JP2020021420A - Wireless device, server, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing the power consumption of a wireless device used being attached to a parcel to be transported.SOLUTION: A wireless device 2 is attached to a parcel 10 to be transported from a departure place to an arrival place. The wireless device 2 includes: a sensor unit 24 for outputting information for estimating whether the parcel 10 is being transported; a communication unit 21 for transmitting a device identifier for identifying the wireless device 2; a storage unit 25 for storing sensor activation time which is time before arrival scheduled time when the parcel 10 is scheduled to arrive at the arrival place; and a processing unit 30 that shifts the sensor unit 24 from a sleep state to an operation state when current time coincides with the sensor activation time, and shifts the communication unit from the idle state to the operation state when it is estimated that the parcel has arrived from the information input from the sensor unit 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to wireless devices, servers, and systems.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a technology for tracking the position of a package by tracking the position of an electronic tag attached to a package such as a luggage transported by an aircraft or the like. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an air baggage management system using an electronic tag attached to baggage. In the air baggage management system described in Patent Literature 1, when a luggage owner deposits luggage at a check-in counter at an airport of departure, an electronic tag is issued and attached to the deposited luggage. The electronic tag attached to the luggage is read by a reader when it is mounted on an aircraft, when it is inspected by an explosives detection device, when it arrives at an airport, etc. Are sequentially notified to the portable terminals owned by.

JP 2005-289634 A

  In addition, it is possible to estimate the position of the package by attaching a wireless device to the package transported from the place of departure to the destination and using information indicating the position of the base station that has received the identifier transmitted by the wireless device. It is possible. However, when the wireless device is attached to a package, the wireless device includes a communication unit that transmits an identifier for identifying the wireless device, and a sensor unit that detects whether the package is being transported by an aircraft or the like. , Power consumption may increase.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing power consumption of a wireless device used for a package to be transported.

  A wireless device according to the present invention is a wireless device attached to a package transported from a departure place to a destination, a sensor unit that outputs information for estimating whether the package is being transported, and a wireless device. A communication unit for transmitting a device identifier for identifying the device, a storage unit for storing a sensor activation time that is a time before the scheduled arrival time at which the package is scheduled to arrive at the destination, and a current time corresponding to the sensor activation time. A processing unit that causes the sensor unit to transition from the sleep state to the operation state when coincident with each other, and transitions the communication unit from the sleep state to the operation state when it is estimated from the information input from the sensor unit that the package has arrived.

  In the wireless device according to the present invention, the communication unit receives the information indicating the sensor activation time, the storage unit stores the sensor activation time indicated by the information, and the processing unit determines that the communication unit has received the information. It is preferable that the communication unit transitions from the operating state to the hibernate state according to the following.

  Further, in the wireless device according to the present invention, the communication unit may receive a broadcast signal indicating a communicable frequency or a frequency indicated by the broadcast signal from the base station, and transmit the device identifier using the frequency. preferable.

  In the wireless device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the sensor unit includes a barometric pressure sensor, detects a landing of an aircraft transporting the baggage based on a change in air pressure, and estimates arrival of the baggage based on the detection of the landing. .

  Further, in the wireless device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the sensor unit includes an acceleration sensor, detects a landing of the aircraft transporting the luggage based on a change in acceleration, and estimates arrival of the luggage based on the detection of the landing. .

  Further, the server according to the present invention is a server communicably connected to a wireless device attached to the baggage transported from the place of departure to the destination, the itinerary information of the owner of the baggage, and a server attached to the baggage. A server storage unit for storing the device identifier of the wireless device associated with the contact information of the owner, and a sensor activation time that is a time earlier than the expected arrival time based on the estimated arrival time included in the itinerary information. And a server communication unit that transmits the sensor activation time to the wireless device identified by the device identifier. The server communication unit transmits the device identifier from the wireless device via the base station. Is received, the server processing unit estimates the current location of the wireless device based on the information of the base station included in the information, and the server communication unit further transmits the estimated current location to a contact.

  Further, in the server according to the present invention, when the current position of the wireless device estimated by the server processing unit substantially matches the destination included in the itinerary information, the server communication unit sends the communication unit to the wireless device. It is preferable to transmit a sleep instruction to cause the state to transition from the operation state to the sleep state.

  Further, the system according to the present invention is a system including a wireless device for attaching a package transported from the departure place to the destination, and a server communicably connected to the wireless device, wherein the server includes Based on the estimated arrival time included in the itinerary information, the server storage unit for storing the itinerary information of the owner, the device identifier of the wireless device attached to the baggage, and the contact information of the owner, A server processing unit that generates a sensor activation time that is a time earlier than the time, and a server communication unit that transmits the sensor activation time to a wireless device identified by the device identifier. A sensor unit that outputs information for estimating that the device is in transit, a wireless device communication unit that transmits a device identifier for identifying the wireless device, and a scheduled arrival time at which the package is scheduled to arrive at the destination. And a wireless device storage unit for storing the sensor activation time, which is the time of the sensor, and when the current time coincides with the sensor activation time, the sensor unit is changed from the sleep state to the operation state, and the package arrives from the information input from the sensor unit. And a wireless device processing unit that causes the wireless device communication unit to transition from the sleep state to the operating state when it is estimated that the wireless device communication unit has transmitted the information including the device identifier from the wireless device via the base station. Upon receiving, the server processing unit estimates the current location of the wireless device based on the information of the base station included in the information, and the server communication unit further transmits the estimated current location to a contact.

  The wireless device according to the present invention can reduce power consumption when used with transported luggage.

(A) is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the baggage position detection processing by the baggage position detection system which concerns on embodiment, (b) is a figure for demonstrating the operation state of the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the baggage position detection system concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the wireless device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the server shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a call destination table illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a baggage position detection process by the baggage position detection system shown in FIG. 4. 7 is a flowchart showing a sensor activation information generation process shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the baggage position detection system concerning a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the server shown in FIG. 8. It is a figure which shows an example of the arrival / departure table shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the baggage position detection processing by the server shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

  FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an outline of a baggage position detection process by the baggage position detection system according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for describing an operation state of the wireless device according to the embodiment. . In FIG. 1B, the unshaded components indicate an operating state, and the hatched components indicate a quiescent state in which power consumption is smaller than that of the operating state.

(Configuration of the baggage position detection system according to the embodiment)
The luggage position detection system 1 includes a wireless device 2, a server 4, a first base station 5, and a second base station 6. The wireless device 2 is attached to a luggage 10 transported by the aircraft 100 from a departure airport 11 to an arrival airport 12. The server 4 is an electronic computer such as a computer that can communicate with the wireless device 2. The first base station 5 is arranged inside or near the departure airport 11 and relays communication between the wireless device 2 and the server at the departure airport 11. The second base station 6 is arranged inside or near the arrival airport 12, and relays communication between the wireless device 2 and the server at the arrival airport 12.

  The wireless device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a sensor unit 24, a storage unit 25, a processing unit 30, and the like. The communication unit 21 communicates with the server 4 via the first base station 5, the second base station 6, and the like. The sensor unit 24 includes, for example, a pressure sensor that outputs pressure information indicating pressure, and an acceleration sensor that outputs acceleration information indicating acceleration. The storage unit 25 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, and stores various types of information used in the baggage position detection processing. The processing unit 30 is, for example, a CPU, and executes various processes associated with the baggage position detection process.

(Luggage position detection processing in the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment)
In the baggage position detection process in the baggage position detection system 1, first, the communication unit 21 of the wireless device 2 attached to the baggage 10 sends the device identifier for identifying the wireless device 2 to the server 4 via the first base station 5. (S1).

  Next, when receiving the device identifier from the wireless device 2, the server 4 generates a sensor activation time that is a time earlier than the expected arrival time based on the estimated arrival time included in the itinerary information of the owner of the package 10 ( S2). Next, the server 4 transmits the information indicating the sensor activation time generated in the process of S2 to the wireless device 2 via the first base station 5 (S3).

  Next, the communication unit 21 receives the information indicating the sensor activation time, and the storage unit 25 stores the sensor activation time indicated by the received information. Next, the processing unit 30 causes the communication unit 21 to transition from the operating state to the sleep state in response to the communication unit 21 receiving the information indicating the sensor activation time (S4). The processing unit 30 causes the communication unit 21 to transition from the operation state to the sleep state.

  When the current time coincides with the sensor activation time, the processing unit 30 causes the sensor unit 24 to transition from the sleep state to the operation state (S5). When the processing unit 30 makes a transition from the sleep state to the operating state, the sensor unit 24 outputs information for estimating whether the package is being transported.

  When the processing unit 30 estimates that the package has arrived from the information input from the sensor unit 24, the processing unit 30 causes the communication unit 21 to transition from the sleep state to the operation state (S6). The processing unit 30 also causes the sensor unit 24 to transition from the operating state to the sleep state. Next, the communication unit 21 transmits a device identifier indicating a device identifier for identifying the wireless device 2 to the server 4 via the second base station 6 at the arrival airport 12 (S7). When transmitting the device identifier to the server 4, the second base station 6 adds a base station identifier for identifying the second base station 6.

  Next, the server 4 receives the information including the device identifier from the wireless device 2 via the second base station 6 and, based on the information such as the base station identifier for identifying the second base station 6 included in the received information. To estimate the current location of the wireless device 2 (S8). Next, the server 4 transmits the current location estimated in the processing of S8 to the contact information of the owner of the package 10 (S9).

  Next, the server 4 determines whether or not the current location of the wireless device 2 substantially matches the destination of the package 10 (S10). When the server 4 determines that the current location of the wireless device 2 substantially matches the destination of the luggage 10, the server 4 transmits a pause instruction to the wireless device 2 (S11). Then, upon receiving the sleep instruction, the wireless device 2 transitions to the sleep state.

(Operation and Effect of Luggage Position Detection System According to Embodiment)
When the communication unit 21 is changed from the sleep state to the operating state at the estimated arrival time at the estimated arrival time without using the sensor unit 24, the aircraft 100 arrives at the arrival airport 12 later than the estimated arrival time. Then, the communication unit 21 may emit a radio wave before the aircraft 100 arrives at the arrival airport 12. On the other hand, in the baggage position detection system 1, the wireless device 2 does not change the communication unit 21 from the sleep state to the operating state at the scheduled arrival time, but first sets the sensor unit at the sensor activation time before the scheduled arrival time. The communication unit 21 is caused to transition from the sleep state to the operation state when the luggage 10 is estimated to have arrived at the arrival airport 12 by the sensor unit 24. Therefore, in the baggage position detection system 1, there is no possibility that the aircraft 100 emits radio waves for communication before arriving at the arrival airport 12.

  Further, in the luggage position detection system 1, the wireless device 2 puts the sensor unit 24 in a sleep state until the sensor activation time, which is a time before the scheduled arrival time, so that the wireless device 2 consumes the aircraft 100 while flying. Power consumption is reduced. Further, in the luggage position detection system 1, the wireless device 2 puts the communication unit 21 in a halt state until the luggage 10 arrives at the arrival airport 12 by the sensor unit 24. 2 is further reduced.

  In addition, since the wireless device 2 puts the sensor unit 24 in a sleep state until the sensor activation time, when the aircraft 100 arrives at the arrival airport 12 earlier than the sensor activation time, the sensor unit 24 estimates the arrival at the arrival airport 12. There is a possibility that the communication unit 21 cannot be changed to the operation state. However, since the possibility that the aircraft 100 arrives at the arrival airport 12 before the estimated arrival time is very low, this is not a serious problem.

(Configuration and Function of Luggage Position Detection System According to First Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the luggage position detection system according to the first embodiment.

  The luggage position detection system 1 includes a wireless device 2, a communication terminal 3, a server 4, a first base station 5, a second base station 6, and an access point 8. The server 4, the first base station 5, the second base station 6, and the access point 8 are mutually connected via a communication network 9 such as the Internet. The wireless device 2 communicates with the server 4 via the first base station 5 or the second base station 6 and the communication network 9, and the communication terminal 3 communicates with the server 4 via the access point 8 and the communication network 9. . The first base station 5 is arranged inside or near the departure airport 11 which is the departure place, and the second base station 6 is arranged inside or near the arrival airport 12 which is the departure place.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the wireless device 2.

  The wireless device 2 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a sensor unit 24, a storage unit 25, a power supply unit 26, and a processing unit 30, and is attached to the package 10.

  The communication unit 21 has a wireless communication interface circuit such as LoRa, which is a kind of LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), and NB-IoT (Narrow Band-IoT), while power is supplied from the power supply unit 26. , The communication process becomes executable. LoRa is a wireless communication system using a frequency band called a sub-giga band, and NB-IoT is a wireless communication system using a narrow band frequency band of about 200 KHz. The communication unit 21 communicates with the server 4 and the like via the first base station 5, the second base station 6, the communication network 9, and the like. The communication unit 21 supplies the data received from the server 4 or the like to the processing unit 30. The communication unit 21 transmits the data supplied from the processing unit 30 to the server 4 or the like. The communication unit 21 is in an operation state while power is supplied from the power supply unit 26, and the communication unit 21 is in a sleep state while power is not supplied from the power supply unit 26.

  The input unit 22 may be any device that can start and stop the power supply of the wireless device 2, and is, for example, a button switch. The input unit 22 starts and stops power supply from the power supply unit 26 to the communication unit 21 to the storage unit 25 and the processing unit 30 in response to pressing of the owner of the wireless device 2.

  The display unit 23 may be any device as long as it can display the power supply state of the wireless device 2, and is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The display unit 23 is turned on when power is supplied from the power supply unit 26 to the communication unit 21 to the storage unit 25 and the processing unit 30, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 26 to the communication unit 21 to the storage unit 25 and the processing unit 30. Turns off when not performed.

  The sensor unit 24 has an air pressure sensor 241 and an acceleration sensor 242. The pressure sensor 241 includes, for example, a piezoresistive pressure sensor. While power is supplied from the power supply unit 26, the pressure information indicating the detected pressure is information for estimating whether the package is being transported. Output as

  The acceleration sensor 242 includes, for example, a three-axis capacitive MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) acceleration sensor. While the power is supplied from the power supply unit 26, the acceleration information indicating the detected acceleration is transmitted while the baggage is being transported. It is output as information for estimating the presence.

  The storage unit 25 is, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 25 stores a driver program, an operating system program, an application program, data, and the like used for processing by the processing unit 30. For example, the storage unit 25 stores a communication device driver program for controlling the communication unit 21 as a driver program. In addition, the storage unit 25 stores a connection control program using a communication method such as LoRaWAN as an operating system program. Further, the storage unit 25 stores, as an application program, a data processing program for transmitting and receiving various data. The computer program may be installed in the storage unit 25 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a USB memory using a known setup program or the like. The storage unit 25 stores information indicating a frequency band for an annunciation signal used in various countries around the world.

  The power supply unit 26 includes a battery, which is, for example, a coin-type lithium ion battery, and a power supply circuit that supplies power to the communication unit 21 to the storage unit 25, the processing unit 30, and the like from the battery. The power supply unit 26 starts and stops power to the communication unit 21 to the storage unit 25, the processing unit 30, and the like in response to the owner pressing the input unit 22.

  The processing unit 30 has one or a plurality of processors and their peripheral circuits, and controls the overall operation of the wireless device 2 as a whole. The processing unit 30 controls operations of the communication unit 21 and the like such that various processes of the wireless device 2 are executed in an appropriate procedure according to a program or the like stored in the storage unit 25. The processing unit 30 performs processing based on programs (a driver program, an operating system program, an application program, and the like) stored in the storage unit 25. Further, the processing unit 30 can execute a plurality of programs (such as application programs) in parallel.

  The processing unit 30 includes a state control unit 31, a frequency determination unit 32, an information output unit 33, and an arrival determination unit 34. Each of these units is a functional module implemented by a program executed on the processing unit 30. Alternatively, these units may be implemented in the wireless device 2 as independent integrated circuits, microprocessors, or firmware.

  The communication terminal 3 is, for example, a communication device such as a smartphone used by the owner of the package. The communication terminal 3 transmits the package itinerary information to the server 4 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), receives the current location of the package from the server 4, and displays the current location on the display unit.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the server 4.

  The server 4 is an electronic computer such as a computer that includes a server communication unit 41, a server storage unit 42, and a server processing unit 43, and that generates information indicating a sensor activation time according to a device identifier and itinerary information.

  The server communication unit 41 has a wired communication interface circuit such as Ethernet. The server communication unit 41 communicates with the wireless device 2, the communication terminal 3, and the like via the communication network 9 and the like, and supplies data received from the wireless device 2, the communication terminal 3, and the like to the server processing unit 43. The server communication unit 41 transmits the data supplied from the server processing unit 43 to the wireless device 2, the communication terminal 3, and the like.

  The server storage unit 42 has, for example, at least one of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk device, and an optical disk device. The server storage unit 42 stores a driver program, an operating system program, an application program, data, and the like used for processing by the server processing unit 43.

  For example, the server storage unit 42 stores a communication device driver program for controlling the server communication unit 41 and the like as a driver program. Further, the server storage unit 42 stores, as an operating system program, a connection control program using a communication method such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Further, the server storage unit 42 stores, as an application program, a data processing program for transmitting and receiving various data. The computer program may be installed in the server storage unit 42 using a known setup program or the like from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. Further, the server storage unit 42 stores various data used in the baggage position detection processing such as the departure / arrival table 421 and the airport name table 422.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the destination table 421.

  The arrival / departure table 421 stores the contact information of the owner of the package, the departure place identifier for identifying the departure place, and the scheduled departure time, which is the scheduled departure time from the departure place, in association with the apparatus identifier for identifying the wireless device. The arrival and departure table 421 further stores an arrival place identifier for identifying the arrival place, an estimated arrival time as an estimated time of arrival at the arrival place, and delay information of the aircraft carrying the luggage in association with the apparatus identifier.

  A set of the departure place identifier, the scheduled departure time, the arrival place identifier, and the estimated arrival time associated with the same device identifier is also referred to as itinerary information. A set of itinerary information and delay information associated with the same device identifier is also referred to as arrival / departure information. The arrival / departure table 421 is configured by a set of a set of a device identifier, contact information of the owner of the package, and arrival / departure information.

  The contact information of the owner of the package is, for example, an e-mail address that the communication terminal 3 can receive, a telephone number for notification by SMS (Short Message Service), and the like. The departure place identifier is an identifier for identifying the base station located at the place of departure, and the destination place identifier is an identifier for identifying the base station located at the place of arrival.

  The delay information is information indicating whether or not a flight schedule of an aircraft that carries cargo is delayed. When the delay information is “present”, it indicates that the aircraft arrives later than the time corresponding to the estimated arrival time. When the delay information is “none”, it indicates that the aircraft arrives at the time corresponding to the estimated arrival time. The delay information is obtained from a flight server that provides flight information of the aircraft. The delay information is acquired at least once, and is preferably acquired plural times every 10 to 15 minutes. Further, the delay information may include information indicating the degree of delay when the delay information is “present”.

  The airport name table 422 stores the airport name, which is the name of the airport at which the wireless device departs and arrives, in association with a base station identifier that identifies a base station located inside or near the airport. The airport name table 422 stores, for example, the airport name of the departure airport 11 in association with the base station identifier identifying the first base station 5, and stores the airport name of the arrival airport 12 as the base station identifier identifying the second base station 6. Is stored in association with.

  The server processing unit 43 has one or more processors and peripheral circuits thereof. The server processing unit 43 controls the overall operation of the server 4 as a whole, and is, for example, a CPU. The server processing unit 43 controls operations of the server communication unit 41 and the like such that various processes of the server 4 are executed in an appropriate procedure according to a program or the like stored in the server storage unit 42. The server processing unit 43 executes a process based on a program (a driver program, an operating system program, an application program, etc.) stored in the server storage unit 42. In addition, the server processing unit 43 can execute a plurality of programs (such as application programs) in parallel.

  The server processing unit 43 includes a sensor activation information generation unit 431, a current location notification unit 432, and a halt instruction unit 433. Each of these units included in the server processing unit 43 is a functional module implemented by a program executed on a processor included in the server processing unit 43. Alternatively, each of these units included in the server processing unit 43 may be implemented in the server 4 as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, or firmware.

  The first base station 5 and the second base station 6 convert a wireless packet transmitted from the wireless device 2 into an IP (Internet Protocol) packet, transmit the IP packet to the server 4, and transmit the IP packet transmitted from the server 4 to a wireless packet. And transmits it to the wireless device 2. When converting the wireless packet transmitted from the wireless device 2 into an IP packet, the first base station 5 and the second base station 6 include a base station identifier for identifying each base station in the IP packet. The first base station 5 and the second base station 6 periodically broadcast a broadcast signal indicating a communicable frequency. The access point 8 is a wireless LAN access point.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a baggage position detection process by the baggage position detection system 1. The baggage position detection process shown in FIG. 6 is executed mainly by the processing unit of each device in cooperation with each element of each device based on a program stored in the storage unit of each device in advance. A broadcast signal broadcast periodically by the first base station 5 and the second base station 6 is not displayed in the sequence diagram.

(Acquisition processing of itinerary information of the owner of baggage by server 4)
First, the communication terminal 3 transmits the itinerary information of the owner of the baggage to which the wireless device 2 is attached and transported to the server 4 in association with the device identifier for identifying the wireless device 2 and the contact information of the owner of the baggage (S101). ). Next, the server communication unit 41 receives the itinerary information transmitted from the communication terminal 3 (S102), and the server storage unit 42 stores the itinerary information received by the server communication unit 41 (S103). The processing of S101 to S103 is an example of processing in which the server 4 acquires itinerary information of the owner of the baggage to which the wireless device 2 is attached, and the server 4 may acquire itinerary information by other processing. For example, the server 4 may acquire the itinerary information not from the communication terminal 3 but from a server of a travel agency.

(Processing until takeoff of aircraft)
In response to the input unit 22 being pressed by the owner of the luggage at the departure airport 11 and power being supplied from the power supply unit 26 to the storage unit 25 and the processing unit 30, the state control unit 31 sets the communication unit 21 to the sleep state. To the operation state (S104). The state control unit 31 instructs the power supply unit 26 to start supplying power to the communication unit 21. The power supply unit 26 starts supplying power to the communication unit 21 in response to an instruction from the processing unit 30.

  Next, the frequency determination unit 32 searches the frequency band for the notification signal stored in the storage unit 25 while controlling the communication unit 21 to change the frequency to be used, and uses the frequency at which the notification signal is received or the notification signal. The designated frequency is determined as the frequency used by the communication unit 21 (S105). When the communication unit 21 receives the broadcast signal transmitted by the first base station 5, the frequency determination unit 32 determines the frequency at which the broadcast signal transmitted by the first base station 5 is received or the frequency indicated by the broadcast signal. , The frequency used by the communication unit 21. Techniques for searching for a frequency band for an annunciation signal are well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

  Next, the information output unit 33 outputs device identifier information indicating the device identifier to the communication unit 21, and the communication unit 21 sends the device identifier to the server 4 using the frequency determined in the process of S105. It transmits to one base station 5 (S106).

  Next, the first base station 5 adds a base station identifier for identifying the first base station 5 to the received device identifier and transmits the same to the server 4 (S107).

  Next, the server communication unit 41 receives the device identifier received and the base station identifier added by the first base station 5 (S108), and the server storage unit 42 stores the device identifier received by the server communication unit 41 and the first device identifier. The base station identifier added by the base station 5 is stored. Next, the sensor activation information generation unit 431 executes a sensor activation information generation process using the device identifier and the base station identifier acquired in the process of S108, and a sensor activation time at which the sensor unit 24 of the wireless device 2 is activated. Is generated (S109). The sensor activation time is a time before the scheduled arrival time of the package at the destination. In one example, the information indicating the sensor activation time corresponds to a time difference between the current time and the sensor activation time.

  Next, the sensor activation information generation unit 431 outputs information indicating the sensor activation time to the wireless communication apparatus 2 to the server communication unit 41, and the server communication unit 41 transmits the information indicating the sensor activation time via the first base station 5. To the wireless device 2 (S110).

  Next, the communication unit 21 receives the information indicating the sensor activation time transmitted from the server communication unit 41 in the process of S110 (S111), and the storage unit 25 stores the information indicating the sensor activation time received by the communication unit 21. .

  Next, in response to the communication unit 21 receiving the information indicating the sensor activation time, the state control unit 31 transitions the communication unit 21 from the operating state to the sleep state (S112). The state control unit 31 instructs the power supply unit 26 to stop supplying power to the communication unit 21. The power supply unit 26 stops supplying power to the communication unit 21 according to an instruction from the processing unit 30. At the same time, the state control unit 31 shifts to a sleep state in which the processing unit 30 operates with minimum power, for example, by lowering the frequency of the clock of the processing unit 30. After the processing of S112, the luggage with the wireless device 2 is mounted on the aircraft, and the aircraft starts flying for transporting the luggage with the wireless device 2. The state control unit 31 has a timer, and measures the time until the current time matches the time corresponding to the information indicating the sensor activation time.

(Processing from takeoff to landing of aircraft)
When the time corresponding to the information indicating the sensor activation time has elapsed and the current time matches the sensor activation time, the state control unit 31 causes the sensor unit 24 to transition from the sleep state to the operating state (S113). The state control unit 31 instructs the power supply unit 26 to start supplying power to the sensor unit 24 including the barometric pressure sensor 241 and the acceleration sensor 242. The power supply unit 26 starts supplying power to the barometric pressure sensor 241 and the acceleration sensor 242 in response to an instruction from the processing unit 30. Each of the pressure sensor 241 and the acceleration sensor 242 starts outputting pressure information and acceleration information. At the same time, the state control unit 31 causes the processing unit 30 to transition from the sleep state to the operation state. At the same time, the state control unit 31 causes the processing unit 30 to transition to the operation state.

  Next, the arrival determination unit 34 estimates the arrival of the baggage from the atmospheric pressure information and the acceleration information input from the sensor unit 24 (S114). For example, when the arrival determination unit 34 determines that both the speed calculated from the acceleration information input from the sensor unit 24 and the altitude calculated from the barometric pressure information input from the sensor unit 24 are less than a predetermined threshold, , Presumed that the package has arrived. In addition, the arrival determination unit 34 determines both the temporal change of the acceleration corresponding to the atmospheric pressure and the acceleration corresponding to the atmospheric pressure information input from the sensor unit 24 and the temporal change of the atmospheric pressure and the acceleration at the time of landing of the aircraft stored in advance. When it is determined that they match, it may be estimated that the package has arrived. On the other hand, when both the speed calculated from the acceleration and the altitude calculated from the air pressure are equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the arrival determination unit 34 estimates that the package has not arrived. When the arrival determination unit 34 estimates that either the temporal change in the atmospheric pressure and the acceleration and the temporal change in the atmospheric pressure and the acceleration at the time of landing of the aircraft stored in advance do not match, the baggage arrives at the destination. It may be estimated that it has not been done. When the arrival determination unit 34 estimates that the package has not arrived at the destination, the arrival determination unit 34 causes the sensor unit 24 and the processing unit 30 to transition from the operation state to the sleep state. After a predetermined period elapses after estimating that the baggage has not arrived at the destination, the arrival determination unit 34 makes a transition from the sleep state to the operating state and estimates again the arrival of the baggage to which the wireless device 2 is attached. I do.

(Processing after landing of aircraft)
When the arrival determination unit 34 estimates that the package has arrived at the destination, the state control unit 31 shifts the communication unit 21 from the sleep state to the operation state (S115). The state control unit 31 instructs the power supply unit 26 to start supplying power to the communication unit 21. The power supply unit 26 starts supplying power to the communication unit 21 in response to an instruction from the processing unit 30. At the same time, the state control unit 31 causes the sensor unit 24 to transition from the operating state to the sleep state. The state control unit 31 instructs the power supply unit 26 to stop supplying power to the sensor unit 24. The power supply unit 26 stops supplying power to the communication unit 21 according to an instruction from the processing unit 30.

  Next, the frequency determination unit 32 searches the frequency band for the notification signal stored in the storage unit 25 while controlling the communication unit 21 to change the frequency to be used, and determines the frequency at which the notification signal is received by the communication unit 21. Is determined to be the frequency to be used (S116). When the communication unit 21 receives the broadcast signal transmitted by the second base station 6, the frequency determination unit 32 changes the frequency at which the broadcast signal transmitted by the second base station 6 is received to the frequency used by the communication unit 21. decide. When the communication unit 21 does not receive the notification signal transmitted by the second base station 6, the state control unit 31 shifts the communication unit 21 and the sensor unit 24 from the operation state to the sleep state. The processing of S113 to S116 is repeated until the communication unit 21 receives the notification signal transmitted by the second base station 6.

  When the frequency determination unit 32 determines the frequency used by the communication unit 21 (S116), the information output unit 33 outputs a device identifier indicating the device identifier to the communication unit 21, and the communication unit 21 sends the device identifier to the server 4. To the second base station 6 (S117). Then, the state control unit 31 instructs the power supply unit 26 to stop supplying power to the communication unit 21 to the storage unit 25 and the processing unit 30. The power supply unit 26 stops supplying power to the communication unit 21 according to an instruction from the processing unit 30.

  Next, the second base station 6 adds a base station identifier for identifying the second base station 6 to the received device identifier and transmits the same to the server 4 (S118).

  Next, the device identifier received by the server communication unit 41 and the base station identifier added by the second base station 6 are received (S119), and the server storage unit 42 stores the device identifier received by the server communication unit 41 and the second The base station identifier added by the base station 6 is stored.

  Next, the current location notification unit 432 estimates the current location of the wireless device 2 based on the information of the second base station 6 included in the information received in the processing of S119 (S120). The current location notification unit 432 refers to the airport name table 422 and estimates the airport name associated with the base station identifier of the second base station 6 included in the information received in the processing of S119 as the current location.

  Next, the current location notification unit 432 outputs the name of the airport estimated to be the current location in the processing of S120 to the communication terminal 3 as the current location to the server communication unit 41, and the server communication unit 41 communicates with the owner of the current location. The data is transmitted to the terminal 3 (S121). The current location notifying unit 432 extracts an e-mail address or the like of the communication terminal 3 that is a contact address associated with the device identifier of the wireless device 2, and outputs the current location to the communication terminal 3 to the server communication unit 41. The server communication unit 41 transmits the current location to the communication terminal 3 corresponding to the contact input from the current location notification unit 432. Then, the communication terminal 3 receives the current location transmitted from the server communication unit 41 in the process of S121 (S122), and displays the received current location.

  Next, the stop instruction unit 433 determines whether or not the current location of the wireless device 2 estimated by the current location notification unit 432 substantially matches the destination included in the itinerary information of the departure / arrival table 421 (S123). The suspension instructing unit 433 refers to the destination table 421 to determine whether the base station identifier included in the information received in the process of S119 matches the destination identifier associated with the device identifier that identifies the wireless device 2. Is determined. When the base station identifier and the destination identifier included in the received information match, the halt instruction unit 433 determines that the current location of the wireless device 2 substantially matches the destination. When the base station identifier and the destination identifier included in the received information do not match, the halt instruction unit 433 determines that the current location of the wireless device 2 does not substantially match the destination.

  When determining that the current location of the wireless device 2 substantially coincides with the destination (S123), the sleep instruction unit 433 sends a sleep instruction indicating that the wireless device 2 is to be in the sleep state to the wireless device 2 by server communication. Output to the unit 41. The server communication unit 41 transmits a halt instruction to the communication terminal 3 (S124). Next, the communication unit 21 receives the pause instruction transmitted from the server communication unit 41 in the processing of S124 (S125).

  In response to the communication unit 21 receiving the sleep instruction, the state control unit 31 causes the wireless device 2 to transition from the operation state to the sleep state (S126). The state control unit 31 instructs the power supply unit 26 to stop supplying power to the communication unit 21. The power supply unit 26 stops supplying power to the communication unit 21 according to an instruction from the processing unit 30. At the same time, the state control unit 31 causes the processing unit 30 to transition to the sleep state.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the sensor activation information generation processing in S109.

  First, the sensor activation information generation unit 431 refers to the arrival / departure table 421 and extracts delay information from the arrival / departure information associated with the device identifier acquired in the process of S108 and whose departure place identifier matches the base station identifier. (S201). Next, the sensor activation information generation unit 431 determines whether the delay information extracted in S201 is “present” or “absent” (S202).

  When determining that the delay information is “none” (S202-NO), the sensor activation information generation unit 431 refers to the call arrival / departure table 421 and associates the delay information with the device identifier and the base station identifier acquired in the process of S107. The estimated arrival time is extracted (S203). Next, the sensor activation information generation unit 431 determines a sensor activation time that is a time before the expected arrival time (S204). Then, the sensor activation information generation unit 431 generates information indicating the sensor activation time (S205). The sensor activation information generation unit 431 generates a time difference between the current time and the sensor activation time as information indicating the sensor activation time.

  When determining that the delay information is “present” (S202-YES), the sensor activation information generation unit 431 generates information indicating “0” (S206). The information indicating “0” indicates that the time difference between the current time and the sensor activation time is 0 seconds, that is, that there is no time difference between the current time and the sensor activation time. When the information indicating “0” is generated by the sensor activation information generating unit 431 (S206), the wireless device 2 suspends the sensor unit 24 immediately after the communication unit 21 transitions from the operating state to the suspending state (S112). The state transits from the state to the operation state (S113).

(Configuration and Function of Luggage Position Detection System According to Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a luggage position detection system according to the second embodiment. When the luggage position detection system 2 receives the luggage to which the wireless device 2 is attached at the relay airport 13 between the departure airport 11 and the arrival airport 12 at the relay airport 13 based on the itinerary information received from the wireless device 2, The luggage position detecting process is repeatedly executed up to the airport 12.

  The baggage position detection system 2 differs from the baggage position detection system 1 in further including a third base station 7. In addition, it differs from the baggage position detection system 1. The luggage position detection system 2 differs from the luggage position detection system 1 in that the server 104 is disposed instead of the server 4. The third base station 7, like the first base station 5 and the second base station 6, is disposed inside or near the relay airport 13, and relays communication between the wireless device 2 and the server at the relay airport 13. .

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the server 104.

  The server 104 differs from the server 4 in that the server 104 includes a server storage unit 44 and a server processing unit 45 instead of the server storage unit 42 and the server processing unit 43. Since the configuration and function of the server communication unit 41 have already been described, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

  The server storage unit 44 is different from the server storage unit 42 in that the destination table 441 is stored instead of the destination table 421. The configuration and function of the components of the server storage unit 44 other than the call table 441 are the same as the configuration and functions of the components of the server storage unit 42 denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the destination table 441.

  The arrival / departure table 441 differs from the arrival / departure table 421 in that connection information is stored in association with the arrival / departure information. In the arrival / departure table 441, the configuration other than the connection information is the same as the configuration of the arrival / departure table 421, and the detailed description is omitted here.

  The transfer information is information indicating that the package identified by the device identifier is scheduled to be transported from the destination identified by the destination identifier stored in the arrival / departure information to another destination. The transit information is composed of a set of itinerary information and delay information in a transit itinerary. The itinerary information, the delay information, the departure place identifier, the scheduled departure time, the arrival place identifier and the estimated arrival time in the transit information are respectively the second itinerary information, the second delay information, the second departure place identifier, the second scheduled departure time, They are referred to as a second destination identifier and a second estimated arrival time.

  The server processing unit 45 is different from the server processing unit 43 in having a transfer processing unit 451. The configurations and functions of the components of the server processing unit 45 other than the transfer processing unit 451 are the same as those of the components of the server processing unit 43 denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the baggage position detection processing by the server 104.

  The processing of S301 to S308 is the same as the processing of S101 to S102, S108 to S110, and S119 to S121, and thus detailed description is omitted here. When the server communication unit 41 transmits the current location to the communication terminal 3 (S308), the transit processing unit 451 determines whether there is transit information for which luggage detection processing associated with the device identifier that identifies the wireless device 2 has not been processed. It is determined whether or not it is (S309). When there is no transfer information associated with the device identifier for identifying the wireless device 2 in the arrival / departure table 441, the transfer processing unit 451 determines that there is no transfer information for which the baggage detection processing has not been processed (S309-NO). ). In addition, when the transfer processing unit 451 has performed the luggage detection processing for all the transfer information associated with the device identifier that identifies the wireless device 2 in the arrival / departure table 441, the transfer information for which the luggage detection processing has not been performed is performed. It is determined that there is no (S309-NO). If the transit processing unit 451 determines that there is no transit information for which the baggage detection process has not been performed (S309-NO), the process ends.

  If the transfer processing unit 451 determines that there is transfer information for which the baggage detection processing has not been processed (S309-YES), the processing returns to S304. Thereafter, the processes of S303 to S309 are repeated until the transit processing unit 451 determines that there is transit information for which the baggage detection process has not been processed (S309-YES). Then, when the transit processing unit 451 determines that there is no transit information for which the baggage detection processing has not been processed (S309-NO), the state control unit 31 puts the wireless device 2 into the sleep state similarly to the processing of S123. The wireless communication apparatus 2 outputs a pause instruction to the server communication unit 41 to the wireless communication apparatus 2.

(Modification Example of Luggage Position Detection System According to Embodiment)
The luggage position detection system 1 causes the communication unit 21 and the sensor unit 24 to transition to the sleep state by stopping the power supply, but the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment reduces power consumption by another mode. , The communication unit 21 and the sensor unit 24 may transition to the sleep state. For example, the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment may cause the communication unit 21 and the sensor unit 24 to transition to the sleep state by stopping the clock operation of the communication unit 21 and the sensor unit 24.

  Further, in the baggage position detection system 1, the sensor unit 24 maintains the operating state after transitioning to the operating state when the current time coincides with the sensor activation time until the baggage arrives at the destination. However, in the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment, the sensor unit 24 may transition to the sleep state after a predetermined period elapses after transitioning to the operation state when the current time matches the sensor activation time. The transition of the sensor unit 24 to the sleep state after the elapse of the predetermined period can prevent the sensor unit 24 from consuming power due to unnecessary operation.

  Further, in the luggage position detection system 1, the wireless device 2 starts power supply when the input unit 22 is pressed by the owner of the luggage, but in the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment, the wireless device is an automatic device. The electric power supply may be started. For example, when luggage to which the wireless device 2 is attached is attached to a suitcase deposited in a luggage compartment of an aircraft, the wireless device 2 rotates 90 ° due to the suitcase falling down, and after the suitcase falls down. The power supply may be started in response to detecting the conveyance by the belt conveyor. The suitcase is determined to be overturned based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 242. The conveyance by the belt conveyor is determined based on whether or not the transfer speed calculated from the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 242 is within a predetermined speed range for a predetermined period.

  Further, in the luggage position detection system 1, the sensor unit 24 has a barometric pressure sensor 241 and an acceleration sensor 242, but in the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment, the sensor unit has one of the barometric pressure sensor 241 and the acceleration sensor 242. Just do it.

  In the luggage position detection system 1, the information indicating the sensor activation time is a time difference between the current time and the sensor activation time. However, in the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment, the information indicating the sensor activation time is , The sensor activation time.

  In the luggage position detection system 1, the processing unit 30 performs an estimation process for estimating whether the luggage 10 has arrived at the destination. However, in the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment, the luggage 10 has arrived at the destination. The estimation process for estimating whether the operation has been performed may be performed by the sensor unit. For example, the sensor unit may include a barometric pressure sensor, detect a landing of an aircraft transporting a baggage based on a change in air pressure, and estimate arrival of the baggage based on the detection of the landing. Further, the sensor unit may include an acceleration sensor, detect a landing of an aircraft transporting luggage based on a change in acceleration, and estimate arrival of the luggage based on the detection of the landing.

  Further, the luggage position detection system 1 detects the position of luggage transported by an aircraft, but the luggage position detection system according to the embodiment may be a vehicle such as a train such as a freight train, a ship, and a truck. May detect the position of the luggage, cargo and container transported by.

Reference Signs List 1 luggage position detection system 2 wireless device 3 communication terminal 4, 104 server 21 communication unit (wireless device communication unit)
24 sensor unit 30 processing unit (wireless device processing unit)
41 server communication unit 42, 44 server storage unit 43, 45 server processing unit

Claims (8)

A wireless device for attaching packages transported from the place of departure to the destination,
A sensor unit that outputs information for estimating whether the package is in transit,
A communication unit for transmitting a device identifier for identifying the wireless device,
A storage unit for storing a sensor activation time that is a time before the scheduled arrival time at which the package is to arrive at the destination,
When the current time coincides with the sensor activation time, the sensor unit transitions from the sleep state to the operation state, and when it is estimated that the package has arrived from the information input from the sensor unit, the communication unit is changed from the sleep state. And a processing unit for transitioning to an operation state. The communication unit receives information indicating the sensor activation time,
The storage unit stores a sensor activation time indicated by the information,
The wireless device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit causes the communication unit to transition from an operation state to a sleep state in response to the communication unit receiving the information. The communication unit receives a broadcast signal indicating a communicable frequency from a base station, and transmits the device identifier using the frequency or the frequency indicated by the broadcast signal,
The wireless device according to claim 1.   4. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes a barometric pressure sensor, detects a landing of the aircraft transporting the baggage based on a change in barometric pressure, and estimates arrival of the baggage based on the detection of the landing. 5. A wireless device according to claim 1.   5. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes an acceleration sensor, detects a landing of the aircraft transporting the luggage based on a change in acceleration, and estimates arrival of the luggage based on the detection of the landing. 6. A wireless device according to claim 1. A wireless device attached to the baggage transported from the departure place to the destination, and a server communicably connected,
A server storage unit for storing the itinerary information of the owner of the package, the device identifier of the wireless device attached to the package, and the contact information of the owner;
A server processing unit that generates a sensor activation time that is a time earlier than the expected arrival time based on the estimated arrival time included in the itinerary information;
A server communication unit that transmits the sensor activation time to a wireless device identified by the device identifier,
The server communication unit receives information including the device identifier from the wireless device via a base station, and the server processing unit determines a current location of the wireless device based on information of the base station included in the information. The server that estimates and the server communication unit further transmits the estimated current location to the contact. When the current position of the wireless device estimated by the server processing unit substantially matches the destination included in the itinerary information,
The server communication unit, addressed to the wireless device, transmits a sleep instruction to transition the wireless device from an operation state to a sleep state,
The server according to claim 6. A system comprising: a wireless device for attaching a package to be transported from a departure place to a destination, and a server communicably connected to the wireless device,
The server is
A server storage unit for storing the itinerary information of the owner of the package, the device identifier of the wireless device attached to the package, and the contact information of the owner;
A server processing unit that generates a sensor activation time that is a time earlier than the expected arrival time based on the estimated arrival time included in the itinerary information;
A server communication unit that transmits the sensor activation time to a wireless device identified by the device identifier,
The wireless device,
A sensor unit for estimating whether the package is in transit,
A wireless device communication unit for transmitting a device identifier for identifying the wireless device,
A wireless device storage unit for storing a sensor activation time that is a time before the scheduled arrival time at which the package is to arrive at the destination,
When the current time coincides with the sensor activation time, the sensor unit transitions from the sleep state to the operation state, and the wireless device communication unit is suspended when it is estimated that the package has arrived from information input from the sensor unit. A processing unit that transitions from the state to the operation state,
A server communication unit receives information including the device identifier from the wireless device via a base station, and the server processing unit determines a current location of the wireless device based on information of the base station included in the information. Presumed, the server communication unit further transmits the estimated current location addressed to the contact,
system.

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