that can be transmitted by the acoustic signal is increased from the information amount of the number of bits corresponding to the number of frequencies constituting one sub-frequency region by the number of times of the frequency region. It becomes possible.

  The server device may include means for controlling so that the number of signal output devices having overlapping ranges in which acoustic signals reach does not exceed the number of the sub-frequency regions.

  As a result, it is possible to eliminate the place where the interference of the acoustic signal occurs throughout the system. Even if the arrangement and / or output level of the signal output device is controlled so that the number of sub-frequency ranges is given and the number of signal output devices that overlap the range in which the acoustic signal reaches is less than the given number, Alternatively, the number of signal output devices that overlap the ranges in which the acoustic signals reach may be given, and control may be performed so as to divide the frequency range according to the given number of sub-frequency ranges.

  The plurality of bits transmitted by the acoustic signal include bits for error correction in addition to bits representing data transmitted by the acoustic signal, and the portable device is detected from the received acoustic signal. The data may be obtained by performing error correction processing on each bit. The error information used in the fifth method can be obtained from the error correction processing at this time.

  A plurality of signal output devices to be managed by the server device according to another example according to the principle of the present invention can communicate with the server device and have a function of receiving the output signal. In this case, the server device includes means for identifying from which signal output device the signal is output based on each data transmitted by the signal output from each signal output device, Means for receiving a message indicating whether a signal to be output from the signal output device is received by the signal output device, and a signal to be output based on the reception status of the message. Means for detecting a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a fault state that is not normally output.

  According to this configuration, each signal output device itself checks whether or not a signal is actually output from each signal output device by receiving the signal, and the result is collected in the server device. , It becomes possible to detect a signal output device that has failed.

  All the inventions of the server device described above are the invention of the system including the server device and a plurality of signal output devices as components, the invention of the method of the entire system, the invention of the signal output device constituting the system, As an invention of a method performed by a server device, an invention of a device or method of a portable device using a system, and a program (or its program) for being installed in a general-purpose computer or portable device to realize the above-described invention The invention of the recording medium on which the program is recorded is also established.

  For example, a program according to an example according to the principle of the present invention is a program installed in a computer so that the computer operates as a server device for managing a plurality of signal output devices. The plurality of signal output devices have a function of continuously outputting receivable signals if they are portable devices existing within a signal reachable range, and are separated from each other so that each signal reachable range is different. It is installed. The program includes a program code for identifying from which signal output device the signal is output based on each data transmitted by a signal output from each signal output device, A program code for receiving a message including the data from a portable device that has received the signal from any of the signal output devices and obtained data transmitted by the signal, and the message from the portable device And a program code for detecting a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state in which a signal to be output is not normally output based on a reception state.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a system for providing information and services depending on the location of a mobile device, each signal output is performed even when a plurality of distributed signal output devices are not connected to a network. It becomes possible to centrally monitor the operation state such as the presence or absence of a device failure in the server device.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the acoustic marker system which concerns on an example of embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example which allocated frequency (kHz) to the bit sequence of an acoustic signal according to a sound range group. The figure which shows an example which made acoustic signal identification ID list for every sound range group. The block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the server in this example. The figure which shows an example of an acoustic marker management table (server). The figure which shows an example of an acoustic signal management table (server). The figure which shows an example of an incidental information management table (server). The flowchart which shows an example of the allocation process of the acoustic signal by a server. The flowchart which shows an example of the reallocation process of the acoustic signal by a server. The flowchart which shows an example of the adjustment process of the transmission range by a server. The flowchart which shows an example of provision processing of the positional information etc. by a server. The block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the acoustic marker in this example. The flowchart which shows an example of the output process of the acoustic signal by an acoustic marker. The flowchart which shows an example of the adjustment process of the output level by an acoustic marker. The block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of the device in this example. The flowchart which shows an example of the process from the acoustic signal input by a device to acquisition of positional information etc. The figure which shows an example of the error detection and correction by an error correction code | symbol. The figure which shows the 1st example of operation | movement of the device for detecting the failure of each acoustic marker in a server, and a server. The figure which shows the 2nd example of operation | movement of the device and server for performing a failure detection of each acoustic marker in a server. The figure which shows the 3rd example of operation | movement of the device for detecting the failure of each acoustic marker in a server. The figure which shows the 3rd example of operation | movement of the server for detecting the failure of each acoustic marker in a server. The block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure in case the device in this example uses a cache. The figure which shows the operation example in the case of utilizing the cache of the device for detecting the failure of each acoustic marker in the server. The figure which shows the operation example in the case of utilizing the cache of the server for detecting the failure of each acoustic marker in the server. The figure which shows the whole structure of the acoustic marker system which concerns on another example of embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using four sound range groups in the area (room etc.) where a cell spreads in two dimensions. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using three sound range groups in the area (room etc.) where a cell spreads in two dimensions. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using two sound range groups in the area (room etc.) where a cell spreads in two dimensions. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using one sound range group in the area (room etc.) where a cell spreads in two dimensions. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using four sound range groups in the area (passage etc.) where a cell extends in one dimension. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using three sound range groups in the area (passage etc.) where a cell extends in one dimension. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using two sound range groups in the area (passage etc.) where a cell extends in one dimension. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using one sound range group in the area (passage etc.) where a cell extends in one dimension. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using four sound range groups in the place divided | segmented into a some area. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using three sound range groups in the place divided | segmented into a some area. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using two sound range groups in the place divided | segmented into a several area. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker at the time of using one sound range group in the place divided | segmented into a several area. The figure for demonstrating an example of the system which performs entrance / exit determination in a pedestrian navigation service. The figure which shows one example which has arrange | positioned the acoustic marker in the shop in a pedestrian navigation service. The figure which shows another example which has arrange | positioned the acoustic marker in the shop in a pedestrian navigation service.

  Hereinafter, an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for illustrative purposes.

  The information providing system according to this example is generally the following technology. From an “acoustic marker” composed of a computer connected to a network and an audio output device, a high-frequency audio signal (hereinafter referred to as an “acoustic signal”) that is difficult to hear by human ears is output. By inputting the acoustic signal to a microphone built in the device and inquiring the server via the network based on the acoustic signal identification number (ID) extracted as a result of analyzing the acoustic signal, the location information and / or other Information (both are information desired to be provided to a device that has received an acoustic signal from each acoustic marker, hereinafter referred to as position information or the like) can be acquired.

  In addition, by caching the position information corresponding to the acoustic signal identification ID or the like in the device, the device can obtain the position information or the like only by receiving the acoustic signal (without making an inquiry to the server). May be. In any case, by receiving an acoustic signal, for example, positioning (acquisition of position information) in an indoor or underground mall where GPS cannot be used becomes possible.

  The acoustic signal uses, for example, an upper limit range (also referred to as ultrasonic sound) of an audible frequency on the order of 15 kHz to 22 kHz. The sound in this range is a range that cannot be heard by ordinary humans, and can output a signal without being noticed by the surroundings. Of course, it does not appear in photos or videos, so the landscape of the operational environment is not impaired. Further, by using this frequency band, not a dedicated device for ultrasonic waves but a commercially available audio output device such as a speaker can be used.

  A system to which the present technology is applied (hereinafter also referred to as an acoustic marker system) includes, for example, a server 10, N acoustic markers 20-1 to 20-N, and M devices (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1). Mobile information devices such as smartphones and tablets) 30-1 to 30-M. Among these, since the device is used by each user who uses information, for example, the system 60 including a server and an acoustic marker may be called an information providing system. One or a plurality of management terminals 40 for use by an administrator who manages the information providing system using this server may be connected to the server 10 directly or via a network.

  The server 10 stores an acoustic signal identification ID represented by an acoustic signal output by each acoustic marker 20, and information about information requested from a device 30 connected by a network 50 (for example, an Internet protocol (IP) network). In addition to providing the information, the failure of each acoustic marker 20 is detected based on the information about the acoustic signal reception status in the device 30 collected from each device 30. By displaying the failure detection status of each acoustic marker 20 on the management terminal 40 connected to the server 10, the administrator of the information providing system can also manage the acoustic marker group that is not connected to the network in an integrated manner. It becomes possible to do.

  In this example, each acoustic marker 20 is not network-connected to the server 10, and the operation of setting the acoustic signal to be output by each acoustic marker 20 to each acoustic marker 20 is performed manually. Each acoustic marker 20 is network-connected to the server 10 by using a fixed communication network installed at a place where the server is installed, and the server 10 allocates an acoustic signal identification ID to each acoustic marker 20 and outputs an instruction. Management may be performed automatically.

  Since the device 30 is used in such a form that the user moves while holding the device, the network 50 is preferably a network such as a wireless LAN or a mobile phone network.

  The acoustic marker 20 reproduces an acoustic signal including the designated acoustic signal identification ID at a designated volume. A plurality of (N) acoustic markers 30 can be installed and operated at the same time, and the number thereof may be determined by the content of the information service that the operator of the information providing system wants to apply.

  The device 30 inputs the acoustic signal by voice, extracts the acoustic signal identification ID using, for example, fast Fourier transform (FFT), sends it to the server together with the acquisition date / time information, etc., and requests provision of position information and the like. A plurality (M) of devices 30 can be simultaneously accommodated in the information providing system 60, and the number thereof can be increased by the number of users who want to use the service as long as the network 50 is not congested.

  The basic structure of the acoustic signal used in the present technology is, for example, as follows. In order to manage the arrangement of acoustic markers, the concept of location, area, and cell is provided, and each is assigned a unique ID for management.

  The smallest unit is a cell, and is a unit for installing one acoustic marker. The same space including a plurality of cells is called an area. An area refers to a passage, a living room, a shared space, etc. when indoors. A concept including a plurality of areas is a location, and refers to the same building or the like.

  It is assumed that the location is explicitly specified on the application side to be used, and it is possible to use multi-tenant by changing the location ID.

  One acoustic signal is composed of, for example, a total of 12 sine waves, and one sine wave is defined as 1 bit without modulation / demodulation. The interval between the sine waves is 200 Hz, and interference during analysis by fast Fourier transform is eliminated. The reason for not performing modulation / demodulation is to acquire and analyze signals at high speed.

  In this technology, since modulation / demodulation is not performed and a 12-bit signal is transmitted at a time, for example, even when walking for 80 m (1.33 m / sec) per minute, the acoustic signal emitted from the acoustic marker is transmitted to the device side. As long as it can be received by the mobile phone, there are no restrictions on the actions and operations of the person holding the device.

  In this example, a 12-bit acoustic signal is composed of three parts: area ID, unique ID, and error correction. For each of the 12 bits, when the bit value is 1, a sine wave having a frequency corresponding to the bit is output, and when the bit value is 0, a sine wave having a frequency corresponding to the bit is not output.

  The area ID secures 4 bits in binary (0 to 15 in decimal). Thereby, for example, the device can recognize that the user has moved from one room to another.

  The unique ID is a unique identification number in the area ID, and secures 4 bits in binary (1 to 15 in decimal). The 8 bits obtained by adding the unique ID to the area ID is a basic acoustic signal identification ID. However, since it is transmitted through free space, there may be a loss of signal.

  In order to prevent such an accident, 4 bits are added for error correction and used for error detection and correction. For this error detection and correction, an error detection and correction code method is used, and 2-bit error detection and 1-bit error correction are employed.

  In consideration of interference caused by using a plurality of acoustic signals in adjacent locations, the frequency band of ultrasonic sound is divided into, for example, four sound range groups. The area ID part uses a common frequency band, and the unique ID part and the error correction code part use different frequency bands for each sound range group. In adjacent cells, acoustic signals are assigned so that the same range group is not used. However, the lower the frequency range from the sound range group A to the sound range group D, the lower the frequency band, the sound signal may be heard by some people.

  FIG. 2 shows an example in which a sine wave frequency (kHz) is assigned to a bit string of an acoustic signal for each sound range group. The sound range column shows an example in which the sound range is divided into four groups A to D. (1) is used as the first bit, and (12) is arranged and recognized as an acoustic signal.

  For example, the frequency of the first bit of the tone range group A is 22.0 kHz, and the 12th bit is 19.8 kHz. The frequency from the first bit to the fourth bit of the sound range group B is the same as that of the sound range group A, the 5th bit is 19.6 kHz, and the 12th bit is 18.2 kHz. As described above, the unique ID and the error correction code part are assigned so that the frequencies to be used do not overlap between different sound range groups.

  As a result of the FFT, the device recognizes the bit as 1 when the frequency component can be acquired, and recognizes the bit as 0 when the frequency component cannot be acquired, and forms a bit array.

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which acoustic signal identification IDs are listed for each sound range group. An area ID and a unique ID are specified for each range group. One range group is divided into 16 areas, and 15 unique IDs exist for each area ID.

  When the frequency of ultrasonic sound is divided into four sound range groups A to D and all sound range groups are used, the maximum number of cells that can be divided within the same area ID is 60 cells with 4 sound range groups × 15 unique IDs. . When three sound range groups A to C are used, a maximum of 45 cells can be identified by 3 sound range groups × 15 unique IDs. When using two range groups A to B, a maximum of 30 cells can be identified with 2 range groups × 15 unique IDs, and when only the A range group is used, a maximum of 15 cells can be identified. .

  When requesting information from the device to the server, an acoustic signal identification ID is designated in order to identify the three elements of area ID, unique ID, and range group.

  Note that the number of bits of the acoustic signal may not be 12 bits, or even if the acoustic signal is composed of two parts (any number of bits, each of which is unique ID and error correction), it is composed of only the unique ID. It does not matter.

  FIG. 4 shows an internal configuration example of the server 10. The server 10 manages the acoustic marker 20 and the acoustic signal, and has a function of transmitting a response to a request for position information from the device 30. In addition, the server 10 receives a request for position information from the device 30 or other communication. It has a function of collecting information indicating the acoustic signal reception status and detecting a failure of the acoustic marker 20.

  The server 10 includes an acoustic marker registration unit 100 and an acoustic signal identification ID selection unit 105 in order to manage an acoustic marker and assign an acoustic signal identification ID. In addition, in order to reselect an acoustic signal identification ID, an acoustic marker changing unit 120 and an acoustic signal identification ID reselecting unit 125 are provided. The result of this selection or reselection is stored in the acoustic marker management table 150 and displayed on the management terminal 40 via the acoustic marker management unit 110. Thereby, the administrator of this system etc. can set and turn each acoustic marker so that the acoustic signal of acoustic signal identification ID allocated to each acoustic marker may be output.

  The server 10 also includes a transmission range adjustment request acquisition unit 140 and an output level change unit 145 in order to adjust the transmission range between the acoustic marker and the device. The output level change result is stored in the acoustic marker management table 150 and displayed on the management terminal 40 via the acoustic marker management unit 110. Thereby, the administrator of this system etc. can set an acoustic marker so that an acoustic signal may be output with the changed output level.

  Further, the server 10 responds to a request from the device and transmits a position information etc. request acquisition unit 160, a position information etc. request confirmation unit 165, a position information etc. extraction unit 170, and a position information etc. transmission unit 175 in order to transmit the location information. (These may be collectively referred to as a position information processing unit).

  In order to realize the above functions, the server 10 includes a database, and has an acoustic marker management table 150 (FIG. 5), an acoustic signal management table 130 (FIG. 6), and an incidental information management table 180 (FIG. 7). The server 10 and each device 30 are connected by a network 50 and can communicate with each other.

  The acoustic marker management table 150 shown in FIG. 5 has, for example, an item “Last acquisition date and time”, and the position information registered in the acoustic marker management table 150 is extracted in response to a request for position information or the like by the device 30. The date and time at that time is entered as the last acquisition date and time corresponding to the extracted position information. And the acoustic marker management part 110 of the server 10 analyzes the information recorded in this acoustic marker management table at any time, and displays the failure state of each acoustic marker on the management terminal 40.

  The request for position information from the device 30 means that the acoustic marker that outputs the acoustic signal of the acoustic signal identification ID corresponding to the position information is operating normally at that time. The system can be operated. If a large number of user devices 30 enter and exit within a range in which the acoustic signals of the respective acoustic markers can be received, the server 10 analyzes the reception status of requests for position information and the like from the respective user devices 30. It is possible to estimate whether the marker is operating normally or has failed.

  That is, when each device 30 receives an acoustic signal from the acoustic marker, each device 30 transmits a message including at least an acoustic signal identification ID to the server 10. This message may be the message itself requesting position information or the like, or separately, a message indicating the reception status of the acoustic signal may be sent to the server 10. In the acoustic marker management table 150, the server 10 records information on the time when the message from the device is received or the time included in the message in the entry of the acoustic marker associated with the acoustic signal identification ID.

  This time information recording may be performed only for the reception of a message from a specific device, or the time information may be recorded for all without distinguishing from which device the message is. In addition, each time a message is received, the time information is updated (overwritten), and the failure may be determined by the “last acquisition date”, or the history of time information generated from a plurality of received messages is recorded, The failure may be determined by comparing with a predetermined pattern.

  In this example, information used for failure detection, such as time information related to message reception, is recorded in the acoustic marker management table 150. However, the acoustic signal identification ID (or the corresponding acoustic marker ID) and failure detection are used. The information to be used may be recorded as a table different from the acoustic marker management table 150.

  In the method of this example in which a failure of the acoustic marker is determined based on the absence of message reception from the device, there is no user who has the device and has passed the range where the acoustic signal of the acoustic marker reaches, However, whether or not the device has sent a message to the server (that is, the acoustic marker has failed and the acoustic signal has not been received by the device) is evaluated as follows, for example.

  In a simple example, a device that has not received a message from the device for a certain period is determined as a failure. The period may be determined so as to differ depending on each acoustic marker (whether it is installed where the user frequently visits or where it is rare).

  In an example that considers more information, from the situation of message reception (or information such as the number of users obtained by other means) about another acoustic marker installed in the same store or the same floor, A case where there is no corresponding message reception from the device even though many users are supposed to visit is determined as a failure.

  In another example that considers more information, a positioning technique such as pedestrian autonomous navigation (PDR) is used to identify the location where the device is located to some extent, and an acoustic signal from an acoustic marker with the identified location arrives. A device that is supposed to be in range but does not receive a corresponding message from the device is determined as a failure.

  In addition, before a complete failure that no message has been received from the device that should have occurred, the device has received the acoustic signal and sent the message to the server, but when the device extracts the acoustic signal identification ID from the acoustic signal, May require a lot of error correction, or the magnitude of the acoustic signal received by the device may vary beyond the normal range.

  In such a case, since the failure is detected and displayed on the management terminal 40, the error correction information and the volume information are also included in the message from the device to the server, and the server has a high possibility of failure. You may make it judge as an acoustic marker. These additional information may be used in order to improve the accuracy of failure determination, and the administrator of this system should also be careful about acoustic markers that have not yet completely failed but are expected to fail. It may be used in a prompting direction.

  For example, when a smartphone is used as the device, the application may be downloaded so that the smartphone can use the system (process an acoustic signal to request and receive position information from the server). When the above-described error correction information and / or volume information is included in the message from the device to the server, the function for that purpose may be included in the application downloaded to the smartphone.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a processing flow for the server 10 to manage the acoustic markers 20-1 to 20-N and assign an acoustic signal identification ID to each.

  First, in the acoustic marker registration unit 100 of the server, for the acoustic marker management table 150, the acoustic marker ID, name, area ID, X and Y coordinates in the area (and there may be Z coordinates), and the like. Registration is performed (800).

  After registration of the acoustic marker, the acoustic signal identification ID selection unit 105 refers to the acoustic signal management table 130 to check whether there is an unused acoustic signal identification ID to which the designated area ID belongs (805). ). If there is an unused acoustic signal identification ID, it is checked whether there is an unused unique ID (810).

  If there is an unused unique ID, the acoustic signal identification ID is extracted as a candidate, and one ID is selected from the candidates (815). At this time, the sound range group may be automatically selected so as not to be the same as the sound range group of the adjacent acoustic marker, or may be arbitrarily selected by a registrant (such as an administrator of this system). .

  The acoustic signal identification ID selection unit 105 subsequently determines expiration date information (820), changes the in-use flag from 0 to 1 in the acoustic signal management table 130, and registers the acoustic marker ID and expiration date. .

  If there is no unused acoustic signal identification ID, or there is an unused acoustic signal identification ID, but there is no unique ID in the area, an error is returned (840).

  Then, the administrator or the like of this system sets the acoustic signal identification ID and output level of the acoustic signal to be output for the acoustic marker 20-K. As will be described later, in an environment where the server and each acoustic marker are network-connected, the server 10 may instruct the acoustic marker 20-K about the acoustic signal identification ID and the output level (830).

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the processing flow for the server 10 to reassign the acoustic signal identification ID to the designated acoustic marker. For example, this reallocation process is performed when another acoustic signal identification ID is desired to flow from the same acoustic marker after the expiration date of a certain acoustic signal identification ID has passed.

  First, the acoustic marker change unit 120 of the server receives an acoustic marker change request from the administrator of the system or a program of the corresponding service operating on the server (900), and the acoustic marker and the acoustic signal identification ID are registered. It is confirmed whether it has been completed (905). The acoustic marker change request includes the acoustic marker ID, the acoustic signal identification ID, and the sound range group information of the adjacent acoustic marker.

  The acoustic signal identification ID reselecting unit 125 belongs to the same area ID as the currently selected acoustic signal identification ID, and the sound range group is empty (910) and the unique ID is unused (915). A group is extracted and one ID is selected from the group (920). At this time, the sound range group may be automatically selected so as not to be the same as the sound range group of the adjacent acoustic marker, or may be arbitrarily selected by a registrant (such as an administrator of this system). .

  The acoustic signal identification ID reselecting unit 125 subsequently determines the expiration date information again (925), and sets the in-use flag from 0 to the newly selected record of the acoustic signal identification ID with respect to the acoustic signal management table 130. Change to 1 and register the acoustic marker ID and expiration date. Further, the in-use flag of the record of the acoustic signal identification ID allocated so far is changed from 1 to 0, and the record is updated after deleting the acoustic marker ID and the expiration date (930). If there is no acoustic marker or acoustic signal identification ID that is the target of the change request, or if a new acoustic signal identification ID cannot be allocated, an error is returned (950).

  Then, the administrator of this system sets the acoustic signal identification ID and output level of the acoustic signal to be output for the acoustic marker 20-J. As will be described later, in an environment where the server and each acoustic marker are network-connected, the server 10 may instruct the acoustic marker 20-J about the acoustic signal identification ID and the output level (940).

  FIG. 10 shows an example of processing for the server 10 to adjust the output level (transmission range) of the acoustic signal of each acoustic marker. The adjustment of the transmission range is performed by each device 30-1 to 30-N that monitors an acoustic signal at a position where the acoustic signal from each acoustic marker 20-1 to 20-N is desired to be transmitted. This can be done based on information. A plurality of monitoring devices for one acoustic marker may be dispersed (for example, three 30-Cs, five 30-Es, etc.). The acoustic signal may be monitored.

  First, the transmission range adjustment request acquisition unit 140 of the server 10 acquires a transmission range adjustment request from the device 30 through the network 50 (1000). The request includes information on the acoustic marker ID and the increase / decrease in output.

  The output level changing unit 145 refers to the acoustic marker management table 150 to check whether the received acoustic marker ID is correct (1005). If the acoustic marker exists, the output level is changed according to the received request (1010). Is increased (1015) or decreased (1020), and the output level included in the record of the acoustic marker in the acoustic marker management table 150 is updated (1025). The administrator of this system sets an updated output level for the acoustic marker 20-K. As will be described later, in an environment where the server and each acoustic marker are network-connected, the server 10 may instruct the acoustic marker 20-K.

  Further, the output level changing unit 145 may acquire (1040) the change result in the acoustic marker 20-K and notify the request source device 30-K via the network 50 (1060). If the received acoustic marker ID is not correct, an error is returned (1050).

  FIG. 11 shows an example of processing for the server 10 to provide location information and the like in response to a request from the device.

  The location information request acquisition unit 160 of the server 10 receives an acquisition request for location information and the like from each device 30 through the network 50 (1100). The request includes an acoustic signal identification ID.

  The position information etc. request confirmation unit 165 refers to the acoustic signal management table 130 and confirms the validity of the acoustic signal identification ID included in the received request (1105). If the acoustic signal identification ID exists and the in-use flag is 1, it is determined whether the date and time related to the received request is within the expiration date of the record of the acoustic signal identification ID (1110). The date and time related to the request may be the date and time of reception of the acoustic signal included in the request by the device, but the safety is higher when the date and time when the server receives the request.

  When the date and time related to the request is within the expiration date, the record of the acoustic marker shown in the acoustic signal management table 130 is extracted from the acoustic marker management table 150. The position information extraction unit 170 then extracts position information (for example, area ID and X, Y coordinates) from the extracted record of the acoustic marker (1120). If the X and Y coordinates are defined in the coordinate system within the area, they are extracted together with the area ID. However, if the position can be uniquely identified only from the X, Y coordinates (or X, Y, Z coordinates), only the coordinates are extracted. May be extracted.

  If the incidental information is associated with the extracted position information in the incidental information management table 180 (1125), the position information extraction unit 170 also extracts the incidental information (1130). Depending on the content of the incidental information, various information services related to the position can be provided (various application examples will be described later). The provided information itself may be supplementary information, or the URL where the provided information is placed may be supplementary information.

  The position information transmission unit 175 transmits the extracted position information (area ID, coordinates) and / or incidental information to the requesting device 30-I through the network 50 (1150). If the validity of the received request cannot be confirmed, an error is returned (1040), and a request processing impossible notification is also returned to the requesting device.

  FIG. 12 shows an internal configuration example of each acoustic marker 20. The acoustic marker 20 has a function of outputting an acoustic signal.

  The acoustic marker 20 includes an acoustic signal identification ID input unit 200, an acoustic signal file selection unit 210, an acoustic signal output management unit 220, and a speaker unit 230 in order to output an acoustic signal. The speaker unit 230 can output a high-frequency signal of approximately 15 kHz to 22 kHz. The acoustic marker 20 also includes an output level adjustment instruction input unit 240 and an acoustic signal identification ID confirmation unit 250 in order to perform output level adjustment.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 25, between each acoustic marker 20 and the server 10 may be connected by a network 60 so that mutual communication is possible. When the network 60 is not used, the administrator may individually instruct the acoustic marker 20 itself with the acoustic signal identification ID, the output level, and the like.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a processing flow for the acoustic marker 20 to output an acoustic signal.

  The acoustic signal identification ID input unit 200 of the acoustic marker 20 inputs the acoustic signal identification ID, the output level, and the output or stop instruction from the administrator or from the server 10 through the network 60 (1300).

  The acoustic signal file selection unit 210 selects a file corresponding to the received acoustic signal identification ID from the acoustic signal files stored in advance (1305). However, a new acoustic signal file may be created based on the received acoustic signal identification ID information.

  When the received instruction does not include a stop instruction (1310), the acoustic signal output management unit 220 reproduces the selected acoustic signal file (1320) based on the instructed output level (1315), Output from the speaker unit 230. If the received instruction includes a stop instruction, playback of the currently reproduced sound signal file is stopped (1330). Then, the result of processing the instruction is presented so as to be understood by the administrator or notified to the server 10 (1340).

  As described above, the server 10 instructs the output level adjustment of the acoustic marker 20 based on the output level adjustment request acquired from the device 30 via the network 50.

  For this reason, device 30-K is installed in the position (for example, distance 1m etc.) which wants to acquire an acoustic signal from acoustic marker 20-K, and detection of an acoustic signal is tried. If the signal cannot be detected at this time, the device 30-K requests the server 10 to adjust the output level. This output level increase request can be repeated until an acoustic signal can be detected.

  Next, for example, the device is moved to a position where a transmission limit of the acoustic signal (from which the acoustic signal should not be transmitted) is moved, and detection of the acoustic signal is attempted. If a signal is detected at this time, the device 30-K requests the server 10 to reduce the output level. This output level reduction request can be repeated until no acoustic signal can be detected.

  Note that the above increase request and decrease request can be made not only manually by the user of the device but also automatically by the device itself.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the processing flow for the acoustic marker 20 to adjust the output level of the acoustic signal.

  The output level adjustment instruction input unit 240 of the acoustic marker 20 inputs an output level adjustment instruction from the administrator or from the server 10 through the network 60 (1400).

  The acoustic signal identification ID confirmation unit 250 confirms whether or not the acoustic signal identification ID included in the received instruction is the same as the identification ID being used (1405). If they are different, an error is returned (1450).

  When the acoustic signal identification ID is appropriately designated, the acoustic signal file is designated by the acoustic signal file selection unit 210 except for the case where the acoustic signal file of the identification ID is already selected (1410). Select (1415).

  The audio signal output management unit 220 compares the current output level with the instructed output level (1420), increases (1425) or decreases (1430) the output level, and reproduces the audio signal file ( 1440), an output is made from the speaker unit 230, and the result of processing the instruction is presented so as to be understood by the administrator or notified to the server 10 (1460).

  FIG. 15 illustrates an internal configuration example of each device 30. The device 30 cooperates with the server 10 and has a function of acquiring position information (for example, two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates in the area) based on an acoustic signal acquired from the acoustic marker 20.

  The device 30 is a portable terminal (for example, a smart phone) having a communication function. In order to receive and analyze the acoustic signal, the acoustic signal input unit 300, the acoustic signal extraction unit 310, the sound range group detection unit 320, the acoustic signal There is an identification ID acquisition unit 330 (these may be collectively referred to as an acoustic signal processing unit), and in order to acquire positional information corresponding to the acoustic signal identification ID from the server 10 through the network 50, a request for positional information, etc. Unit 340 and a position information etc. acquiring unit 350. In addition, an output level adjustment requesting unit 370 may be provided to perform output level adjustment.

  Note that the device 30 is connected to the server 10 via the network 50 and can communicate with each other.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a processing flow for the device 30 to acquire position information and the like.

  The acoustic signal input unit 300 of the device 30 inputs an analog acoustic signal emitted from the acoustic marker 20 via free space (1600).

  When an acoustic signal is input (1605), the acoustic signal extraction unit 310 digitally samples the received analog signal using a sampling rate of, for example, 44.1 kHz (1610), and converts it into a digital signal. Subsequently, fast Fourier transform is performed (1615), and frequency components are extracted. The extracted frequency component is replaced with a bit arrangement based on FIG.

  Of the frequency components, the highest 22.0 kHz is used as the first bit of the area ID portion, the second bit is 21.8 kHz, the third bit is 21.6 kHz, and the fourth bit is 21.4 kHz.

  Next, the first bit of the unique ID part of the sound range group A is 21.2 kHz, the second bit is 21.0 kHz, the third bit is 20.8 kHz, and the fourth bit is 20.6 kHz. Subsequently, the first bit of the error correction code part of the same tone range group A is 20.4 kHz, the second bit is 20.2 kHz, the third bit is 20.0 kHz, and the fourth bit is 19.8 kHz.

  In any bit, when the frequency component exists, the value of the bit is set to 1, and when the frequency component does not exist, the value of the bit is set to 0.

  Similarly, the first bit of the unique ID part of the tone range group B is 19.6 kHz, the second bit is 19.4 kHz, the third bit is 19.2 kHz, and the fourth bit is 19.0 kHz. Subsequently, the first bit of the error correction code part of the same tone range group B is set to 18.8 kHz, the second bit is set to 18.6 kHz, the third bit is set to 18.4 kHz, and the fourth bit is set to 18.2 kHz.

  Similarly, the first bit of the unique ID portion of the tone range group C is 18.0 kHz, the second bit is 17.8 kHz, the third bit is 17.6 kHz, and the fourth bit is 17.4 kHz. Subsequently, the first bit of the error correction code part of the same tone group C is set to 17.2 kHz, the second bit is set to 17.0 kHz, the third bit is set to 16.8 kHz, and the fourth bit is set to 16.6 kHz.

  Similarly, the first bit of the unique ID part of the tone range group D is 16.4 kHz, the second bit is 16.2 kHz, the third bit is 16.0 kHz, and the fourth bit is 15.8 kHz. Subsequently, the first bit of the error correction code part of the same tone group D is set to 15.6 kHz, the second bit is set to 15.4 kHz, the third bit is set to 15.2 kHz, and the fourth bit is set to 15.0 kHz.

  By this conversion, a bit arrangement of the sound range groups A to D is generated, and an area ID portion is added as a prefix of the arrangement of A to D, thereby allowing the four types of acoustic signal bit arrangements (area ID portion + unique ID). Part + error correction code part = 12 bits) is completed.

  In this way, since it is possible to obtain information about the bit arrangement of the acoustic signal and the acoustic group of which acoustic range group from the frequency component obtained by the fast Fourier transform, the acoustic range group detection unit 320 of the device 30 A range group is detected (1620).

  The acoustic signal identification ID acquisition unit 330 acquires an acoustic signal identification ID from the detected sound range group and the 12-bit bit arrangement (1625). At this time, an error correction code is calculated from the area ID part and the unique ID part which are part of the obtained 12-bit bit array, and the error correction part which is the remaining part of the obtained 12-bit bit array is calculated. By comparing with the bit arrangement, error detection and error correction are performed for the area ID part and the unique ID part (error correction method will be described later) (1630).

  When it is confirmed that the acoustic signal identification ID has been normally obtained after error correction (1635), the position information etc. requesting unit 340 of the device 30 requests the server 10 for location information etc. via the network 50 (1640). . The request sent to the server 10 includes the obtained acoustic signal identification ID (sound range group + area ID + unique ID).

  The location information etc. acquiring unit 350 of the device 30 acquires location information etc. from the server 10 through the network 50 as a response to the sent request (1650). The response that the device 30 receives from the server 10 includes position information and / or incidental information, or a notification that the request cannot be processed. As the position information, since the area ID is obtained in the device 30, at least two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate information in the area is sent from the server 10.

FIG. 17 shows an example of an error correction method. The bit values of the data part from the beginning to the 8th bit of the obtained 12-bit bit array are D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, and the error correction part up to the 9th to 12th bits When the bit value is H1, H2, H3, H4, and the error detection / correction code for verification is H1 ', H2', H3 ', H4',
H1 '= D1 XOR D2 XOR D3
H2 '= D4 XOR D5 XOR D6
H3 '= D1 XOR D4 XOR D7
H4 '= D2 XOR D5 XOR D8
It becomes.

  For example, if H1 and H3 of the 4 bits (error correction unit) after the obtained 12-bit bit array and the calculated bits H1 ′ and H3 ′ are H1 ≠ H1 ′ and H3 ≠ H3 ′, D1 Is an error, and the error can be corrected by inverting the bit of D1. Similarly, according to FIG. 17, if an error is detected, the bit is inverted.

  In the case of a pattern not shown in FIG. 17, since the error cannot be corrected, it is directly interpreted as an error. In other words, an error is returned assuming that a normal acoustic signal identification ID has not been obtained (1660).

  The bit array (area ID + unique ID) after error correction is converted from binary to decimal. A detected sound range group name (A to D) with a decimal area ID part and a unique ID part added (for example, “A-0-1”, “B-9-14”, etc.) As a signal identification ID, it may be used when requesting position information or the like to the server 10.

  The device 30 described above acquires the position information and / or the incidental information by sending a request to the server 10 based on the acoustic signal identification ID included in the acoustic signal received from the acoustic marker 20. However, for the area ID included in the acoustic signal received from the acoustic marker 20, it is possible to identify the area where the device is present in the device 30 without making an inquiry to the server 10.

  That is, the device 30 makes an inquiry to the server 10 in order to know the detailed position in the area, but the rough position such as which area is in the area can be known only by receiving the acoustic signal. Therefore, for example, an application in which a different application program is activated in the device 30 based on the area ID detected by the device 30 is also possible.

  In the example of the system described above, the same server 10 serves as a server that manages the acoustic marker, a server that causes the device to acquire position information and the like, and a server that determines whether the acoustic marker has failed. It may be realized by a server. In addition, a server that causes the device to acquire position information and the like is provided for each area, and the device 30 includes an acoustic signal identification ID with respect to the information providing server specified by the area ID in the acoustic signal identification ID. The position information or the like may be requested by sending the range group name and the unique ID part.

  Below, with reference to FIGS. 18-25, the example which detects failure of an acoustic marker in a server is demonstrated. In addition, the method by which the acoustic marker includes the information of the acoustic signal identification ID in the acoustic signal, the encoding method, and the like are not limited to the examples shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. Even so, the configurations and operations described below can be applied. For example, the same applies to a sound marker (acoustic signal output device) that includes information in a sound signal by using a digital modulation method, spectrum spread, or the like used in wireless communication or the like. Can be managed.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for acquiring position information of the device 30 when an acoustic signal is received from the acoustic marker 20 and a procedure for managing the acoustic marker in the server 10.

  First, the device 30 receives an acoustic signal from the acoustic marker 20. The acoustic signal processing unit of the device 30 analyzes the received acoustic signal and recognizes it as an acoustic signal identification ID. Next, in order to acquire position information and / or incidental information (position information or the like) corresponding to the acoustic signal identification ID, the acoustic signal identification ID is transmitted to the server 10 as a position inquiry message.

  The position information processing unit of the server 10 that has received the acoustic signal identification ID searches the acoustic marker management table (and the incidental information table if necessary) for position information and the like using the acoustic signal identification ID as a key. In order to manage the acoustic markers, the position information processing unit of the server 10 uses the acoustic signal identification ID for which the corresponding positional information has been acquired in the acoustic marker management table (or a failure detection table provided separately). In the entry, enter the current time as the last acquisition date. Thereby, the item of the last acquisition date in a table becomes the date when the device last inquired about the sound signal identification ID.

  Then, the position information processing unit of the server 10 transmits the position information acquired from the acoustic marker management table or the like together with the acoustic signal identification ID (or the position inquiry message ID) to the device 30 as a position information response message. The device 30 that has received the position information or the like can know, for example, the indoor position where the device itself is present.

  Independently of the processing of the position information and the like, the acoustic marker management unit of the server 10 manages the failure state of the acoustic marker using the acoustic marker management table (or a failure detection table provided separately). . The acoustic marker management unit of the server 10 checks the acoustic marker management table (or a failure detection table provided separately) at regular intervals, and picks up an entry whose last acquisition date and time item is Z hours or more.

  For example, Z is a time for determining that the acoustic marker is defective when a device that the acoustic signal is heard does not appear for 24 hours, 48 hours, or the like. Since acoustic markers installed at locations used by many users are often used, the last acquisition date and time in the table is frequently updated, and acoustic markers installed at locations that are not frequently used are The last acquisition date is not updated very much. The value of Z is set to an appropriate value considering these situations. The value of Z is not the same in all cases, and the value may be changed depending on the place, or may be changed depending on the time zone or day of the week.

  If an entry whose Z time has elapsed from the last acquisition date and time to the current time in the table is picked up, the acoustic signal identification ID of the entry has not been used for a certain period of time, and the acoustic marker may be broken. high. These acoustic markers are displayed on the management terminal 40. The display may be displayed on a map so that the location is easy to understand, or may be displayed for each store that manages the acoustic marker. An acoustic marker that may have failed may be transmitted by e-mail or the like without starting an application for management in the management terminal 40.

  In the above example, the failure of the acoustic marker is estimated based on the information of each acoustic marker. However, when a plurality of acoustic markers are placed in a certain store, When a position inquiry message is received for an acoustic signal and a position inquiry message is not received for an acoustic signal of another acoustic marker in the same store, the acoustic marker that is not received may be determined as a failure.

  In consideration of the characteristics of the place where the acoustic marker is installed, when many users gather in the daytime and the number of inquiries is large, the daytime may be set as the target period for the above-described failure estimation. Thereby, when there are few users at night, it is possible to avoid judging that a failure is not a failure due to a small number of inquiries. Moreover, the accuracy of failure estimation can be improved by changing the target time.

  The determination of failure may be made by comparing with a pattern of the number of past inquiries. Depending on the time of day, day of the week, season, event, etc., the pattern of the number of users passing in front of the acoustic marker is similar, and the number of inquiries may be similar. These similarities can be seen by looking at the pattern of past queries. For example, if there are many users in a place in the daytime on Sunday and there is an acoustic marker with a large number of inquiries, if the inquiry is not received in the daytime on Sunday, it can be estimated that the acoustic marker has failed. .

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of using error information when the acoustic signal identification ID is extracted by the device in addition to FIG.

  The device 30 extracts the acoustic signal identification ID from the acoustic signal received from the acoustic marker 20, but the acoustic signal received here may generate an error due to noise or the like, so that error correction or error detection can be performed. The acoustic signal identification ID is encoded using a simple code. For example, when an extended Hamming code is used, 1-bit error correction and 2-bit error detection can be performed.

  In the extended Hamming code example, the device 30 can correct the error if the received acoustic signal includes a 1-bit error error. In this case, the correct acoustic signal identification ID is corrected, and the position inquiry message is transmitted to the server 10 including the acoustic signal identification ID and information indicating that 1-bit error correction has been performed.

  Upon receiving this position inquiry message, the position information processing unit of the server 10 acquires the position information and the like from the acoustic marker management table and the like using the received acoustic signal identification ID as a key, as in the example of FIG. At that time, the current time is entered as the last acquisition date in the corresponding entry, and the received error information is recorded. Then, the position information or the like is transmitted as a position information response message from the server 10 to the device 30 as a position information response message.

  The acoustic marker management unit of the server 10 displays an acoustic marker that has a high possibility of failure based on the last acquisition date and time and error information of the acoustic marker management table. For example, an entry in which Z hours or more have passed since the last acquisition date and time and an entry whose error correction is Y% or more are extracted, and the acoustic marker to which the acoustic signal identification ID of these entries is assigned is failed. Detect as being. Thereby, an acoustic marker for which an inquiry about an acoustic signal has not been received for a certain period of time and an acoustic marker for which error correction has been performed for a certain ratio or more are displayed on the management terminal 40.

  Whether or not the error correction is Y% or more is obtained by, for example, obtaining the ratio of the number of queries in which error correction is performed in the same acoustic marker, with the total number of queries in a certain period (for example, 24 hours) being used. Thus, the error correction ratio can be calculated. An error-corrected acoustic marker is currently available, but the acoustic marker may fail or the acoustic signal from the acoustic marker to the device is not accurately transmitted due to the surrounding environment of the acoustic marker Can be considered. By displaying such information on the management terminal 40, it is possible to notify the failure state of the acoustic marker and the deterioration of the surrounding environment.

  Here, the failure situation was estimated based on the error correction of the acoustic signal. However, using the loudness of the sound of the acoustic signal, the failure is estimated when the loudness changes with the same acoustic marker. Also good.

  In this way, by collecting additional information such as error information from the device and centrally managing it on the server side, it is possible to replace acoustic markers that may fail or to check acoustic markers that have deteriorated in the surrounding environment. Can be implemented efficiently.

  As in the above example, the method of obtaining the position of the device 30 with the acoustic signal from the acoustic marker 20 can be used in combination with other positioning techniques such as pedestrian autonomous navigation (PDR). PDR is a technology that estimates a location autonomously by using a sensor built in the device 30. For example, the distance can be estimated by an acceleration sensor, and the direction can be estimated by a geomagnetic sensor. It is also possible to combine the positioning technology other than PDR with the device 30 having another sensor built therein.

  A combination operation example will be described with reference to FIG. 20 (device side) and FIG. 21 (server side). When the device 30 detects the movement by the sensor, the position is estimated by PDR or the like. The estimation result is recorded in the position information list in the device 30. In the position information list, position information and date / time are recorded as shown in the lower right corner of FIG.

  On the other hand, when receiving an acoustic signal from the acoustic marker, the device 30 extracts the acoustic signal identification ID and transmits a location inquiry message to the server 10. At this time, in addition to the acoustic signal identification ID, a position information list recorded using PDR or the like is transmitted to the server 10.

  The server 10 that has received the position inquiry message searches the position information and the like from the acoustic marker management table and the like using the acoustic signal identification ID as a key. Then, the last acquisition date and time of the corresponding entry in the acoustic marker management table is updated to the current time, and the received position information list is stored in the server 10. The format of the location information list stored on the server is the same as the format of the location information list recorded on the device and transmitted to the server, but the location information list saved on the server is a location information list from multiple devices. Will be accumulated.

  The acoustic marker management unit of the server 10 compares the acoustic marker management table with the position information list in the server to detect a failed acoustic marker. For example, when entries having the same position information in the acoustic marker management table and position information in the position information list are compared, and the last acquisition date and time in the acoustic marker management table is older than the time in the position information list, the sound It is determined that there is a high possibility that the acoustic signal from the marker is not received by the device, and is displayed as a faulty acoustic marker. If one device does not receive an acoustic signal from the acoustic marker, it may be detected as a failure, but if a certain number of devices do not receive an acoustic signal from the acoustic marker, it is detected as a failure. You may make it do.

  20 and FIG. 21 and the example using the error correction in FIG. 19 are that both the information such as the PDR and the error correction information are transmitted from the device 30 to the server 10. Therefore, it is also possible to apply in combination.

  FIG. 22 shows that each time the device 30 receives an acoustic signal from the acoustic marker 20, the server 30 does not make a position inquiry to the server 10, but a part of the information in the server (for example, the acoustic signal identification ID and position used once). A configuration of the device 30 is shown in a case where a function of acquiring location information and the like by using the cache is stored in the device as a cache 360 and the location information and the like are stored in the device.

  By using the cache, the device 30 can acquire location information and the like without making an inquiry to the server 10, so when the speed of the network 50 is low, the display speed to the user of the device 30 is increased, or communication is performed. You can speed up the response of your smartphone. It is also possible to reduce the amount of communication and thus the battery consumption.

  However, if the position information or the like is acquired using only the cache information, it is impossible to notify the server 10 that the device 30 is normally receiving the acoustic signal from the acoustic marker 20. Therefore, when the device 30 in FIG. 22 acquires the position information or the like from the cache 360 without transmitting the position inquiry message from the position information etc. requesting unit 340, the device 30 uses the position information (that is, the corresponding acoustic signal is transmitted). Is received in the device 30 by the location information usage recording unit 380, and the usage information is recorded in the server 30 by the location information usage report unit 390 at an appropriate timing (for example, regularly). 10 to send.

  The server 10 that has received this usage record from the device 30 can know that the device 30 has received the acoustic signal from the acoustic marker 20 even when it has not received the location inquiry message from the device 30. It is possible to detect the failure with high accuracy. In addition, for example, when the user is charged with the number of times of using the acoustic signal, that is, the location information, etc., the user's convenience is improved by using the cache (when the cache is used, the accurate charge is made with the number of times of position inquiry to the server. However, it is possible to accurately grasp the number of times the user's location information is used in the server.

  With reference to FIG. 23 (device side) and FIG. 24 (server side), an operation example in the case of using a cache will be described. When the device 30 receives the acoustic signal from the acoustic marker 20 and extracts the acoustic signal identification ID, the device 30 refers to the cache 360 having a correspondence between the acoustic signal identification ID and the positional information, and the positional information valid there If no exists, a location inquiry message is transmitted to the server 10 via the network.

  There are two methods for using the cache 360: a method of inquiring the server whether or not the cache information is the latest, and a method of not inquiring the server using only the cache information for a certain period of time. When the former method is adopted, the examples described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 21 can be applied. However, when the latter method is adopted, no information is transmitted to the server, so the examples of FIGS. 22 to 24 are applied. Even when the former method is adopted, the location inquiry message is not diverted for the failure detection in the server, but the failure detection message is separately transmitted as shown in the examples of FIGS. You may make it transmit from.

  In the cache 360, in addition to the acoustic signal identification ID and position information, the last use date and time and the number of cache use are recorded. When the device 30 receives the acoustic signal from the acoustic marker 20 and extracts the acoustic signal identification ID, the device 30 refers to the cache 360 having a correspondence between the acoustic signal identification ID and the positional information, and the positional information valid there If the location information exists, the location information is read from the cache, the current time is entered (overwritten) as the last usage time, and the usage count is incremented by one. The number of times the device has acquired location information and the like from the cache can be determined from the number of uses.

  The server 10 transmits the acoustic signal identification ID, the last use time, and the number of uses as necessary to the server 10 from the device 30 by the location inquiry message from the device without the cache function. Information equivalent to the last acquisition date and time recorded and, in some cases, the history of acquisition date (or the number of acquisitions) can be collected from a device with a cache function.

  Thereby, in the server 10, it becomes possible to collect information appropriately from the device 30 having the cache function and from the device 30 having no cache function, and remotely monitor each acoustic marker 20. In addition, when charging is performed based on the number of location queries to the server, it is possible to charge the same amount by charging the device having a cache function based on the number of times the acoustic signal is used.

  The examples of FIGS. 18 to 24 are applicable even when the acoustic marker does not have a communication function, but FIG. 25 describes a case where the acoustic marker has a communication function.

  25 includes an acoustic signal input unit 260 such as a microphone for inputting an acoustic signal, and a communication unit 270 that transmits information to the server 10 through the network 60, in addition to the acoustic signal output unit 230.

  The acoustic signal output from the acoustic signal output unit 230 of the acoustic marker 20 is received by the device 30 and also received by the acoustic signal input unit 260 of the acoustic marker 20. In order to confirm that the sound signal is output, it is certain to check whether or not this sound is received. In this example, the function of outputting the sound signal is input into the same apparatus. By installing both functions, it is confirmed whether the acoustic marker has failed.

  The confirmed information is transmitted from the communication unit 270 of the acoustic marker 20 to the server 10. By including information on the ID, time, and failure status of the acoustic marker 20 in the communication message to the server 10, the server 10 can remotely malfunction each acoustic marker 20.

  Below, with reference to FIGS. 26-37, the example of arrangement | positioning of an acoustic marker is demonstrated. The acoustic marker is arranged for each cell in the area.

  FIG. 26 shows that when cells are spread two-dimensionally in a single area (for example, a room, etc.) and there are four types (A to D) of sound signal groups that can be used, acoustic markers can be arranged without gaps. Is shown. In order to prevent interference, adjacent cells are arranged not to use the same range. When there are four sound range groups assigned so that frequencies are not overlapped (for example, using four frequencies of 200 Hz from 15.0 kHz to 21.2 kHz and securing four groups for 8 bits), 60 in one area The cell can be identified. In this example, the area is logically divided into 6 × 6 cells. However, in the case where the area is divided into N × M (N and M are arbitrary natural numbers that can be identified), if there are four types, Similarly, it can be arranged without a gap. In this case, when the device is moved while being carried, information corresponding to the position can be continuously acquired.

  27, 28, and 29, in the area where the same cell as FIG. 26 spreads two-dimensionally, there are three types (for example, A to C) of sound signal groups that can be used, two types (for example, A to C). In the case of B), in the case of one type (for example, only A), an example of arrangement of acoustic markers that is possible under the restriction that the same range group is not used in adjacent cells is shown. As the number of usable range groups decreases, the number of cells that cannot place acoustic markers (the devices there are unable to receive acoustic signals) increase, and even if you move while carrying the device, it will only change intermittently. Information cannot be obtained.

  30, 31, and 32, when a cell extends in one dimension in a single area (for example, a passage), there are four types (A to D) and three types (for example, A) of acoustic signal ranges that can be used. C) Two types (for example, A to B) indicate that the acoustic markers can be arranged without gaps, and information can be continuously acquired while the device is moving. In order to prevent interference, adjacent cells are arranged not to use the same range. In this example, the area is logically divided into 1 × 6 cells, but the same applies to the case where the area is divided into 1 × N (N is an arbitrary natural number that can be identified).

  FIG. 33 shows that when the same range of cells as in FIGS. 30 to 32 is extended in one dimension and the number of sound signal groups that can be used is one (for example, only A), adjacent cells do not use the same sound range group. The example of the arrangement | positioning of the acoustic marker which can be carried out under the restrictions is shown. Since cells that can receive acoustic signals are skipped, information acquisition is intermittent while the device is moving.

  34, 35, 36, and 37, in a location composed of a plurality of areas, the range of sound signals that can be used is 4 types (A to D), 3 types (for example, A to C), In the case of two types (for example, A to B), in the case of one type (for example, only A), an example of arrangement of acoustic markers that is possible under the restriction that the same range group is not used in adjacent cells is shown.

  34 to 37, a location where three areas of 2 × 6, 1 × 2, and 2 × 6 are connected is taken up. Since there are adjacent cells in different areas in the connection portion, the cells are arranged so that different sound range groups are used between them.

  By using the acoustic marker system described in detail above, it is possible to acquire, for example, the position information of a smartphone user who is walking indoors or underground as well as outdoors in real time and with high accuracy (minimum of about 1 m). .

  Since a general smartphone is equipped with a microphone and a communication device and does not require connection of an additional device, it can be started by installing an application program without requiring a special external device. On the other hand, an acoustic marker to be installed can be easily obtained because a normal acoustic device can be used, and the landscape is not impaired as in the case of attaching a two-dimensional code.

  In addition, it takes 5 to 10 seconds to estimate the position based on the received WiFi signal strength. In this method, the position can be acquired almost in real time. it can. In addition, since a work such as calibration related to the WiFi reception signal strength in advance is unnecessary, the installation time can be shortened.

  Also, in this system, on the premise that sound signals (sound waves) are emitted and transmitted simultaneously from multiple sound sources, allocation is performed so that sound signals of different sound range groups flow from sound sources in adjacent locations. In spite of the use of sound waves as the transmission medium, the problem of information restoration failure due to interference of frequency components does not occur. Thereby, it is possible to use it for the purpose of providing positional information (coordinates) and the like by arranging sound sources densely.

  The application of the position information acquisition technique using the acoustic marker system described above as an example can be various, but typical examples will be described below.

  By constructing a position estimation base using acoustic markers in the indoor or underground space, navigation during walking in a place where GPS cannot reach, which has been difficult until now, becomes possible.

  As an indoor example, by installing an acoustic marker in the store, you can check the current position in real time while walking without holding the terminal stationary, so we will guide you to the products you are looking for and recommended products when entering the store In-store guidance service can be realized. In addition, when used in a store, it can also be used for entrance / exit management and flow line grasping.

  Furthermore, this service has a feature that even if there is a situation where a plurality of acoustic markers can be heard simultaneously, each can be recognized. For example, it is considered that the acoustic marker is linked to the location of the shelf where the product is placed and used as position information, but it is possible to attach multiple acoustic markers to the entrance, checkout location, toilet, etc. at the same time. Even if an acoustic signal from a marker is acquired, it can be distinguished and recognized. Furthermore, both can be recognized and distinguished when the signal output from the acoustic marker can be acquired simultaneously when placed on the shelf.

  The system for the service includes a store information management server in addition to an acoustic marker, a device, and a server. The following six points are listed as functions.

  i) Current position provision: When an application is started on a device such as a smartphone (hereinafter referred to as a device), an acoustic signal can be acquired, and each time an acoustic signal is recognized, the server is inquired about the current position. I can grasp. It is not necessary to stop and hold the terminal over the sound source to grasp the acoustic signal, and it can be passively recognized while walking. The current position is always displayed as a dot on the area map on the application acquired from the store information management server through the server. Since the change of the area can be recognized by the device alone, when the change of the area ID is detected, the server can request and acquire a new area map, and the current location is always drawn on the map of the current area. When a plurality of acoustic signal identification IDs can be recognized simultaneously, coordinates corresponding to each acoustic signal identification ID are acquired, and the intermediate point of all the coordinates is set as the current location.

  ii) Product information search (product position acquisition, route search): Product search becomes possible when an application is activated on the device and the current position is recognized. When product information (item code) is input, the location of the product is requested from the store management server through the server, and the coordinates of the product are acquired. When the current location and the coordinates of the searched product are acquired, the store information management server calculates the route from the current position to the product shelf, draws it on the entire store map, and displays it on the application. The map where the route is displayed here always displays the entire area until the end of navigation, separately from the area map displaying the current location.

  iii) Provision of merchandise and content information: When the application of the device acquires the current position, the application inquires the store information management server via the server for item (product, content) information associated with the coordinates, and acquires the information. All products and contents associated with the recognized acoustic signal identification ID can be displayed in real time. Moreover, what is displayed can be controlled on the store side, such as for each campaign.

  iv) Walking guidance to the product: Since the current position of the device can always be acquired by ii), the user walks based on the route displayed in ii) while grasping the current location. When the acoustic signal of the acoustic marker installed on the shelf on which the product is placed is recognized, a guidance end message is displayed.

  v) Store entry / exit management: By installing an acoustic marker at the entrance, if the device application has already been activated, the acoustic signal identification ID of the acoustic marker at the entrance is recognized and the server is queried before entering the store. Recognize that the store is closed. At the entrance, acoustic marker output speakers are installed from the center of the entrance to the outside and inside of the store. The acoustic signal identification ID used by each acoustic marker is linked to the entrance by the store information management server.

  An example of a system for performing entrance / exit determination is shown in FIG. When the application of the device is activated at the time of entering the store, first the A acoustic marker signal is recognized, and then the B acoustic marker is recognized. When the application is activated after entering the store, there is no record of entering the store, but acquisition of the current location is started from the activated point. At the time of leaving the store, after the B acoustic marker signal is obtained, the exit is recognized by obtaining the A acoustic marker signal. Details will be described later. Further, when it is not recognized that the store has been closed, processing may be performed so that the store is considered to be closed when an acoustic signal is not detected even after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Since these store entry / exit information is managed by the store information management server for each customer (hereinafter referred to as a user), the frequency of store visits, the staying time in the store, and in which area the customer stayed for a long time is a separate business. It can be recorded as a log for analysis by an intelligence (BI) system or the like.

  As an application example, it is possible to put out a product searched by the user last time when entering the store, a product checked before visiting the store, or the like.

  vi) Flow line management: User information is managed by the store information management server, and a log is accumulated in the store information management server every time the user acquires the current position. By viewing the log for each user, it is possible to grasp the flow line when the user visits the store. By searching the logs by time, it is possible to obtain detailed information such as which store has many people at any time. The product / content display terminal can display content information at a position associated with the acoustic signal identification ID acquired during walking or product information when the product arrives at the searched product shelf.

  In constructing a system for the above service, radio waves from GPS satellites cannot be acquired indoors or underground spaces, and therefore GPS cannot be used for acquiring current position information. In WiFi, location estimation using BSSID (identification name of wireless LAN base station) is difficult to identify with high accuracy within the same floor, and location estimation using RSSI (wireless LAN received signal strength) is stopped for a certain period of time. Otherwise, it is impossible to estimate the position, so it is impossible to guide while walking. Even in the case of a two-dimensional code, it cannot be used unless it is stopped to recognize it and the device is stopped and the two-dimensional code (marker) is read by the camera. For this reason, in-store guidance services at a detailed level such as merchandise guidance cannot be realized with other technologies that currently exist, and are considered possible only with this technology.

  The acoustic marker in the system for the service is as described above as the acoustic marker in the acoustic marker system. 39 and 40 show two installation examples of the acoustic marker in the service. The installation of the acoustic marker assumes almost the entire area in the store, and the current position can be confirmed at any location in the store.

  According to the above-described example, the acoustic marker can be used in up to 15 areas (one sales floor in the store) in one store, and when the sound range group is divided into four, a maximum of 60 per one area can be used. Can be spot-installed. In other words, if it is installed in a store with 3 floors and 2 sales floors on each floor, there are 6 areas in total, and there are 60 items such as shelf location information, specific locations, and recommended products in each area. You can use acoustic markers.

  In one area, the acoustic markers of the same sound range group are not adjacent to the sound markers of each sound range group of A, B, C, and D. An example of installing an acoustic marker in one area is shown below. When sound is generated from the wall or shelf toward the passage with the speaker of the acoustic marker, the sound is emitted only in the front passage. If the acoustic signals are of different sound range groups, up to the number of sound range groups (four) can be identified simultaneously. For example, in FIG. 39, three acoustic signals can be heard at a position of 1 in a circled number. In that case, the signals A-0-8, B-0-8, and D-0-8 are recognized at the same time, and the respective coordinates can be acquired.

  As an example of use of an acoustic marker, basically, any acoustic marker is associated with position information. However, it is possible not only for coordinate recognition but also for the purpose of providing content information. That is, even when an acoustic signal for providing content information is acquired during walking, it is not reflected in the current location, and only the content content can be displayed. I think that it is suitable for providing information from a variety of angles to a larger area than a cell, or providing information such as posters. Referring to FIG. 40, when it is desired to provide campaign information around the crossroads, a speaker is placed on the central shelf and an acoustic signal (D-1-1) is emitted at 360 degrees. D-1-1 does not provide location information, only offers campaign information. When the circled number in FIG. 40 is at position 2, the position information of D-1-1 is not used, and the intermediate point between the coordinates of A-1-3 and C-1-2 becomes the current position.

  As an application example, if the adjacent acoustic marker is recorded in the server in addition to the position information of each acoustic marker, the acoustic signal identification ID that should be recognized next can be predicted, so other acoustic signal identification IDs are acquired. In such a case, it can be determined as an error, and the accuracy of the correction method can be improved.

  In addition to the basic functions described above as the device in the acoustic marker system, the device for the service system is installed with an application for in-store guidance service. The application has a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of searching for product information, walking guidance to the product, grasping the current position, browsing product / content information, and the like.

  The above-mentioned pedestrian navigation service is not limited to stores, but for example, in subway platforms, it can be used to notify the user which direction is closest to the destination, or parked in an underground parking lot It is possible to use it to guide the car that has been used.

  In addition, the position information acquisition technique using the above-described acoustic marker system can also be applied to uses such as augmented reality technology for providing supplementary information on exhibits such as museums, art galleries, and aquariums. It is possible to achieve systemization in an indoor environment that has been difficult to realize with the prior art.

  Like the store information management server described above, when information on the flow lines of each user in pedestrian navigation and augmented reality is collected, this information can be used as information for the service provider to improve the service. In addition, it is possible to use the system in such a manner that the manager grasps the current position regarding the security of the facility and the arrangement of the staff of the railway operator.

  If store management is performed like the store information management server described above, location information can be used to determine whether or not a store has been entered reliably for use as a point program for a retail store or for issuing coupons. I can grasp it. In the prior art, since position estimation is often performed by GPS or WiFi, it was possible for a user to check in without actually entering the store, but in this technique, a high-frequency audio signal is used. Therefore, it is easy to limit the area, and it is possible to restrict the check-in without entering the store. In addition, since the location can be acquired in real time, the store entry can be confirmed at the moment of passing through the entrance.

  By providing information on posters and other postings using this technology, there is no restriction that only one person can simultaneously acquire a two-dimensional code, as in the case of conventional two-dimensional code scanning. Can be acquired.

  Pedestrians holding devices that use this technology can acquire acoustic signals while walking, so for example, it is possible to identify booths that have passed in exhibitions, etc., and to automatically acquire materials it can. In addition, information such as advertisements distributed on the road and discount coupons can be obtained in the same manner.

  It is also possible to provide product introduction and purchase support in conjunction with pre-distributed applications by transmitting acoustic signals using this technology in television broadcasting and radio broadcasting. Since the acoustic signal can be changed from moment to moment, information such as the costumes and music of the performers can be provided.

  In the example described above, information for evaluating the failure status of each acoustic marker at the server can be collected from devices owned by many users of this system. Information can be collected in the same way by walking around with a device while looking at an area map displaying a route for marker inspection.

  In the above, the management of the acoustic marker in the example in which the position estimation (positioning) is performed indoors using the acoustic signal has been described. It is also useful for managing signal output devices that do not have a network function.

  For example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) transmitter can cause a device in a signal reachable range to recognize the address of the transmitter, so the Bluetooth (registered trademark) address is used instead of the acoustic signal identification ID. By doing so, the same thing as an acoustic marker can be realized. With respect to this Bluetooth (registered trademark) transmitter, centralized remote monitoring by a server can be realized by a method similar to the above-described example of an acoustic signal.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but it is needless to say that the above-described embodiment can be variously modified and applied by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (24)

Multiple portable devices that have the function of continuously outputting receivable signals if they are portable devices that are within the reach of the signals, and are placed apart from each other so that the reach of each signal is different A server device for managing output devices,
Means for identifying from which signal output device the signal is output based on each data transmitted by the signal output by each signal output device;
Means for receiving a message including the data from a portable device that has received the signal from any of a plurality of signal output devices and obtained data transmitted by the signal;
A server device comprising: means for detecting a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state in which a signal to be output is not normally output based on a reception status of the message from the portable device; .   And means for evaluating the failure state based on the fact that the message that should be received from the portable device when each signal output device normally outputs a signal to be output is not received. The server device according to claim 1, wherein:   Means for evaluating that the certain signal output device is in the failure state on the basis that a lapse of time from the last reception of the message about the certain signal output device from the portable device exceeds a predetermined value; The server device according to claim 1.   The message that should be received from the portable device when the signal to be output by the certain signal output device is output normally using the reception pattern of the previous message for the certain signal output device is received. 2. The server apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for judging that the certain signal output device is in the failure state based on the judgment.   The reception status of the message from the portable device for the signal output device installed around a certain signal output device is compared with the reception status of the message from the portable device for the certain signal output device. When the signal to be output by the signal output device is output normally, it is determined that the message that should be received from the portable device is not received, and based on this determination, the device is in the failure state. 2. The server apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for evaluating. The portable device has a positioning function that does not depend on the signal output device,
The server device is
Means for receiving a message including a history of a position associated with movement of the mobile device;
Means for evaluating that the signal output device is in the failure state based on the fact that the message from the portable device is not received for the signal output device whose signal history is included in the position history. The server device according to claim 1. The portable device has a function of detecting an error included in the signal when obtaining data from the received signal;
The server device is
The error information is received together with a message including the data from the portable device, and a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state is detected based on a detection status of the error. Item 7. The server device according to any one of Items 1 to 6. The portable device has a function of detecting the magnitude of the signal when obtaining data from the received signal;
The server device is
Means for receiving information on the magnitude of the signal together with a message including the data from the portable device, and detecting a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state based on a change in the magnitude of the signal; The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Means for storing information desired to be provided to a portable device that has received a signal from each signal output device;
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that provides the stored information corresponding to the signal output device specified based on the data to the portable device that has transmitted the message including the data. The server apparatus of any one of -8. The portable device has a function of caching the information corresponding to some signal output devices and requesting the information corresponding to a signal output device for which no cache exists to the server device,
The message including the data from the portable device includes a first message indicating that the information has been acquired from the cache, and a second message requesting the server device for the information.
The means for detecting the signal output device evaluated as being in the failure state of the server device performs detection based on the first and second messages,
10. The server apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the means for providing the information of the server apparatus provides information in response to the second message. The first message also indicates the number of times the mobile device has acquired the information from the cache;
The server device is
11. The server device according to claim 10, further comprising means for charging the mobile device based on the number of times of information acquisition indicated by the first message.   For each mobile device that has transmitted a message containing the data for a service provided by collecting information indicating the proximity of which signal output device the mobile device has moved to 9. The server apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting information on a location specified based on the service to the service.   The plurality of signal output devices output an acoustic signal or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal using an upper limit range of an audible frequency, according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Server device.   Each of the signal output devices selects one or a plurality of frequencies corresponding to data for specifying the signal output device from a predetermined number of frequencies included in a frequency range using an upper limit range of the audible frequency, The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a sine wave having a selected frequency is output as an acoustic signal.   15. The server apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the data is represented by a predetermined number of bits, and the value of each bit is represented by the presence or absence of an output of each sine wave at the predetermined number of frequencies. . The frequency range using the upper limit range of the audible frequency is divided into a plurality of sub-frequency ranges,
Each of the signal output devices selects a frequency corresponding to data for specifying the signal output device from frequencies included in one of the plurality of sub-frequency regions,
The server device includes means for determining the data for each of the signal output devices such that two or more signal output devices having overlapping acoustic signal ranges perform selection of the frequency within different sub-frequency ranges. The server apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that:   The data is represented by a combination of which one of frequencies included in one sub-frequency region is selected and which sub-frequency region is used. The server device described in 1.   18. The server apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the server apparatus includes means for controlling the number of signal output apparatuses having overlapping ranges in which acoustic signals reach so as not to exceed the number of the sub-frequency regions. Multiple portable devices that have the function of continuously outputting receivable signals if they are portable devices that are within the reach of the signals, and are placed apart from each other so that the reach of each signal is different A server device for managing output devices,
Each signal output device is capable of communicating with the server device and has a function of receiving the output signal.
The server device is
Means for identifying from which signal output device the signal is output based on each data transmitted by the signal output by each signal output device;
Means for receiving from each signal output device a message indicating whether a signal to be output by the signal output device is received by the signal output device;
A server device comprising: means for detecting a signal output device evaluated as being in a failure state in which a signal to be output is not normally output based on a reception status of the message. Multiple portable devices that have the function of continuously outputting receivable signals if they are portable devices that are within the reach of the signals, and are placed apart from each other so that the reach of each signal is different A program installed in a computer to operate the computer as a server device for managing the output device,
A program code for identifying from which signal output device the signal is output based on each data transmitted by the signal output by each signal output device;
Program code for receiving a message including the data from a portable device that has received the signal from any of a plurality of signal output devices and obtained data transmitted by the signal;
And a program code for detecting a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state in which a signal to be output is not normally output based on a reception status of the message from the portable device. A computer program. A program that is installed in a mobile device and that can provide information or services from the system to the mobile device,
The system has a function of continuously outputting a receivable signal if it is a portable device existing within a signal reachable range, and is installed apart from each other so that each signal reachable range is different. A plurality of signal output devices and a server device for managing the plurality of signal output devices,
The program is
When a signal from any one of a plurality of signal output devices is received by the portable device, a message including data transmitted by the signal is transmitted from the portable device to the server device, thereby allowing the server device to A program code for specifying the signal output device from which the signal received by the portable device is output and providing the information or service;
A message including additional information for causing the server device to detect a signal output device evaluated as being in a failure state in which a signal to be output is not normally output is transmitted from the portable device to the server device. A program for a portable device, comprising: a program code for performing the operation. The portable device has a positioning function that does not depend on the signal output device,
The additional information is a history of a position accompanying movement of the mobile device,
The signal output device is in the failure state based on the fact that the server device has not received a message including the data about the signal output device including the signal reachable range in the location history from the mobile phone. The mobile device program according to claim 21, wherein the program for mobile devices is evaluated. The portable device has a function of detecting an error included in the signal when obtaining data from the received signal;
The additional information is information on the error,
23. The portable device program according to claim 21, wherein the server device causes a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state to be detected based on the data and the detection status of the error. The portable device has a function of caching the information corresponding to some signal output devices and requesting the information corresponding to a signal output device for which no cache exists to the server device,
The additional information indicates that the information has been obtained from the cache;
24. The server apparatus according to claim 21, wherein a signal output device that is evaluated as being in a failure state is detected based on a message including the data and a message including the additional information. 2. The server device according to item 1.