JP2017116389A - Portable communication terminal and method for detecting position of portable communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable communication terminal in which positioning accuracy using reception signal intensity is improved.SOLUTION: Processes implemented by the portable communication terminal includes a step (S1010) for receiving each signal transmitted from each beacon and acquiring beacon information contained in the received beacon signal; a step (S1020) specifying two beacons to be paired regarding each gateway (for example, two beacons having position relationship containing a gateway between the two beacons) on the basis of acquired beacon information and information preliminary stored in the portable communication terminal; a step (S1030) for determining whether the transition of the intensity of the two beacon radio waves to be paired indicates passage of the gateway; and a step (S1040) for, when the transition indicates passage of the gateway (YES in step S1030), informing the position determination section of the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present disclosure relates to positioning, and more particularly to positioning using received signal strength.

  A technology for grasping the position indoors is known. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2013-232805 (Patent Document 1) discloses an area discriminating apparatus that can “improve area discrimination accuracy with a simple configuration”. The mobile terminal 10, which is an example of the area discriminating apparatus, states that “the radio wave transmitted by the transmitter of the wireless local area network is the received signal strength of the mobile terminal observed at the entrance / exit points for each entrance / exit between the areas. "Receive signal strengths associated with each other", "Acquire received signal strengths measured for each transmitter by the mobile terminal 10", "From the received signal strengths obtained for each transmitter, the mobile terminal 10 Calculate the existence likelihood that represents the likelihood that exists in the area for each area, and use the received signal strength acquired for each transmitter and the received signal strength for each transmitter stored for each entrance and exit. 10 calculates the transition likelihood representing the likelihood of transition between areas for each transition destination area ”and“ based on the existence likelihood calculated for each area and the transition likelihood calculated for each transition destination area. It is that to determine the area of strip terminal 10 is present "(see the Summary).

JP 2013-232805 A

  The value of the received signal strength (hereinafter also referred to as “RSSI” (Received Signal Strength Indicator)) varies depending on the human body and the surrounding environment. Therefore, when the terminal uses the stored received signal strength at each point, the value of the received signal strength of the signal received by each terminal from each transmitter must change with a fairly wide fluctuation width even at the same point. Is assumed. As a result, when the stored signal strength of each transmitter is referred to, the existence area may be erroneously determined. Therefore, there is a need for a technique that does not misjudg the existence area.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide a mobile communication terminal in which the accuracy of determining an existing area is improved. An object in another aspect is to provide a method for accurately detecting an existing area.

  A mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment includes a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted from a radio beacon arranged at each of a plurality of locations, and a control device for controlling the mobile communication terminal. The control device has a first received signal strength for a signal received from a first radio beacon located at a first location and a signal received from a second radio beacon located at a second location. When the first received signal strength and the second received signal strength change when the second received signal strength is compared, the mobile communication terminal has moved around the first location or the second location It is configured to detect this.

  Preferably, the mobile communication terminal further includes a storage device for storing the identification information of the entrance / exit between the first place and the second place, the identification information of each wireless sign, and the installation position information. The control device is configured to identify the first radio beacon and the second radio beacon based on a signal received by the receiver. Detecting that the mobile communication terminal has moved between the first place and the second place means that the mobile communication terminal has moved from the first place to the second place through the doorway. Or detecting movement from the second location to the first location.

  Preferably, the receiver is capable of further receiving a signal transmitted from a third wireless sign installed at a third location adjacent to the first location. The storage device can further store the identification information of the entrance / exit between the first place and the third place, the identification information of the third wireless sign, and the installation position information. When the control device detects a change in two received signal strengths of each signal transmitted from two radio signs installed at each of the two places sandwiching each entrance, the mobile communication terminal detects the change of the two radio signs. Detects movement through the doorway.

  Preferably, a fourth wireless sign capable of transmitting a signal with a radio field intensity higher than the radio field intensity of the first radio label is further installed at the first location. In the third place, a fifth radio beacon that can transmit a signal with a radio field intensity higher than the radio field intensity of the third radio beacon is further installed. When the control device detects a change in the received signal strength of the signal transmitted from the fourth wireless beacon and the received signal strength of the signal transmitted from the fifth wireless beacon, the mobile communication terminal And moving to the third location.

  According to another embodiment, a method for detecting the position of a mobile communication terminal is provided. The method includes receiving a signal transmitted from a radio beacon disposed at each of a plurality of locations, and a first reception for a signal received from a first radio beacon disposed at a first location. Comparing the signal strength with a second received signal strength for a signal received from a second radio beacon located at a second location different from the first location; Detecting that the mobile communication terminal has moved between the first location and the second location when the second received signal strength changes.

In one aspect, the accuracy of determining the area where the mobile communication terminal is present can be improved.
The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure showing the state by which the beacon was arrange | positioned at each of several areas. It is a figure showing the change of the intensity | strength in case the portable communication terminal is receiving the signal transmitted from the 1st beacon 111. FIG. It is a figure showing the change of the received signal strength in case a portable communication terminal receives the signal transmitted from each of a some beacon. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of functions for realizing mobile communication terminal 400. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of mobile communication terminal 400. FIG. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode of the data storage in the positioning related information storage part 410. FIG. It is a figure showing the determination of the position of the terminal in the area near the entrance / exit 101. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode of the data storage in the positioning related information storage part 410. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by mobile communication terminal 400. It is a flowchart showing the process which judges the position of the portable communication terminal 400 based on each signal received from two beacons. It is a figure showing the state by which the beacon is arrange | positioned at each of three areas. It is a figure showing the change of the received signal strength when a terminal receives the signal transmitted from each of a plurality of beacons. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode of the data storage in the positioning related information storage part 410. FIG. It is a figure showing determination of the position of the terminal in the area near the 3rd area 130 which exists in arrangement | positioning shown by FIG. It is a figure showing the state by which the beacon is arrange | positioned at each of three areas. It is a figure showing the change of the received signal strength when a terminal receives the signal transmitted from each of a plurality of beacons. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode of the data storage in the positioning related information storage part 410. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by mobile communication terminal 400.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
The technical concept according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which radio signs (beacons) are arranged in each of a plurality of areas. An entrance 101 is provided between the first area 110 and the second area 120. A first beacon 111 is arranged in the first area 110. In the second area 120, a second beacon 112 is arranged. In one aspect, the first area 110, the second area 120, and the third area 130 respectively correspond to regions distinguished by walls or other partitions such as a house room. In another aspect, each area may be a region that is not surrounded by a partition.

  The first beacon 111 and the second beacon 112 have signal outputs that reach the vicinity of the door of the doorway 101. Regarding the transmission radio wave intensity set in the first beacon 111 and the second beacon 112, when the conditions such as the installation state of each beacon and the material and height of the ceiling, wall, and hallway of the installation location are the same These transmitted radio wave strengths are preferably the same.

  Since the range in which radio waves can be received at the terminal is narrow, when the terminal moves at the fixed speed at the entrance / exit 101 between the first area 110 and the second area 120, a change in received signal strength as shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. It is done. If the width of the entrance / exit 101 is narrow and the beacon that emits radio waves with a radio wave intensity that reaches the vicinity of the door can cover the range of the entrance / exit 101, one beacon is arranged across the entrance / exit 101. When there is only one entrance / exit between two areas and no entrance / exit is set around the area (for example, FIG. 1), the terminal receives the signal strength from the first beacon 111 and the second beacon 112. By comparing the received signal strength of the transmitted signal, it is possible to determine whether the terminal itself enters or leaves the area.

  A terminal in the first area 110 can receive a signal transmitted from the first beacon 111. In the present embodiment, the terminal may include, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a wearable terminal, and other mobile communication terminals. The wearable terminal may include, for example, a glasses type, a collar type, and a bracelet type terminal. In one aspect, the wearable terminal is attached to, for example, clothes or a body of a resident of a nursing facility or a wheelchair used by the resident.

  In yet another aspect, the terminal can transmit a positioning result based on a signal received from each beacon to another information processing apparatus (for example, a computer for managing information of a mobile communication terminal including the terminal). . If it does in this way, the manager of information processor can grasp the position of the user (for example, resident or staff of a care facility) of each portable communication terminal.

  When a user having a terminal enters the second area 120 through the entrance / exit 101, the terminal may receive a signal transmitted from the second beacon 112. At this time, the received signal strength of the signal transmitted from the first beacon 111 decreases according to the distance from the first beacon 111.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a change in intensity when the terminal receives a signal transmitted from the first beacon 111. For example, when the first beacon 111 is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 101 in the first area 110, the received signal strength is as shown in the graph 200. More specifically, the received signal strength at the position closest to the first beacon 111 is maximized, and the received signal strength decreases as the distance from the first beacon 111 increases.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a change in received signal strength (RSSI) when a terminal receives a signal transmitted from each of a plurality of beacons. More specifically, the graph 310 shows the received signal strength when a terminal in the vicinity of the first beacon 111 moves from the first area 110 where the first beacon 111 is located to the second area 120 according to the movement of the user. Represents change. Graph 320 represents a change in received signal strength when the terminal is receiving a signal transmitted from second beacon 112. Block 330 indicates a range in which the terminal is likely to move from the first area 110 to the second area 120. That is, it can be estimated that the terminal has moved from the first area 110 to the second area 120 for a certain time before and after the timing at which the magnitude relationship between the graph 310 and the graph 320 changes.

[Function configuration]
With reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of mobile communication terminal 400 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions for realizing mobile communication terminal 400. The mobile communication terminal 400 includes a positioning related information storage unit 410, a positioning result storage unit 420, a position determination unit 430, a movement determination unit 440, and a beacon information acquisition unit 450.

  The beacon information acquisition unit 450 receives signals transmitted from the first beacon 111, the second beacon 112, the third beacon 113, and other beacons. In another aspect, the signal received by beacon information acquisition unit 450 may include BDA (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Device Address). The beacon information acquisition unit 450 associates the received signal with the reception time. The reception time is detected based on, for example, clock information inside the mobile communication terminal 400. The beacon information acquisition unit 450 can be realized, for example, by a processor that executes a program that defines the above processing. In another aspect, beacon information acquisition section 450 can be realized by a circuit element configured to execute the above-described processing.

  The position determination unit 430 determines the position of the mobile communication terminal 400 based on the signal received by the beacon information acquisition unit 450. For example, the first beacon 111, the second beacon 112, and the third beacon 113 each transmit a beacon signal. In one aspect, the information indicating the installation locations of the first beacon 111, the second beacon 112, and the third beacon 113 is managed by an operator that provides a service using location information or by an administrator of each beacon. ing. Each information can be stored in a computer managed by the business operator or the administrator, or in a storage area secured by a cloud service. The position determination unit 430 can be realized by, for example, a processor that executes a program that defines the above processing. In another aspect, position determination unit 430 can be realized by a circuit element configured to execute the above-described processing.

  The mobile communication terminal 400 holds the position information of the first beacon 111, the second beacon 112, and the third beacon 113 in the positioning related information storage unit 410. Depending on the magnitude relationship of each signal received by the mobile communication terminal 400, the mobile communication terminal 400 can estimate where it is now. For example, when a beacon that has transmitted a signal having the highest received signal strength among the signals of the first beacon 111, the second beacon 112, and the third beacon 113 is specified, the position information where the beacon is installed is It is referred to in the positioning related information storage unit 410. The position information can be used to detect the location where the mobile communication terminal 400 exists.

  In another aspect, the 1st beacon 111, the 2nd beacon 112, and the 3rd beacon 113 may transmit the beacon signal containing the position information showing each installation place. In this case, the position determination unit 430 extracts the position information from the signal having the highest received signal strength, and the position information can be used as a place where the mobile communication terminal 400 exists.

  The movement determination unit 440 determines whether or not the mobile communication terminal 400 has moved based on a time-series change in a plurality of signals received by the beacon information acquisition unit 450. For example, in a certain situation, the movement determination unit 440 compares the magnitude relationships of the received signal strengths of signals received from the respective beacons continuously or discretely. When it is detected that the magnitude relationship has changed, the movement determination unit 440 estimates that the mobile communication terminal 400 has moved. For example, when the strength of the signal received from the first beacon 111 exceeds the strength of the signal received from the second beacon 112, the movement determination unit 440 causes the mobile communication terminal 400 to move to the first beacon 111 rather than the second beacon 112. Judge that approached. When the first beacon 111, the second beacon 112, and the third beacon 113 are each arranged in a certain area (for example, a room of a certain size), the movement determination unit 440 indicates that the mobile communication terminal 400 is an area. It may be determined that the user has moved from another area (for example, a room in which the first beacon 111 is disposed) from (for example, a room in which the second beacon 112 is disposed).

  In another aspect, when the received signal strength of each signal received by beacon information acquisition unit 450 is similarly weakened or similarly strong, movement determination unit 440 causes mobile communication terminal 400 to move. You may judge that you did.

  The movement determination unit 440 can be realized, for example, by a processor that executes a program that defines the above processing. In another aspect, movement determination unit 440 can be realized by a circuit element configured to execute the above-described process.

  The positioning related information storage unit 410 holds definition information of each area, information indicating the position of the entrance, position information indicating the location where each beacon is installed, and other information used for positioning. Information on the beacon and the area where the beacon is arranged is acquired, for example, before the positioning is started. The acquisition method is not particularly limited. For example, in one aspect, these pieces of information are input to the mobile communication terminal 400 by the user or administrator of the mobile communication terminal 400. Moreover, in another situation, it may be updated at any time after starting positioning. Thus, even when the information is changed after the positioning is started, the movement of the mobile communication terminal 400 can be accurately determined.

  The positioning result storage unit 420 holds the result of determination by the position determination unit 430. For example, the positioning result storage unit 420 holds, for each signal received by the beacon information acquisition unit 450, the identification information of the beacon that has transmitted the signal, the reception time, and the received signal strength in association with each other.

  The positioning related information storage unit 410 and the positioning result storage unit 420 are realized by a volatile or non-volatile storage device. More specifically, the storage device is realized by, for example, a flash memory, a memory card, a hard disk, or the like.

[Hardware configuration]
With reference to FIG. 5, the structure of the portable communication terminal 400 is further demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of mobile communication terminal 400. The mobile communication terminal 400 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, an antenna 23, a communication device 24, a camera 26, a flash memory 27, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 28, a ROM 29, and a memory card drive device 30. A microphone 32, a speaker 33, an audio signal processing circuit 34, a display 35, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 36, a data communication I / F 37, and a vibrator 38. A memory card 31 can be attached to the memory card drive device 30.

  The antenna 23 receives a signal transmitted by a beacon. Further, in another aspect, antenna 23 may receive a signal transmitted from a telephone base station or transmit a signal for communicating with another communication device. The signal received by the antenna 23 is subjected to front-end processing by the communication device 24, and the processed signal is sent to the CPU 20.

  CPU 20 executes processing for controlling the operation of portable communication terminal 400 based on a command given to portable communication terminal 400. When the mobile communication terminal 400 receives the signal, the CPU 20 executes a predetermined process based on the signal sent from the communication device 24 and sends the processed signal to the audio signal processing circuit 34. The audio signal processing circuit 34 performs predetermined signal processing on the signal, and sends the processed signal to the speaker 33. The speaker 33 outputs sound based on the signal.

  The microphone 32 accepts an utterance to the mobile communication terminal 400 and sends a signal corresponding to the uttered voice to the voice signal processing circuit 34. The audio signal processing circuit 34 executes a predetermined process for a call based on the signal, and sends the processed signal to the CPU 20. The CPU 20 converts the signal into data for transmission, and sends the converted data to the communication device 24. The communication device 24 generates a signal for transmission using the data, and transmits the signal to the antenna 23.

  The flash memory 27 stores data sent from the CPU 20. In addition, the CPU 20 reads data stored in the flash memory 27 and executes a predetermined process using the data.

The RAM 28 is a CPU based on an operation performed on the user interface 25.
The data generated by 20 is temporarily held. The ROM 29 stores a program or data for causing the mobile communication terminal 400 to execute a predetermined operation. The CPU 20 reads the program or data from the ROM 29 and controls the operation of the mobile communication terminal 400.

  The memory card driving device 30 reads data stored in the memory card 31 and sends it to the CPU 20. The memory card drive device 30 writes the data output by the CPU 20 in the empty area of the memory card 31.

  The audio signal processing circuit 34 performs signal processing for a call as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 20 and the audio signal processing circuit 34 are shown as separate configurations, but in other aspects, the CPU 20 and the audio signal processing circuit 34 may be configured as an integral unit. Good.

  The display 35 is a touch panel display, but the mechanism of the touch panel is not particularly limited. The display 35 displays an image defined by the data based on the data acquired from the CPU 20. For example, a still image or a moving image stored in the flash memory 27 is displayed.

  The LED 36 realizes a predetermined light emission operation based on a signal from the CPU 20. The data communication I / F 37 accepts attachment of a data communication cable.

  The data communication I / F 37 sends a signal output from the CPU 20 to the cable. Alternatively, the data communication I / F 37 sends data received via the cable to the CPU 20.

  Vibrator 38 performs an oscillating operation at a predetermined frequency based on a signal output from CPU 20.

[data structure]
With reference to FIG. 6, the data structure of portable communication terminal 400 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of data storage in the positioning related information storage unit 410. In a certain aspect, the positioning related information storage unit 410 holds an entrance ID (Identification), an area ID, and a beacon ID. The entrance / exit ID identifies an entrance / exit provided in each area (for example, an opening / closing door, a sliding door, a hole configured to be able to pass through). The area ID identifies each area. The area refers to, for example, a range surrounded by a wall. The unit of the area is defined as, for example, a room, a warehouse, a space having a predetermined area, or the like. The beacon ID identifies a beacon signal transmission device used for positioning.

  Each piece of data held in the positioning related information storage unit 410 is created by the manufacturer or user of the mobile communication terminal 400 or a provider that provides a service based on position information. When these data are input to the mobile communication terminal 400, each data is stored in the positioning related information storage unit 410.

[Position determination]
With reference to FIG. 7, the determination method by the position determination part 430 is demonstrated. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating determination of the position of the terminal in the area near the entrance / exit 101. In one aspect, the first beacon 111 is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 101 in the first area 110. The second beacon 112 is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 101 in the second area 120.

  For example, for the first beacon 111 (beacon ID = A), as a change in received signal strength, from each beacon (first beacon 111, second beacon 112) when moving from the first area 110 to the second area 120 The transition of the received signal strength of the signal is stored in the mobile communication terminal 400.

  The position determination unit 430 acquires the transition of the received signal strength of the actually received signal. The position determination unit 430 compares the received signal strength transition held in the positioning related information storage unit 410 with the received signal strength transition acquired from the actually received signal. If the tendency of these transitions is the same (for example, if the difference in transition of each received signal strength is included in a predetermined range), the positioning related information storage unit 410 may have the entrance / exit of the mobile communication terminal 400. As a result of moving from the first area 110 to the second area 120 through 101, it can be determined that the user is in the second area 120.

  On the other hand, the second beacon 112 (beacon ID = B) is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 101 of the second area 120. As the reference transition, for example, the transition of the received signal strength from the first beacon 111 and the second beacon 112 when moving from the second area 120 to the first area 110 is defined in advance. When the mobile communication terminal 400 actually receives a signal from each beacon, it stores the received signal strength of the signal and the reception time in association with each other.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the data structure of portable communication terminal 400 will be further described. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of data storage in the positioning related information storage unit 410. In a certain situation, the positioning related information storage unit 410 holds a beacon ID, a radio wave intensity setting, and an address. The beacon ID identifies the beacon. The radio wave intensity setting defines an output level when the beacon transmits a signal.

  In the present embodiment, the “address” assumes a BDA (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Device Address) or the like, and is a value set in an actual device (for example, the mobile communication terminal 400). The address is a value that can be acquired from the device itself, and may be changed.

  The “beacon ID” is a recognition ID used in a system for performing positioning, for example. Even if the actual device is changed (even if the mobile communication terminal 400 is changed to another terminal), the beacon ID is not changed.

  For example, a beacon having a beacon ID “1” is installed in area A, has a radio field strength setting of 0, and has an address of 11: 11: 11: 11: 11: 11. When the device is replaced due to a failure or the like, the beacon whose beacon ID is “1” is installed in area A, the radio field intensity setting is 0, and the address is 22: 22: 22: 22: 22: It can be in the 22 state. Accordingly, it can be said that a plurality of pieces of information are associated with the beacon ID and the address is one of the pieces of information.

[Control structure]
A control structure of mobile communication terminal 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of the process executed by mobile communication terminal 400.

  In step S910, portable communication terminal 400 starts receiving a beacon signal. For example, when the operation mode of the mobile communication terminal 400 is set to the positioning mode, or when a reception start instruction is given to the mobile communication terminal 400, the reception starts.

  In step S920, portable communication terminal 400 uses beacon information acquisition section 450 to acquire information (hereinafter also referred to as beacon information) from the received beacon signal. The beacon information can include, for example, the received signal strength of a signal transmitted from the beacon, the identification number of the beacon, and the like.

  In step S930, the mobile communication terminal 400 uses the registered information (for example, beacon ID) based on the beacon information acquired by the beacon information acquisition unit 450 and the information stored in the positioning related information storage unit 410. , Installation position information, etc.). For example, when the beacon ID obtained from the acquired information is included in the information stored in the positioning related information storage unit 410, the position determination unit 430 indicates that the registered beacon information is the acquired information. Judge that there is.

  In step S940, portable communication terminal 400 notifies movement determination unit 440 of the acquired beacon information.

  In step S950, the movement determination unit 440 compares the registered beacon information with the beacon information acquired from the signal received from each beacon, thereby determining whether the mobile communication terminal 400 has entered or exited the area (e.g., A movement from the first area 110 to the second area 120 or vice versa). This determination is made based on, for example, the criteria shown in FIG. If movement determination unit 440 determines that there is an entry or exit (YES in step S950), control is switched to step S960. If not (NO in step S950), movement determination unit 440 returns control to step S920.

  In step S960, movement determination unit 440 notifies position determination unit 430 of the determination result. The position determination unit 430 stores the latest position information of the mobile communication terminal 400 in the positioning result storage unit 420 using the determination result and the information stored in the positioning related information storage unit 410.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing for determining the position of portable communication terminal 400 based on the signals received from the two beacons.

  In step S1010, portable communication terminal 400 receives signals transmitted from each beacon in beacon information acquisition section 450, and acquires beacon information included in the received beacon signal.

  In step S1020, the mobile communication terminal 400, based on the acquired beacon information and information stored in advance in the mobile communication terminal 400, two beacons that are paired with respect to each doorway (for example, the two Two beacons having a positional relationship including an entrance and exit between beacons and having the same signal strength are specified.

  In step S1030, portable communication terminal 400 determines whether or not the radio field strength transitions of the two beacons that are paired indicate the passage of the entrance / exit. If portable communication terminal 400 determines that the transition indicates passing through an entrance (YES in step S1030), control is switched to step S1040. If not (NO in step S1030), portable communication terminal 400 returns control to step S1020.

  In step S1040, movement determination unit 440 notifies position determination unit 430 of the determination result.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, mobile communication terminal 400 detects a change in the magnitude relationship of the received signal strength of each signal transmitted from each beacon, and the detection result and the location of each beacon. Based on the above, it is possible to detect the approximate position of the mobile communication terminal 400 (for example, whether it exists in the first area 110 or the second area 120). The mobile communication terminal 400 can notify other management apparatuses of the detection result of the position. If it does in this way, the management apparatus can grasp | ascertain the place where the portable communication terminal 400 exists in an area unit.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that there are three areas where the mobile communication terminal 400 can exist. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which beacons are arranged in each of the three areas. Note that the mobile communication terminal according to the present embodiment can be realized by the hardware configuration of mobile communication terminal 400 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the configuration of the mobile communication terminal 400.

  The first area 110 and the second area 120 are adjacent to each other through the entrance / exit 101. The first area 110 and the third area 130 are adjacent to each other via the doorway 102. The second area 120 and the third area 130 are adjacent to each other through the doorway 103.

  In the first area 110, a first beacon 111 and a third beacon 113 are arranged. The first beacon 111 is disposed in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 101. The third beacon 113 is disposed in the vicinity of the entrance 102.

  In the second area 120, a second beacon 112 and a fifth beacon 115 are arranged. The second beacon 112 is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 101. The fifth beacon 115 is disposed in the vicinity of the entrance 103.

  In the third area 130, a fourth beacon 114 and a sixth beacon 116 are arranged. The fourth beacon 114 is disposed in the vicinity of the entrance 102. The sixth beacon 116 is disposed in the vicinity of the entrance 103.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a change in received signal strength when the terminal receives a signal transmitted from each of a plurality of beacons. The beacon that has transmitted the signal can be specified by the identification information included in the signal.

  More specifically, the graph 1210 shows the received signal strength when a terminal in the vicinity of the first beacon 111 moves from the first area 110 where the first beacon 111 is located to the third area 130 according to the movement of the user. Represents change. Graph 1220 represents a change in received signal strength when the terminal is receiving a signal transmitted from second beacon 112. Graph 1230 represents a change in received signal strength when the terminal is receiving a signal transmitted from third beacon 113. A graph 1240 represents a change in received signal strength when the terminal receives a signal transmitted from the fourth beacon 114.

  As shown in box 1200, if it is detected that each received signal strength changes significantly, the terminal is estimated to be moving between areas. In the case shown in FIG. 12, the received signal strength of the signal transmitted from the third beacon 113, that is, the graph 1230 is a case where the terminal user reaches the third area 130 from the first area 110 by moving at a constant speed. In the third area 130, the minimum strength is shown. On the other hand, the received signal strength of the signal transmitted from the fourth beacon 114, that is, the graph 1240 initially showed the minimum strength, but as time passes (that is, the number of users having terminals is constant). After climbing and reaching the third area 130 (in response to moving at speed), the maximum intensity is shown. Therefore, when such a change in received signal strength is detected, the terminal is estimated to have moved from the first area 110 to the third area 130.

[data structure]
With reference to FIG. 13, the data structure of portable communication terminal 400 according to the present embodiment will be further described. FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one aspect of data storage in the positioning related information storage unit 410. Similar to the case shown in FIG. 13, in a certain situation, the positioning related information storage unit 410 holds a beacon ID, a radio wave intensity setting, and an address. The beacon ID identifies the beacon. The radio field strength setting represents the set strength of a signal transmitted from the beacon.

  With reference to FIG. 14, the determination method of portable communication terminal 400 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating determination of the position of the terminal in an area near the third area 130 existing in the arrangement shown in FIG.

  For example, for the entrance / exit 101, the first beacon 111 (beacon ID = A) is defined as being disposed in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 101 on the first area 110 side. The second beacon 112 (beacon ID = B) is defined as being arranged in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 101 on the second area 120 side. The position determination unit 430 acquires the received signal strength of the actually received signal. The position determination unit 430 compares the received signal strength transition held in the positioning related information storage unit 410 with the received signal strength transition acquired from the actually received signal. If the tendency of these transitions is the same (for example, when the difference in transition of each received signal strength is included in a predetermined range), the position determination unit 430 causes the portable communication terminal 400 to enter the entrance / exit 101. As a result of moving from the first area 110 to the second area 120, it can be determined that the user is in the second area 120.

  The determination of movement is made based on the predicted change in radio wave intensity and the actually measured received signal intensity. The predicted radio wave intensity can be predicted from various information such as beacon characteristics and installation environment. The value predicted from the installation environment or the like can include either a value predicted based on information collected by the beacon installation company or information acquired by a person other than the installation company, but is not particularly limited.

  On the other hand, as the reference information of the second beacon 112 (beacon ID = B), for example, reception of each signal transmitted by the first beacon 111 and the second beacon 112 when moving from the second area 120 to the first area 110. Signal strength transitions are specified. When the mobile communication terminal 400 actually receives a signal from each beacon, it stores the received signal strength of the signal and the reception time in association with each other. The position determination unit 430 compares the received signal strength transition held in the positioning related information storage unit 410 with the received signal strength transition acquired from the actually received signal. If these transition tendencies are the same (for example, when the difference between the transitions of the received signal strengths is included in a predetermined range), position determination unit 430 exists in second area 120. It can be determined that the mobile communication terminal 400 is in the first area 110 as a result of passing through the doorway 101.

  In addition, regarding the entrance 102, the third beacon 113 (beacon ID = C) is defined as being disposed in the vicinity of the entrance 102 on the first area 110 side. The fourth beacon 114 (beacon ID = D) is defined as being arranged in the vicinity of the entrance 102 on the third area 130 side. As changes in received signal strength, transitions in received signal strength of signals from each beacon (third beacon 113 and fourth beacon 114) when moving from the first area 110 to the third area 130 are stored in advance. The position determination unit 430 acquires the transition (time-series change) of the received signal strength of the actually received signal. The position determination unit 430 compares the received signal strength transition held in the positioning related information storage unit 410 with the received signal strength transition acquired from the actually received signal. If the tendency of these transitions is the same (for example, when the difference in transition of each received signal strength is included within a predetermined range), the position determination unit 430 causes the mobile communication terminal 400 to enter the entrance 102. As a result of passing, it can be determined that the user is in the third area 130.

  On the other hand, as reference information of the fourth beacon 114 (beacon ID = D), for example, reception of each signal transmitted by the third beacon 113 and the fourth beacon 114 when moving from the third area 130 to the first area 110. The signal strength transition is defined in advance. When the mobile communication terminal 400 actually receives a signal from each beacon, it stores the received signal strength of the signal and the reception time in association with each other. The position determination unit 430 compares the received signal strength transition held in the positioning related information storage unit 410 with the received signal strength transition acquired from the actually received signal. If the tendency of these transitions is the same (for example, if the difference in transition of each received signal strength is included in a predetermined range), the positioning related information storage unit 410 may have the entrance / exit of the mobile communication terminal 400. As a result of passing through 102, it can be determined that the user is in the first area 110.

  Furthermore, with respect to the entrance / exit 102, the fifth beacon 115 (beacon ID = E) is defined as being disposed in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 103 on the second area 120 side. The sixth beacon 116 (beacon ID = F) is defined as being arranged in the vicinity of the entrance 102 on the third area 130 side. As changes in received signal strength, transitions in received signal strength of signals from the respective beacons (the fifth beacon 115 and the sixth beacon 116) when moving from the second area 120 to the third area 130 are stored in advance. The position determination unit 430 acquires the transition of the received signal strength of the actually received signal. The position determination unit 430 compares the received signal strength transition held in the positioning related information storage unit 410 with the received signal strength transition acquired from the actually received signal. If the tendency of these transitions is the same (for example, when the difference in transition of each received signal strength is included within a predetermined range), the positioning related information storage unit 410 exists in the second area 120. As a result of the mobile communication terminal 400 that has been passing through the doorway 103, it can be determined that the mobile communication terminal 400 is in the third area 130.

  On the other hand, as reference information of the sixth beacon 116 (beacon ID = F), for example, the transition of the received signal strength from the fifth beacon 115 and the sixth beacon 116 when moving from the third area 130 to the second area 120 is performed. It is defined in advance. When the mobile communication terminal 400 actually receives a signal from each beacon, it stores the received signal strength of the signal and the reception time in association with each other. The position determination unit 430 compares the received signal strength transition held in the positioning related information storage unit 410 with the received signal strength transition acquired from the actually received signal. If the tendency of these transitions is the same (for example, if the difference of each received signal strength transition is included within a predetermined range), the positioning related information storage unit 410 exists in the third area 130. As a result of the mobile communication terminal 400 that has been passing through the doorway 103, it can be determined that the mobile communication terminal 400 is in the second area 120.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when there are three areas, beacons for positioning are arranged at the entrances and exits of each area. When the mobile communication terminal 400 moves from the first area 110 to the third area 130, as shown in FIG. 12, the third beacon 113 and the fourth beacon 114 that sandwich the entrance 102 that has actually passed are Can be identified by strength.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, depending on where the mobile communication terminal 400 initially exists, the received signal strength of the signal from the first beacon 111 and the received signal strength of the signal from the third beacon 113 The received signal strength of the signal from the second beacon 112 and the received signal strength of the signal from the fourth beacon 114 can be the same level. However, according to the present embodiment, the positioning related information storage unit 410 stores the pair of entrance / exit determination beacons in association with the corresponding entrance / exit and area as in the data example shown in FIG. Yes. Therefore, the movement determination unit 440 looks at the transition of the received signal strength between the pair of beacons from the plurality of beacons that have transmitted the signal whose received signal strength has been detected, and whether or not there is movement through the doorway or the direction of movement. Determine.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, there are two beacons (second beacon 112 and fourth beacon 114) that are expected to have a stronger received signal strength of signals received with movement. However, when the mobile communication terminal 400 moves from the first area 110 to the third area 130, the radio wave of the second beacon 112 becomes weak, so the mobile communication terminal 400 can receive the signal from the second beacon 112. Disappear. On the other hand, the received signal strength of the signal from the fourth beacon 114 increases as expected, and the received signal strength of the signal from the third beacon 113 that becomes a pair also decreases as expected. It can be determined that the communication terminal 400 has moved from the first area 110 to the third area 130. In this way, the accuracy of movement determination can be improved.

<Third Embodiment>
A third embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that beacons are arranged in areas where the mobile communication terminal 400 can exist, in addition to the vicinity of the entrance / exit. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which beacons are arranged in each of the three areas. Note that the mobile communication terminal according to the present embodiment can be realized by the hardware configuration of mobile communication terminal 400 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the configuration of the mobile communication terminal 400.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, in addition to the arrangement shown in FIG. 11, the seventh beacon 117, the eighth beacon 118, and the ninth beacon 119 are the first area 110, the second area 120, the second Each of the three areas 130 is arranged. Preferably, the seventh beacon 117, the eighth beacon 118, and the ninth beacon 119 are arranged at the center of each area, for example, the ceiling of the area.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a change in received signal strength when the terminal receives a signal transmitted from each of a plurality of beacons. The beacon that has transmitted the signal can be specified by the identification information included in the signal.

  More specifically, the graph 1610 represents a change in received signal strength of a signal transmitted from the first beacon 111 and received by the terminal. Graph 1620 represents a change in received signal strength of a signal transmitted from second beacon 112 and received by the terminal. Graph 1630 represents a change in received signal strength of a signal transmitted from third beacon 113 and received by the terminal. Graph 1640 represents a change in received signal strength of a signal transmitted from fourth beacon 114 and received by the terminal. Graph 1670 represents a change in received signal strength of a signal transmitted from fifth beacon 115 and received by the terminal. Graph 1690 represents a change in received signal strength of a signal transmitted from sixth beacon 116 and received by the terminal.

  In FIG. 16, as in the case shown in FIG. 12, when a change in the magnitude relationship of each received signal strength is detected, it is estimated that the terminal is moving between areas. For example, as shown in a block 1600, the magnitude relationship between the graph 1630 and the graph 1640 is also switched.

  Further, the magnitude relationship between the graph 1670 and the graph 1690 is switched. In this case, since the level of the received signal strength of each of the graphs 1670 and 1690 is far higher than the level of the received signal strength of each of the graphs 1630 and 1640, the terminal is more than the signal from the seventh beacon 117. It is significantly recognized that the signal from the ninth beacon 119 has been received. Therefore, movement of the mobile communication terminal between areas can be detected more accurately.

[data structure]
With reference to FIG. 17, the data structure of portable communication terminal 400 according to the present embodiment will be further described. FIG. 17 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of data storage in the positioning related information storage unit 410.

  As in the case shown in FIG. 17, in a certain situation, the positioning related information storage unit 410 holds a beacon ID, a radio wave intensity setting, and an address. The beacon ID identifies the beacon. The radio field strength setting represents the set strength of a signal transmitted from the beacon. The address represents the location where the beacon is installed. In the present embodiment, the radio wave intensity levels (= 4) of the seventh beacon 117, the eighth beacon 118, and the ninth beacon 119 are the radio wave intensity levels of the other first beacons 111 to 116 (= 0). ) Is set larger than. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the level of the received signal strength of the signals received from the seventh beacon 117 to the ninth beacon 119 is equal to the received signal strength of the signals received from the first beacon 111 to the sixth beacon 116. Each beacon signal can be transmitted to be greater than the level.

  With reference to FIG. 18, a control structure of portable communication terminal 400 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a part of the process executed by mobile communication terminal 400. The same steps as those described above are denoted by the same step numbers. Therefore, the description of the same process will not be repeated.

  In step S950, the movement determination unit 440 compares the registered beacon information with the beacon information acquired from the received signal, thereby determining whether or not the mobile communication terminal 400 is in and out of the area (e.g., first A movement from the area 110 to the second area 120 or vice versa). This determination is made based on the example shown in FIG. If movement determination unit 440 determines that there is an entry or exit (YES in step S950), control is switched to step S960. If not (NO in step S950), movement determination unit 440 switches control to step S1810.

  In step S1810, movement determination unit 440 notifies positioning result storage unit 420 of the result of determination by position determination unit 430.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the received signal strength of each signal from the seventh beacon 117, the eighth beacon 118, and the ninth beacon 119 for position determination arranged as shown in FIG. Thus, the current position candidate of the mobile communication terminal 400 is determined. Even when the mobile communication terminal 400 moves from the first area 110 to the third area 130, the received signal strength of the signal from the first beacon 111 or the second beacon 112 and the received signal strength of the signal from the third beacon 113 May appear equivalent. Even in that case, the position determination unit 430 can correctly determine that the mobile communication terminal 400 has moved from the first area 110 to the third area 130 based on the determination result from the movement determination unit 440.

  It is preferable that the radio wave intensity of the seventh beacon 117, the eighth beacon 118, and the ninth beacon 119 is set to such an intensity that the mobile communication terminal 400 can receive radio waves regardless of where in each area. In this case, the mobile communication terminal 400 may receive radio waves even when outside the area. Therefore, based on the information from the movement determination unit 440 shown in FIG. 4, the position determination unit 430 determines the position candidates determined based on the received signal strength of each signal from the seventh beacon 117 to the ninth beacon 119. Then, the final positioning result is determined, and the determination result is notified to the positioning result storage unit 420. The positioning result storage unit 420 holds the determination result.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  10 mobile terminal, 23 antenna, 24 communication device, 25 user interface, 26 camera, 27 flash memory, 28 RAM, 29 ROM, 30 memory card drive device, 31 memory card, 32 microphone, 33 speaker, 34 audio signal processing circuit, 35 Display, 38 Vibrator, 101, 102, 103 Entrance / Exit, 110 1st area, 111 1st beacon, 112 2nd beacon, 113 3rd beacon, 114 4th beacon, 115 5th beacon, 116 6th beacon, 117th 7 beacons, 118 8th beacon, 119 9th beacon, 120 2nd area, 130 3rd area, 200, 310, 320, 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, 1610, 1620, 1630, 1640, 16 0,1690 graph, 330,1200,1600 block.

Claims (5)

A mobile communication terminal,
A receiver for receiving a signal emitted from a radio beacon disposed at each of a plurality of locations;
A control device for controlling the mobile communication terminal,
The controller is
A first received signal strength for a signal received from a first radio beacon located at a first location and a second for a signal received from a second radio beacon located at a second location Compare with received signal strength,
When the first received signal strength and the second received signal strength change, the mobile communication terminal detects that the mobile station has moved around the first location or the second location. A configured mobile communication terminal. A storage device for storing the identification information of the entrance / exit between the first location and the second location, the identification information and the installation position information of each of the wireless signs, respectively,
The controller is
Configured to identify the first radio beacon and the second radio beacon based on a signal received by the receiver;
Detecting that the mobile communication terminal has moved between the first location and the second location means that the mobile communication terminal passes through the entrance and exits the first location from the first location. 2. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, comprising detecting that the mobile station has moved to a second location or moved from the second location to the first location. The receiver is further capable of receiving a signal transmitted from a third radio beacon installed at a third location adjacent to the first location;
The storage device can further store identification information of an entrance / exit between the first place and the third place, identification information of the third wireless sign, and installation position information,
The controller is
Upon detecting a change in two received signal strengths of each signal transmitted from two radio signs installed at each of two locations sandwiching each of the entrances, the mobile communication terminal detects a change between the two radio signs. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 2, wherein the mobile communication terminal detects movement through the doorway. In the first place, a fourth wireless sign capable of transmitting a signal with a radio field intensity higher than the radio field intensity of the first radio label is further installed,
The third place is further provided with a fifth radio beacon capable of transmitting a signal with a radio field intensity exceeding the radio field intensity of the third radio beacon,
When the control device detects a change in received signal strength of a signal transmitted from the fourth wireless beacon and a received signal strength of a signal transmitted from the fifth wireless beacon, the portable communication terminal The mobile communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein the mobile communication terminal detects movement between the first place and the third place. A method for detecting the position of a mobile communication terminal,
Receiving signals respectively emitted from radio signs placed at each of a plurality of locations;
A first received signal strength for a signal received from a first radio beacon located at a first location and a second radio beacon located at a second location adjacent to the first location; Comparing a second received signal strength for the received signal;
Detecting that the mobile communication terminal has moved between the first location and the second location when the first received signal strength and the second received signal strength change. Including a method.

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