JP2023051581A - Wireless tag and position management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a highly convenient wireless tag and a position management system.SOLUTION: A wireless tag includes: a radio wave transmission device; a sensor that detects environmental data; and a processor that transmits, when a detection value of the sensor satisfies a first condition, a radio wave for position detection from the radio wave transmission device, and does not transmit, when the detection value of the sensor does not satisfy the first condition, the radio wave from the radio wave transmission device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

This embodiment relates to a wireless tag and location management system.

In fields such as hospitals and warehouses, a position management system using wireless tags that emit radio waves may be introduced to manage the positions of targets such as people or articles. In the position management system, a wireless tag is attached to each target, and a computer such as a server identifies the position of each wireless tag based on radio waves emitted by each wireless tag. Then, the computer displays the positions of all wireless tags in the field or the position of a desired wireless tag in response to a request from the user.

JP 2011-48734 A Japanese Patent No. 5207495

For example, location management is not required for radio tags in storage before they are applied to targets. However, in a general location management system, when a wireless tag is activated, it continues to emit radio waves, and as long as the wireless tag is within the detection range of the radio waves, the computer identifies the position of the wireless tag. to manage. Therefore, for example, when the user requests the computer to display the positions of all wireless tags in order to know the distribution of targets existing in the field, not only the positions of the wireless tags attached to the targets but also the stored wireless tags position is displayed. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to accurately grasp the actual target distribution.

In order not to manage the position of the wireless tag during storage, the wireless tag is manually started to emit radio waves when the wireless tag is attached to the target, and the wireless tag is manually removed when the wireless tag is removed from the target. It is conceivable to stop the transmission of radio waves immediately. However, such a method imposes a heavy burden on the user to operate the wireless tag. In addition, there is a possibility that an error may occur in the operation of the wireless tag, making it difficult to reliably manage the position of the target.

Thus, the general wireless tag and location management system have room for improvement in terms of convenience.

An object of the present invention is to provide a highly convenient wireless tag and location management system.

A wireless tag according to the present invention comprises: a radio wave transmitting device; a sensor for detecting environmental data; and a processor that does not transmit the radio wave from the radio wave transmitting device when the value detected by the sensor does not satisfy the first condition.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the convenience of the wireless tag and the location management system is improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of fields to which the location management system of the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless tag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiver according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the receiver according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server of the first embodiment when wireless tag data is received. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server according to the first embodiment when receiving a request for location information from a terminal. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server of the second embodiment when wireless tag data is received. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag of the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server of the third embodiment when wireless tag data is received. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server of the fourth embodiment when wireless tag data is received. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server of the fourth embodiment when receiving a request for location information from a terminal.

A wireless tag and a location management system according to embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of fields to which the location management system of the first embodiment is applied.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, field 1000 has three targets 2000-1, 2000-2, and 2000-3, each of which is subject to position management within field 1000. Targets 2000-1, 2000-2, and 2000-3 are located in field 1000; Here, as an example, the targets 2000-1, 2000-2 and 2000-3 are humans. Targets 2000-1, 2000-2, and 2000-3 may be collectively referred to as target 2000. FIG.

For example, field 1000 is a large hospital. Targets 2000 may be medical staff or patients.

A wireless tag 1-1 is attached to the target 2000-1, a wireless tag 1-2 is attached to the target 2000-2, and a wireless tag 1-3 is attached to the target 2000-3. When the target 2000 is a person, giving the target 2000 a wireless tag means having the target 2000 carry the wireless tag.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, in the field 1000, wireless tags 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6 that are not attached to any target 2000 are collectively stored.

Hereinafter, the wireless tags 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6 may be collectively referred to as the wireless tag 1 in some cases.

Each wireless tag 1 is assigned a unique ID. An ID set to each wireless tag 1 is referred to as a tag ID.

In field 1000, receivers 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 are also installed separately from each other. Receivers 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 are collectively referred to as receiver 2. FIG.

A wireless router 3 is installed in the field 1000 . Wireless router 3 is connected to server 4 via network 6 . The server 4 configures the location management system of the first embodiment together with the group of wireless tags 1 and the group of receivers 2 .

Each wireless tag 1 can transmit radio waves for position detection with wireless tag data including a tag ID as a payload. Each receiver 2 , upon receiving radio waves from the nearby radio tag 1 , transmits the radio tag data carried by the radio waves to the server 4 . When transmitting the wireless tag data to the server 4, each receiver 2 acquires the reception intensity of the radio wave from the wireless tag 1 that is the source of the radio wave, and transmits the acquired reception intensity together with the wireless tag data.

Server 4 receives the wireless tag data and the reception intensity via wireless router 3 and network 6 . The server 4 identifies the position of the wireless tag 1 that is the source of the radio wave based on the reception intensity, and stores position information representing the identified position in the database. The database may be configured by a computer separate from the server 4 or may be mounted on the server 4 . Here, as an example, it is assumed that the database is installed in the server 4 .

Any method can be adopted as a method for specifying the position of each wireless tag 1 by the server 4 . When the radio waves from one wireless tag 1 are received by two or more receivers 2, the server 4 detects the one wireless tag 1 based on the reception strength detected by each of the two or more receivers 2. location may be specified. Alternatively, the server 4 may specify, as the position of the one wireless tag 1, the receiver 2 that received the radio wave with the strongest reception intensity among the two or more receivers 2 or the vicinity of the receiver 2. good. When there is only one receiver 2 that can receive radio waves from one wireless tag 1, the server 4 identifies the receiver 2 or the vicinity of the receiver 2 as the position of the wireless tag 1. You may

A user can connect a terminal 5 to a network 6 and send various requests from the terminal 5 to the server 4 via the network 6 . Terminal 5 is a computer terminal. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two terminals 5-1 and 5-2 are connected to network 6, but the number of terminals 5 connected to server 4 via network 6 is not limited to two.

For example, in order to know the distribution of targets 2000 within the field 1000, the user can send a request from the terminal 5 to the server 4 to output the location information of all the wireless tags 1 within the field 1000. FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, wireless tags 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6 are stored wireless tags 1 that are not attached to any of the targets 2000. FIG. In the first embodiment, the server 4 outputs the location information of the wireless tag 1 attached to the target 2000, and the server 4 does not output the location information of the wireless tag 1 being stored. is configured.

More specifically, each wireless tag 1 includes one or more sensors that detect environmental data. Then, each wireless tag 1 determines whether or not to transmit radio waves based on the detection values of one or more sensors provided therein. Each wireless tag 1 transmits radio waves when the detection value of one or more sensors satisfies the condition indicating that it is attached to the target 2000 . Each wireless tag 1 does not transmit radio waves unless the detected value of one or more sensors satisfies the condition indicating that it is attached to the target 2000 . In other words, the wireless tags 1 in storage such as the wireless tags 1-4, 1-5, and 1-6 do not transmit radio waves even if the power is on, and the wireless tag data is transmitted to the server 4. not. Therefore, the server 4 receives the wireless tag data from the wireless tag 1 attached to the target 2000 and does not receive the wireless tag data from the stored wireless tag 1 . Therefore, the server 4 can store and output position information only for the wireless tag 1 attached to the target 2000 .

The mode of outputting the position information by the server 4 is arbitrary. For example, the server 4 may superimpose one or more objects each indicating the position of the wireless tag 1 on the map of the field 1000 and output the map on which the one or more objects are superimposed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless tag 1 of the first embodiment. The wireless tag 1 includes a processor 10, multiple sensors 11-1 to 11-n, a wireless module 12, a battery 13, a memory 14, and a display device 15. The sensors 11-1 to 11-n are collectively referred to as the sensor 11. FIG.

The battery 13 is a power supply source for driving each element of the wireless tag 1 including the processor 10 and the wireless module 12 .

Processor 10 is a circuit capable of performing various operations. The processor 10 can be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microcomputer unit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processor 10 controls each element included in the wireless tag 1 .

The memory 14 stores programs and various parameters. The processor 10 controls each element provided in the wireless tag 1 according to a program stored in the memory 14 . Processor 10 uses the parameters stored in memory 14 accordingly. The memory 14 may be composed of one type of memory, or may be a combination of multiple types of memory.

The display device 15 outputs various information to the user in a visually recognizable manner. The display device 15 may be one that can display only a small amount of information, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or one that can display a large amount of information, such as a liquid crystal display.

The wireless module 12 is an interface device for performing radio wave communication with the receiver 2 located nearby. The wireless module 12 includes a radio wave receiving device 12a for receiving radio waves and a radio wave transmitting device 12b for transmitting radio waves. Radio waves emitted by the radio wave receiving device 12a are used for position detection of the wireless tag 1. FIG.

The standard of communication performed by the wireless module 12 is not limited to a specific standard. In one example, a standard with low power consumption, such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), may be adopted as a standard for communication performed by the wireless module 12 .

The multiple sensors 11-1 detect different types of environmental data. Environmental data includes temperature, humidity, acceleration, illuminance, amount of infrared rays, and the like. The number and type of sensors 11 provided in the wireless tag 1 can be selected variously by the designer.

For example, the wireless tag 1 can be provided with two sensors 11, an acceleration sensor and an infrared sensor for detecting the amount of infrared rays, so that it can be determined whether or not the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person who is the target 2000. . Then, for example, whether the condition that the value detected by the acceleration sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold and the amount of change in the value detected by the infrared sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold is satisfied. Whether or not the wireless tag 1 is attached to the person is determined based on the above.

The processor 10 determines whether the above conditions are satisfied based on the output value of the acceleration sensor and the output value of the infrared sensor. If the above conditions are satisfied, it can be assumed that the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person, so the processor 10 transmits radio waves from the radio wave transmitting device 12b. If the above conditions are not satisfied, it can be assumed that the wireless tag 1 is not attached to a person, so the processor 10 does not transmit radio waves from the radio wave transmitting device 12b.

The type of the sensor 11 provided in the wireless tag 1 and the determination method using the detected value of the sensor 11 are not limited to the above examples. The wireless tag 1 may include only an acceleration sensor as the sensor 11, and whether or not the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person may be determined only by comparing the detection value of the acceleration sensor with the first threshold value. Also, the wireless tag 1 has a temperature sensor, and whether the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person indicates that the detection value of the temperature sensor is within a predetermined range (for example, the range from 30 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius). It may be set as a condition for determining whether or not. Also, the unselected 1 has two or three of an acceleration sensor, an infrared sensor, and a temperature sensor, and whether the wireless tag 1 is attached to the person based on the detection values of the two or three sensors It may be determined whether

That is, a setting range is defined for each of the one or more sensors 11, and the processor 10 determines whether the wireless tag 1 is attached to the person based on the comparison result between the detection value of each sensor 11 and the setting range. It is determined whether or not the condition indicating that the

Hereinafter, the state of the wireless tag 1 set to transmit radio waves will be referred to as an active state. A state of the wireless tag 1 set so as not to transmit radio waves is referred to as an inactive state. A condition for causing the wireless module 12 to transmit radio waves, in other words, a condition indicating that the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is referred to as an active condition. Note that the active condition is an example of the first condition.

A method for preventing the processor 10 from transmitting radio waves from the radio wave transmitting device 12b is not limited to a specific method. The processor 10 may prevent the radio wave transmission device 12b from transmitting radio waves by not transmitting the wireless tag data to the radio wave transmission device 12b. Alternatively, the processor 10 may prevent the radio wave transmission device 12b from transmitting radio waves by cutting off the power supply from the battery 13 to the radio wave transmission device 12b.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiver 2 of the first embodiment. Receiver 2 comprises processor 20 , radio module 21 , radio module 22 and memory 23 .

The wireless module 21 is an interface device for communicating with the nearby wireless tag 1 via radio waves. The wireless module 21 includes a radio wave receiving device 21 a that receives radio waves transmitted by the wireless tag 1 and a radio wave transmitting device 21 b that transmits radio waves that can be received by the wireless tag 1 .

The wireless module 22 is an interface device for communicating with a nearby receiver 2 via radio waves. The wireless module 22 includes a radio wave receiving device 22a that receives radio waves transmitted by the receiver 2 and a radio wave transmitting device 22b that transmits radio waves that the receiver 2 can receive.

The standard of communication performed by the wireless module 22 is not limited to a specific standard. In one example, the IEEE802.11 standard, for example, can be adopted as the standard for communication performed by the wireless module 22 .

Processor 20 is a circuit capable of performing various operations. Processor 20 may be configured by, for example, a CPU, a microcomputer unit, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. Processor 20 controls each element provided in receiver 2 .

The memory 23 stores programs and various parameters. Processor 20 controls each element provided in receiver 2 according to a program stored in memory 23 . Processor 20 uses the parameters stored in memory 23 accordingly.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 4 of the first embodiment. Server 4 comprises processor 40 , network interface 41 , and memory 42 .

A network interface 41 is an interface device for performing communication via the network 6 .

The processor 40 is a circuit capable of executing various operations based on programs. Processor 40 is, for example, a CPU.

A location management program 421 and a database program 422 are pre-stored in the memory 42 .

The processor 40 realizes a function as a database that stores the position information of each wireless tag 1 according to the database program 422 .

According to the location management program 421, the processor 40 identifies the location of the wireless tag 1 based on the reception intensity, stores the location information indicating the identified location in the database, accepts a request for location information, and determines the location in response to the request. It realizes output of information.

Next, the operation of the position management system of the first embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag 1 of the first embodiment.

First, the processor 10 of the wireless tag 1 acquires detection values from each sensor 11 (S101). The processor 10 then compares each acquired detection value with the set range (S102). Then, the processor 10 determines whether or not the active condition is satisfied based on the comparison result for each sensor 11 (S103).

If the active condition is satisfied (S103: Yes), the processor 10 transmits wireless tag data including the tag ID from the radio wave transmitting device 12b (S104). That is, the processor 10 causes the radio wave transmitting device 12b to transmit radio waves.

Also, the processor 10 displays on the display device 15 that the wireless tag 1 is active (S105).

If the active condition is not satisfied (S103: No), the processor 10 does not transmit the wireless tag data and displays on the display device 15 that the wireless tag 1 is inactive (S106).

After S105 or S106, the processor 10 waits for a preset time (S107) and performs the operation of S101 again. The waiting time in S107 can be arbitrarily set. If it is desired to manage the position of each target 2000 in real time, the shortest possible time is set as the waiting time in S107.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the receiver 2 of the first embodiment.

The processor 20 of the receiver 2 can receive radio tag data via the radio module 21 . The processor 20 determines whether wireless tag data has been received (S201). If the wireless tag data has not been received (S201: No), the processor 20 performs the operation of S201 again.

When the wireless tag data is received (S201: Yes), the processor 20 acquires the reception intensity of the radio wave carrying the wireless tag data (S202). The processor 20 then transmits the wireless tag data together with the reception intensity to the server 4 (S203). Transmission of wireless tag data and reception strength is performed via the wireless module 22 .

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 of the first embodiment when wireless tag data is received.

The processor 40 of the server 4 can receive the wireless tag data transmitted from the receiver 2 together with the reception strength. The processor 40 determines whether or not the wireless tag data and the reception intensity have been received (S301). If the wireless tag data and the reception intensity have not been received (S301: No), the processor 40 performs the operation of S301 again.

When the wireless tag data and the reception intensity are received (S301: Yes), the processor 40 identifies the position of the wireless tag 1 as the transmission source based on the reception intensity (S302). Any method can be used to identify the position of the wireless tag 1 that is the transmission source, as described above.

The processor 40 associates the position information indicating the identified position with the tag ID and stores it in the database (S303). The processor 40 then executes the operation of S301 again.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 of the first embodiment when receiving a request for location information from the terminal 5 .

The processor 40 of the server 4 determines whether or not a request for location information has been received from the terminal 5 (S401). If the request for location information has not been received from the terminal 5 (S401: No), the processor 40 performs the operation of S401 again.

When the request for location information is received (S401: Yes), the processor 40 acquires the latest location information of the target wireless tag 1 from the database (S402), and returns the acquired latest location information to the terminal 5 (S403). ).

The processes of S402 and S403 are executed for all wireless tags 1 for which the latest position information is stored in the database. The latest location information refers to location information stored in the database during a predetermined short period of time including the timing at which the request for location information is received. Therefore, the position information output of the wireless tag 1 that was in the active state in the past but is in the inactive state at the timing of receiving the request for position information is prevented.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, the wireless tag 1 includes the sensor 11 that detects environmental data and the processor 10 . Then, the processor 10 transmits radio waves for position detection from the radio wave transmitting device 12b when the value detected by the sensor 11 satisfies the active condition, and transmits a radio wave when the value detected by the sensor 11 does not satisfy the active condition. Do not make a call from the calling device 12b. When receiving radio waves from the wireless tag 1 , the receiver 2 acquires the reception strength of the radio waves and transmits the reception strength to the server 4 . When receiving the reception intensity, the server 4 specifies the position of the wireless tag 1 based on the reception intensity, and stores the specified position using a database.

Therefore, for example, when a condition indicating that the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is set as an active condition, the location information of the wireless tag 1 attached to the person is automatically managed and assigned to the person. It is possible to automatically remove the position information of the wireless tag 1 that has not been set from the management target.

Further, for example, when the user requests the position of the wireless tags from the server 4 in order to know the distribution of the targets 2000 existing in the field 1000, the server 4 outputs the position information of the wireless tags 1 attached to the targets 2000. and does not output the location information of the wireless tag 1 being stored. Therefore, the user can accurately grasp the distribution of the actual targets 2000 .

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the wireless tag 1 and position detection system that are more convenient than general wireless tags and position detection systems can be obtained.

Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the wireless tag 1 includes the display device 15 . The processor 10 displays on the display device 15 whether or not the wireless tag 1 is active.

Therefore, when a condition indicating that the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is set as an active condition, the user requests the server 4 to start managing the position information when attaching the wireless tag 1 to the person. It becomes possible to visually confirm without sending the . Further, when the user retrieves the wireless tag 1 from the person, the user can visually confirm the end of management of the position information without sending a request to the server 4 .

In the above explanation, the processor 10 displays on the display device 15 whether the wireless tag 1 is in the active state or the inactive state. As long as the processor 10 causes the display device 15 to display different content depending on whether the active condition is satisfied or not, the display content on the display device 15 can be variously modified. If the display contents of the display device 15 are different between when the active condition is satisfied and when the active condition is not satisfied, the user can visually confirm the start and end of management of the position information. The display content may include that nothing is displayed. The processor 10 performs a predetermined display on the display device 15 only when the active condition is satisfied or when the active condition is not satisfied, so that the user can manage the position information. The start and end can be visually confirmed.

(Modification 1)
An example in which the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person has been described above. The wireless tag 1 may be attached to an article. That is, each target 2000 may be an article. For example, if the field 1000 is a hospital, the target 2000 may be pharmaceuticals or portable medical devices.

Modification 1 describes an example in which a position management system is applied to manage the positions of targets 2000 placed in a dimly lit warehouse.

The wireless tag 1 is provided with an acceleration sensor and an illuminance sensor as sensors 11 . Then, for example, the active condition may be set such that the detection value of the acceleration sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined third threshold and the detection value of the illuminance sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined fourth threshold.

If the active condition is satisfied, it can be assumed that the target 2000 is at least placed in a dark place. Therefore, the processor 10 puts the wireless tag 1 into an active state, that is, a state of transmitting radio waves. The active condition is not met if the target 2000 is being transported or if the target 2000 is not in the dark. If the active condition is not satisfied, it can be assumed that the wireless tag 1 is not placed in a dark place, so the processor 10 puts the wireless tag 1 in an inactive state, that is, a state that does not transmit radio waves.

In this way, when it is desired to manage the position of the target 2000 placed in a warehouse with the lights turned off, by configuring the position detection system as described above, it is possible to eliminate the need to manage the position information such as during transport. target 2000 can be automatically excluded from the management of position information. A highly convenient position detection system can be obtained because the exclusion of targets of position information management is realized without relying on manpower.

(Modification 2)
Modification 2 describes an example in which the position management system is applied to manage the position of the target 2000 placed in a cold place. For example, the target 2000 can be a drug that should be stored in a refrigerator kept at a predetermined temperature or lower.

The wireless tag 1 is provided with an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor as sensors 11 . Then, for example, the active condition can be set such that the detected value of the acceleration sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined fifth threshold and the detected value of the temperature sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined sixth threshold.

If the active condition is satisfied, it can be assumed that the target 2000 is at least placed in a cool place. Therefore, the processor 10 puts the wireless tag 1 into an active state, that is, a state of transmitting radio waves. If the target 2000 is being transported or if the target 2000 is not in the cold, the active condition is not met. If the active condition is not satisfied, it can be assumed that the tag is not placed in a cool place, so the processor 10 puts the wireless tag 1 in an inactive state, that is, a state that does not transmit radio waves.

In this way, when it is desired to manage the position of the target 2000 placed in a cold place, by configuring the position detection system as described above, the target 2000 is taken out from the cold place and the like, so that position information management is unnecessary. target 2000 can be automatically excluded from the management of position information. A highly convenient position detection system can be obtained because the exclusion of targets of position information management is realized without relying on manpower.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the wireless tag 1 adds a code indicating whether or not the wireless tag 1 is subject to location information management to the wireless tag data. The server 4 determines whether or not to manage the position information based on the code.

The operation of the location management system of the second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the state of the wireless tag 1 whose position information is managed is referred to as an active state. The state of the wireless tag 1 that is not subject to location information management is referred to as the inactive state.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag 1 of the second embodiment.

First, the processor 10 of the wireless tag 1 acquires detection values from each sensor 11 (S501). The processor 10 then compares each acquired detection value with the set range (S502). Then, the processor 10 determines whether or not the active condition is satisfied based on the comparison result for each sensor 11 (S503).

If the active condition is satisfied (S503: Yes), the processor 10 transmits the wireless tag data including the tag ID and the code indicating the active state from the radio wave transmitting device 12b (S504). Also, the processor 10 displays on the display device 15 that the wireless tag 1 is active (S505).

If the active condition is not satisfied (S503: No), the processor 10 transmits the wireless tag data including the tag ID and the code indicating the inactive state from the radio wave transmitting device 12b (S506). Also, the processor 10 displays on the display device 15 that the wireless tag 1 is inactive (S507).

After S505 or S507, the processor 10 waits for a preset time (S508) and performs the operation of S501 again. The waiting time in S508 can be determined by the same method as the set time in the operation of S107 in the first embodiment.

In the series of operations shown in FIG. 9, the wireless tag data including the tag ID and the code indicating the active state is an example of the first data. RFID tag data including a tag ID and a code indicating an inactive state is an example of the second data.

In the second embodiment, each receiver 2 performs similar operations as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 of the second embodiment when wireless tag data is received.

The processor 40 of the server 4 determines whether or not the wireless tag data and the reception intensity have been received (S601). If the wireless tag data and the reception intensity have not been received (S601: No), the processor 40 performs the operation of S601 again.

When the wireless tag data and the reception intensity are received (S601: Yes), the processor 40 determines whether or not the wireless tag 1 of the transmission source is in the active state based on the code included in the wireless tag data (S602). ).

If the source wireless tag 1 is active (S602: Yes), the processor 40 identifies the location of the source wireless tag 1 based on the reception intensity (S603). Any method can be used to specify the position of the wireless tag 1 that is the source.

The processor 40 associates the position information indicating the specified position with the tag ID and stores it in the database (S604). The processor 40 then executes the operation of S601 again.

If the source wireless tag 1 is not in the active state (S602: No), the processor 40 skips S603 and S604 and performs the operation of S601 again.

When the server 4 of the second embodiment receives a request for location information from the terminal 5, it performs the same operation as in the first embodiment.

Thus, according to the second embodiment, when the value detected by the sensor 11 satisfies the active condition, the processor 10 of the wireless tag 1 generates the wireless tag data including the tag ID and the code indicating the active state. When certain first data is transmitted and the value detected by the sensor 11 does not satisfy the active condition, second data, which is wireless tag data including a tag ID and a code indicating an inactive state, is transmitted. When the wireless tag data received via the receiver 2 contains a code indicating an active state, in other words, when the wireless tag data received via the receiver 2 is the first data, the server 4 receives the reception strength The position of the wireless tag 1 is specified based on the above, and the specified position is stored as position information using a database. When the wireless tag data received via the receiver 2 includes a code indicating an inactive state, in other words, when the wireless tag data received via the receiver 2 is the second data, the server 4 determines the position Do not store information.

Therefore, when a condition indicating that the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is set as an active condition, the location information of the wireless tag 1 attached to the person is automatically managed, and the status information of the wireless tag 1 is automatically managed. It is possible to automatically remove the location information of the wireless tag 1 that does not exist from the object of management.

Further, for example, when the user requests the position of the wireless tags from the server 4 in order to know the distribution of the targets 2000 existing in the field 1000, the server 4 outputs the position information of the wireless tags 1 attached to the targets 2000. and does not output the location information of the wireless tag 1 being stored. Therefore, the user can accurately grasp the distribution of the actual targets 2000 .

As described above, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the wireless tag 1 and the position detection system are more convenient than the general wireless tag and the position detection system.

It has been described that the first data includes a code indicating an active state, and the second data includes a code indicating an inactive state. As long as the first data and the second data are different from each other, the configurations of the first data and the second data are not limited to the above. For example, the first data and the second data are arranged such that one of the first data and the second data contains a predetermined code and the other of the first data and the second data does not contain a predetermined code. Data may be configured. Since the first data and the second data are different from each other, the server 4 determines whether the received data is the first data or the second data. It can be determined whether or not the object is a target.

Moreover, according to the second embodiment, the wireless tag 1 includes the display device 15 . The processor 10 displays on the display device 15 whether or not the wireless tag 1 is active.

Therefore, when a condition indicating that the wireless tag 1 is attached to a person is set as an active condition, the user requests the server 4 to start managing the position information when attaching the wireless tag 1 to the person. It becomes possible to visually confirm without sending the . Further, when the user retrieves the wireless tag 1 from the person, the user can visually confirm the end of management of the position information without sending a request to the server 4 .

Note that, as in the first embodiment, the processor 10 can display on the display device 15 as long as the display content of the display device 15 is different depending on whether the active condition is satisfied or not. The content is not limited to the above examples.

Also, the position detection system according to the second embodiment can be applied to both the case described as Modification 1 and the case described as Modification 2.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an example was described in which the wireless tag 1 determines whether or not it is subject to location information management. The server 4 may determine whether or not the wireless tag 1 is subject to location information management. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the server 4 determines whether or not each wireless tag 1 is subject to position information management.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the wireless tag 1 of the third embodiment.

First, the processor 10 of the wireless tag 1 acquires detection values from each sensor 11 (S701). Then, the processor 10 transmits wireless tag data including the tag ID and each detection value from the radio wave transmitting device 12b (S702). Then, the processor 10 waits for a preset time (S703) and executes the operation of S701 again. Note that the waiting time in S703 can be set arbitrarily. If it is desired to manage the position of the target 2000 in real time, the shortest possible time is set as the waiting time in S703.

In the third embodiment, each receiver 2 performs operations similar to those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 of the third embodiment when wireless tag data is received.

The processor 40 of the server 4 determines whether or not the wireless tag data and the reception intensity have been received (S801). If the wireless tag data and the reception intensity have not been received (S801: No), the processor 40 performs the operation of S801 again.

When the wireless tag data and the reception intensity are received (S801: Yes), the processor 40 compares each detection value included in the received wireless tag data with the set range (S802). Then, the processor 40 determines whether or not the active condition is satisfied based on the comparison result for each detection value (S803).

If the active condition is satisfied (S803: Yes), the processor 40 identifies the position of the source wireless tag 1 based on the reception intensity (S804). Any method can be used to specify the position of the wireless tag 1 that is the source.

The processor 40 associates the position information indicating the specified position with the tag ID and stores it in the database (S805). The processor 40 then executes the operation of S801 again.

If the active condition is not satisfied (S803: No), the processor 40 skips S804 and S805 and performs the operation of S801 again.

When the server 4 of the third embodiment receives a request for location information from the terminal 5, it performs the same operation as in the first embodiment.

Thus, according to the third embodiment, the wireless tag 1 transmits the detected value by the sensor 11. FIG. If the detected value satisfies the active condition, the server 4 identifies the position of the wireless tag 1 based on the reception intensity, and stores the identified position using a database. The server 4 does not store the position of the wireless tag 1 when the detected value does not satisfy the active condition.

Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the wireless tag 1 and position detection system that are more convenient than general wireless tags and position detection systems can be obtained.

Note that the position detection system according to the third embodiment can be applied to both the case described as Modification 1 and the case described as Modification 2.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, when receiving wireless tag data, the server 4 stores the location information in the database regardless of whether the wireless tag 1 of the transmission source is subject to location information management. explain.

In the fourth embodiment, each wireless tag 1 and each receiver 2 perform operations similar to those in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 of the fourth embodiment when wireless tag data is received.

The processor 40 of the server 4 determines whether or not the wireless tag data and the reception intensity have been received (S901). If the wireless tag data and the reception intensity have not been received (S901: No), the processor 40 performs the operation of S901 again.

When the wireless tag data and the reception intensity are received (S901: Yes), the processor 40 identifies the position of the wireless tag 1 as the transmission source based on the reception intensity (S902). Any method can be used to specify the position of the wireless tag 1 that is the source.

The processor 40 associates each detection value included in the wireless tag data and the position information indicating the specified position with the tag ID and stores them in the database (S903). The processor 40 then executes the operation of S901 again.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the server 4 according to the fourth embodiment when receiving a request for location information from the terminal 5 .

The processor 40 of the server 4 determines whether or not a request for location information has been received from the terminal 5 (S1001). If the request for location information has not been received from the terminal 5 (S1001: No), the processor 40 performs the operation of S1001 again.

When the request for position information is received (S1001: Yes), the processor 40 acquires the latest position information and each detected value of the target wireless tag 1 from the database (S1002), and stores the acquired detected value, setting range, and , are compared (S1003). Then, the processor 40 determines whether or not the active condition is satisfied based on the comparison result for each detection value (S1004).

If the active condition is satisfied (S1004: Yes), the processor 40 responds to the terminal 5 with the acquired latest location information (S1005). The processor 40 then executes the operation of S1001 again.

If the active condition is not satisfied (S1004: No), the processor 40 performs the operation of S1001 again without responding to the terminal 5 with the latest acquired location information.

Note that the processor 40 executes the processing of S1002 to S1005 for all wireless tags 1 for which the latest position information is stored in the database.

Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, the wireless tag 1 transmits wireless tag data including detection values of the sensor 11 . When the server 4 receives the wireless tag data via the receiver 2 , the server 4 identifies the position of the wireless tag 1 based on the reception strength acquired by the receiver 2 . Then, when the server 4 receives the request from the user and the detection value satisfies the active condition, it outputs the specified location information. Even if the server 4 receives a request from the user, if the detected value does not satisfy the active condition, it does not output the specified location information.

Therefore, similarly to the first, second, and third embodiments, the wireless tag 1 and the position detection system that are more convenient than general wireless tags and position detection systems can be obtained. .

Note that the position detection system according to the fourth embodiment can be applied to both the case described as Modification 1 and the case described as Modification 2.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 wireless tag 2 receiver 3 wireless router 4 server 5 terminal 6 network 10 processor 11 sensor 12 wireless module 12a radio wave receiving device 12b radio wave transmitting device 13 battery 14 memory 15 display device , 20 processor, 21 wireless module, 21a radio wave receiving device, 21b radio wave transmitting device, 22 wireless module, 22a radio wave receiving device, 22b radio wave transmitting device, 23 memory, 40 processor, 41 network interface, 42 memory, 421 position management program, 422 database program, 1000 fields, 2000 targets.

Claims (8)

a radio wave transmitter;
a sensor that detects environmental data;
When the value detected by the sensor satisfies the first condition, the radio wave transmitting device transmits radio waves for position detection, and when the value detected by the sensor does not satisfy the first condition, the radio wave is transmitted. a processor that does not originate from the device;
wireless tag. a radio wave transmitter;
a sensor that detects environmental data;
When the value detected by the sensor satisfies the first condition, the first radio wave for position detection including the first data is transmitted from the radio wave transmitting device, and when the value detected by the sensor does not satisfy the first condition, the radio wave transmitting device transmits the first radio wave. a processor that transmits a second radio wave containing second data different from the first data from the radio wave transmitting device;
wireless tag. further comprising a display device,
The processor causes the display device to display different content depending on whether the value detected by the sensor satisfies the first condition and when the value detected by the sensor does not satisfy the first condition;
The wireless tag according to claim 1 or 2. The wireless tag according to claim 1;
a receiver that, when receiving the radio wave transmitted from the radio wave transmitting device included in the wireless tag, acquires the reception strength of the radio wave and transmits the reception strength;
a server that identifies the position of the wireless tag based on the reception strength when the reception strength transmitted from the receiver is received, and stores the identified position;
location management system. The wireless tag according to claim 2;
When receiving a third radio wave that is the first radio wave or the second radio wave transmitted from the radio wave transmitting device included in the wireless tag, the reception intensity of the third radio wave is obtained, and the reception intensity is changed to the third radio wave. a receiver that transmits together with third data that is the first data or the second data included in radio waves;
receiving the reception intensity and the third data transmitted from the receiver, and specifying the position of the wireless tag based on the reception intensity when the third data is the first data; a server that stores the location obtained by the third data and does not store the location if the third data is not the first data;
location management system. a wireless tag comprising a sensor for detecting environmental data and a radio wave transmitting device for transmitting radio waves for position detection including values detected by the sensor;
a receiver that, when receiving the radio wave transmitted from the radio wave transmitting device included in the wireless tag, acquires the reception strength of the radio wave and transmits the reception strength together with the detected value;
When the reception intensity and the detection value transmitted from the receiver are received and the detection value satisfies the first condition, the position of the wireless tag is specified based on the reception intensity, and the specified position is specified. a server that stores the position obtained by the detection and does not store the position if the detected value does not satisfy a first condition;
location management system. The server outputs information indicating the position in response to a request from a user.
The position management system according to any one of claims 4 to 6. a wireless tag comprising a sensor for detecting environmental data and a radio wave transmitting device for transmitting radio waves for position detection including values detected by the sensor;
a receiver that, when receiving the radio wave transmitted from the radio wave transmitting device included in the wireless tag, acquires the reception strength of the radio wave and transmits the reception strength together with the detected value;
When receiving the received strength and the detected value transmitted from the receiver, identifying the position of the wireless tag based on the received strength,
receiving a request from a user and outputting the position if the detected value satisfies a first condition;
receiving the request from the user and not outputting the position if the detected value does not satisfy a first condition;
a server;
location management system.

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