JP2017142784A - Management system of short-distance wireless identification device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage management objects having a short-distance wireless identification device attached by a portable communication terminal, and to easily search for the management object.SOLUTION: A management system S of a short-distance wireless identification device includes: a plurality of short-distance wireless identification devices AK1 to p and BK1 to q that is attached to each of a plurality of management objects, has individual identification data, and can communicate with each other; and at least one portable communication terminal A1 to n and B1 to m that has a notification function, is connected to a broad communication network, and can perform wireless communication with the short-distance wireless identification device, in which the short-distance wireless identification device communicates with the portable communication terminal to thereby build out a mesh network. At least one short-distance wireless identification device is configured to transmit identification data on an own, and try to indirectly communicate with the portable communication terminal by wireless communication via other short-distance wireless identification device. The portable communication terminal is configured to acquire the identification data on each short-distance wireless identification device, and thereby manage at least one short-distance wireless identification device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system for managing a management object to which a short-range wireless identification device is attached, and particularly checks whether the short-range wireless identification device exists within the management range, and performs a search if the short-range wireless identification device does not exist. The present invention relates to a management system for a wireless identification device.

  As is well known in the art, a management system such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) that uses a short-range wireless identification device such as an IC tag to identify and manage a management target attached with the short-range wireless identification device is known. is there. Such a management system is used in, for example, a key management system as described in Patent Document 1. According to this key management system, short-range wireless communication is used within a predetermined area, and when the key is taken out of the predetermined area, the key position information is acquired by the GPS function provided to the key. The key is managed.

  Moreover, as a management system that searches for position information without using the GPS function, for example, there is a position search system described in Patent Document 2. According to this position search system, a plurality of IC tag detection devices (management terminals) are arranged, and by using the overlap of detection ranges of the IC tag detection devices, the position information of the detected IC tags is obtained. A management target including an IC tag is managed.

JP 2012-193495 A JP 2004-046904 A

  However, the key management system of Patent Document 1 uses short-range radio within a fixed predetermined area such as a store, and a predetermined area that is an available range of short-range radio moves, that is, a store is It is not supposed to move.

  Further, in the position search system of Patent Document 2, since the position information is acquired from the overlap of the detection ranges, the position information changes when the overlapping state of the detection ranges changes. Therefore, the detection device is limited to a fixed one, and it is not assumed that the detection device is portable and the position information is acquired in a scene where the owner of the detection device (management terminal) can move.

  Further, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are intended to manage a management target by acquiring position information, and the short-range wireless identification device is out of the management range (short-range wireless communication range). When the identification device was lost, it was not a management system that considered the search for the management target.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and manages a management object to which a short-range wireless identification device is attached by a portable communication terminal, and the short-range wireless identification device has a management range. It is an object of the present invention to provide a short-range wireless identification device that can easily search for a management target when it is out of the (range of short-range wireless communication).

  The short-range wireless identification device management system according to the present invention includes a plurality of short-range wireless identification devices that are attached to a plurality of management targets, have individual identification data, and can communicate with each other, and a notification function. And at least one portable communication terminal connected to a wide area communication network and capable of wireless communication with the short-range wireless identification device.

  The short-range wireless identification device and the mobile communication terminal communicate to construct a mesh network, and at least one short-range wireless identification device transmits the identification data of itself and wirelessly communicates with the other short-range wireless identification devices. At least one of the short-range wireless identification devices by attempting to communicate with the portable communication terminal indirectly via a wireless identification device, wherein the portable communication terminal acquires the identification data of each short-range wireless identification device Manage.

  According to the short-range wireless identification device management system of the present invention, a mesh network is constructed by a plurality of short-range wireless identification devices communicating with each other. If at least one short-range wireless identification device is out of the communication range of the constructed mesh network, the mobile communication terminal connected to the mesh network confirms that the short-range wireless identification device is out of the communication range of the mesh network. Inform.

  When a mobile communication terminal tries to communicate with all short-range wireless identification devices without constructing a mesh network as in the past, a wide communication range is required, and the mobile communication terminal is at the center of the communication network. Desirably, for example, when the mobile communication terminal moves, the communication network moves, and the short-range wireless identification device may be disconnected from the communication network, so the mobile communication terminal moves freely. I could not.

  In the short-range wireless identification device management system of the present invention, a plurality of short-range wireless identification devices constructs a mesh network, and a portable communication terminal that communicates with the short-range wireless identification device is within the communication range of the mesh network. You can communicate with the short-range wireless identification device wherever you are. Thereby, since the portable communication terminal can freely move within the communication range of the mesh network, even if the short-range wireless identification device is lost, it can move freely and search for the short-range wireless identification device is facilitated.

  In the short-range wireless identification device management system of the present invention, the fact that the short-range wireless identification device is within the range of the mesh network means that even if the student is out of the reach of the teacher's eyes, the students are safe from each other. You will be at a distance you can see. Therefore, it is easy to confirm the safety, and it is only necessary to search when the student is off the mesh network. Further, at the time of searching, a teacher possessing a portable communication terminal can freely move within the communication range of the mesh network. Therefore, it is easy to search for the short-range wireless identification device.

  In the management system described above, the short-range wireless identification device includes a GPS function, transmits time information for transmitting its own position information and signal in addition to the identification data, and the portable communication terminal The position information of the wireless identification device and the time information that the short-range wireless identification device has existed at the position may be acquired, and the information may be deleted for communications with the same time information.

  In the management system described above, the short-range wireless device has a GPS function, and the mobile communication terminal loses communication with at least one of the short-range wireless identification devices, and acquires the identification data of the short-range wireless identification device When it becomes impossible, the position information of the short-range wireless identification device nearest to which communication has been stopped may be acquired by the GPS function.

  In the management system described above, the mobile communication terminal may have a management information table for collating the identification data, and change the short-range wireless identification device to be managed by changing the management information table. .

  The management system described above further includes a management computer connected to a wide area communication network, the management computer having a management information table for collating the identification data, and managing by changing the management information table The short-range wireless identification device may be changed.

  In the management computer described above, the portable communication terminal may change the short-range wireless identification device managed by changing the management information table of the management computer via a wide area communication network.

  The management system described above may include one portable communication terminal and a plurality of short-range wireless identification devices, and the one portable communication terminal may manage the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices. .

  The management system includes a plurality of the portable communication terminals and a plurality of the short-range wireless identification devices, and at least one of the plurality of portable communication terminals includes a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices. And at least another one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals may manage another part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices.

  The management system described above includes a plurality of portable communication terminals and a plurality of short-range wireless identification devices, and at least one of the plurality of portable communication terminals manages a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices. Then, at least another one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals may manage a plurality of short-range wireless identification devices including a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices. That is, the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices are managed redundantly by at least one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals and at least another one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals.

  The management system described above may include a plurality of mobile communication terminals, a plurality of short-range wireless identification devices, and a management computer that communicates with the mobile communication terminals via a wide area communication network.

  In such a management system, at least one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals manages a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices, and at least another one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals is the plurality of The other part of the short-range wireless identification device is managed, and the mesh network includes one of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices and the other part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices. A first mesh network constructed from a part, a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices and another part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices The one portable communication terminal may manage a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices by the first and second mesh networks.

  The management system described above communicates with the plurality of portable communication terminals, the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices, and the portable communication terminal or the short-range wireless identification devices, and a plurality of fixed networks that construct the mesh network. An intermediary device, wherein at least one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals manages a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices, and at least another one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals is the plurality of near-field wireless devices. Another part of the distance wireless identification device may be managed.

  In the management system described above, it is preferable that the plurality of fixed mediating devices are arranged in a plane or a three-dimensional shape.

  Another short-range wireless identification device management system according to the present invention is attached to at least one management target, has a short-range wireless identification device having individual identification data, a notification function, and a wide area communication network. A plurality of mobile communication terminals connected and capable of wireless communication with the short-range wireless identification device; and a management computer connected to the mobile communication terminal via a wide area communication network.

  When the management computer manages the identification data of the short-range wireless identification device, and when the portable computer requests the take-out of the short-range wireless identification device, The identification data is transmitted to the plurality of portable communication terminals to allow communication with the short-range wireless identification device, and all the portable communication terminals permitted to communicate are requested to take out the short-range wireless An attempt is made to communicate with the identification device, and notification is provided when communication with the short-range wireless identification device is interrupted.

  According to the short-range wireless identification device management system of the present invention, the short-range wireless identification device requested to be taken out is not notified in a state where it can communicate with at least one portable communication terminal, and When communication with the mobile communication terminal is disabled, each mobile communication terminal notifies that communication has been interrupted. In addition, since the plurality of portable communication terminals are connected to the management computer via the wide area communication network, the plurality of portable communication terminals can communicate with the management computer, and the plurality of portable communication terminals can grasp the state of each other.

  Thus, when at least one short-range wireless identification device goes out of the management range of all portable communication terminals, each portable communication terminal notifies that communication with the short-range wireless identification device has been interrupted, The owner of the communication terminal can know that the management target to which the short-range wireless identification device is attached is out of the management range. In other words, if the short-range wireless identification device is communicable with at least one portable communication terminal, no notification is made, so that the management target to which the short-range wireless identification device is attached is managed by any portable communication terminal. It turns out that it is in the range.

  As a result, even if the owners of a plurality of mobile communication terminals are acting away from each other, the owner of one mobile communication terminal does not have the management target to which the short-range wireless identification device is attached within his / her management range. Even if it is a case, since it turns out that it exists in the management range of the holder of another portable communication terminal, it can act (movement etc.) in comfort.

  In addition, when communication with the short-range wireless identification device is lost, it is notified that the communication has been lost, and if the owner of the portable communication terminal notices the loss of the short-range wireless identification device, he / she owns the portable communication terminal. The short-range wireless identification device is searched as it is, and it is found that the short-range wireless identification device is in the vicinity thereof by restoring communication between the mobile communication terminal and the short-range wireless identification device. This facilitates searching for the short-range wireless identification device.

  According to this short-range wireless identification device management system, for example, two parents act with one child, each parent has a portable communication terminal, and the short-range wireless identification device is attached to the child. In some cases, when parents are in different places, one parent knows that there is a child in the other parent's management range, even if there is no notification, even if there is no child in his management range So you can work with peace of mind. Also, if two parents are acting together with multiple children, the children are within the scope of one of the two parents unless notified when the parents are in different locations. As you can see, the two parents can work with peace of mind.

  Furthermore, when a child with a short-range wireless identification device is lost, parents who have a portable communication terminal confirm that communication between the short-range wireless identification device and the portable communication terminal is restored. However, searching for children makes it easier to search for children.

  In the management system described above, the at least one short-range wireless identification device, the plurality of portable communication terminals, and the management computer form a management group, and the portable communication terminal has a GPS function, The management computer communicated with a wide-area search computer via a wide-area communication network, and all the mobile communication terminals tried to communicate with the short-range wireless identification device, and communication with the short-range wireless identification device was lost. The mobile communication terminal notifies the management computer of its management group, the management computer requests the wide-area search computer to search, and the wide-area search computer The identification data is sent to mobile communication terminals belonging to other management groups via a wide area communication network. Then, the communication with the short-range wireless communication device whose communication has been interrupted is permitted, and the mobile communication terminal belonging to another management group attempts to communicate with the short-range wireless communication identification device whose communication has been disconnected, and communication is established. If it is, the GPS function is used to acquire its position information, and the mobile communication terminal belonging to another management group notifies the position search computer of the position information via the wide area communication network. The wide area search computer notifies the location information to the management computer of the management group to which the short-range wireless identification device with which communication has been interrupted belongs, and the management computer sends the location information to the mobile communication terminal of the own management group. You may make it notify.

  The short-range wireless identification device management system according to the present invention manages a management object to which the short-range wireless identification device is attached by a portable communication terminal, and the short-range wireless identification device is out of the management range. It is possible to easily search the management target.

It is an example of the whole block diagram of the management system of a short-distance radio | wireless identification apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of a management computer. It is a figure which shows an example of a management information table. It is a figure which shows an example of a portable communication terminal information table. It is a figure which shows an example of another group loss information table. It is a figure which shows an example of a group information table. It is the figure which showed an example of the IC tag use sequence chart. It is one image figure (Example 1) showing the time of IC tag use. It is an image figure at the time of changing the communication range of IC tag AK. It is an image figure (Example 1) showing the time of IC tag loss. It is the figure which showed an example of the sequence chart of the search in a group. It is an image figure (Example 1) showing the case where an IC tag is discovered by the search in a group. It is another image figure (Example 2) showing the time of IC tag use. It is an image figure (Example 2) showing the time of loss of an IC tag. It is a figure which shows an example of the sequence chart of a wide area search. It is an image figure (Example 2) showing the case where an IC tag is discovered by wide area search. It is one image figure (Example 3) showing the time of IC tag use. It is an image figure of the mesh network which an IC tag constructs. It is a figure which shows the communicable range of a mesh network. It is an image figure which shows the propagation of a signal by communication in a mesh network. It is an image figure (Embodiment 1) which shows the mesh network constructed | assembled by one management terminal and several IC tag. It is an image figure (embodiment 2) which shows a mesh network constructed by a plurality of management terminals and a plurality of IC tags. It is an image figure (embodiment 3) showing a mesh network constructed by a plurality of management terminals and a plurality of IC tags. It is an image figure (4th Embodiment) which shows the mesh network constructed | assembled by several management terminal and several IC tag. It is an image figure (5th Embodiment) which shows the mesh network constructed | assembled by several management terminal, several IC tag, and a fixed relay terminal. FIG. 10 is an image diagram (Example 4) illustrating a case where a mesh network constructed by a plurality of management terminals, a plurality of IC tags, and a fixed relay terminal is used for management of hospital equipment. FIG. 27 is a first floor plan view of the image diagram of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information management table in the management computer according to the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26.

  A management system S according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall structure of a management system (hereinafter also simply referred to as “management system”) S for a short-range wireless identification device. The management system S according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a wide area search computer 10, a plurality of management groups, and a GPS satellite St. The wide area search computer 10 coordinates a wide area search across each management group. In this embodiment, two management groups, A management group Ga and B management group Gb, are illustrated. In the present embodiment, the short-range wireless identification device will be described as an IC tag.

  The A management group GA includes a management computer 22, IC tags (AK1 to AKp (p is the number of IC tags)), management terminals (A1 to An (n is the number of management terminals)) attached to the management target, and Auxiliary terminals (a1 to ar (r is the number of auxiliary terminals)). Similarly, the B management group includes a management computer 42, IC tags (BK1 to BKp (p is the number of IC tags)) and management terminals (B1 to Bn (n is the number of management terminals) attached to the management target) ) And auxiliary terminals (b1 to br (r is the number of auxiliary terminals)).

  Each group may have different numbers of IC tags, management terminals, or auxiliary terminals. In some cases, only the management terminal is included and the auxiliary terminal is not included. A management target to which an IC tag is attached is usually stored and managed when a management box or the like in a management building is predetermined.

  The management computers 22 and 42, the management terminals A and B, and the auxiliary terminals a and b are communicably connected via a wide area communication network IN such as the Internet. The management terminals A and B and the auxiliary terminals a and b can communicate with each other via a telephone line.

  The management computers 22 and 42 adjust the use and search within the group for the IC tags AK and BK having individual identification data by registering the information. If the search within the group is difficult, the wide area search computer Request 10 for a wide area search. The management terminals A and B may have the same function as such a management computer. A device having such a function, such as a management computer and a management terminal, is also referred to as a management device. In this specification, the management means that the management device confirms the presence of the IC tag by communicating with the IC tag and checking the identification data of the IC tag.

  The management terminals A and B and the auxiliary terminals a and b are portable communication terminals such as a mobile phone and a smartphone that can install an application, and function as a management terminal or an auxiliary terminal depending on the application installed in the portable communication terminal. The management terminals A and B and the auxiliary terminals a and b have a GPS function using the GPS satellite St, and can acquire their own position information.

  The management terminals A and B communicate with the IC tag at predetermined time intervals and perform management when using the IC tag by performing use registration. Even when the management target to which the IC tags AK and BK are attached is lost, the communication with the IC tags AK and BK is continuously attempted to search. When the management terminals A and B receive the identification data from the IC tags AK and BK, the management terminals A and B notify the management computer of the discovery of the management target.

  The auxiliary terminals a and b try to communicate with the IC tags AK and BK at the time of loss of the management target to which the IC tag is attached. When the auxiliary terminals a and b receive the identification data from the IC tag, the auxiliary terminals a and b notify the management computers 22 and 42 of the discovery of the management target. Further, the management terminals A and B or the auxiliary terminals a and b may notify the discovery by an alert.

  The management terminal and auxiliary terminal of one management group work as support terminals for other management groups. For example, the management terminal B and the auxiliary terminal b of the B management group Gb serve as support terminals for the A management group Ga (details will be described in the second embodiment).

  Communication is performed between the IC tags AK and BK, the management terminals A and B, and the auxiliary terminals a and b through a power-saving communication system with an antenna output of 0.01 W or less. The main frequency band used is 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz, 2.47 GHz to 2.497 GHz or 5.150 GHz to 5.250 GHz.

  Considering that the distance from the IC tags AK and BK is increased when the management target is lost, it is preferable to use an active tag that can normally communicate about several tens of meters. With an active tag, an IC tag has a power supply, can emit radio waves by itself, and can communicate within 10 m to 200 m. On the other hand, there is a passive tag that does not have a power source and reads an ID or the like with a code reader at a close distance.

  Although it can be considered to use a wireless LAN capable of communication up to 300 m at a use frequency band of 5 GHz, the wireless LAN terminal is slightly larger and heavier than an IC tag, so it is difficult to carry. Therefore, in this embodiment, the IC tag is used, but the specification of the wireless LAN terminal is not denied.

  The IC tags AK and BK may be configured to be able to communicate with each other. A plurality of such IC tags AK and BK can be collected to construct a mesh network MN (see FIG. 18). The IC tags AK and BK may have a GPS function using the GPS satellite St and be able to acquire its own position information.

  The IC tags AK and BK have individual identification data, for example, a MAC address, and the management computers 22 and 42, the management terminals A and B, and the auxiliary terminals a and b acquire the identification data and perform an authentication procedure. Thus, communication is possible. Further, the IC of the IC tags AK and BK may be allowed to perform an authentication procedure by short-range wireless communication only by contacting the management terminals A and B and the auxiliary terminals a and b.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management computer, and shows the management computer of the A management group as an example. The management computer 22 includes a transmission / reception unit 221, a calculation unit 222, a display unit 223, a storage unit 224, an input unit 225, and a data bus 226. The transmission / reception unit 221 is connected to the wide area communication network IN and communicates with the wide area search computer 10, the management terminal A, or the auxiliary terminal a.

  The transmission / reception unit 221 communicates with the IC tag by short-range wireless communication. The communication with the IC tag may be bidirectional communication in which a request signal is transmitted to the IC tag and a response signal is received from the IC tag that has received the request signal, or the request signal is not transmitted. Both may be unidirectional communication that receives a signal unilaterally transmitted from the IC tag.

  The calculation unit 222 stores various information input to manage the IC tag AK in a calculation and data table. The display unit 223 displays the IC tag management status to notify the operator. In addition, a display for simplifying the input operation is performed. The input unit 225 is a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like, and an operator performs input work regarding various information.

  The storage unit 224 stores an information table for managing IC tags, and performs input / output as appropriate in response to a request from the calculation unit 222. The information table stored in the storage unit 224 is, for example, a management information table, a portable communication terminal information table, or another group lost information table. The data bus 226 connects each part of the management computer so that information data can be distributed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management information table stored in the management computer 22.
The management information table includes, for example, a serial number, IC tag identification data (hereinafter also simply referred to as “identification data”), IC tag status, management terminal, use date / time, lost date / time, discovery date / time, lost position information, and search. The time acquisition position information is stored. The identification data is used when performing an authentication procedure with the IC tag AK.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the mobile communication terminal information table stored in the management computer 22. The mobile communication terminal information table stores, for example, a serial number, a telephone number, an owner, a terminal identification, and a mail address. The item of terminal type is information indicating whether it is a management terminal, an auxiliary terminal, or a support terminal. The terminal registered for use with the management computer 22 stores information as the management terminal A. A plurality of terminals may be registered as management terminals, and the IC tag AK may be managed by a plurality of management terminals.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of another management group lost information table stored in the management computer. The other management group lost information table stores, for example, a serial number, a group system ID, and IC tag identification data. These pieces of information are used when communicating with IC tags of other management groups when a request is received from another management group via the wide area search computer 10.

  In FIG. 5, when the IC tag AK3 is lost in the A management group Ga and the wide area search is decided, the management computer of the A management group Ga changes to the management computer 42 of the B management group Gb via the wide area search computer 10. Information to be transmitted is shown (see Example 2).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the group information table stored in the wide area search computer 10. For example, a serial number, a group system ID, and a login password are stored in the group information table. The group information is collated when there is a login request from the management computer of each group to the wide area search computer 10.

  On the other hand, the management computer stores a wide area search computer login table (not shown) that stores information for logging in to the wide area search computer 10. The above data table is an example, and other information related to the management target, IC tag, computer connection and communication can be prepared in the table or stored in another table and used for the management system.

  Below, the use sequence which uses an IC tag is demonstrated with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an IC tag use sequence chart, and shows an example of the A group. In FIG. 7, the IC tag AK is a standard sequence until it is used and recovered without any abnormal situation.

  Before using the IC tag AK by the management computer 22, the IC tag information is registered in the management computer 22 of the own group and the management group information is registered in the wide area search computer 10. Information registration uses the input unit 225 of the management computer 22. However, for information registration, IC tag information or the like may be recorded in a lump on a recording medium and input by causing the management computer to read the data on the recording medium. Thereafter, the group information is registered in the wide area search computer 10. Next, regarding the mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal information is registered in the mobile communication terminal information table. Note that similar registration is performed in other management groups.

  In using the IC tag, first, the administrator performs IC tag use registration of the IC tag to be used from the management terminal input unit 225 to the management computer (s11). Next, the management computer 22 registers the last user and the use date and time among the IC tag items registered for use in the management information table, changes the IC tag status to “in use”, and uses the IC tag. (S12). Next, identification data of the corresponding IC tag AK is given to the management terminal A, and communication with the IC tag AK is permitted (s13).

  Next, the IC tag is attached to the management target (S14). Next, the management terminal A inputs the given identification data to the preinstalled application and communicates with the IC tag AK (s15). Next, the management terminal A and the IC tag AK communicate regularly (s16). The communication time interval during use is set in seconds as described above. This is preferably about 10 seconds, but is not limited thereto. The IC tag that has been used is collected (s17).

<Example 1>

  FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing when the IC tag is used. As an example, a management target (child) with an IC tag attached, two managers (parents) who have a management terminal, and an assistant (children brother) who has an auxiliary terminal (the following) , Also referred to as “Example 1”).

  The management terminal A1 can communicate with the management computer via the wide area communication network IN. The IC tag AK1 in use is a radio wave reachable range (hereinafter also referred to as “communication range”) so that the management terminals A1 and A2 can receive the identification radio waves within a preset range (for example, within 5 m) around the IC tag. .) N is set.

  With respect to the communication range N of the IC tag AK, the communication range N can be changed between use and loss. FIG. 9 is an image diagram when the communication range N of the IC tag AK is changed. The communication range N of the IC tag AK is approximately 200 m or less, although it varies depending on the short-range wireless communication technology provided in the IC tag AK. The radio field intensity is adjusted within this range.

  FIG. 9A shows the communication range N in use. As an example, it is assumed that the management terminal can receive at a distance of 5 m or less. This is because the distance until the IC tag AK is notified by an alert when the IC tag AK is separated from the owner of the manager terminal A (hereinafter also referred to as “manager”) is shortened to prevent loss. The distance is not limited to this, and can be changed according to the actual state of management of the IC tag AK.

  FIG. 9B shows the communication range N when lost. For example, when communication with the management terminal A is interrupted and a considerable amount of time has passed and it has left the IC tag AK, the communication can be performed by increasing the strength so that the range in which the identification radio wave can be received is expanded to about 10 m. Support discovery by making it easier to re-establish.

  The distance is not limited to the same as the communication range N at the time of use, but can be changed in accordance with the search status of the IC tag. For example, the communication range N is expanded to about 20 m, and when communication is established, the communication range N is narrowed to about 15 m. At that time, if the communication is continued without being interrupted, the communication range N is narrowed to about 10 m. In this manner, it is possible to provide means for assisting discovery by changing the radio wave intensity in stages, narrowing the radio wave reach and guiding the searcher.

  In the state where communication between the IC tag AK1 and the management terminals A1 and A2 is established, “in use” is stored in the item of the IC tag state of the management information table (see FIG. 3) of the management computer. Is flagged as “in use”. The IC tag AK1 holds the communication range N within a radius of 5 m while the “in use” flag is raised.

  As shown in FIG. 8, if any one of the management communication terminals A1 and A2 is in the communication range N of the IC tag AK1, the management terminals A1 and A2 notify the IC tag AK1 without alerting. It can be confirmed that one of the management terminals A1 and A2 is within a radius of 5 m. That is, there is a child who has the IC tag AK1 within the reach of any of the parents who have the management terminals A1 and A2.

  Therefore, even if the parents are separated from each other, as long as the alert does not sound, either parent manages the child. This allows one parent to act with peace of mind knowing that the other parent is within reach of the child if the alert does not sound even if the child is not within reach of the eye. it can.

  Next, an example of in-group search performed by the A management system Ga when an IC tag is lost will be described. In this example, when one IC tag AK1 is managed by the two management terminals A1 and A2, and the IC tag AK1 is out of the management of the management terminals A1 and A2, the A management group Ga Search within the group according to the search sequence.

  FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing the time when the IC tag is lost, and shows an example in which the IC tag AK1 of the A management group Ga is lost. When the management terminals A1 and A2 are out of the communication range N of the IC tag AK1, communication with the IC tag is disconnected. When the communication is disconnected for a predetermined time, the IC tag raises a “lost” flag. The predetermined time is preferably about 30 seconds, but is not limited thereto. The IC tag may expand the communication range N to a radius of about 10 m, for example, while the “lost” flag is standing.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence chart of intra-group search, and illustrates an example of the A management group Ga. S15 and s16 in the figure are the same as the IC tag use sequence. When the communication is periodically repeated between one of the management terminals A1 and A2 and the IC tag AK1 at the use destination (s16), the communication between both the management terminals A1 and A2 and the IC tag AK1 is predetermined. When disconnected over time (s101), the management terminals A1 and A2 notify the administrator of the loss by an alert (s102).

  Next, the management terminals A1 and A2 notify the management computer of the loss of the IC tag via the wide area communication network IN together with the position information at the time of communication disconnection (hereinafter also referred to as “position information at the time of loss”) ( s103). The notification of the loss of the IC tag is performed by the management terminal (in this embodiment, the management terminal A2) that has established communication with the IC tag AK1 most recently, of the management terminals A1 and A2. Similarly, the time position information is the position information of the management terminal (in this embodiment, the management terminal A2) that has established communication with the IC tag AK1 most recently among the management terminals A1 and A2.

  The management computer 22 registers the lost date and time and the location information at the time of the loss of the IC tag AK1 that was notified of the loss in the management information table (see FIG. 3), and changes the IC tag status to “lost”. The IC tag is lost (s104).

  Subsequently, the management computer 22 determines whether to perform an in-group search or a wide area search. In this embodiment, in this embodiment, the administrator operates the management terminals A1 and A2 to decide to perform a wide area search when requesting a wide area search. In other cases, the in-group search is automatically performed. decide. However, the determination condition for selecting the group search or the wide area search is not limited to this. For example, the intra-group search is determined after the lost flag is set, and the wide-area search may be automatically determined when a predetermined time has elapsed.

  After the determination, the management computer 22 transmits the IC tag identification data to the mobile communication terminals that can perform search assistance among the mobile communication terminals registered in the mobile communication terminal information table. Allow communication. The auxiliary terminal a inputs the IC tag identification data into an application installed in advance, and waits for communication with the IC tag AK (s105). Thereby, for example, an older brother who has the auxiliary terminal a1 can assist in searching for a child who has the IC tag AK1.

  When one of the management terminals A1 and A2 or the auxiliary terminal a1 receives the identification radio wave of the IC tag and establishes communication (s106), the management computer is notified of the discovery of the IC tag (s107). At this time, the auxiliary terminal may only issue and notify the identification radio wave reception alert, and the notification of the discovery of the IC tag may be performed only by the administrator inputting from the management terminal. This is because when the IC tag cannot be secured simply by establishing communication, the administrator notifies the discovery that the IC tag has been secured. This can be dealt with by having an application installed in advance determine that the terminal is an auxiliary terminal.

  FIG. 12 is an image diagram showing a case where an IC tag is found by intra-group search, and shows that an auxiliary terminal establishes communication with the IC tag as an example. When the auxiliary terminal a1 has only the function of issuing an alert, the auxiliary terminal a1 informs the administrator having the management terminals A1 and A2 that communication has been established via the telephone line.

  A broken line on the Internet line in the drawing indicates that discovery notification cannot be made from the auxiliary terminal a1. If communication with the IC tag is established again, for example, the communication range N of the IC tag is weakened so that it reaches the identification radio wave reachable range of about 5 m, and the search range is narrowed to facilitate discovery. (Same as FIG. 9A).

  The management computer 22 that has received the notification of the discovery of the IC tag registers the discovery date and time among the IC tag items of the management information table (see FIG. 3), changes the IC tag status to “in use”, and changes the IC tag. A discovery process is performed (s108). As a result, the intra-group search sequence ends.

  Thereafter, the process returns to the step (s16) of periodically communicating the IC tag use sequence portion of the IC tag use sequence (see FIG. 7), and when the operation is completed, the IC tag is collected (s17). Exit.

<Example 2>

  FIG. 13 is an image diagram illustrating another use time of the IC tag. As an example, one management target (child) with an IC tag attached, two managers (two parents) who have a management terminal, and an assistant (brother) who has an auxiliary terminal are in one group. Assume that a (family) is formed and a second group (two families) goes out (hereinafter also referred to as “Example 2”). The two families have the same configuration, but the numbers may be different. For example, one management terminal, two auxiliary terminals, and four IC tags may be used.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the wide area search is determined when the IC tag AK1 attached to the management target is lost. Therefore, a part of the description of the same contents as in the first embodiment is omitted. In the second embodiment, the management system S performs a wide area search according to the following wide area search sequence.

  FIG. 14 is an image diagram showing the time when the IC tag is lost, and shows an example in which the IC tag AK1 of the A management group Ga is lost. When the management terminals A1 and A2 are out of the IC tag communication range N, the communication between the management terminals A1 and A2 and the IC tag AK1 is disconnected. When communication is disconnected for a predetermined period of time, the IC tag raises a “lost” flag. The IC tag holds the communication range N in a range of, for example, a radius of about 10 m while the “lost” flag is standing.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a wide area search sequence chart. Steps s103 to s105 in the figure and the previous steps are the same as the intra-group search sequence (see FIG. 11). When the communication is repeatedly performed between the management terminal A1 or A2 and the IC tag periodically at the use destination (s16), the communication between the management terminal A1 or A2 and the IC tag exceeds a predetermined time. When disconnected (s101), the management terminals A1 and A2 are alerted to notify the loss (s102). Subsequently, the management terminals A1 and A2 notify the management computer of the loss of the IC tag along with the lost position information via the Internet (s103).

  The management computer registers the lost date / time and the location information at the time of the loss in the item of the IC tag that has been notified of the loss in the management information table (see FIG. 3), and changes the IC tag status to “Lost”. IC tag lost processing is performed (s104). Subsequently, in the management computer, it is determined whether to perform an in-group search or a wide area search (s201).

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a request for a wide area search is issued from the management terminal A1 to the management computer 22, which is a determination condition for performing the above-described wide area search, and the wide area search is determined.

  The management computer 22 logs into the wide area search computer 10 with the information stored in the wide area search computer login table (not shown), transmits the IC tag identification data of the corresponding IC tag in the management information table, and requests the wide area search. (S202). The intra-group search continues while the wide-area search is in progress.

  The wide area search computer 10 collates the A management group GA in which the IC tag 25 has been lost with the group information table (FIG. 6), stores the lost IC tag identification data in the lost information table (not shown), and performs the preprocessing sequence. The lost IC tag identification data is transmitted to the management computer 42 of the registered B management group to make a wide area search request (s202).

  The management computer 42 of the B management group treats the management terminals B1 and B2 and the auxiliary terminal b1 that are registered in the management group of the B management group and can provide search support as support terminals. The management computer 42 stores the group system ID and the IC tag identification data in the other management group lost information table (FIG. 5) in the background, and transmits the IC tag identification data of the lost IC tag to the support terminal. Then, the communication with the lost IC tag is permitted (s203).

  That is, the search is performed without notifying the operator of the management computer and the owner of the support terminal of the search. This is because there is information that is not desired to be disclosed in the information on the management target persons of other management groups. On the other hand, it is possible to provide search support after notifying the operator and the owner.

  The support terminal inputs the IC tag identification data to an application installed in advance in the support terminal, and waits for communication with the IC tag AK1 (s204). When the support terminal receives the identification radio wave of the IC tag and establishes communication (s205), the support terminal notifies the management computer of the establishment of communication with the IC tag and notifies the management computer of the location information of the place where the communication is established.

  The location information is further notified to the management computer 22 of the A management group GA that has lost the IC tag via the wide area search computer 10 and stored in the search location information item at the time of search in the management information table (see FIG. 3). Thereafter, the management terminal A1 or the management terminal A2 that has registered the use of the IC tag is notified.

  FIG. 16 is an image diagram showing a case where an IC tag is found by a wide area search. The management terminals A1, A2 or the auxiliary terminal a1 searching for the A management group GA are far away from the identification radio wave reachable range of the lost IC tag, and it is difficult to find the search by only the A group. The management terminals B1 and B2 or the auxiliary terminal b1 registered in the B management group are located relatively close to the IC tag. The figure shows that the auxiliary terminal B2 registered in the B management group Gb has received the identification radio wave of the IC tag as a support terminal and has established communication. A thick arrow indicates a subsequent communication flow.

  The manager of the management terminal that has obtained the position information moves to the indicated position (s207), and tries to establish communication with the IC tag together with the owner of the auxiliary terminal. When communication with the IC tag is established again and the IC tag is secured (s208), the discovery of the IC tag is notified to the management computer of its own management group. Subsequently, the management computer notifies the wide area search computer 10 of the discovery (s209).

  Upon receiving the IC tag discovery notification, the management computer registers the discovery date and time among the IC tag items in the management information table (see FIG. 3), changes the IC tag status to “in use”, and finds the IC tag. Processing is performed (s210). The “in use” flag is set on the IC tag to hold the communication range N within a radius of, for example, 5 m.

  The wide area search computer 10 that has received the notification of the discovery of the IC tag erases the contents related to the IC tag AK1 in the lost information table and erases the lost information to the management computer 42 of the B management group that has requested the search. And the IC tag AK1 are instructed to cancel the communication permission (s210). The management computer 42 deletes the lost information and performs a process of disconnecting communication with the IC tag for the support terminal (s211).

  After that, the process returns to the step (s16) for periodically communicating the IC tag use sequence portion of the IC tag use sequence (see FIG. 8). When the work is completed, the IC tag is collected (s17) and the IC tag is used. End the sequence.

  According to such a wide area search, when a child attached with an IC tag in one family gets lost, even if the family alone cannot find the child, it is in the vicinity of the place where the child got lost Other families can help find the child. In addition, if one family's information is not disclosed to other families, the privacy of the family can be protected.

  In the management system, it is desirable that not only the second management group but also as many groups as possible support the search for the IC tag. If family privacy is protected, the number of families participating in the management system will increase, and the effectiveness of search support will improve.

<Example 3>
FIG. 17 is an image diagram showing when another IC tag is used. As an example, a plurality of management objects (students) attached with IC tags, a plurality of administrators (teachers) possessing management terminals, and a plurality of assistants (student leaders) possessing auxiliary terminals are off-campus. Assume a case of activity (hereinafter also referred to as “Example 3”).

  The third embodiment includes a plurality of management terminals A1 to Ar, a plurality of auxiliary terminals a1 to an, and a plurality of IC tags AK1 to AKp. In the third embodiment, a plurality of IC tags AK1 to AKp attached to a management target can communicate with each other, and a plurality of IC tags are managed using a mesh network MN constructed by mutual communication. Although different from the first embodiment in which the tag AK does not communicate with each other, it has the same characteristics in other points. For example, in the third embodiment, the IC tag is used by the same use sequence and intra-group search sequence as in the first embodiment. In the following description, a part of the description of the same contents as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the management system S manages the IC tag by the mesh network MN shown below.

  FIG. 18 is an image diagram of the mesh network NM constructed by the IC tag. IC tags can be accessed by so-called IPv6 and communicate with each other by broadcast transmission of short-range wireless communication at regular intervals.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the mesh network MN includes a plurality of management terminals A, a plurality of auxiliary terminals a, and a plurality of IC tags AK requested to be used. The IC tag AK (hereinafter also referred to as “communication element”) communicates with other communication elements existing within its own communication range N by short-range wireless communication. In the figure, short-range wireless communication is indicated by a solid line. Each management terminal A and each auxiliary terminal a communicate with each other through a wide area communication network or a telephone line (not shown).

  In the third embodiment, a mesh network MN is constructed between students by attaching IC tags that can communicate with each other to the students. In other words, in the mesh network MN, students with IC tags attached are within the reach of other students with IC tags attached, and students in the mesh network confirm each other's existence. it can.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a communicable range Nn of the mesh network MN. As an example, a case where the management terminal A or the auxiliary terminal a is in the communicable range Nn of the mesh network MN constructed by a plurality of IC tags AK. explain. In this embodiment, the mesh network MN includes four IC tags AK1 to AK4, and each IC tag AK has a predetermined communication range N1, N2, N3, and N4, respectively. A circle with a broken line indicates the communication range N of the IC tag AK at the center of the circle.

  The communication ranges N of the IC tags AK overlap each other, and the portion that is the union of the communication ranges N becomes the communicable range Nn of the mesh network MN. If the management terminal A or the auxiliary terminal a exists at any location within the communicable range Nn of the mesh network MN, it can communicate with all the IC tags that construct the mesh network MN. In FIG. 19, for example, the management terminal A exists only in the communication range N of the IC tag AK1, but can communicate with all of the other IC tags AK2 to AK4 via the IC tag AK1.

  In the mesh network, even if one indirect communication route cannot be communicated due to a communication environment or the like, another indirect communication route is complemented. In the present embodiment, the management terminal A can indirectly communicate with the IC tag AK4 via the IC tag AK2 or the IC tag AK3. Therefore, the management terminal A can communicate with the IC tag AK4 indirectly via the IC tag AK3 even if the IC tag AK2 is located in a place with a poor communication environment and cannot communicate.

  Next, the flow of signals propagated by communication in the mesh network MN will be described. FIG. 20 is an image diagram showing signal propagation through communication within the mesh network MN. As an example, a flow for confirming that one management terminal and a plurality of IC tags are within the communicable range of the mesh network MN will be described. To do. However, instead of the management terminal, the auxiliary terminal may confirm that there are a plurality of IC tags in the communicable range of the mesh network MN to which the auxiliary terminal belongs.

  In FIG. 20, it is assumed that the mesh network MN is constructed from a management terminal A and a plurality of IC tags AK1 to AK15. Since the IC tag in the mesh network MN can communicate with the management terminal Aa or the like, the management terminal A can confirm the IC tag AK by receiving the confirmation signal u transmitted from the IC tag AK. it can. The confirmation signal includes at least identification data of the IC tag, position information of the IC tag, and time information at the time of transmission.

  In FIG. 20, the IC tag is described as transmitting a signal in the direction of the arrow. For simplicity of explanation, the arrows are shown only in two directions. However, in reality, signals are transmitted in all directions. In FIG. 20, the communication range of the IC tag is assumed to be the IC tag located next to the top, bottom, left and right of the simulation.

  Further, the IC tag is configured to receive a signal that has arrived first and not to receive the same signal that has arrived later. In FIG. 20, a solid line arrow means that a signal has been received, and a broken line arrow means that a signal has been received. The case where the confirmation signal is not received includes receiving the confirmation signal, but erasing the received confirmation information as it is, and simply not receiving the confirmation information. The IC tag receives only the signal that has arrived first, and does not receive the same signal thereafter, thereby reducing the communication power of the IC tag and the burden on the CPC.

  First, as shown in FIG. 20A, a confirmation signal u15 is transmitted from the IC tag AK15. The confirmation signal u15 is received by the IC tags AK13 and AK14.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20B, the IC tags AK13 and AK14 transmit the received confirmation signal u15 as it is. The confirmation signal u15 is received by the IC tags AK10, AK11, and AK12. However, the IC tag AK11 can receive the confirmation signal u15 from the AK13 and AK14, but in this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK13 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK14 is not received. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20C, the IC tags AK10, AK11, and AK12 transmit the received confirmation signal u15 as it is. The confirmation signal u15 is received by the IC tags AK6, AK7, AK8, and AK9. However, although the IC tag AK7 can receive the confirmation signals from the AK10 and AK11, in this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK10 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK11 is not received. Similarly, the IC tag AK8 can receive the confirmation signals from the AK11 and AK12. In this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK11 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK12 is not received. .

  At this time, a confirmation signal u14 is transmitted from the IC tag AK14. The confirmation signal u14 is received by the IC tags AK11 and AK12.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20D, the IC tags AK6, AK7, AK8, AK9 transmit the received confirmation signal u15 as it is. The confirmation signal u15 is received by the IC tags AK3, AK4, and AK5. However, the IC tag AK3 can receive the confirmation signal from the AK6 and AK7, but in this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK6 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK7 is not received.

  Similarly, the IC tag AK4 can receive the confirmation signals from the AK7 and AK8, but in this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK7 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK8 is not received. . The IC tag AK5 can receive confirmation signals from the AK8 and AK9. In this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK8 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK9 is not received.

  Further, the IC tags AK11 and AK12 transmit the received confirmation signal u14 as it is. The confirmation signal u14 is received by the IC tags AK7, AK8, AK9. However, although the IC tag AK8 can receive the confirmation signals from the AK11 and AK12, in this case, only the confirmation signal u14 from the IC tag AK11 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK12 is not received.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20E, the IC tags AK3, AK4, and AK5 transmit the received confirmation signal u15 as they are. The confirmation signal u15 is received by the IC tags AK1 and AK2. However, the IC tag AK1 can receive the confirmation signal from the AK3 and AK4, but in this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK3 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK4 is not received. Similarly, the IC tag AK2 can receive the confirmation signal from the AK4 and AK5. In this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK4 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK5 is not received. .

  Further, the IC tags AK7, AK8, AK9 transmit the received confirmation signal u14 as it is. The confirmation signal u14 is received by the IC tags AK3, AK4, and AK5. However, the IC tag AK4 can receive the confirmation signals from the AK7 and AK8, but in this case, only the confirmation signal u14 from the IC tag AK7 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK8 is not received. Similarly, the IC tag AK5 can receive the confirmation signal u14 from the AK8 and AK9. In this case, only the confirmation signal u14 from the IC tag AK9 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK8 is received. do not do.

  At this time, a confirmation signal u13 is transmitted from the IC tag AK13. The confirmation signal u13 is received by the IC tags AK10 and AK11.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20 (F), the IC tags AK1 and AK2 transmit the received confirmation signal u15 as it is. The confirmation signal u15 is received by the management terminal A. However, the management terminal A can receive the confirmation signal u15 from the AK1 and AK2, but in this case, only the confirmation signal u15 from the IC tag AK2 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK1 is received. Erasing without.

  Further, the IC tags AK3, AK4, and AK5 transmit the received confirmation signal u14 as it is. The confirmation signal u14 is received by the IC tags AK1 and AK2. However, the IC tag AK1 can receive the confirmation signal from the AK3 and AK4, but in this case, only the confirmation signal u14 from the IC tag AK3 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK4 is not received. Similarly, the IC tag AK2 can receive confirmation signals from the AK4 and AK5, but in this case, only the confirmation signal u14 from the IC tag AK4 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK5 is not received. .

  The IC tags AK10 and AK11 transmit the received confirmation signal u13 as it is. The confirmation signal u13 is received by the IC tags AK6, AK7, and AK8. However, although the IC tag AK7 can receive the confirmation signals from the AK10 and AK11, in this case, only the confirmation signal u13 from the IC tag AK10 that has arrived first is received, and the signal from the AK11 is not received.

  Through the above flow, the IC tags AK1 to AK15 transmit their own confirmation signals u1 to u15, and the management terminal A receives the confirmation signals u1 to u15, so that the IC tags AK1 to AK15 are connected to the mesh network MN. Can be confirmed. The IC tag periodically transmits its own confirmation signal, and the management terminal receives the confirmation signal periodically, thereby continuously confirming the presence of the IC tag.

  Further, only the confirmation signal u that has arrived first at each communication element is received, and the same confirmation signal that has arrived later is not received. The identity of the confirmation signal is determined by the identification data of the IC tag and the time information at the time of transmission included in the confirmation signal. That is, the same identification data and the same transmission signal are the same. Therefore, for example, even if there is a signal at the same time of transmission, if the identification data is different, it is determined as a different signal. Even if there is a signal of the same identification data, it is determined as a different signal if the transmission time is different.

  Next, an embodiment of managing an IC tag using a mesh network MN constructed by IC tags that can communicate with each other will be described.

<Embodiment 1>

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the management system S11. The management system S11 includes a management terminal Aa and IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, and each communication element constructs a mesh network MN1. The management terminal Aa can communicate with the IC tags AKA1 to AKA6 via the mesh network.

  Which management terminal manages which IC tag in the mesh network is determined by the item of the management terminal in the management information table of the management computer 22 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, in the management information table of the management system S11, the management terminal item is the management terminal Aa in the IC tags AKA1 to AKA6. Therefore, the management terminal Aa manages the IC tags AKa1 to AKa6. The management means checking the identification data of the IC tag and confirming that communication is possible.

<Embodiment 2>

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the second embodiment of the management system S12. The management system S12 includes a plurality of management terminals Aa, Ab, Ac and IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, AKb1 to AKb6, AKc1 to AKc6, and each communication element constructs a mesh network MN2. Therefore, all communication elements can communicate with each other via the mesh network.

  In the present embodiment, in the management information table of the management system S12, the manager's item is the management terminal Aa in the IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, the manager's item is the management terminal Ab in the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the IC tag In AKc1 to AKc6, the manager's item is the management terminal Ac. Thereby, the management terminal Aa manages the IC tags AKa1 to AKA6, the management terminal Ab manages the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the management terminal Ac manages the IC tags AKc1 to AKc6. In this embodiment, one mesh network is constructed with all the IC tags. However, the IC tag managed by the same management terminal is made one group, and the mesh network is constructed for each group. Good. In this case, IC tags belonging to different groups do not communicate with each other.

<Embodiment 3>

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the third embodiment of the management system S13. Similar to the management system S12 of the second embodiment, the management system S13 includes a plurality of management terminals Aa, Ab, Ac and IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, AKb1 to AKb6, AKc1 to AKc6, and each communication element is a mesh network MN3. Is building. All communication elements can communicate via the mesh network. However, the management system S13 is different from the management system S12 of the second embodiment in the IC tag managed by the management terminal.

  In the present embodiment, in the management information table of the management system S13, the item of the administrator is the management terminal Aa in the IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, and the item of the administrator is the management terminal Aa and the management terminal Ab in the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6. In the IC tags AKc1 to AKc6, the manager's items are the management terminal Aa and the management terminal Ac. Thereby, the management terminal Aa manages the IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, AKb1 to AKb6, AKc1 to AKc6, the management terminal Ab manages the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the management terminal Ac manages the IC tags AKc1 to AKc6. In this embodiment, one mesh network is constructed with all the IC tags. However, the IC tag managed by the same management terminal is made one group, and the mesh network is constructed for each group. Good.

  Since the communication elements of the second embodiment and the third embodiment are the same, the second and third embodiments can be mutually changed by rewriting the manager of the management information table. The contents of the management information table may be changed from the management terminal.

<Embodiment 4>

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the fourth embodiment of the management system S14. The management system S14 includes a plurality of management terminals Aa, Ab, and Ac and IC tags AKa1 to AKa6, AKb1 to AKb6, and AKc1 to AKc6. The management terminals Aa and Ab and the IC tags AKa2 to AKa6 and AKb1 to AKb6 construct a mesh network MN4ab, and the management terminal Ac and the IC tags AKa1 and AKc1 to AKc6 construct a mesh network MN4c.

  The mesh network MN4ab and the mesh network MN4c have different communication ranges. That is, the communication element of the mesh network MN4ab and the communication element of the mesh network MN4c cannot communicate with each other by short-range radio. However, the management terminals Aa, Ab, and Ac can communicate with each other via the wide area communication network IN. Accordingly, the communication element of the mesh network MN4ab and the communication element of the mesh network MN4c can communicate via the wide area communication network. The wide area communication network IN is connected to a management computer, a wide area search computer, or various cloud services.

  In the present embodiment, in the management information table of the management system S14, the item of the manager is the management terminal Aa in the IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, the item of the manager is the management terminal Ab in the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the IC tag In AKc1 to AKc6, the manager's item is the management terminal Ac. Thereby, the management terminal Aa manages the IC tags AKa1 to AKA6, the management terminal Ab manages the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the management terminal Ac manages the IC tags AKc1 to AKc6.

  In the present embodiment, the IC tag AK1 is under the management of the management terminal Aa but is not within the communicable range of the mesh network MN4ab including the management terminal Aa. However, the IC tag AKa1 can communicate with the management terminal Ac via the mesh network MN4c, and the management terminal Ac can communicate with the management terminal Aa via the wide area communication network IN. Accordingly, the management terminal Aa can manage the IC tag AKA1 via the mesh network MN4c, the management terminal Ac, and the wide area communication network IN.

<Embodiment 5>

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the fifth embodiment of the management system S15. The management system S15 includes a plurality of management terminals Aa, Ab, Ac, IC tags AKa1 to AKA6, AKb1 to AKb6, AKc1 to AKc6, and a plurality of fixed relay terminals DK1 to DK6, which constitute a mesh network MN5. Yes. Therefore, all communication elements can communicate with each other via the mesh network. Moreover, since the fixed relay terminals DK1 to DK6 are included in the construction of the mesh network, the stability of the mesh network communication is improved.

  In the present embodiment, in the management information table of the management system S15, the administrator's item is the management terminal Aa in the IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, the administrator's item is the management terminal Ab in the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the IC tag In AKc1 to AKc6, the manager's item is the management terminal Ac. Thereby, the management terminal Aa manages the IC tags AKa1 to AKA6, the management terminal Ab manages the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the management terminal Ac manages the IC tags AKc1 to AKc6.

<Example 4>

  FIG. 26 is an image diagram showing a case where the management system S of the embodiments so far is utilized and the management of the hospital equipment is optimally performed by the management computer. The management system S16 includes a plurality of management terminals Aa1, Ab1, Ac1, Ad1, IC tags AKa1 to AKA4, AKb1 to AKb3, AKc1 to AKc4, AKd1 to AKd3, and a plurality of fixed relay terminals DK1 to DK6. You are building a network.

  Each management terminal A forms a group with an IC tag. Specifically, the management terminal Aa1 manages AKa1 to AKa4 attached to the wheelchair. The management terminal Ab1 manages AKb1 to AKb3 attached to the stretcher. The management terminal Ac1 manages AKc1 to AKc4 attached to the infusion table. The management terminal Ad1 manages AKd1 to AKd3 attached to the oxygen cylinder. Therefore, the mesh network adopts the management pattern of the second embodiment, and assumes that different persons manage various devices. Further, the basic configuration is such that a management computer 22 that manages and manages the management terminal A is provided and centralized management is performed simultaneously. Of course, one of the management terminals may be managed intensively, or a plurality of devices may be managed by a plurality of management terminals.

  In addition, by having doctors and staff possess auxiliary terminals a, b, and c, the mesh network can be strengthened, and the stability of communication is improved. Further, similarly to the management system S shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible to manage devices by forming groups.

  In general, hospitals that require management of devices have a hierarchical structure, and there is a problem that even if a network is simply formed, it is impossible to grasp the positional relationship in the height direction. Even if the GPS function is provided, the position in the height direction cannot be grasped.

  Therefore, in addition to the basic configuration described above, fixed relay terminals DK1 to DK6 are installed on each floor, and a function for determining on which floor the management target is placed according to the radio wave intensity received by the fixed relay terminal DK. I decided to add it. It is utilization of the system of Embodiment 5. FIG. 26 shows an example in which fixed relay terminals DK1 to DK4 are installed one by one from the first floor to the fourth floor. The fixed relay terminals DK1 to DK4 are preferably able to communicate directly with the management computer 22, and may take the form of a wired LAN. The identification data of the IC tag attached to the management target object determines which floor the fixed relay terminal DK is relayed first, and how much the radio wave intensity is.

  In addition, by including the two fixed relay terminals DK5 and DK6 in the construction of the mesh network, there is an effect that the state of communication is improved and the stability of the mesh network is improved particularly in an indoor building constructed of reinforced concrete.

  FIG. 27 is a first floor plan view of the image diagram of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. A solid line connecting the devices indicates that a network has been established. In FIG. 27, the fixed relay terminal DK1 fixed on the first floor and the management computer 22 can communicate with all the devices placed on the first floor, and the devices in the figure are on the first floor. I can recognize that. In the case of a large-scale hospital, fixed relay terminals DK can be provided at a plurality of locations on each floor, and the position of a managed object can be determined based on the radio wave intensity from the plurality of fixed relay terminals.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of an information management table in the management computer 22 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. When centralized management is performed by the management computer 22, it can be grasped at a glance by using a table as shown in FIG. Further, mapping on a diagram such as FIG. 26 makes it easy to handle application software with good visibility. It can also be shown on the management terminal A.

  In the present embodiment, in the management information table of the management system S15, the administrator's item is the management terminal Aa in the IC tags AKA1 to AKA6, the administrator's item is the management terminal Ab in the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the IC tag In AKc1 to AKc6, the manager's item is the management terminal Ac. Thereby, the management terminal Aa manages the IC tags AKa1 to AKA6, the management terminal Ab manages the IC tags AKb1 to AKb6, and the management terminal Ac manages the IC tags AKc1 to AKc6.

  As described above, the construction of the mesh network and the management of the IC tag can be appropriately changed. In this embodiment, a mesh network is used to manage an IC tag according to the above-described use sequence. When the IC tag is lost, that is, out of the communication range of the mesh network, it will be described in the first and second embodiments. The lost IC tag can be searched according to the in-group search sequence or the wide-area search sequence.

  In the above, the form for implementing this invention was demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design relating to the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be used for managing IC tags.

S Short-range wireless identification device management system St GPS satellite IN Wide area communication network (Internet)
10 Wide area search computer 22, 42 Management computer AK, BK Short-range wireless identification device (IC tag)
DK relay device A, B Management terminal (mobile communication terminal)
a, b, c Auxiliary terminal (mobile communication terminal)

Claims (13)

A plurality of short-range wireless identification devices attached to a plurality of management targets, having individual identification data, and capable of communicating with each other;
A management system for a short-range wireless identification device having a notification function, connected to a wide-area communication network and including at least one portable communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the short-range wireless identification device,
A mesh network is constructed by the short-range wireless identification device and the mobile communication terminal communicating,
At least one of the short-range wireless identification devices transmits its identification data, and attempts to communicate with the portable communication terminal indirectly via the other short-range wireless identification devices by wireless communication,
The portable communication terminal is a short-range wireless identification device management system that manages at least one short-range wireless identification device by acquiring the identification data of each short-range wireless identification device. The short-range wireless identification device has a GPS function, and transmits time information for transmitting its position information and signal in addition to the identification data,
The mobile communication terminal obtains position information of each short-range wireless identification device and time information when the short-range wireless identification device exists at the position,
The short-range wireless identification device management system according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the communication having the same time information is deleted. The short-range wireless device has a GPS function,
When the mobile communication terminal stops communication with at least one of the short-range wireless identification devices and cannot acquire the identification data of the short-range wireless identification device, the GPS function causes the communication to be stopped. The short-range wireless identification device management system according to claim 1, wherein position information of the short-range wireless identification device is acquired.   The said portable communication terminal has a management information table which collates the said identification data, The said short-range radio | wireless identification apparatus managed by changing the said management information table can be changed. The management system according to one item. In addition, it has a management computer connected to the wide area communication network,
The management computer has a management information table for collating the identification data, and changes the short-range wireless identification device to be managed by changing the management information table. The management system described in the section.   The management system according to claim 5, wherein the portable communication terminal changes the short-range wireless identification device to be managed by changing the management information table of the management computer via a wide area communication network. The short-range wireless identification device management system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the portable communication terminals and a plurality of the short-range wireless identification devices.
At least one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals manages a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices;
At least another one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals is a short-range wireless identification device management system for managing another part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices. The short-range wireless identification device management system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the portable communication terminals and a plurality of the short-range wireless identification devices.
At least one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals manages a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices;
At least another one of the plurality of portable communication terminals is a short-range wireless identification device management system that manages a plurality of short-range wireless identification devices including a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices. 2. The short-range wireless identification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of the mobile communication terminals; a plurality of the short-range wireless identification devices; and a management computer that communicates with the mobile communication terminal via a wide area communication network. A management system,
At least one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals manages a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices;
At least another one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals manages another part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices;
The mesh network includes a first mesh network constructed from a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices and another part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices; A second mesh network constructed from the other part of the short-range wireless identification device and the other part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices,
The one mobile communication terminal is a short-range wireless identification device that manages a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices by using first and second mesh networks. A plurality of the mobile communication terminals, a plurality of the short-range wireless identification devices, and a plurality of fixed mediation devices that communicate with the mobile communication terminal or the short-range wireless identification devices and construct the mesh network. A management system for a short-range wireless identification device according to Item 1,
At least one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals manages a part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices;
At least another one of the plurality of mobile communication terminals is a short-range wireless identification device management system for managing another part of the plurality of short-range wireless identification devices. A short-range wireless identification device attached to at least one management target and having individual identification data;
A plurality of portable communication terminals having a notification function, connected to a wide area communication network and capable of wireless communication with the short-range wireless identification device;
A management system for a short-range wireless identification device, including a management computer connected to the portable communication terminal via a wide-area communication network,
When the management computer manages the identification data of the short-range wireless identification device, and when the portable computer requests the take-out of the short-range wireless identification device, Transmitting the identification data to a plurality of the mobile communication terminals to allow communication with the short-range wireless identification device;
All the mobile communication terminals permitted to communicate try to communicate with the short-range wireless identification device requested to take out, and notify when the communication with the short-range wireless identification device is interrupted A short-range wireless identification device management system. The at least one short-range wireless identification device, the plurality of mobile communication terminals, and the management computer form a management group, and the mobile communication terminal has a GPS function,
A plurality of the management computers communicate with a wide area search computer via a wide area communication network;
When all the mobile communication terminals try to communicate with the short-range wireless identification device and communication with the short-range wireless identification device is interrupted,
Any one of the mobile communication terminals notifies the management computer of its management group,
The management computer requests the wide area search computer to search;
The wide area search computer transmits the identification data to a mobile communication terminal belonging to another management group via the wide area communication network, and permits communication with the short-range wireless communication device in which the communication has stopped,
When the mobile communication terminal belonging to another management group tries to communicate with the short-range wireless communication identification device with which communication has been interrupted and communication is established, the mobile communication terminal acquires its own location information using the GPS function. ,
Via the wide area communication network, mobile communication terminals belonging to other management groups notify the wide area search computer of the location information, and the wide area search computer belongs to the short range wireless identification device to which communication has been lost. The short-range wireless identification device according to claim 11, wherein the location information is notified to the management computer of the group, and the management computer notifies the location information to the mobile communication terminal of the self-management group. Management system. The short-range wireless identification device management system according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of fixed mediation devices are arranged in a plane or a solid.

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