JP2016001783A - Server device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently search for a transmitter.SOLUTION: A server device sets a first search condition that a transmitter is situated on a second floor where a sensor 30-1 is installed, and a second search condition that a transmitter is situated on a third floor where a sensor 30-2 is installed, and transmits the first search condition to communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7, and transmits the second search condition to communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12. If the first search condition or second search condition received from the server device is met, the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-12 search for beacon information transmitted by the sensor 30-1 or 30-2. If the beacon information is received through search, the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-12 communicate with the sensor 30-1 or 30-2, obtain sensor information stored in the sensor 30-1 or 30-2, and transmit it to the server device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for transmitting information related to a transmitter to a server device.

  A technique for transferring information stored in a transmitter having a near field communication function to a server device is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes that data acquired by a sensor is transmitted to a central device via a terminal device.

JP 2013-5294 A

In the case where a communication terminal located near a transmitter searches for a transmitter and transmits information stored in the transmitter to a server device as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, one communication terminal If the mobile terminal moves near a plurality of transmitters, the communication terminal must perform a search every time it passes near the transmitters. In this case, there is a problem that the number of searches for this communication terminal increases and power consumption increases.
An object of the present invention is to efficiently search for a transmitter.

  The present invention provides a server device including a condition transmission unit that transmits different conditions for searching for a signal transmitted from a transmitter to a part of a plurality of communication terminals.

  The server device may further include a condition setting unit that sets the condition so that at least one of a search period or a search area is different.

  The condition setting unit includes an acquisition interval of information on the transmitter, conditions used when the transmitter is found in a search performed in the past, or a density of communication terminals located around the transmitter. The condition may be set according to either.

  The server device may be any one of an acquisition interval of information about the transmitter, a condition under which a communication terminal that has found the transmitter is selected in a past search, or a density of communication terminals located around the transmitter. Depending on this, a selection unit for selecting a part of the plurality of communication terminals may be further provided.

  The server device may further include a canceling unit that transmits a request for canceling the condition to the communication terminal when the communication terminal that has received the condition is more than a predetermined distance away from the transmitter.

  If information related to the transmitter is not acquired even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission of the condition, the condition setting unit sets a new condition different from the condition, and the condition transmission unit includes the plurality of communication The new condition may be transmitted to a part of the terminal.

  When the information related to the transmitter is not acquired even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission of the condition, the condition transmission unit transmits the information to a communication terminal existing in an area different from an area where a part of the plurality of communication terminals exists. Conditions may be sent.

  The present invention provides a method comprising transmitting different conditions for searching for a signal transmitted from a transmitter to a part of a plurality of communication terminals.

  According to the present invention, a transmitter can be efficiently searched for a communication terminal.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a server apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the database which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a communication terminal. The figure which shows the function structure of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of search conditions. The sequence chart which shows operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The sequence chart which shows operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the installation place of a sensor. The figure which shows the whole structure of the communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the database which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the function structure of the communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The sequence chart which shows operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The sequence chart which shows operation | movement of the communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a search area. The flowchart which shows the process which changes the search area which a server apparatus performs. The figure which shows the function structure of the communication system which concerns on a modification.

1. First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1-1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The communication system 1 includes a server device 10, a plurality of communication terminals 20, and a plurality of sensors 30. Server device 10 and communication terminal 20 are connected via network 2. The network 2 includes, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a base station.

  The sensor 30 is a device that measures a physical quantity related to the environment. The physical quantities related to the environment include, for example, precipitation, wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity, ultraviolet light amount, and pollen scattering amount. The plurality of sensors 30 are installed at different locations. The sensor 30 measures a physical quantity at a predetermined timing, and stores sensor information indicating the measured physical quantity.

  The sensor 30 has a short-range communication function. Specifically, the sensor 30 transmits beacon information according to a short-range wireless standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ZigBee (registered trademark), and performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 existing in the communication range 31. Do. Thereby, the sensor information stored in the sensor 30 is uploaded to the server device 10 via the communication terminal 20. The sensor 30 does not have a function of connecting to the network 2 and therefore cannot communicate with the server device 10 via the network 2.

(1) Hardware Configuration of Server Device 10 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 is a device that manages sensor information uploaded from the sensor 30. The server device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. These components are connected via a bus.

  The control unit 11 executes a program stored in the storage unit 12 to perform calculation of data and control of other components. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used as the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 11 and various data. The storage unit 12 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. For example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used as the main storage device. For example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is used as the auxiliary storage device. A database 121 is stored in the storage unit 12. The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for performing data communication. The communication unit 13 performs data communication with the communication terminal 20 via the network 2, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the database 121. The database 121 manages sensor information. Each record constituting the database 121 has fields of “sensor ID”, “acquisition interval”, “connection key”, “content”, and “sensor information”. A sensor ID for identifying the sensor 30 is stored in the “sensor ID” field. The “acquisition interval” stores a time interval for acquiring sensor information. In the “connection key” field, a connection key necessary for connection to the sensor 30 is stored. This connection key includes, for example, an authentication password. In the “content” field, content information indicating what kind of information the sensor information is stored is stored. In the “sensor information” field, sensor information acquired from the sensor 30 is stored.

(2) Hardware Configuration of Communication Terminal 20 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the communication terminal 20. The communication terminal 20 is a device that is carried by a user such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal. The communication terminal 20 may be a music player or a portable game machine. When the sensor information is uploaded from the sensor 30, the communication terminal 20 relays the sensor information between the sensor 30 and the server device 10. The communication terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, a voice input / output unit 26, and a positioning unit 27. These components are connected via a bus.

  The control unit 21 executes a program stored in the storage unit 22 to perform calculation of data and control of other components. For example, a CPU is used as the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 stores programs executed by the control unit 21 and various data. The storage unit 22 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. For example, a RAM is used as the main storage device. For example, a flash memory is used as the auxiliary storage device.

  The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for performing data communication. The communication unit 23 performs data communication with the server device 10 via the network 2, for example. The operation unit 24 inputs a signal corresponding to a user operation to the control unit 21. For the operation unit 24, for example, a touch panel or operation buttons are used. The display unit 25 displays various information. As the display unit 25, for example, a liquid crystal display is used. The voice input / output unit 26 performs voice input / output. For the voice input / output unit 26, for example, a microphone and a speaker are used.

  The positioning unit 27 measures the current position of the communication terminal 20. This position is a three-dimensional position, and includes a horizontal position and a vertical position. For the positioning unit 27, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor and an atmospheric pressure sensor are used. The GPS sensor is used to measure latitude and longitude, which are horizontal positions. The barometric sensor is used to measure altitude, which is a vertical position.

  In addition, the positioning unit 27 may measure the position in the horizontal direction using an access point when GPS cannot be used. Specifically, location information of each access point is stored in the storage unit 22 in advance. When the communication terminal 20 is connected to the access point, the positioning unit 27 determines whether the communication terminal 20 has the communication terminal 20 based on the strength of the radio wave received from the access point and the location information of the access point stored in the storage unit 22. Measure the current position (horizontal position).

(3) Functional Configuration of Communication System 1 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The server device 10 has functions of a condition setting unit 111, an area setting unit 112, a selection unit 113, a condition transmission unit 114, a management unit 115, a cancellation unit 116, and an enlargement unit 117. These functions are realized by the control unit 11 executing one or a plurality of programs. Further, these functions may be realized by cooperation between the control unit 11 and other components.

  The condition setting unit 111 searches for beacon information (an example of a signal) transmitted from the sensor 30 (an example of a transmitter) so that at least one of the search period or the search area is different for each sensor 30. Set search conditions. For example, the condition setting unit 111 sets a search condition that the sensor 30 is located in an area where the sensor 30 is installed (an example of a search area). The area setting unit 112 sets an area where the sensor 30 is installed as a target area. The selection unit 113 selects a part of the plurality of communication terminals 20. For example, the selection unit 113 selects the communication terminal 20 located in the target area among the plurality of communication terminals 20 based on the position information received from the plurality of communication terminals 20. The condition transmission unit 114 transmits the search condition set by the condition setting unit 111 to the communication terminal 20 selected by the selection unit 113.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of search conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the search condition includes a sensor ID, a terminal ID, a search period, and a search area. The sensor ID is information for identifying the sensor 30 to be searched. The terminal ID is information for identifying the communication terminal 20 that is the transmission destination of the search condition. The search period is a period during which the communication terminal 20 performs a search. The search area is an area where the communication terminal 20 performs a search.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the management unit 115 manages the database 121 that stores sensor information (an example of information related to the sensor 30). When the sensor information is received from the communication terminal 20, the canceling unit 116 cancels the search condition. The enlargement unit 117 enlarges the target area when sensor information is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the search condition was transmitted.

  The communication terminal 20 has the functions of a search unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, an information transmission unit 213, and a display control unit 214. However, in practice, the search unit 211, the acquisition unit 212, the information transmission unit 213, and the display control unit 214 are realized by separate communication terminals 20. These functions are realized by the control unit 21 executing one or a plurality of programs. Further, these functions may be realized by cooperation between the control unit 21 and other components.

  The search unit 211 receives the search condition received from the server device 10 and searches for the beacon information transmitted from the sensor 30 when the received search condition is satisfied. When the acquisition unit 212 receives a signal transmitted from the sensor 30 in response to the search, the acquisition unit 212 acquires sensor information stored in the sensor 30 by communicating with the sensor 30 that is a transmission source of the received signal. The information transmission unit 213 transmits the sensor information acquired by the acquisition unit 212 to the server device 10. This sensor information is stored in the database 121. In addition, the information transmission unit 213 transmits position information indicating the position measured by the positioning unit 27 to the server device 10 at predetermined time intervals. The display control unit 214 displays the sensor information stored in the database 121 on the display unit 25.

1-2. Operation FIGS. 7 and 8 are sequence charts showing the operation of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. This operation is performed in order to upload the sensor information stored in the sensor 30 to the server device 10. This operation is performed at an acquisition interval stored in the database 121. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the acquisition interval stored in the database 121 is “once per hour”, this operation is performed once per hour. When the timing according to the acquisition interval comes, the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S101.

  In step S <b> 101, the condition setting unit 111 sets a search condition for the sensor 30 for each sensor 30. This search condition is, for example, a condition that the sensor 30 is located in an area where the sensor 30 is installed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation location of the sensor 30. In this example, the sensors 30-1 and 30-2 are installed in a building such as a shopping center. Specifically, the sensor 30-1 is installed on the second floor of the building. The sensor 30-2 is installed on the third floor of the building. In this case, the area where the sensor 30-1 is installed is the second floor of the building. Accordingly, a search condition (hereinafter referred to as “first search condition”) that is located on the second floor of the building is set for the sensor 30-1. The area where the sensor 30-2 is installed is on the third floor of the building. Accordingly, a search condition (hereinafter referred to as “second search condition”) that is located on the third floor of the building is set for the sensor 30-2.

  In step S <b> 102, the area setting unit 112 sets, for each sensor 30, the area where the sensor 30 is installed as a target area. In the example shown in FIG. 9, for the sensor 30-1, the second floor of the building is set as the target area. For the sensor 30-2, the third floor of the building is set as the target area.

  In step S <b> 103, the selection unit 113 selects, for each sensor 30, the communication terminal 20 located in the target area as the search condition assignment destination for each sensor 30 based on the position information received from each communication terminal 20. In the example shown in FIG. 9, communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 are located on the second floor of the building. Accordingly, the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 are selected as assignment destinations of the first search condition. Further, communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12 are located on the third floor of the building. Accordingly, the communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12 are selected as assignment destinations of the second search condition.

  Moreover, the selection part 113 may exclude the communication terminal 20 whose battery remaining amount is less than a threshold value from selection object. In this case, the remaining battery level is transmitted from each communication terminal 20 to the server device 10. The selection unit 113 detects the communication terminal 20 whose battery remaining amount is less than the threshold based on the battery remaining amount received from each communication terminal 20. The selection unit 113 excludes the detected communication terminal 20 from the selection target.

  In step S104, the condition transmission unit 114 transmits the search condition set in step S101 to the communication terminal 20 selected as the assignment destination. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the first search condition is transmitted to the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7, and the second search condition is transmitted to the communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12. When receiving the search condition from the server device 10, the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-12 proceed to step S105.

  In step S105, the search unit 211 determines whether or not the received search condition is satisfied. Specifically, the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 determine whether or not the first search condition is satisfied. For example, when the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 move from the second floor and are located on other floors, it is determined that the first search condition is not satisfied (step S105: NO). In this case, the process of step S105 is repeated until the first search condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 are located on the second floor, it is determined that the first search condition is satisfied (step S105: YES). Here, it is assumed that the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 are located on the second floor. In this case, the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 all determine that the first search condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S106.

  Further, the communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12 determine whether or not the second search condition is satisfied. For example, when the communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12 move from the third floor and are located on other floors, it is determined that the second search condition is not satisfied (step S105: NO). In this case, the process of step S105 is repeated until the second search condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12 are located on the third floor, it is determined that the second search condition is satisfied (step S105: YES). Here, it is assumed that the communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12 are located on the third floor. In this case, each of the communication terminals 20-8 to 20-12 determines that the second search condition is satisfied, and proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the search unit 211 searches for beacon information transmitted from the sensor 30 by scanning a predetermined frequency band in accordance with the short-range wireless standard. On the other hand, after transmitting the search conditions in step S104, the server device 10 proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the enlargement unit 117 determines whether the sensor 30 has been found. For example, if sensor information is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the search condition was transmitted in step S104, it is determined that the sensor 30 was not found (step S107: NO). In this case, the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S108 and performs a process of expanding the target area. When the target area is enlarged, steps S103 to S107 are performed again. This process is repeated until the sensor 30 is found.

  In step S108, the enlargement unit 117 enlarges the target area. For example, when the target area used in the current process is an area where the sensor 30 is installed, the target area is expanded to an area where the sensor 30 is installed and an area adjacent thereto. For example, when the second floor of the building shown in FIG. 9 is the target area, this target area is expanded to the first to third floors of the building. Further, when the third floor of the building shown in FIG. 9 is the target area, this target area is expanded to the second to fourth floors of the building. Thus, the adjacent areas may be areas that are adjacent in the vertical direction.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, communication terminals 20-1 to 20-12 are located on the first to third floors of the building. Communication terminals 20-3 to 20-15 are located on the 2nd to 4th floors of the building. In this case, in the next step S103, the communication terminals 20-1 to 20-12 are selected for the sensor 30-1, and the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-15 are selected for the sensor 30-2. In the next step S104, the first search condition is transmitted to the communication terminals 20-1 to 20-12, and the second search condition is transmitted to the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-15. The communication terminals 20-1, 20-2, 20-8 to 20-12 to which the first search condition is newly transmitted are the communication terminals 20-3 to 20- to which the first search condition is transmitted in the previous step S104. 7 exists in an area different from the area where 7 exists. Further, the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 and 20-13 to 20-15 to which the second search condition is newly transmitted are the communication terminals 20-8 to 20-8 to which the second search condition is transmitted in the previous step S104. It exists in an area different from the area where 20-12 exists. In this case, for example, when the communication terminals 20-1, 20-2, 20-8 to 20-12 move to the second floor of the building, the communication terminals 20-1, 20-2, 20-8 to 20-12 also search. Do. When the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 and 20-13 to 20-15 move to the third floor of the building, the communication terminals 20-3 to 20-7 and 20-13 to 20-15 also perform a search.

  When any of the communication terminals 20 that have received the search conditions from the server device 10 moves to the communication range 31 of the sensor 30, the sensor 30 is discovered. Here, it is assumed that the communication terminal 20-3 moves to the communication range 31-1 of the sensor 30-1 and discovers the sensor 30-1. In this case, the communication terminal 20-3 proceeds to step S109 shown in FIG.

  In step S109, the search unit 211 receives beacon information from the sensor 30-1. This beacon information includes a sensor ID “S1” for identifying the sensor 30-1.

  In step S <b> 110, the information transmission unit 213 transmits the received beacon information to the server device 10. When receiving the beacon information from the communication terminal 20, the server device 10 determines that the sensor 30 has been found (step S107: YES shown in FIG. 7), and proceeds to step S111.

  In step S111, the management unit 115 reads a connection key and content information necessary for acquiring sensor information of the sensor 30-1 from the database 121, and transmits the connection key and content information to the communication terminal 20-3. Specifically, the management unit 115 reads the connection key “K1” and the content information “temperature information and humidity information” stored in association with the sensor ID “S1” from the database 121 illustrated in FIG. The management unit 115 transmits the read connection key and content information to the communication terminal 20-3. When receiving the connection key and the content information from the server device 10, the communication terminal 20-3 proceeds to Step S112.

  In step S112, the acquisition unit 212 connects to the sensor 30-1 using the received connection key in accordance with the short-range wireless standard. Specifically, the connection is made with the sensor 30-1 using the connection key “K1”. As a result, communication is established between the communication terminal 20-3 and the sensor 30-1.

  In step S113, the acquisition unit 212 acquires sensor information from the sensor 30-1 based on the content information received in step S111. Specifically, the acquisition unit 212 transmits a sensor information acquisition request to the sensor 30-1. This acquisition request includes content information “temperature information and humidity information”. When receiving the acquisition request from the communication terminal 20-3, the sensor 30-1 transmits the temperature information and humidity information stored in the sensor 30-1 to the communication terminal 20-3 as sensor information. The sensor information may be encrypted. For example, the sensor information may be encrypted with the public key of the communication terminal 20 used by the owner of the sensor 30-1 or may be encrypted with the public key of the server device 10. When receiving the sensor information from the sensor 30-1, the communication terminal 20-3 proceeds to step S114.

  In step S <b> 114, the information transmission unit 213 transmits the received sensor information to the server device 10.

  In step S115, the acquisition unit 212 disconnects the connection with the sensor 30-1. Thereby, the communication with the sensor 30-1 is completed. On the other hand, when receiving the sensor information from the communication terminal 20-3, the server device 10 proceeds to step S116.

  In step S <b> 116, the management unit 115 stores the received sensor information in the database 121. Specifically, the management unit 115 stores the sensor information in a record including the sensor ID “S1” in the database 121 illustrated in FIG. If the sensor information is encrypted with the public key of the communication terminal 20 used by the owner of the sensor 30, the sensor information may be stored in the database 121 in an encrypted state. Thereby, only the owner of the sensor 30 can browse without the sensor information acquired via the communication terminal 20 of the third party being browsed by the third party. On the other hand, when the sensor information is encrypted with the public key of the server device 10, the management unit 115 may store the sensor information in the database 121 without decrypting the sensor information, or may store the secret key of the server device 10. The sensor information may be decrypted using the data and stored in the database 121. Also in this case, when browsing or acquisition of sensor information is requested from the user's communication terminal 20, access restrictions such as permitting acquisition or acquisition are provided on condition that it is determined that the sensor 40 is the owner. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the third party from browsing the sensor information.

  When the sensor information of the sensor 30-1 is stored in step S116, the server device 10 cancels the first search condition. Specifically, the cancellation unit 116 transmits a request for canceling the first search condition to all the communication terminals 20 to which the first search condition has been transmitted in step S104 illustrated in FIG. When receiving a release request from the server device 10, these communication terminals 20 end the processes of steps S105 and S106.

  Even when any of the communication terminals 20 receiving the second search condition from the server device 10 moves to the communication range 31-2 of the sensor 30-2 and finds the sensor 30-2, the above-described step S109 is performed. Processing similar to that in S116 is performed. When the sensor information of the sensor 30-2 is stored in step S116, the server device 10 cancels the second search condition. Specifically, the cancellation unit 116 transmits a request for canceling the second search condition to all the communication terminals 20 to which the second search condition has been transmitted in step S104. When receiving a release request from the server device 10, these communication terminals 20 end the processes of steps S105 and S106.

  The owner of the sensor 30 can use the sensor information of the sensor 30 stored in the server device 10 using his / her communication terminal 20. Here, it is assumed that the owner of the sensor 30-1 browses the sensor information of the sensor 30-1 using the communication terminal 20-16. In this case, the owner uses the operation unit 24 of the communication terminal 20-16 to perform an operation for instructing display of sensor information. When this operation is performed, the communication terminal 20-16 proceeds to step S117.

  In step S <b> 117, the display control unit 214 transmits a sensor information acquisition request to the server device 10. This acquisition request includes the sensor ID “S1” of the sensor 30-1. When receiving the acquisition request from the communication terminal 20-16, the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S118.

  In step S118, the management unit 115 reads the sensor information of the sensor 30-1 from the database 121 and transmits it to the communication terminal 20-16. Specifically, the management unit 115 reads the sensor information stored in association with the sensor ID “S1” from the database 121. The management unit 115 transmits the read sensor information to the communication terminal 20-16. When the communication terminal 20-16 receives the sensor information from the server device 10, the communication terminal 20-16 proceeds to step S119.

  In step S119, the display control unit 214 displays the received sensor information on the display unit 25. Thereby, the owner can browse the sensor information of the sensor 30-1.

  According to the first embodiment, a search for the sensor 30-1 is performed by the communication terminal 20 to which the first search condition is assigned from the server device 10, and the communication terminal 20 to which the second search information is assigned from the server device 10. A search for sensor 30-2 is performed. In this way, the plurality of communication terminals 20 share and search for the sensor 30, whereby the sensor 30 can be searched efficiently.

2. Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

2-1. Configuration FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a communication system 3 according to the second embodiment. Similar to the communication system 1 described in the first embodiment, the communication system 3 includes a server device 10 and a plurality of communication terminals 20. The communication system 3 has a plurality of tags 40.

  The tag 40 is affixed to the user's property and is used to find the property when the user loses the property. The tag 40 has a short-range communication function, like the sensor 30 described in the first embodiment. Specifically, the tag 40 transmits beacon information according to a short-range wireless standard such as Bluetooth or ZigBee, and performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 20 existing within the communication range 41. The communication terminal 20 that has received the beacon information from the tag 40 is located near the tag 40. Therefore, if the position information of the communication terminal 20 is obtained, the position of the tag 40, that is, the position of the property can be known.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the database 122 according to the second embodiment. The storage unit 12 stores a database 122 instead of the database 121 described in the first embodiment. The database 122 manages the position information of the tag 40. Each record constituting the database 122 has fields of “tag ID”, “position information”, and “search state”. A tag ID for identifying the tag 40 is stored in the “tag ID” field. The position information of the tag 40 is stored in the “position information” field. The “search state” field stores information indicating whether or not the tag 40 is being searched.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the communication system 3 according to the second embodiment. The server device 10 has functions of an area setting unit 131, a condition setting unit 132, a selection unit 133, a condition transmission unit 134, a management unit 135, a release unit 136, a change unit 137, and an enlargement unit 138. . These functions are realized by the control unit 11 executing one or a plurality of programs. Further, these functions may be realized by cooperation between the control unit 11 and other components.

  The area setting unit 131 sets a search area for the tag 40. The condition setting unit 132 sets search conditions for searching for beacon information (an example of a signal) transmitted from the tag 40. For example, the condition setting unit 132 sets a search condition to be located in the search area set by the area setting unit 131. The selection unit 133 selects a part of the plurality of communication terminals 20. For example, the selection unit 133 selects the communication terminal 20 located in the search area among the plurality of communication terminals 20 based on the position information received from the plurality of communication terminals 20. The condition transmission unit 134 transmits the search condition set by the condition setting unit 132 to the communication terminal 20 selected by the selection unit 133. The management unit 135 manages the database 122 that stores position information (an example of information related to the tag 40). When the position information is received from the communication terminal 20, the canceling unit 136 cancels the search condition. The changing unit 137 changes the search area. The enlargement unit 138 enlarges the search area set by the area setting unit 131 when position information is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the search condition was transmitted. Further, when the search area is enlarged by the enlargement unit 138, the selection unit 133 selects the communication terminal 20 located in the enlarged search area among the plurality of communication terminals 20.

  The communication terminal 20 has functions of a search unit 221, an information transmission unit 222, and a display control unit 223. However, in practice, the search unit 221, the information transmission unit 222, and the display control unit 223 are realized by separate communication terminals 20. These functions are realized by the control unit 21 executing one or a plurality of programs. Further, these functions may be realized by cooperation between the control unit 21 and other components.

  The search unit 221 searches for beacon information transmitted from the tag 40 if the search condition is received from the server device 10 and the received search condition is satisfied. When receiving the beacon information in response to the search, the information transmission unit 222 transmits position information indicating the position measured by the positioning unit 27 to the server device 10. This position information is stored in the database 122. The information transmission unit 222 transmits position information indicating the position measured by the positioning unit 27 to the server device 10 at a predetermined time interval. The display control unit 223 displays the position information stored in the database 122 on the display unit 25.

2-2. Operation FIGS. 13 and 14 are sequence charts showing the operation of the communication system 3 according to the second embodiment. This operation is performed when the user searches for lost property. Here, it is assumed that the user searches for a lost item to which the tag 40-1 is attached. The tag 40-1 is linked in advance with the communication terminal 20-20 used by the user. The communication terminal 20-20 includes position information indicating the position measured by the positioning unit 27 at a predetermined time interval, a sensor ID for identifying the connected sensor 30, and an access point ID for identifying the connected access point. And the base station ID for identifying the currently connected base station and the link information indicating the presence or absence of the link with the tag 40-1 are transmitted to the server device 10. The user uses the operation unit 24 of the communication terminal 20-20 to perform an operation for instructing the search for the tag 40-1. When this operation is performed, the communication terminal 20-20 proceeds to step S201.

  In step S201, the communication terminal 20-20 transmits a search request for the tag 40-1. This search request includes the tag ID “T1” of the tag 40-1. When receiving the search request from the communication terminal 20-20, the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the management unit 135 changes the search state of the tag 40-1. Specifically, the management unit 135 stores the search state “searching” in the record including the tag ID “T1” in the database 122 illustrated in FIG. 11. The search state “searching” indicates that the tag 40-1 is being searched.

  In step S203, the area setting unit 131 sets a search area for the tag 40-1. Specifically, the area setting unit 131 first sets the position where the tag 40-1 was last confirmed as the candidate position P. As described above, information including position information and link information is transmitted to the server device 10 from the communication terminal 20-20 at a predetermined time interval. In the position information history received from the communication terminal 20-20, the position indicated by the last position information received together with the link information indicating that there is a link is the position where the tag 40-1 was last confirmed. Therefore, the position indicated by the position information is set as the candidate position P.

  Subsequently, the area setting unit 131 sets the communication range 31 of the sensor 30 installed near the candidate position P as a search area. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search area. In this example, the sensor 30 is installed near the candidate position P. As described above, information including the sensor ID and the link information is transmitted to the server device 10 from the communication terminal 20-20 at a predetermined time interval. The sensor 30 is indicated by, for example, the last sensor ID received together with link information indicating that there is a link in the history of sensor IDs received from the communication terminal 20-20. In this case, the communication range 31 of the sensor 30 is set as the search area.

  In step S204, the condition setting unit 132 sets search conditions for the tag 40-1. This search condition is to be located in the search area and within a predetermined time (an example of a search period). This predetermined time is, for example, one hour.

  In step S205, the selection unit 133 selects the communication terminal 20 located in the search area as a search condition assignment destination based on the position information received from each communication terminal 20. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25 located in the communication range 31 of the sensor 30 are selected. Further, as described in the first embodiment, the selection unit 133 may exclude the communication terminal 20 having a remaining battery level less than the threshold from the selection target.

  In step S206, the condition transmission unit 134 transmits the search condition set in step S204 to the communication terminal 20 selected as the assignment destination. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the search condition is transmitted to the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25. Upon receiving the search condition from the server device 10, the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25 proceed to step S207.

  In step S207, the search unit 221 determines whether or not the received search condition is satisfied. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the search condition, or when the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25 move outside the communication range 31 of the sensor 30, it is determined that the search condition is not satisfied. (Step 207: NO). In this case, the process of step S207 is repeated until the search condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the search condition is received within a predetermined time and the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25 are located in the communication range 31 of the sensor 30, it is determined that the search condition is satisfied ( Step S207: YES). Here, it is assumed that the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25 are located in the communication range 31 of the sensor 30 within a predetermined time after receiving the search condition. In this case, the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25 all determine that the search condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, the search unit 221 searches for the beacon information transmitted from the tag 40 by scanning a predetermined frequency band according to the short-range wireless standard. On the other hand, after transmitting the search condition in step S206, the server device 10 proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the changing unit 137 determines whether or not the tag 40-1 has been found. For example, if the position information is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the search condition was transmitted in step S206, it is determined that the tag 40-1 has not been found (step S209: NO). In this case, the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S301 shown in FIG. 16 and performs processing for changing the search area. When the search area is changed, the processes in steps S204 to S209 are performed again. This process is repeated until the tag 40-1 is found.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating processing for changing the search area performed by the server device 10. In step S301, the changing unit 137 determines whether or not the search area used in the current process is the maximum search area. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the communication range 31 of the sensor 30 is the smallest search area. The communication range 51 of the access point 50 is the second smallest search area. The communication range 61 of the base station 60 is the maximum search area. Since the search area used in the current process is the communication range 31 of the sensor 30, it is determined that it is not the maximum search area (step S301: NO). In this case, the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the enlargement unit 138 enlarges the search area. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the access point 50 is installed near the candidate position P. As described above, information including the access point ID and link information is transmitted from the communication terminal 20-20 to the server device 10 at predetermined time intervals. The access point 50 is indicated by, for example, the last access point ID received together with link information indicating that there is a link in the history of access point IDs received from the communication terminals 20-20. The communication range 51 of the access point 50 is larger than the communication range 31 of the sensor 30. In this case, the search area is expanded to the communication range 51 of the access point 50.

  In this case, in the next step S204, a search condition that is located in the enlarged search area and within a predetermined time is set. This search condition is a new search condition different from the search condition set in the previous step S204. In the example shown in FIG. 15, communication terminals 20-26 to 20-30 are located in the communication range 51 of the access point 50. Therefore, in the next step S205, the communication terminals 20-26 to 20-30 are selected, and in step S206, the search conditions are transmitted to the communication terminals 20-26 to 20-30. The communication terminals 20-26 to 20-30 exist in an area different from the area where the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25 to which the search conditions are transmitted in the previous step S206 exist. In this case, the communication terminals 20-26 to 20-30 also perform steps S207 and S208. If it is determined in the next step S209 that the tag 40-1 has not been found again (step S209: NO), the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S301 again.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, since the communication range 51 of the access point 50 is not the maximum search area, it is determined that it is not the maximum search area even in the next step S301 (step S301: NO). In this case, the server apparatus 10 proceeds again to step S302. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the base station 60 is installed near the candidate position P. As described above, information including the base station ID and the link information is transmitted to the server device 10 from the communication terminal 20-20 at a predetermined time interval. The base station 60 is indicated by, for example, the last base station ID received together with link information indicating that there is a link in the history of the base station ID received from the communication terminal 20-20. The communication range 61 of the base station 60 is larger than the communication range 51 of the access point 50. In this case, in the next step S302, the search area is expanded to the communication range 61 of the base station 60.

  In this case, in the next step S204, a search condition that is located in the enlarged search area and within a predetermined time is set. This search condition is a new search condition different from the search condition set in the previous step S204. In the example shown in FIG. 15, communication terminals 20-31 to 20-35 are located in the communication range 61 of the base station 60. Therefore, in the next step S205, the communication terminals 20-31 to 20-35 are selected, and in step S206, the search conditions are transmitted to the communication terminals 20-31 to 20-35. The communication terminals 20-31 to 20-35 exist in an area different from the area where the communication terminals 20-26 to 20-30 to which the search condition is transmitted in the previous step S206 exist. In this case, the communication terminals 20-31 to 20-35 also perform steps S207 and S208. If it is determined in the next step S209 that the tag 40-1 has not been found again (step S209: NO), the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S301 again.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, since the communication range 61 of the base station 60 is the maximum search area, it is determined in the next step S301 that it is the maximum search area (step S301: YES). In this case, the server apparatus 10 proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the changing unit 137 changes the candidate position P. Specifically, based on the history of position information received from the communication terminal 20-20, the candidate position P is changed to another position where the tag 40-1 has existed in the past. Moreover, the change part 137 sets the communication range 31 of the sensor 30 installed near the candidate position P after a change as a search area.

  In this way, the process of steps S204 to S209 is repeated until the tag 40-1 is found while expanding the search area or changing the candidate position P.

  When any of the communication terminals 20 that have received the search conditions from the server device 10 moves to the communication range 41-1 of the tag 40-1, the tag 40-1 is found. Here, it is assumed that the communication terminal 20-31 has moved to the communication range 41-1 of the tag 40-1 and found the tag 40-1. In this case, the communication terminal 20-31 proceeds to step S210 shown in FIG.

  In step S210, the search unit 221 receives beacon information from the tag 40-1. This beacon includes a tag ID “T1” for identifying the tag 40-1.

  In step S <b> 211, the information transmission unit 222 transmits position information indicating the position measured by the positioning unit 27 to the server device 10. When receiving the position information from the communication terminal 20-31, the server device 10 determines that the tag 40-1 has been found (step S209: YES shown in FIG. 13), and proceeds to step S212.

  In step S <b> 212, the management unit 135 stores the received position information in the database 122. Specifically, the management unit 135 stores this position information in a record including the tag ID “T1” in the database 122 illustrated in FIG. 11.

  When the position information is stored in step S212, the server device 10 cancels the search condition. Specifically, the cancellation unit 136 transmits a search condition cancellation request to all the communication terminals 20 to which the search conditions have been transmitted in step S206. When receiving the release request from the server device 10, these communication terminals 20 end the processes of steps S207 and S208.

  In step S213, the management unit 135 transmits a discovery notification indicating that the tag 40 has been discovered to the communication terminal 20-20. Upon receiving the discovery notification, the communication terminal 20-20 proceeds to step S214.

  In step S214, the display control unit 223 transmits an acquisition request for position information of the tag 40-1. This acquisition request includes the tag ID “T1” of the tag 40-1. When the server apparatus 10 receives this acquisition request from the communication terminal 20-20, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S215, the management unit 135 reads the position information of the tag 40-1 from the database 122 and transmits it to the communication terminal 20-20. Specifically, in the database 122, the management unit 135 reads position information associated with the tag ID “T1” from the database 122 and transmits it to the communication terminal 20-20. When receiving the position information from the server device 10, the communication terminal 20-20 proceeds to step S216.

  In step S <b> 216, the display control unit 223 displays the received position information on the display unit 25. Thereby, the user can recognize the current position of the tag 40-1, that is, the current position of the lost property.

  According to the second embodiment, when a search is initially performed by the communication terminals 20-21 to 20-25 located in the communication range 31 of the sensor 30-1, and the tag 40-1 is not found, access is performed. When a search is performed by the communication terminals 20-26 to 20-30 located in the communication range 51 of the point 50 and the tag 40-1 is not found, the communication terminal 20 located in the communication range 61 of the base station 60. A search is performed at -31 to 20-35. When the tag 40-1 is not found at the first candidate position P, the same search is performed at the next candidate position P. Thus, the tag 40 can be searched efficiently by searching for the tag 40 in a shared manner by the plurality of communication terminals 20.

3. The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment and the second embodiment. For example, the first embodiment or the second embodiment may be modified as follows. Further, the following modifications may be combined.

(1) In the first embodiment, the size of the target area may be changed depending on the density of the communication terminals 20 located in the target area. For example, when the sensor 30 is installed in a place with many people, such as a city, and when the sensor 30 is installed in a place with few people, such as a rural area, even if the size of the target area is the same, The number of communication terminals 20 located is different. According to this modification, such a difference in the number of communication terminals 20 can be reduced.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the communication system 1 according to this modification. The server device 10 has functions of a calculation unit 118 and a change unit 119 in addition to the functions described in the first embodiment. The calculation unit 118 calculates the density of the communication terminals 20 located in the target area among the plurality of communication terminals 20. The changing unit 119 changes the size of the target area based on the density calculated by the calculating unit 118. For example, when the density is smaller than the first threshold, the changing unit 119 enlarges the target area as in step S108 described above. Further, the changing unit 119 may reduce the search area when the density is larger than the second threshold value. When the size of the target area is changed by the changing unit 119, the selection unit 113 selects the communication terminal 20 located in the changed target area. That is, the selection unit 113 selects a part of the plurality of communication terminals 20 according to any of the densities of the communication terminals 20 located around the sensor 30.

  In this modification, the number of communication terminals 20 to which search conditions are assigned may be changed together with the size of the target area or instead of the size of the target area. In this modification, the selection unit 113 selects only a predetermined number of communication terminals 20 among the communication terminals 20 located in the target area without selecting all the communication terminals 20 located in the target area. The changing unit 119 changes the predetermined number based on the density calculated by the calculating unit 118. For example, the changing unit 119 increases the predetermined number when the density is smaller than the first threshold. At this time, the changing unit 119 may increase the predetermined number by adding a constant to the predetermined number, or may increase the predetermined number by multiplying the predetermined number by the constant. Moreover, the change part 119 may reduce a predetermined number, when a density is larger than a 2nd threshold value. When the predetermined number is changed by the changing unit 119, the selecting unit 113 selects the predetermined number of communication terminals 20 after the change from the communication terminals 20 located in the target area. That is, the selection unit 113 selects a part of the plurality of communication terminals 20 according to any of the densities of the communication terminals 20 located around the sensor 30.

  In this modification, the condition setting unit 111 may set search conditions according to the density calculated by the calculation unit 118. For example, the condition setting unit 111 may change the size of the area included in the search condition according to the density calculated by the calculation unit 118.

(2) In the first embodiment, the size of the target area may be changed according to the sensor information acquisition interval. For example, if the sensor information acquisition interval is long, it is acceptable even if it takes a certain amount of time to acquire the sensor information, but if the sensor information acquisition interval is short, it is required to acquire the sensor information quickly. It is done. According to this modification, such a request can be answered.

  The communication system 1 according to this modification has a functional configuration shown in FIG. However, in this modification, the changing unit 119 changes the size of the target area based on the sensor information acquisition interval. The owner of the sensor 30-1 can change the sensor information acquisition interval of the sensor 30-1 using the communication terminal 20-16. For example, when the sensor information acquisition interval of the sensor 30-1 is changed from “once per hour” to “once per minute” by the owner, the database 121 stores the sensor ID of the sensor 30-1 in the database 121. In association with “S1”, an acquisition interval “once per minute” is stored. When the acquisition interval stored in the database 121 is smaller than the threshold value, the changing unit 119 enlarges the target area as in step S108 described above. When the size of the target area is changed by the changing unit 119, the selection unit 113 selects the communication terminal 20 located in the changed target area. That is, the selection unit 113 selects a part of the plurality of communication terminals 20 according to the sensor information acquisition interval.

  In this modification, the number of communication terminals 20 to which search conditions are assigned may be changed together with the size of the target area or instead of the size of the target area. In this modification, the selection unit 113 selects only a predetermined number of communication terminals 20 among the communication terminals 20 located in the target area without selecting all the communication terminals 20 located in the target area. The changing unit 119 increases the predetermined number when the time interval stored in the database 121 is smaller than the threshold value. At this time, the changing unit 119 may increase the predetermined number by adding a constant to the predetermined number, or may increase the predetermined number by multiplying the predetermined number by the constant. When the predetermined number is changed by the changing unit 119, the selecting unit 113 selects the predetermined number of communication terminals 20 after the change from the communication terminals 20 located in the target area. That is, the selection unit 113 selects a part of the plurality of communication terminals 20 according to the sensor information acquisition interval.

  In this modification, the condition setting unit 111 may set search conditions according to the sensor information acquisition interval. For example, the condition setting unit 111 may change the size of the area included in the search condition according to the acquisition interval stored in the database 121.

(3) In the second embodiment, the size of the search area may be changed depending on the urgency of the search. For example, when the urgency level is low, it is acceptable even if it takes some time to acquire the position information of the tag 40-1, but when the urgency level is high, the position information of the tag 40-1 is quickly acquired. It is required to do. According to this modification, such a request can be answered.

  In this modification, the user uses the operation unit 24 of the communication terminal 20-20 to perform an operation for setting the emergency level of search. In step S <b> 201, a search request including the set urgency level is transmitted to the server device 10. The changing unit 137 changes the size of the search area based on the urgency received from the communication terminal 20-20. For example, when the urgency level is higher than the threshold value, the changing unit 137 expands the search area as in step S302 described above.

  In this modification, the number of communication terminals 20 to which the search condition is assigned may be changed together with the size of the search area or instead of the size of the search area. In this modification, the selection unit 133 selects only a predetermined number of communication terminals 20 among the communication terminals 20 located in the search area without selecting all the communication terminals 20 located in the search area. The changing unit 137 changes the predetermined number based on the urgency received from the communication terminal 20-20. For example, the changing unit 137 increases the predetermined number when the degree of urgency is higher than a threshold value. At this time, the changing unit 137 may increase the predetermined number by adding a constant to the predetermined number, or may increase the predetermined number by multiplying the predetermined number by the constant.

(4) In the first embodiment, the modified example (1) or (2), the target area or the predetermined number used when the sensor 30 is found in the previous process may be used in the next process. In this modification, the storage unit 12 stores a target area or a predetermined number used when the sensor 30 is discovered. The selection unit 113 selects the communication terminal 20 located in the target area stored in the storage unit 12 in the next process, or the predetermined number stored in the storage unit 12 among the communication terminals 20 located in the target area. Communication terminal 20 is selected. In other words, the selection unit 113 selects a part of the plurality of communication terminals 20 according to the condition under which the communication terminal 20 that has found the sensor 30 in the past search is selected. According to this modification, as the process is repeated, the search condition assignment target is optimized.

  Similarly, in the second embodiment or the modification (3), the search area or the predetermined number used when the tag 40-1 is found in the previous process may be used in the next process. In this modification, the storage unit 12 stores a search area used when the tag 40-1 is found in a search performed in the past. The condition setting unit 132 sets a search condition to be located in the search area stored in the storage unit 12. That is, the condition setting unit 132 sets a search condition used when the tag 40-1 is found in a search performed in the past.

(5) In the first embodiment, search conditions may be preferentially assigned to the communication terminals 20 corresponding to a plurality of short-range wireless standards. For example, when the sensor 30 is compatible with Bluetooth, the communication terminal 20 cannot communicate with the sensor 30 even if a search condition is assigned to the communication terminal 20 that supports only ZigBee. According to this modification, such a situation can be suppressed.

  In this modification, the short-distance wireless standard to which each communication terminal 20 corresponds is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. The selection unit 113 selects a predetermined number of communication terminals 20 among the communication terminals 20 located in the target area. At this time, when there are communication terminals 20 corresponding to a plurality of short-range wireless standards among the communication terminals 20 located in the target area, the selection unit 113 transfers the communication terminal 20 to another communication terminal 20. Select with priority.

(6) In the first embodiment, the search condition may be assigned not only to the communication terminal 20 located in the target area but also to the communication terminal 20 located in an area adjacent to the target area. In this modification, the selection unit 113 selects the communication terminal 20 located in the target area and the communication terminal 20 located in an area adjacent to the target area. At this time, a predetermined number of communication terminals 20 relative to the number of communication terminals 20 located in the target area may be selected from adjacent areas, or a predetermined number of communication terminals 20 may be selected from adjacent areas. May be.

(7) In the first embodiment, when there is a communication terminal 20 that frequently passes near the specific sensor 30, a search condition corresponding to the specific sensor 30 is assigned to the communication terminal 20 at a predetermined timing. May be. In this modification, the server device 10 obtains the movement pattern of each communication terminal 20 based on the position information received from each communication terminal 20. For example, when a certain communication terminal 20 has a movement pattern passing through the first target area at 8:00, the condition setting unit 111 has a predetermined timing and a time zone including 8:00, for example, 7:00 to 9:00. And the first search condition is set to be located in the first target area. The selection unit 113 selects the communication terminal 20 as an assignment destination of the first search condition.

(8) In the first embodiment, a plurality of communication terminals 20 located in the target area may be assigned search conditions including different times (an example of a search period) at a predetermined timing. For example, when the target area is a company floor, a plurality of communication terminals 20 located in the target area may hardly move. In this case, in this target area, the same communication terminal 20 always performs a search and transmits sensor information, so the number of searches for this communication terminal 20 increases. According to this modification, even in such a case, the plurality of communication terminals 20 can share and search for the sensor 30.

  In this modification, the server device 10 obtains the movement pattern of each communication terminal 20 based on the position information received from each communication terminal 20. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the communication terminals 20-3 to 10-7 located in the first target area have a movement pattern that hardly moves between 13:00 and 18:00. . In this case, the condition setting unit 111 is, for example, a search condition that is located in the first target area and is between 13:00:00 and 14:00 (hereinafter referred to as “third search condition”), and the first. A search condition that is located in the target area and between 14:00 and 15:00 (hereinafter referred to as “fourth search condition”), and that is located in the first target area and that is 15:00 A search condition that is between 16:00 (hereinafter referred to as “fifth search condition”) and a search condition that is located in the first target area and is between 16:00 and 17:00 (hereinafter referred to as “first search condition”). , “Sixth search condition”) and a search condition (hereinafter referred to as “seventh search condition”) that is located in the first target area and that is between 17:00 and 18:00. Set. The condition transmission unit 114 transmits the third search condition to the communication terminal 20-3, the fourth search condition to the communication terminal 20-4, and the fifth search condition to the communication terminal 20-5 at a predetermined timing. The sixth search condition is transmitted to the communication terminal 20-6, and the seventh search condition is transmitted to the communication terminal 20-7. In this case, in the first target area, the search is performed by the communication terminal 20-3 between 13:00 and 14:00. A search is performed by the communication terminal 20-4 between 14:00 and 15:00. A search is performed by the communication terminal 20-5 between 15:00 and 16:00. A search is performed by the communication terminal 20-6 between 16:00 and 17:00. A search is performed by the communication terminal 20-7 between 17:00 and 18:00.

(9) In the first embodiment, a search condition may be assigned to the communication terminal 20 that has transmitted sensor information in the past. The communication terminal 20 that has transmitted sensor information in the past is likely to pass near the sensor 30 that stores the sensor information again. According to this modification, the sensor 30 can be searched more efficiently.

  In this modification, the storage unit 12 stores, for each sensor 30, a terminal ID that identifies the communication terminal 20 that transmitted the sensor information to the server device 10. Based on the terminal ID stored in the storage unit 12, the selection unit 113 identifies, for each sensor 30, the communication terminal 20 that has transmitted the sensor information of the sensor 30 in the past, and identifies the identified communication terminal 20. The search condition corresponding to the sensor 30 is selected as an assignment destination. For example, when the sensor information of the sensor 30-1 has been transmitted by the communication terminal 20-15 in the past, the communication terminal 20-15 is selected as the assignment destination of the first search condition.

(10) In the first embodiment, when the communication terminal 20 enters or exits the target area, the search condition may be sent or the release condition may be sent. In this modification, the server device 10 monitors the entry / exit of the communication terminal 20 into / from the target area based on the position information received from each communication terminal 20. For example, when a new communication terminal 20 moves to the target area, the condition transmission unit 114 transmits a search condition to the communication terminal 20. Further, when the communication terminal 20 to which the search condition is transmitted in step S104 moves out of the target area or moves away from the sensor 30 by a predetermined distance or more, the canceling unit 116 transmits a cancel request to the communication terminal 20. .

(11) In the second embodiment, search conditions may be preferentially assigned to communication terminals 20 of other users having a predetermined relationship with the user. The other user having the predetermined relationship refers to a person having some kind of personal relationship with the user, such as a family member, a colleague or a friend. The other user may be, for example, a person registered in the phone book in the user communication terminal 20-20. Such other users are likely to go through the same place as the user. According to this modified example, the tag 40-1 can be searched more efficiently.

  In this modification, the selection unit 133 selects a predetermined number of communication terminals 20 among the communication terminals 20 located in the search area. At this time, when there is a communication terminal 20 of another user having a predetermined relationship with the user in the search area, the selection unit 133 selects the communication terminal 20 with priority over the other communication terminal 20.

(12) In the second embodiment, when the discovered tag 40-1 is moving, the search for the tag 40-1 may be continued until the tag 40-1 stops. In this modification, the tag 40 has an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor measures acceleration. After receiving the beacon information at step S210, the communication terminal 20-31 acquires the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor from the tag 40-1, and transmits the acceleration together with the position information to the server device 10 at step S211. The server device 10 determines whether or not the tag 40-1 is moving based on the acceleration received from the communication terminal 20-31. When the tag 40-1 is moving, the server apparatus 10 returns to step S301 and performs a process of changing the search area. When the search area is changed, steps S204 to S212 are performed again. This process is repeated until it is determined that the tag 40-1 has stopped.

(13) In the first embodiment, the target area is not limited to the area where the sensor 30 is installed. For example, the target area may be an area where the sensor 30 is installed and an area adjacent to this area. In the second embodiment, the search area is not limited to the area where the tag 40 has existed in the past. For example, the search area may be an area where the tag 40 has existed in the past and an area adjacent to this area.

(14) In the first embodiment, the installation location of the sensor 30 is not limited to a building. The sensor 30 may be installed outdoors such as a field. Moreover, the sensor 30 is not limited to the apparatus which measures the physical quantity regarding an environment. For example, the sensor 30 may be an ammeter having a short-range communication function.

(15) The program executed by the control unit 11 of the server device 10 and the program executed by the control unit 21 of the communication terminal 20 may be downloaded via a communication line such as the Internet. These programs are provided in a state where they are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory May be.

(16) In the first embodiment, the search condition may be set so that at least one of the search period or the search area is different for each sensor 30 and each communication terminal 20. Thereby, optimal search conditions can be set on the basis of the communication standard with which each communication terminal 20 is provided.

1: communication system, 3: communication system, 10: server device, 20: communication terminal, 27: positioning unit, 30: sensor, 40: tag, 111: condition setting unit, 112: area setting unit, 113: selection unit, 114: Condition transmission unit, 115: Management unit, 116: Release unit, 117: Enlargement unit, 118: Calculation unit, 119: Change unit, 131: Area setting unit, 132: Condition setting unit, 133: Selection unit, 134: Condition transmission unit, 135: management unit, 136: release unit, 137: change unit, 138: enlargement unit, 211: search unit, 212: acquisition unit, 213: information transmission unit, 214: display control unit, 221: search unit 222: Information transmission unit, 223: Display control unit

Claims (8)

A server apparatus comprising a condition transmission unit that transmits different conditions for searching for a signal transmitted from a transmitter to a part of a plurality of communication terminals. The server apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a condition setting unit that sets the condition so that at least one of a search period or a search area is different. The condition setting unit includes an acquisition interval of information on the transmitter, conditions used when the transmitter is found in a search performed in the past, or a density of communication terminals located around the transmitter. The server apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the condition is set according to any of the above. Depending on either the acquisition interval of information about the transmitter, the condition under which the communication terminal that found the transmitter in a search performed in the past was selected, or the density of communication terminals located around the transmitter, The server apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects a part of the plurality of communication terminals. The cancel part which transmits the cancellation request | requirement of the said condition to the said communication terminal is further provided, when the communication terminal which received the said conditions leaves | separated more than predetermined distance from the said transmitter. Server device. If the information regarding the transmitter is not acquired even after a predetermined time has passed after the transmission of the condition, the condition setting unit sets a new condition different from the condition,
The server device according to claim 2, wherein the condition transmission unit transmits the new condition to a part of the plurality of communication terminals. When the information related to the transmitter is not acquired even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission of the condition, the condition transmission unit transmits the information to a communication terminal existing in an area different from an area where a part of the plurality of communication terminals exists. The server device according to claim 1, which transmits a condition. Transmitting different conditions for searching for a signal transmitted from a transmitter to a part of a plurality of communication terminals.

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