JP2017022637A - Information distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution device that enables a user to learn how distributed information is received by a communication terminal apparatus.SOLUTION: An information distribution device distributes information to a communication terminal apparatus by using a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication in accordance with Bluetooth low energy standard. The information distribution device includes: advertisement signal transmission control means for controlling the communication unit so as to broadcast, according to a certain rule, a response-permitted advertisement signal that includes information to be distributed and is a type of permitting a response by using a scan request signal; and response reception aspect determination means for determining the reception aspect at the communication unit of a scan request signal responding to the response-permitted advertisement signal transmitted by the communication unit by the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution apparatus that distributes information to a communication terminal device by short-range wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark: same as below) and low energy (Bluetooth (registered trademark: same as below) Low Energy) standard. .

  Conventionally, a location information service system described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this location information service system, an electronic tag transmission device (information distribution device) is installed at a predetermined location (for example, an entrance) in a facility such as a restaurant or a hotel, and the electronic tag transmission device is, for example, Bluetooth Predetermined identification information, for example, a unique management device number assigned to the electronic tag transmission device is broadcast by short-range wireless communication according to the standard. When a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone that performs a scanning operation (monitoring operation) and waits for reception of the identification information broadcast from the electronic tag transmission device receives the identification information, the application identifies the network using the identification information. Get from above. The portable information terminal measures a received radio wave intensity (for example, RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) at the time of receiving the identification information, and performs execution control of the application according to the received radio wave intensity.

Patent No. 5650870

  By the way, as a device for distributing information, such as the electronic tag transmission device in the above-described location information service system, the Bluetooth Low Energy standard (a part of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) 4.0 standard: hereinafter, appropriately referred to as BLE). An information distribution apparatus that distributes information to a communication terminal device by a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication according to the above can be considered. Such an information distribution apparatus distributes information to a communication terminal device that receives the advertisement signal by broadcasting an advertisement signal including the information to be distributed, for example, using a communication form of BLE advertising. be able to.

  In such an information terminal device, it is difficult to efficiently distribute information because it is not known whether the actually distributed information is received by the communication terminal device.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an information distribution apparatus that can understand a situation in which distributed information is received by a communication terminal device.

  An information distribution apparatus according to the present invention is an information distribution apparatus that distributes information to a communication terminal device by a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth Low Energy standard, and includes information to be distributed. An advertisement signal transmission control means for controlling the communication unit so as to broadcast a response-permitted advertisement signal of a type allowing a response of a scan request signal according to a certain rule, and the communication unit under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means Response reception mode determination means for determining a reception mode at the communication unit of the scan request signal in response to the response-permitted advertisement signal transmitted from the network.

  According to such a configuration, a response-allowed advertisement signal (for example, an event type signal of ADV_SCAN_IND) including information to be distributed from the communication unit (peripheral) by short-range wireless communication according to the Bluetooth Low Energy standard. In a situation where a broadcast is transmitted according to a certain rule, the reception mode of the scan request signal in response to the response-permitted advertisement signal is determined at the communication unit.

  Receiving a scan request signal in response to a broadcast response-allowed advertisement signal means that there is a communication terminal device that has received the response-allowed advertisement signal including information to be distributed. The reception mode of the scan request signal in response to the response-permitted advertisement signal transmitted by broadcasting may represent a situation in which the distributed information is actually received by the communication terminal device.

  The reception mode of the scan request signal is not particularly limited as long as it is an aspect related to reception of a scan request signal, whether it is an aspect of the scan request signal itself or an aspect related to reception. For example, the reception intensity indicating the reception of the scan request signal, the absence of the scan request signal, the number of times the scan request signal is received (frequency and quietness), and the strength of the reception of the scan request signal. Information indicating from which communication terminal device the scan request signal is received may be included in the reception mode of the scan request signal.

  The information distribution apparatus according to the present invention may further include a processing unit that executes processing according to a reception mode of the scan request signal obtained as a result of determination by the response reception mode determination unit. .

  According to such a configuration, since the processing according to the reception mode of the scan request signal that can represent the situation where the distributed information is actually received by the communication terminal device is performed, the distributed information is actually communicated. Processing according to the situation received by the terminal device can be performed.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the processing unit is configured to control the advertisement signal transmission control unit according to a reception mode of the scan request signal obtained as a determination result of the response reception mode determination unit. A first transmission frequency change processing unit that performs a process of changing the frequency of broadcast transmission of the response-permitted advertisement signal from the communication unit can be employed.

  With such a configuration, a response-permitted advertisement signal is broadcast from the communication unit at a frequency according to the situation in which the distributed information is actually received by the communication terminal device. Therefore, for example, in a situation where the distributed information is actually received by a relatively large number of communication terminal devices, a response-permitted advertisement signal can be broadcast from the communication unit at a relatively high frequency. In a situation where there are relatively few communication terminal devices that actually receive the distributed information, a response-permitted advertisement signal can be broadcast from the communication unit at a relatively low frequency.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the first transmission frequency change processing unit is configured to repeatedly broadcast the response-allowed advertisement signal from the communication unit at a first frequency under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control unit. When the response reception mode determination means determines that the reception of the scan request signal by the communication unit does not continue for a predetermined time as the reception mode, the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control means The control may be configured to include a transmission frequency reduction processing unit that changes so that the response-allowed advertisement signal is repeatedly broadcasted at a frequency lower than the first frequency.

  With such a configuration, when the response-allowed advertisement signal is repeatedly broadcasted at the first frequency, when the scan request signal is not received by the communication unit continuously for a predetermined time, that is, the predetermined When there is no communication terminal device that continuously receives the distribution information included in the response-permitted advertisement signal for a period of time, the response-permitted advertisement signal is repeatedly broadcasted at a frequency lower than the first frequency. As a result, it is possible to save power (energy saving) required for broadcast transmission of a response-allowed advertisement signal.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the first transmission frequency change processing means does not receive the scan request signal in the communication unit, and the response from the communication unit is controlled by the advertisement signal transmission control means. In the state where the allowable type advertisement signal is repeatedly broadcasted at the second frequency, the response reception mode determination means determines that the scan request signal has been received at least once by the communication unit as the reception mode. If it is determined, it has a transmission frequency increase processing means for changing the control of the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control means so that the response-allowed advertisement signal is repeatedly broadcasted at a frequency higher than the second frequency. It can be configured.

  With such a configuration, the communication unit does not receive the scan request signal, that is, there is no communication terminal device that receives the distribution information included in the response-permitted advertisement signal, and the response-permitted advertisement signal is the second. If the scan request is received by the communication unit at least once in the state where the broadcast is repeatedly transmitted at the frequency of, the response-allowed advertisement signal is repeatedly broadcast at a frequency higher than the second frequency. Become so. As a result, it is possible to distribute information more efficiently while saving power necessary for broadcast transmission of a response-permitted advertisement signal.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the response reception mode determination unit determines the reception intensity of the scan request signal received by the communication unit as the reception mode of the scan request signal by the communication unit. It can be set as the structure which has a receiving strength determination means.

  According to such a configuration, the reception intensity of the scan request signal received by the communication unit can represent the distance between the communication unit and the communication terminal device that transmitted the scan request signal. It can be understood in what distance range the communication terminal device actually receives the distribution information included in the signal from the communication unit.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the response reception mode determination means receives the scan request signal from the communication terminal device specified by the identification information included in the scan request signal received by the communication unit. As a reception mode of the scan request signal in the communication unit, it can be configured to have a response transmission source determination unit for determining.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to identify the communication terminal device that actually received the distribution information included in the response-permitted advertisement signal.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the response reception mode determination unit determines the number of times that the reception unit receives a scan request signal as a reception mode of the scan request signal in the communication unit. It can be set as the structure which has a determination means.

  According to such a configuration, the number of times that the distribution information included in the response-allowed advertisement signal is actually received by the communication terminal device can be determined.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the processing means does not receive the scan request signal in the communication unit, and the response-permitted advertisement signal is predetermined from the communication unit under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means. If the response reception mode determination unit determines that the scan request signal has been received at least once by the communication unit as the reception mode in the state of being broadcasted at a frequency of A configuration having advertisement signal change processing means for changing the control of the communication unit by the control means so as to broadcast a response non-permissible advertisement signal of a type that includes information to be distributed and does not allow a response of a scan request signal. It can be.

  According to such a configuration, there is no reception of the scan request signal in the communication unit, that is, there is no communication terminal device that receives the distribution information included in the response-permitted advertisement signal, and the response-permitted advertisement signal is When the broadcast request is repeatedly transmitted at a predetermined frequency and the scan request is received at least once by the communication unit, the scan request signal includes information to be distributed instead of the response-permitted advertisement signal. A response non-permissible advertisement signal (for example, an ADV_NONCONN_INN event type signal) that does not allow the response of the broadcast is broadcasted. If it is determined that the scan request signal has been received by the communication unit at least once, that is, if it is determined that there is a communication terminal device that receives the distribution information, the scan request signal Information can be efficiently distributed using a response non-permitted advertisement signal without waiting for a response. Further, it is possible to save power by eliminating the waiting operation and receiving operation of the scan request signal.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the processing unit controls the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control unit at a frequency higher than the predetermined frequency of broadcast transmission of the response allowable type advertisement signal. It is possible to adopt a configuration having transmission frequency change processing means for changing so as to broadcast the advertisement signal.

  According to such a configuration, when it is determined that there is a communication terminal device that receives distribution information, information is distributed using a response non-permissible advertisement signal instead of a response permissible advertisement signal. In addition, since the response non-response type advertisement signal is broadcasted at a frequency higher than the frequency of the broadcast transmission of the response allowable type advertisement signal, information can be distributed more efficiently.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, when the broadcast transmission of the response non-permissible advertisement signal from the communication unit is continued for a predetermined amount, the control of the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control means is performed with the response allowable type. An advertisement signal return processing means for returning the advertisement signal so as to broadcast it can be adopted.

  According to such a configuration, when the broadcast transmission of the response non-permissible advertisement signal that cannot be confirmed by the scan request signal is continued for a predetermined amount, the scan request signal is obtained from the response non-permissible advertisement signal. Is returned to the response-permitted advertisement signal that can be confirmed to be received, and the response-permitted advertisement signal is broadcasted. After the return, by determining the reception mode of the scan request signal, it is possible to know the situation in which the distributed information is actually received by the communication terminal device.

  The predetermined amount may be expressed by either the number of times or time, or may be expressed by both.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, when the broadcast transmission of the response non-permissible advertisement signal from the communication unit is continued for a predetermined amount, the control of the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control means is performed with the response allowable type. It may be configured to have a transmission frequency return processing means for returning an advertisement signal so as to be broadcast at the predetermined frequency.

  With such a configuration, when broadcast transmission of a response non-permissible advertisement signal that cannot be confirmed by a scan request signal continues for a predetermined amount, the response is received from the response non-permissible advertisement signal by a scan request signal. Returning to the response-permitted advertisement signal that can be confirmed, the response-permitted advertisement signal is broadcasted at the original predetermined frequency.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the processing unit is configured to control the advertisement signal transmission control unit according to a reception mode of the scan request signal in the communication unit obtained as a determination result of the response reception mode determination unit. It is possible to adopt a configuration including distribution information change processing means for executing processing for changing the content of the information to be distributed included in the response-permitted advertisement signal broadcast from the communication unit under the control of the above.

  With such a configuration, the content of the information to be distributed can be changed according to the situation where the distributed information that can be represented by the reception mode of the scan request signal in the communication unit is actually received by the communication terminal device. it can.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the response reception mode determination means receives the scan request signal from the communication terminal device specified by the identification information included in the scan request signal received by the communication unit. As a reception mode of the scan request signal at the communication unit, the communication unit has a response transmission source determination unit for determining, and the processing unit receives the scan request signal at the response transmission source determination unit. According to the identification information for identifying the communication terminal device included in the scan request signal obtained as a result of the mode determination, the response-permitted advertisement signal from the communication unit under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means The second transmission frequency change processing means for performing processing for changing the frequency of broadcast transmission is provided. It is possible.

  According to such a configuration, the frequency of broadcast transmission of a response-permitted advertisement signal including the distribution information changes according to the communication terminal device (specified by the identification information) that actually receives the distribution information. It is done.

  The information distribution apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a list in which identification information for specifying a communication terminal device is registered in advance, and the second transmission frequency change processing unit is the response transmission source determination unit. According to whether or not identification information for identifying a communication terminal device included in the scan request signal obtained as a determination result of the scan request signal reception form is registered in the list stored in the storage unit The communication unit may be configured to perform processing for changing the frequency of broadcast transmission of the response-allowed advertisement signal from the communication unit.

  With such a configuration, depending on whether or not the identification information for identifying the communication terminal device that actually receives the distribution information is registered in the list, broadcast transmission of a response-allowed advertisement signal including the distribution information is performed. The frequency can be changed.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the processing means is an operation control means for controlling the operation of an external device according to the reception mode of the scan request signal obtained as a result of determination by the response reception mode determination means. It can be set as the structure which has these.

  According to such a configuration, the external device is controlled in accordance with the reception mode of the scan request signal that can represent the situation in which the distributed information is actually received by the communication terminal device. Therefore, the external device can be controlled in accordance with the situation where the distributed information is actually received by the communication terminal device.

  In the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, the processing means controls the communication by the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means in accordance with a reception mode of the scan request signal obtained as a result of determination by the response reception determination means. A transmission intensity change processing unit that changes the transmission intensity of the response-permitted advertisement signal from the unit can be employed.

  According to such a configuration, a response-allowed advertisement signal including information to be distributed is transmitted according to the reception mode of the scan request signal that can represent a situation in which the distributed information is actually received by the communication terminal device. Strength can be changed. Therefore, for example, in the reception mode of the scan request signal that the scan request signal is not received, that is, in the situation where there is no communication terminal device that receives the response-permitted advertisement signal including the information to be distributed, the response permission The transmission intensity of the type advertisement signal is relatively low, and conversely, the scan request signal is received at least once, that is, the response acceptable type including the information to be distributed In a situation where there is a communication terminal device that receives an advertisement signal, the transmission intensity of the response-allowed advertisement signal is relatively high. Accordingly, it is possible to perform distribution so that information can be received more reliably by the communication terminal device while saving power necessary for broadcast transmission of the response-permitted advertisement signal.

  According to the present invention, the reception mode of the scan request signal in response to the response-allowed advertisement signal broadcasted according to a certain rule can represent the situation in which the distributed information is actually received by the communication terminal device. According to the reception mode, it is possible to determine a situation in which the distributed information is received by the communication terminal device.

It is a figure which shows the fundamental structure of the information delivery system with which the information delivery apparatus (beacon apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a beacon apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a portable communication terminal (smart phone). It is a figure which shows the advertisement signal which can be transmitted from a beacon apparatus as a list. Timing chart showing the procedure for sending and receiving ADV_IND signal (response-allowed advertisement signal), SCAN_REQ (scan request) signal, and SCAN_RSP (scan response signal) in the advertising of short-range wireless communication according to the Bluetooth Low Energy standard It is. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the signal transmitted / received by advertisement. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the payload of an ADV_SCAN_IND signal. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the payload of a SCAN_REQ signal. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the payload of a SCAN_RSP signal. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which concerns on the 1st control of the transmission period of an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). It is a timing chart which shows an example of the transmission condition of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) in which a transmission period is controlled according to the procedure shown in FIG. It is a timing chart which shows another example of the transmission condition of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) whose transmission cycle is controlled according to the procedure shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which concerns on transmission switching of an advertisement signal. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the transmission condition of the advertisement signal switched according to the procedure shown in FIG. It is a timing chart which shows another example of the transmission condition of the advertisement signal controlled by switching according to the procedure shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which concerns on the 2nd control of the transmission period of an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process for registering the transmission source address of the SCAN_REQ signal in response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) in the list. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which concerns on the 3rd control of the transmission period of an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). It is a timing chart which shows an example of the transmission condition of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) by which a transmission period is controlled according to the procedure shown in FIG. 15 using the list | wrist which registered the transmission source address according to the procedure shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which performs on / off control of an external apparatus according to the reception mode in the beacon apparatus of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) in response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing on / off timing of an external device controlled according to the procedure shown in FIG. 18 and a transmission / reception state of an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) and a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) corresponding thereto. FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which performs on / off control of an external sensor and control of the information included in an advertisement signal according to the reception mode in the beacon device of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) in response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) It is.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  An information distribution system to which an information distribution apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied is configured as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, this information distribution system is a beacon system. Basically, for example, a beacon device 10 (information distribution device) installed at a predetermined place in a facility and beacon information broadcast from the beacon device 10. It is comprised from the portable communication terminal 20 (communication terminal device: For example, a smart phone) which can receive (distribution information). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the beacon device 10 includes a control unit 11 including a CPU, a BLE communication unit 12, and a storage unit 13. Under the control of the control unit 11, the BLE communication unit 12 performs short-range wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard. The BLE communication unit 12 on the beacon device 10 side functions as a peripheral device (slave device), and broadcasts beacon information in advertising. The storage unit 13 stores information necessary for processing in the control unit 13, information obtained as a result of the processing, and the like.

  The portable communication terminal 20 is configured as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In FIG. 3, the mobile communication terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a mobile communication unit 22, a wireless LAN communication unit 23, a BLE communication unit 24, a display unit 25, an operation unit 26, and a storage unit 27 configured by a CPU or the like. Have. The control unit 21 executes a program (including an application) stored in the storage unit 27, and controls operation of each of the mobile communication unit 22, the wireless LAN communication unit 23, and the BLE communication unit 24 in accordance with an operation on the operation unit 26. I do. In addition to the program executed by the control unit 21, the storage unit 27 stores various information used for processing in the control unit 21, various information obtained by processing in the control unit 21, and the like. The display unit 25 displays various information under the control of the control unit 21. Under the control of the control unit 21, the mobile communication unit 22 transmits / receives voice and data to / from other communication terminals (telephone communication terminals, etc.) via the mobile communication network, and various information devices (PC, Data communication with a server). The wireless LAN communication unit 23 performs data communication with various information devices via the wireless LAN under the control of the control unit 21. The BLE communication unit 24 performs short-range wireless communication with other BLE devices under the control of the control unit 21 in accordance with the BLE standard. The BLE communication unit 24 on the mobile communication terminal 20 side particularly functions as a central device (master device) and can receive distribution data (beacon information) broadcast in the advertising from the beacon device 10.

  As stipulated in the BLE standard, the beacon device 10 can broadcast the advertisement signal shown in FIG. 4 in advertising to the central device. In the advertisement signal, a response-permitted advertisement signal of a type that allows a response to the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ), specifically, a response that does not allow a response of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) and ADV_IND and ADV_SCAN_IND There are two types of non-permitted advertisement signals, specifically ADV_DIRECT_IND and ADV_NONCONN_IND. As shown in FIG. 5, when the beacon device 10 (BLE communication unit 12: see FIG. 2) broadcasts a response-permitted advertisement signal, for example, ADV_IND, the beacon device 10 exists in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10 and the ADV_IND The mobile communication terminal 20 (BLE communication unit 24: see FIG. 3) that has received the message transmits a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) to the beacon device 10. The beacon device 10 (BLE communication unit 12) that has received the scan request signal further transmits a scan response signal (SCAN_RSP) to the mobile communication terminal 20.

  Note that when the beacon device 10 broadcasts a response non-permitted advertisement signal, for example, ADV_NONCONN_IND, the mobile communication terminal 20 does not receive the response non-permitted advertisement signal, but the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ), etc. Is not transmitted to the beacon device 10.

  Each signal that can be transmitted by the advertisement includes, for example, a header and a payload as shown in FIG. The header includes PUD type information (for example, 4 bits) indicating whether the signal is ADV_IND, ADV_DIRECT_IND, ADV_NONCONN_IND, SCAN_REQ, SCAN_RSP, CONNECT_REQ, or ADV_SCAN_IND. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, the payload, for example, the payload of ADV_SCAN_IND (response allowable advertisement signal) includes the address of the beacon device 10 that is the transmission source and the distribution data, and the scan request signal ( As shown in FIG. 7B, the payload of (SCAN_REQ) includes the address of the mobile communication terminal 20 that is the transmission source and the address of the beacon device 10 that is the destination. The payload of the scan response signal (SCAN_RSP) transmitted from the beacon device 10 to the mobile communication terminal 20 in response to the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from the mobile communication terminal 20 is shown in FIG. 7C. As described above, the address of the beacon device 10 that is the transmission source and the distribution data are included.

  As described above, when broadcasting a response-allowed advertisement signal (for example, ADV_SCAN_IND) in advertisement, the beacon device 10 transmits the response-allowed advertisement signal (see FIG. 7A) and the scan response signal (SCAN_RSP: see FIG. 7C). ) Can distribute information (distributed data) to the mobile communication terminal 20.

  In the information distribution system as described above, the beacon device 10 (control unit 11) switches the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), that is, the transmission cycle of the distribution data according to the procedure shown in FIG. Control).

  In FIG. 8, the control unit 11 sends a response-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND: see FIG. 7A) including the address of the beacon device 10 and delivery data for 5 seconds (s ) Broadcast transmission at a period (second frequency) (S11: Advertisement signal transmission control means). As a result, an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 at a cycle of 5 seconds. In this state, the control unit 11 repeatedly determines whether or not the BLE communication unit 11 receives a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) that is a response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) (S12: response reception mode determination unit). .

  Here, the portable communication terminal 20 in a state where the BLE communication unit 24 functions effectively (active scan state) enters the BLE communication possible area of the beacon device 10, and the portable communication terminal 20 (BLE communication) When the unit 24) receives an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) broadcast from the beacon device 10, the mobile communication terminal 20 sends a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ: see FIG. 7B) as a response to the beacon device 10 (beacon device). 10 address). Furthermore, the mobile communication terminal 20 can use distribution data included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND).

  In the beacon device 10 that broadcasts the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) at a cycle of 5 seconds, the control unit 11 receives the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) that is a response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) by the BLE communication unit 12. In other words, if it is determined as a reception mode that the BLE communication unit 12 has received the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) once (YES in S12), a scan response including additional distribution data is determined. A signal (SCAN_RSP: refer to FIG. 7C) is transmitted from the BLE communication unit 12 to the mobile communication terminal 20 (address of the mobile communication terminal 20).

  The mobile communication terminal 20 that has received the scan response signal (SCAN_RSP) from the beacon device 10 can also use additional distribution data included therein.

  Then, the control unit 11 changes the transmission period of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the delivery data to a period of 100 milliseconds (ms) where the transmission frequency becomes higher, and sends the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) from the BLE communication unit 12. Broadcast transmission is performed at a cycle of 100 milliseconds (S13: transmission frequency increase processing means: first transmission frequency change means: processing means). By such processing of the control unit 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the beacon device 10 broadcasts an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data at a cycle of 5 seconds. When the reception of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is determined as a reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ), the advertisement including the distribution data at a cycle of 100 milliseconds, which is a higher transmission frequency. A signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted.

  Thereafter, in the beacon device 10 that broadcasts the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) at a cycle of 100 milliseconds (first frequency), the control unit 11 starts a 10 minute (min) timer (S14), It is determined whether or not the request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received by the BLE communication unit 12 (S15: response reception mode determination means). When it is determined that the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has not been received (NO in S15), the control unit 11 determines whether the 10-minute timer has expired (S16), and if it has not expired (S16). It is determined again whether or not a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received (NO in S16) (S15). In this way, the control unit 11 repeatedly determines whether or not the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received (S15) while checking whether or not the 10-minute timer has expired (S16). In the process, if it is determined that the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received (YES in S15), the control unit 11 restarts the 10-minute timer (S17). Thereafter, the control unit 11 repeats the determination (S15) as to whether or not the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received by the BLE communication unit 12 while confirming the time-up of the 10-minute timer (S16). Do. Each time the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received (YES in S15), the control unit 11 restarts the 10-minute timer (S17).

  In the above process, if the 10-minute timer expires without receiving the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ), that is, the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not continuously generated for 10 minutes. When it is determined as the reception mode of the signal (SCAN_REQ) (YES in S16), the control unit 11 changes the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data to a 5-second cycle in which the transmission frequency is lower, The advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted from the BLE communication unit 12 at a cycle of 5 seconds (S11: transmission frequency reduction processing means: first transmission frequency change processing means: processing means). By such processing of the control unit 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the beacon device 10 performs a scan request in a state where an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is broadcasted at a cycle of 100 milliseconds. If it is determined as a reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) that the reception of the signal (SCAN_REQ) signal has not continued for 10 minutes, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data at a cycle of 5 seconds with a lower transmission frequency. ) Will be broadcast.

  Thereafter, as described above, the control unit 11 indicates that the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received by the BLE communication unit 12 (a reception mode in which there is one reception, and no reception for 10 minutes). According to the reception mode: S12, S16), the transmission period (frequency) for broadcasting the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) from the BLE communication unit 12 is 100 milliseconds (high frequency) and 5 seconds (low frequency). (S13, S11).

  Receiving the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) in response to the broadcast advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) means that the mobile communication terminal 20 that has received the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data exists. Therefore, when the transmission request of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is switched by the control unit 11 as described above, the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not received by the BLE communication unit 12 continuously for 10 minutes, that is, In the situation where there is no portable communication terminal 20 that receives the distribution data included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) continuously for 10 minutes, the transmission period of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) becomes a low transmission frequency of 5 seconds. If the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received even once, that is, in the situation where there is the mobile communication terminal 20 that receives the distribution data included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) The transmission period of 100 milliseconds is a high transmission frequency. As a result, it is possible to distribute information more efficiently while saving as much power as possible to broadcast the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND).

  In the above-described example, the reception cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is switched to a high transmission frequency of 100 milliseconds by receiving the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) once, and the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) ) Has not been received for 10 minutes, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) transmission cycle has been switched to a low transmission frequency of 5 seconds, but a scan request to switch the transmission cycle (transmission frequency) The condition of the reception mode of the signal (SCAN_REQ) is not limited to this and can be variously determined. In addition, the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) to be switched is not limited to the 100 millisecond cycle and the 5-second cycle described above, and power saving necessary for broadcast transmission of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), information distribution efficiency, etc. Can be determined in various ways.

  Instead of the procedure shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 11 can perform a process related to the transmission switching of the advertisement signal according to the procedure shown in FIG. 11.

  In FIG. 11, the control unit 11 broadcasts a response-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) from the BLE communication unit 12 at a cycle of 5 seconds (S21: Advertisement signal transmission control means), as in the above example. Then, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) as a response has been received by the BLE communication unit 12 (S22: response reception mode determination means). Here, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received (YES in S22), that is, the mobile phone that has received the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data broadcast from the beacon device 10 (BLE communication unit 12). When the communication terminal 20 is present, the control unit 11 replaces the response-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) with the distribution data and does not allow the response of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ). Type advertisement signal, for example, an advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 at a cycle of 100 milliseconds, which is a transmission frequency higher than the 5-second period (S23: Advertisement signal change processing means / transmission frequency change) Processing means). The structure of the payload of the advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is basically the same as that of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) (see FIG. 7A).

  By such processing of the control unit 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the beacon device 10 broadcasts an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data at a cycle of 5 seconds. When it is determined that the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received once as the reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ), the distribution data is replaced with the response-allowed advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). A response non-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is broadcast and transmitted at a cycle of 100 milliseconds, which is a higher transmission frequency.

  After that, in such a situation where the response non-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 at a cycle of 100 milliseconds, the control unit 11 starts a 10-minute timer (S24). It is repeatedly determined whether or not the 10-minute timer has expired (S25). When the 10-minute timer expires (YES in S25), the control unit 11 returns from the response non-permissible advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) to the response permissible advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) and includes this distribution data. The advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted from the BLE communication unit 12 at a 5-second cycle with the original low transmission frequency (S21: Advertisement signal return processing means / transmission frequency return processing means).

  By such processing of the control unit 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the beacon device 10 continuously generates a response non-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) including distribution data for 10 minutes and becomes a high transmission frequency 100. When broadcast transmission is performed in a millisecond cycle, the response-unallowed advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is automatically returned to the response-allowed advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), and the response-allowed advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is automatically returned. ) Is broadcasted at a 5-second period, which is a lower transmission frequency.

  Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, the control unit 11 broadcasts the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data to the BLE communication unit 12 in a 5-second cycle with a low transmission frequency (S21), and then the BLE communication unit. 12, every time a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received, the advertisement signal including distribution data is changed from the response-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) to the response non-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND). (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 over a period of 10 minutes at a high transmission frequency of 100 milliseconds (S23 to S25).

  According to the advertisement signal switching control process used for distribution of distribution data by the control unit 11 as described above, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is repeatedly broadcasted at a 5-second cycle, which is a low transmission frequency. In the state, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received by the BLE communication unit 12 once and the presence of the mobile communication terminal 20 that receives the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is confirmed, the advertisement that is an allowable response type is used. Instead of the signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), a response non-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_INN) including distribution data is broadcasted. Therefore, when it is determined that the mobile communication terminal 20 that receives the distribution data exists, the response non-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is not waited for the response of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ). The distribution data can be efficiently distributed using. Further, power saving can be achieved by eliminating the waiting operation and the receiving operation of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ).

  In addition, as described above, when it is determined that the mobile communication terminal 20 that receives the distribution data exists, the response non-permitted advertising signal is used instead of the response permissible advertising signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is used to distribute the distribution data, and the response non-response type advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is higher than the broadcast transmission frequency (5-second cycle) of the response-allowed type advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). Since the broadcast is transmitted at the transmission cycle (100 millisecond cycle), distribution data can be distributed more efficiently.

  Then, instead of continuing to send a response non-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) indefinitely, if the advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) is broadcast continuously for 10 minutes, the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is automatically sent. Is returned to the response-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) that can be confirmed by the mobile communication terminal 20 and the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted, so that the distribution data is actually received by the mobile communication terminal 20. It is possible to prevent the distribution data from being continuously distributed in a situation where it is not known.

  Note that the condition of the reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) for switching the advertisement signal is not limited to this, and can be determined variously. The transmission period of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) to be switched is also described above. The period is not limited to the 100 millisecond period and the 5-second period, and can be variously determined in consideration of the efficiency of information distribution. Also, the time until the advertisement signal to be broadcasted is automatically returned from the response non-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND) to the response-permitted advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is not limited to 10 minutes and is set as appropriate. be able to.

  In the above example, the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND or ADV_NONCONN_IND) is switched according to the reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) (one reception, not continuously received for 10 minutes). However, the transmission cycle may not be switched between the transmission of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_INND) and the transmission of the advertisement signal (ADV_NONCONN_IND).

  The beacon device 10 (control unit 11) can perform switching control (second control) of the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), that is, the transmission cycle of the distribution data, for example, according to the procedure shown in FIG. In this example, the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is switched and controlled in accordance with the other party (mobile communication terminal) that receives the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data.

  In the beacon device 10, for example, a list in which addresses (identification information) for specifying the mobile communication terminal 20 of a user who always wants to obtain distribution data is registered is stored in the storage unit 13 (see FIG. 2).

  In FIG. 14, the control unit 11 broadcasts an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data from the BLE communication unit 12 at a 5-second period, which is a low transmission frequency (S 31), and a scan request that is a response thereto. It is repeatedly determined whether or not the signal (SCAN_REQ) is received by the BLE communication unit 12 (S32) (S32). Here, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received (YES in S32), that is, the mobile communication that has received the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data broadcast from the beacon device (BLE communication unit 12). If the terminal device 20 is present, the control unit 11 further includes the mobile communication terminal device 20 that is the source of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) included in the received scan request signal (SCAN_REQ: see FIG. 7B). It is determined whether the address (identification information) is registered in the list stored in the storage unit 13 (S33). If not registered (NO in S33), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received while maintaining the broadcast transmission of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) in a 5-second cycle. (S32).

  As described above, when the source address of the received scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not registered in the list (NO in S33), the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data has a cycle of 5 seconds. The broadcast transmission of is maintained. In this state, if the source address of the received scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is registered in the list (YES in S33: response transmission source determination means), that is, registered in the list In a situation where an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is received by the mobile communication terminal 20 specified by the address, the control unit 11 determines the transmission frequency of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data. Is changed to a higher 100 msec cycle, and the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 at a cycle of 100 msec (S34: second transmission frequency change processing means).

  Then, the control unit 11 starts a 10-minute timer (S35), and determines that a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received from the mobile communication terminal 20 specified by the address registered in the list (S36). At 10), the 10-minute timer is restarted (S37), and the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 at a high transmission frequency of 100 milliseconds. . Here, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from the mobile communication terminal 20 specified by the address registered in the list is not received (NO in S36) continues for 10 minutes (NO in S38), that is, When the distribution data is not continuously received for 10 minutes by the mobile communication terminal 20 specified by the address registered in the list, the control unit 11 sends an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND including the distribution data). ) Is changed to a 5-second period with a lower transmission frequency, and the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted at a 5-second period from the BLE communication unit 12 (S31: second transmission frequency change processing means).

  Thereafter, similarly, when a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) signal is received from the mobile communication terminal 20 specified by the address registered in the list (S32 YES, S33 YES), the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is increased. A mobile communication terminal that is broadcasted at a transmission frequency of 100 milliseconds (S34), and that is specified by an address registered in the list in a situation where the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted at a period of 100 milliseconds In a situation where the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not received continuously for 20 to 10 minutes (S35 to S38), the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted at a low transmission frequency of 5 seconds.

  The mobile communication terminal of the user who wants to always obtain distribution data, for example, specified by the address registered in the list by the control process of switching the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) by the control unit 11 as described above When the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from 20 is received by the BLE communication unit 12, that is, the mobile communication terminal 20 of the user who desires to obtain the distribution data receives the distribution data. In this situation, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data is broadcasted at a high transmission frequency of 100 milliseconds. On the other hand, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from the mobile communication terminal specified by the address not registered in the list is received by the BLE communication unit 12, or the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not received at all. If not, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data is broadcasted at a low transmission frequency of 5 seconds.

  Therefore, when there is a mobile communication terminal 20 of a user who always wants to obtain distribution data in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10, the frequency of sending the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) becomes high (for example, , 100 milliseconds cycle), the distribution data included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) can be received by the mobile communication terminal 20 more reliably. On the other hand, in the BLE communication possible area of the beacon device 10, when there is a portable communication terminal 20 of a user who is not sure whether or not it is desired to obtain distribution data, or there is no portable communication terminal 20 at all. Then, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcast and transmitted at a low transmission frequency of 5 seconds with reduced power consumption. As a result, it is possible to distribute information more efficiently while saving power.

  In the beacon device 10, for example, an address for specifying a mobile communication terminal that stays abnormally long in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10 and receives an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) broadcasted for an abnormally long time. The registered list can be stored in the storage unit 13. The address of such a portable communication terminal is registered in the list according to the procedure shown in FIG. 15, for example.

  In FIG. 15, the control unit 11 uses the same address for the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) in a state where an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is broadcasted with a relatively high transmission frequency of 100 milliseconds, for example. Determine whether or not the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ), which is a response from the mobile communication terminal specified by (for example, AA: BB: CC), is received at a frequency of at least once in 10 seconds, for example. (S41). If the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not received at such a frequency (NO in S41), the control unit 11 resets the timer for one hour (S42) and again scans from the same mobile communication terminal. It is determined whether a request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received at the frequency (S41).

  In this way, the control unit 11 confirms that the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from the same portable communication terminal is not received at a frequency of once or more in 10 seconds (NO in S41), and the 1 hour timer Is repeatedly reset (S42). In the process, when a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from the same portable communication terminal is received at a frequency of one or more times in 10 seconds (YES in S41), the control unit 11 passes the one-hour timer. The time is counted up, for example, 10 seconds (S43), and it is determined whether or not the one-hour timer has timed out (S44). Thereafter, in a situation where the one-hour timer does not time out, every time a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received from the same portable communication terminal at a frequency of one or more in 10 seconds (YES in S41), the control unit 11 1 hour timer is counted up by the elapsed time (S43). On the other hand, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from the same mobile terminal cannot be received at a frequency of 1 or more in 10 seconds (NO in S41), the 1 hour timer Is reset (S42). In the above process, when the one-hour timer expires (YES in S44), the control unit 11 specifies an address (identification information) that identifies the mobile communication terminal that is the transmission source of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ). ) Is registered in the list stored in the storage unit 13 (S45).

  As described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the beacon device 10 stays abnormally long in the BLE communicable region of the beacon device 10, for example, stays continuously for 1 hour, and the beacon device 10 in a cycle of 100 milliseconds. An address (for example, AA: BB: CC: identification information) that identifies the mobile communication terminal that receives the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) broadcast from the mobile station and continues to transmit the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) in response thereto Registered in the list.

  Using the list in which the address of the mobile communication terminal is registered as described above, the control unit 11 transmits the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), that is, the transmission period of the distribution data, for example, according to the procedure shown in FIG. Switching control (third control) can be performed. In this example as well, as in the control of the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) according to the procedure shown in FIG. 14, according to the partner (mobile communication terminal) that receives the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data, The transmission period of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is switched and controlled.

  In the procedure shown in FIG. 14 described above, when a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received, an address that identifies the mobile communication terminal that is the transmission source of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is registered in the list. In this case, the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data is switched to a high transmission frequency cycle (for example, a cycle of 100 milliseconds). However, in the procedure shown in FIG. When the address specifying the mobile communication terminal that is the transmission source of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not registered in the list when the SCAN_REQ) is received, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data The transmission cycle is switched to a high transmission frequency cycle (for example, a cycle of 100 milliseconds).

  In FIG. 16, in the same manner as the procedure shown in FIG. 14, in the state where the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is broadcasted at a low transmission frequency of 5 seconds in the BLE communication unit 12 (S31), 11, when a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received as a response (YES in S32), an address for identifying the mobile communication terminal 20 that is the transmission source of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is registered in the list. It is determined whether or not (S33a). If the address of the transmission source mobile terminal communication device 20 is not registered in the list (NO in S33a), the control unit 11 sends an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data, similarly to the procedure shown in FIG. The BLE communication unit 12 broadcasts the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) at a cycle of 100 milliseconds (S34: second transmission frequency change processing means).

  Then, the control unit 11 starts a 10 minute timer (S35), and continuously receives a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from the mobile communication terminal 20 in which it is determined that the address is not registered in the list. In such a situation, an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is kept broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 at a high transmission frequency of 100 milliseconds (S36, S37, S38). On the other hand, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) from the mobile communication terminal 20 that has been determined not to be registered in the list is not received (NO in S36) for 10 minutes (NO in S), The control unit 11 changes the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data to a 5-second cycle with a lower transmission frequency, and broadcasts the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) from the BLE communication unit 12 at a 5-second cycle. (S31: Second transmission frequency change processing means).

  Then, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) received by the BLE communication unit 11 is received (YES in S32), if an address specifying the transmission source mobile communication terminal is registered in the list ( The control unit 11 maintains a state where the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data is broadcasted at a low transmission frequency of 5 seconds, in S33a.

  As described above, according to the transmission cycle switching control of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data according to the procedure shown in FIG. 16, the address of the mobile communication terminal 20 that is the transmission source of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) Is not registered in the list, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted at a high transmission frequency of 100 milliseconds. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, when the address (for example, AA: BB: CC) of the mobile communication terminal 20 that is the transmission source of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is registered in the list, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND ) Is broadcasted in a 5-second cycle with a low transmission frequency.

  The address registered in the list is a mobile communication terminal that stays in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10 for an abnormally long time and receives an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) broadcasted for an abnormally long time. I have identified. That is, it can be considered that the mobile communication terminal specified by the address registered in the list does not stay in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10 in order to receive the original distribution data. Therefore, according to the switching control of the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the distribution data according to the procedure shown in FIG. 16, the mobile communication terminal that receives the distribution data stays in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10 Even if the mobile communication terminal is in the state, the address of the mobile communication terminal is registered in the list, and the mobile communication terminal stays in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10 in order to receive the original distribution data. If not, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is broadcasted at a low transmission frequency of 5 seconds instead of a high transmission frequency. As a result, waste of power consumption related to broadcast transmission of the advertise signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) can be suppressed as much as possible.

  The control unit 11 of the beacon device 10 can perform on / off control of external devices such as illumination lamps and sensors according to the procedure shown in FIG. In this case, an area affected by the operation of the external device (for example, an illumination area, a sensor sensing area, etc.) and the beacon device 10 capable of BLE communication overlap.

  In FIG. 18, when the external device is in an off state (S51), the control unit 11 causes the BLE communication unit 12 to broadcast an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) at a predetermined cycle, for example, a cycle of 100 milliseconds (S52). In this way, in a state where the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is repeatedly broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 at a cycle of 100 milliseconds, the control unit 11 scans the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) as a response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). ) Is repeatedly determined by the BLE communication unit 12 (S53). The beacon device 10 enters the BLE communicable area and is transmitted from the portable communication terminal 20 that has received the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) broadcast from the beacon device 10 (BLE communication unit 12). When it is determined that the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received by the BLE communication unit 12 as a reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) (YES in S53), the control unit 11 turns on the external device. (S54: Operation control means).

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 starts a one-minute timer (S55), and determines whether or not a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received (S56). If it is determined that one scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received as a reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) (YES in S56), that is, within the BLE communication area of the beacon device 10. If the mobile communication terminal device 20 is present, the control unit 11 restarts the one minute timer (S57). Then, while the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received (YES in S56), the 1-minute timer is repeatedly restarted (S57). As described above, the external device is maintained in the on state while the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received, that is, in the state where the mobile communication terminal device 20 exists in the BLE communication area of the beacon device 10. Is done. On the other hand, if the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not received by the BLE communication unit 12 (NO in S56) continues for one minute (YES in S58), the control unit 11 turns off the external device (S51: operation control). means). Thereafter, the control unit 11 performs on / off operation control of the external device according to the same procedure as described above.

  By the on / off operation control of the external device as described above, as shown in FIG. 19, the mobile communication terminal 20 exists in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10 and is broadcasted at a cycle of 100 mm. When the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received in response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), the external device is turned on. On the other hand, the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) in response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) broadcasted at a cycle of 100 milliseconds is not continuously received for one minute, that is, mobile communication is performed within the BLE communication area of the beacon device 10. When the state where the terminal device 20 does not exist continues for one minute, the external device is turned off.

  According to the on / off operation control of an external device such as an illumination lamp or a sensor as described above, if there is a person who possesses the mobile communication terminal device 20 in a region affected by the operation of the external device, If the external device is turned on and there is no person possessing the mobile communication terminal device in such a region, the external device is turned off. Therefore, power saving of the external device can be achieved.

  The control unit 11 of the beacon device 10 can perform on / off operation control of the external sensor and distribution control of the detection value by the external sensor according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 20, in a state where the power of the external sensor is turned off (S61), the control unit 11 causes the BLE communication unit 12 to broadcast the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) at a predetermined cycle, for example, a cycle of 100 milliseconds (S62). ). In this way, in a state where the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is repeatedly broadcast from the BLE communication unit 12 at a cycle of 100 milliseconds, the control unit 11 scans the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) as a response to the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND). ) Is repeatedly determined by the BLE communication unit 12 (S63). The beacon device 10 enters the BLE communicable area and is transmitted from the portable communication terminal 20 that has received the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) broadcast from the beacon device 10 (BLE communication unit 12). When it is determined that the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received by the BLE communication unit 12 as a reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) (YES in S53), the control unit 11 determines the power of the external sensor. Turn on (S64: operation control means).

  Then, the control unit 11 acquires a value (hereinafter referred to as a detection value) represented by a detection signal output from the external sensor (S65), and uses the detection value as a payload of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) (see FIGS. 6 and 7A). ) At a predetermined position (S66). As a result, the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including the detection value output from the external sensor as distribution data is repeatedly broadcasted in the 100 millisecond period. And the portable communication terminal 20 which exists in the BLE communication possible area of the beacon device 10 and receives the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) can use the detection value.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received (S67). Here, if it is determined that one scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) has been received as the reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) (YES in S67), that is, within the BLE communication possible area of the beacon device 10. If the mobile communication terminal device 20 exists, the control unit 11 restarts the one minute timer (S68). While the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is being received (YES in S56), the one-minute timer is restarted (S68), the detection value is acquired from the external sensor (S65), and the detection value advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) ) Is repeatedly executed (S66). As a result, the detection value included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) broadcasted with a period of 100 milliseconds is updated. On the other hand, if the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not received by the BLE communication unit 12 (NO in S56) continues for 1 minute (YES in S69), the control unit 11 turns off the power of the external sensor (S61: Operation control means). Thereafter, according to the same procedure as described above, the control unit 11 performs on / off operation control of the power of the external sensor and updates the detection value included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND).

  According to the on / off control of the power of the external sensor as described above, the power of the external sensor is turned on in the situation where the mobile communication terminal 20 is present in the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10. A detection value based on the detection signal of the sensor is included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) and distributed to the mobile communication terminal device 20. On the other hand, in the situation where the mobile communication terminal 20 does not exist within the BLE communicable area of the beacon device 10, the power of the external sensor is turned off and a detection value advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) based on the detection signal of the external sensor is used. Delivery is not performed. Therefore, power saving of the external sensor can be achieved, and the detection value based on the detection signal of the external sensor can be efficiently distributed.

  In each example described above, some processing is performed according to the reception mode of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), but the present invention is not limited to this. Information representing the reception mode may be simply presented, or may be provided to a host device such as a server via a predetermined communication network. Based on this reception mode, it is possible to determine the situation in which the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND), that is, the distribution data included therein is received by the mobile communication terminal 20.

  In addition, the manner in which the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received by the BLE communication unit 12 is not limited to that described above.

  For example, the control unit 11 determines a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) received by the BLE communication unit 12 as a reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) (RSSI) (SCAN_REQ) ( Reception intensity determination means). The reception intensity of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) can correspond to the distance from the beacon device 10 of the mobile communication terminal 20 that transmits the scan request signal. Therefore, from the reception strength (reception form), it can be confirmed how far the distribution data is received from the beacon device 10 by the portable communication terminal. The control unit 11 may perform processing such as changing the content of distribution data to be included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) or changing the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) according to the reception strength (reception mode). Yes (processing means).

  The control unit 11 can determine, for example, the number of times that the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received by the BLE communication unit 12 as the reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) (response number determination means). . In this case, according to the number of times (the number of times of reception), it is possible to confirm how much of the distribution data distributed from the beacon device 10 is received by the mobile communication terminal. The control unit 11 can perform processing such as changing the transmission cycle of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) in accordance with the number of scan request signals (SCAN_REQ) (reception mode) (processing means).

  The control unit 11 includes the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) received by the BLE communication unit 12 according to the reception intensity of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) described above, or included in the scan request signal described above. The content of the distribution data to be included in the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) can be changed (distribution information changing means) according to whether or not the scan request signal is received from the communication terminal device specified by the identification information. .

  Further, the control unit 11 changes the transmission intensity of the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) according to, for example, the reception mode of the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ), for example, whether or not the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received (transmission). Strength change processing means). For example, when the scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is not received by the BLE communication unit 12, that is, when there is no mobile communication terminal 20 that receives the advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data, the control unit 11 A signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) is broadcasted at a relatively low transmission strength, and a scan request signal (SCAN_REQ) is received at least once by the BLE communication unit 12, that is, an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) including distribution data is transmitted. When there is a mobile communication terminal 20 to receive, the control unit 11 broadcasts an advertisement signal (ADV_SCAN_IND) with a relatively high transmission intensity. According to such control, distribution data can be reliably distributed to the mobile communication terminal 20 while saving power.

  As described above, the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention has an effect that it is possible to determine a situation in which distributed information is received by a communication terminal device, and is based on short-range wireless communication according to the BLE standard. It is useful as an information distribution device that distributes information to communication terminal devices.

10 Beacon device (information distribution device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Control unit 12 Communication unit 13 Storage unit 20 Portable communication terminal (communication terminal device: smart phone)
21 Control Unit 22 Mobile Communication Unit 23 Wireless LAN Communication Unit 24 BLE Communication Unit 25 Display Unit 26 Operation Unit 27 Storage Unit

Claims (17)

An information distribution device that distributes information to a communication terminal device by a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth Low Energy standard,
An advertisement signal transmission control means for controlling the communication unit to broadcast and transmit a response-permitted advertisement signal of a type that includes information to be distributed and allows a response of a scan request signal according to a certain rule;
Response reception mode determination means for determining a reception mode at the communication unit of the scan request signal in response to the response-allowed advertisement signal transmitted from the communication unit under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control unit. Distribution device.   The information distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit that executes processing according to a reception mode of the scan request signal obtained as a determination result by the response reception mode determination unit.   The processing means is the response-permitted advertisement from the communication unit under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means according to the reception mode of the scan request signal obtained as a determination result in the response reception mode determination unit. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a first transmission frequency change processing unit that performs a process of changing the frequency of signal broadcast transmission.   The first transmission frequency change processing means determines the response reception mode in a state where the response-allowed advertisement signal is repeatedly broadcast from the communication unit at the first frequency under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means. When the means determines that the reception of the scan request signal by the communication unit does not continue for a predetermined time as the reception mode, the control of the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control means is performed at the first frequency. 4. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a transmission frequency reduction processing means for changing so that the response-allowed advertisement signal is repeatedly broadcasted at a lower frequency.   The first transmission frequency change processing means does not receive the scan request signal in the communication unit, and the response-permitted advertisement signal is transmitted from the communication unit to the second frequency under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means. When the response reception mode determination means determines that the scan request signal has been received at least once by the communication unit as the reception mode in the state where the broadcast is repeatedly transmitted, the advertisement signal transmission control 5. The information distribution according to claim 3, further comprising a transmission frequency increase processing means for changing the control of the communication unit by means so as to repeatedly broadcast the response-allowed advertisement signal at a frequency higher than the second frequency. apparatus.   The response reception mode determination unit includes a reception strength determination unit that determines a reception strength of a scan request signal received by the communication unit as a reception mode of the scan request signal by the communication unit. Or the information delivery apparatus of 2.   The response reception mode determination unit is configured to determine that the scan request signal is received from the communication terminal device specified by the identification information included in the scan request signal received by the communication unit. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a response transmission source determination unit that determines a reception mode of the communication unit.   The response reception mode determination unit includes a response number determination unit that determines the number of times the reception unit receives a scan request signal as a reception mode of the scan request signal in the communication unit. The information distribution apparatus described.   The processing means does not receive the scan request signal at the communication unit, and the response-permitted advertisement signal is broadcast from the communication unit at a predetermined frequency under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means. If the response reception mode determination unit determines that the scan request signal has been received at least once by the communication unit as the reception mode, the advertisement signal transmission control unit controls the communication unit. 3. An information distribution apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an advertisement signal change processing means for changing so as to broadcast a response non-permitted advertisement signal of a type that includes information to be distributed and does not permit a response of a scan request signal.   The processing means broadcasts the response non-permissible advertisement signal at a frequency higher than the predetermined frequency of broadcast transmission of the response-permitted advertisement signal, by controlling the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control means. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a transmission frequency change processing means for changing.   When broadcast transmission of the response non-permissible advertisement signal from the communication unit is continued for a predetermined amount, the control of the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control means is performed so as to broadcast the response allowable advertisement signal. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an advertisement signal return processing means for returning.   When the broadcast transmission of the response non-permissible advertisement signal from the communication unit continues for a predetermined amount, the control of the communication unit by the advertisement signal transmission control means is performed, and the response allowable advertisement signal is broadcast at the predetermined frequency. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a transmission frequency return processing unit for returning.   The processing means transmits the broadcast from the communication unit under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means according to the reception mode of the scan request signal in the communication unit obtained as a determination result in the response reception mode determination means. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising distribution information change processing means for executing a process of changing the content of the information to be distributed included in the response-allowed advertisement signal. The response reception mode determination unit is configured to determine that the scan request signal is received from the communication terminal device specified by the identification information included in the scan request signal received by the communication unit. As a reception mode in the communication unit, it has a response transmission source determination means for determining,
The processing means is obtained as a result of determination of the reception mode of the scan request signal by the response transmission source determination means, according to identification information for identifying a communication terminal device included in the scan request signal, 3. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising second transmission frequency change processing means for performing processing for changing the frequency of broadcast transmission of the response-permitted advertisement signal from the communication unit under the control of an advertisement signal transmission control means. A storage unit for storing a list in which identification information for specifying the communication terminal device is registered in advance;
The second transmission frequency change processing unit is an identification for identifying a communication terminal device included in the scan request signal, obtained as a determination result of the scan request signal reception form by the response transmission source determination unit. The information according to claim 14, further comprising means for performing a process of changing a frequency of broadcast transmission of the response-permitted advertisement signal from the communication unit according to whether information is registered in a list stored in the storage unit. Distribution device.   The information distribution according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit includes an operation control unit that performs operation control of an external device according to a reception mode of the scan request signal obtained as a determination result by the response reception mode determination unit. apparatus.   The processing means is the response-permitted advertisement signal from the communication unit under the control of the advertisement signal transmission control means according to the reception mode of the scan request signal obtained as a result of determination by the response reception determination means. The information distribution apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a transmission intensity change processing unit that changes a transmission intensity of a message.

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