JP2024014549A - Fixed terminal, server, information processing system, and information management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acquire information on a reliable radio transmission source.

SOLUTION: A fixed terminal (100) comprises a detection processing unit (142) and a transmission processing unit (144). The detection processing unit performs detection processing for detecting a Wi-Fi access point (3) existing in a range in which it can wirelessly communicate with the fixed terminal (100). The transmission processing unit transmits identification information and position identification information on the Wi-Fi access point (3) detected by the detection processing unit (142) to a management server (200) which manages information on a radio signal source used for network positioning.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a fixed terminal, a server, an information management system, and an information management method.

A mobile terminal measures the signal strength of a signal transmitted from a wireless signal source such as a base station for mobile communication or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access point, and determines its own position based on the measured signal strength. A technology (network positioning) has been developed to estimate the

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically reflecting the actual installation status of base stations in base station information.

Note that network positioning is performed, for example, by a wireless terminal transmitting an access point identifier and the like to a service provider for network positioning, and receiving location information from the service provider. Such service providers store access point identifiers in advance in association with latitude and longitude information. Since the service provider operator is often unrelated to the operator of each access point, it is difficult for the service provider operator to know the exact installation location of each access point. Therefore, service provider operators collect information on surrounding access points while moving, and associate the identifier of each access point with the latitude and longitude of the collected point.

Patent No. 4957174

However, in underground malls, underground stations, and the like, satellite positioning such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning cannot be used, so latitude and longitude information associated with radio signal sources tends to be ambiguous. In such an environment, it was difficult to improve the accuracy of network positioning.

A fixed terminal according to an aspect of the present invention is a fixed terminal, and includes a detection processing unit that performs a detection process of detecting a wireless signal source existing in a range where wireless communication is possible with the fixed terminal; and a transmitting unit that transmits identification information of the radio signal source that has been identified and location specifying information for specifying the position of the radio signal source to a server that manages information on the radio signal source used for network positioning. .

A server according to one aspect of the present invention is a server that manages information on wireless signal sources used for network positioning, and includes identification information of wireless signal sources that exist within a wireless communication range from a fixed terminal to the fixed terminal. , and a reception processing unit that performs a reception process to receive position specifying information for specifying the position of the radio signal source, and a reception processing unit that converts the identification information received by the reception processing unit to a position specified by the position specification information. and a management section that manages the information in association with each other.

An information management system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a fixed terminal and a server that manages information on a wireless signal source used for network positioning, and the fixed terminal exists within a wireless communication range with the fixed terminal. A detection processing unit that performs a detection process of detecting a wireless signal source, identification information of the wireless signal source detected by the detection processing unit, and position specifying information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source, and the server a transmitting unit for transmitting data to the fixed terminal, and the server performs a receiving process for receiving identification information of a wireless signal source existing within a range capable of wireless communication with the fixed terminal, and the position specifying information from the fixed terminal. and a management section that manages identification information of the radio signal source received by the reception processing section in association with a position specified by the position specifying information.

An information management method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a detection processing step in which a fixed terminal performs a detection process to detect a wireless signal source existing within a range where wireless communication is possible with the fixed terminal; a transmission step of transmitting identification information of the wireless signal source detected in the processing step and position specifying information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source to a server that manages information on the wireless signal source used for network positioning; and a management step in which the server manages the identification information of the wireless signal source transmitted in the transmission step in association with the position specified by the position specifying information.

The fixed terminal and server according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer, and in this case, the fixed terminal and the server can be realized by operating the computer as each part (software element) included in the fixed terminal and the server. A control program for the fixed terminal and a control program for the server that implement the server in a computer, as well as a computer-readable recording medium on which they are recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a fixed terminal and a server according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer that can be used as a base station and a server according to each embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

[Embodiment 1]
<Configuration example>
Below, a configuration example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to this embodiment. As an example, the system 1 may include a fixed terminal 100 and a server 200 connected to a cellular base station (hereinafter referred to as a base station) 2. Although FIG. 1 shows only one base station 2 and one fixed terminal 100 for ease of viewing, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and one or more base stations 2 each have one base station 2 and one fixed terminal 100. The above fixed terminal 100 may be connected. Further, two or more fixed terminals 100 may be connected to one base station 2. Furthermore, although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the fixed terminal 100 is connected to the server 200 via the base station 2, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the fixed terminal 100 is connected to the server 200 by wire or wirelessly. It is sufficient as long as it can communicate with the server 200. Specifically, for example, the fixed terminal 100 and the server 200 may be directly connected by wire or wirelessly.

Fixed terminal 100 may be connected to base station 2 by wire or wirelessly. Further, the fixed terminal 100 may be any terminal as long as it is fixed at a specific position coordinate, and includes one that is temporarily fixed at a specific position coordinate. For example, the fixed terminal 100 may be a stationary device, or may be a portable device fixed at specific position coordinates. Furthermore, the fixed terminal 100 may be a terminal capable of detecting a wireless signal source that exists within a wireless communication range from the fixed terminal.

In this embodiment, the wireless signal source is a wireless device that transmits a wireless signal including identification information, and at least a portion thereof may be fixed to a specific position coordinate. Further, in one aspect, the wireless signal source may be a wireless connection point, such as a Wi-Fi access point, to which the fixed terminal 100 can wirelessly connect. In the following, a case will be described in which Wi-Fi access points 3 and 4 exist as wireless signal sources that exist around the fixed terminal 100, but the wireless signal sources that exist around the fixed terminal 100 are not limited to these. will be easily understood by those skilled in the art. In one aspect, the wireless signal source is a wireless device capable of transmitting wireless signals according to communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G NR (New Radio), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc., in addition to the Wi-Fi access point. For example, it may be realized by a BLE beacon or the like. Furthermore, in one embodiment, being wirelessly connectable may include being able to acquire identification information from radio waves that the fixed terminal 100 receives from a wireless signal source. That is, in one aspect, if fixed terminal 100 can acquire the identification information of the wireless signal source, fixed terminal 100 and the wireless signal source do not necessarily need to establish a communication connection.

The server 200 may be a server that manages information on wireless signal sources used for network positioning. In one aspect, network positioning involves a device that performs network positioning (i) detecting a wireless signal source existing in the surroundings, (ii) transmitting the detection result to a location information service provider (location information providing device), (iii) performed by obtaining location information from a location service provider; Such radio signal source information (identification information, location information, etc.) is called radio signal source information used for network positioning. Note that the location information service provider 10 is provided by various companies including, for example, Google Inc. (Mountain View, USA).

Next, the configurations of the fixed terminal 100 and the server 200 according to the present embodiment will be explained by referring to different drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the fixed terminal 100 and the server 200 according to this embodiment.

<Fixed terminal>
The fixed terminal 100 may include a communication section 110, a memory 120, a storage section 130, and a main control section 140.

The communication unit 110 may receive a radio signal including an identification number from at least a radio signal source, and may transmit and receive radio signals to and from the radio signal source. Further, the communication unit 110 may communicate with the server 200 via the base station 2. Further, the communication unit 110 may communicate with the server 200 without going through the base station 2.

The memory 120 may temporarily store various programs executed by the main control unit 140 and various data referenced by those programs.

The storage unit 130 may store various types of information that are read, written, referenced, etc. by the main control unit 140.

The main control section 140 may include a detection processing section 142 and a transmission processing section (transmission section) 144.

The detection processing unit 142 may perform detection processing to detect a wireless signal source (for example, a Wi-Fi access point) that exists within a wireless communication range with the fixed terminal 100 via the communication unit 110.

The transmission processing unit 144 may perform a transmission process of transmitting to the server 200 parameters including detection result information of the wireless signal source and position specifying information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source. The position specifying information is information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source. In one example, the location information or identification information of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2 may be used as the location information. That is, since the detected wireless signal source is in the vicinity of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2 (in the range where wireless communication is possible), the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2 is used as information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source. 2 location information can be used. Furthermore, when installing the fixed terminal 100 or base station 2, by associating the location information of the fixed terminal 100 or base station 2 with the identification information of the fixed terminal 100 or base station 2, the location of the wireless signal source can be specified. As the information, identification information of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2 can be used.

Further, the fixed terminal 100 may be a stationary terminal or a portable terminal as long as the following conditions are satisfied.

The fixed terminal 100 can be communicatively connected to the base station 2 by wireless or wire.

Fixed terminal 100 is capable of communicating with base station 2 or via base station 2 . Furthermore, the fixed terminal 100 may be able to communicate without going through the server 200 and the base station 2. Furthermore, the fixed terminal 100 may be equipped with a Wi-Fi chip and be capable of Wi-Fi scanning, for example.

The fixed terminal 100 can be equipped with a program that stores information on the timing and interval of detection processing (e.g., Wi-Fi scan), detected wireless signal sources (e.g., Wi-Fi access points), and controls communication. .

The fixed terminal 100 includes a storage that stores programs, detected information, and control parameters.

The fixed terminal 100 can update control programs and files. This condition is optional and not necessarily required.

<Server>
The server 200 may include a communication section 210, a memory 220, a storage section 230, and a main control section 240.

The communication unit 210 may communicate with the base station 2. Further, the communication unit 210 may communicate with the fixed terminal 100 via the base station 2. Furthermore, the communication unit 210 may communicate with the fixed terminal 100 without going through the base station 2.

The memory 220 may temporarily store various programs executed by the main control unit 240 and various data referenced by those programs.

The storage unit 230 may store various types of information that are read, written, referenced, etc. by the main control unit 240.

The main control section 240 may include a reception processing section 242 and a management section 244.

The reception processing unit 242 may perform a reception process of receiving parameters including detection result information and position identification information from the fixed terminal 100.

The management unit 244 may perform management processing for managing information received from the fixed terminal 100. For example, the management unit 244 may manage the identification information of the wireless signal source received from the fixed terminal 100 in association with the position specified by the received position specifying information. Note that the management unit 244 manages predetermined information, which means that the management unit 244 stores the predetermined information in the storage unit 230 or an external database in a state where it can be referenced as needed. Furthermore, the management unit 244 manages specific identification information in association with a specific location, which means that the management unit 244 manages specific identification information and information indicating a specific location when the management unit 244 knows that the specific identification information and the information indicating the specific location are related. This refers to storing the state in the storage unit 230 or an external database.

<Parameter configuration>
The parameters that the fixed terminal 100 sends to the server 200 are illustrated below. The parameters include at least the identification information and location identification information of the wireless signal source detected by the detection processing unit 142, and may further include other information.

(1) Information on the date and time when the fixed terminal 100 performed the detection process A time stamp of the date and time of the detection process (for example, a Wi-Fi scan) (for example, a time stamp indicating the timing of the start or completion of the detection process).

(2) Identification information of fixed terminal 100 An ID that uniquely identifies fixed terminal 100.

(3) Location identification information This is information for identifying the location of a wireless signal source (for example, a Wi-Fi access point) scanned by the fixed terminal 100. In one example, the location information of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2 may be used as the location information. For example, information indicating the latitude, longitude, etc. of the installation point of fixed terminal 100 or base station 2 may be used. Since it is clear that the wireless signal source detected by the fixed terminal 100 exists near the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2, the wireless signal source detected by the fixed terminal 100 is Location information of terminal 100 or base station 2 can be used. This information can be acquired when the base station 2 or the fixed terminal 100 is installed and input into the fixed terminal 100 in advance. Further, in one example, identification information of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2 may be used as the position specifying information. When installing the base station 2 or fixed terminal 100, the identification information of the base station 2 or fixed terminal 100 is input into the fixed terminal 100 in advance, and the location information of the base station 2 or fixed terminal 100 and the identification information are associated with each other. 200, the location information of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2 can be substituted for the location information of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2.

(4) Information on the detected wireless signal source Identification information on the wireless signal source detected by the fixed terminal 100 (for example, in the case of Wi-Fi access point identification information, ESSID, BSSID (usually MAC address), etc.) Such. The radio wave intensity (RSSI [in dBm], etc.) at the time of detection may be included.

<System operation>
(Operation example 1)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation (operation example 1) of the system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An example of the specific operation of the system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3.

As an overview, the fixed terminal 100 regularly or non-regularly detects wireless signal sources (for example, Wi-Fi access points), selects wireless signal sources to be managed or excluded as necessary, and controls them. Send the results to the server 200. On the other hand, the server 200 manages wireless signal source information, location information, and other information received from the fixed terminal 100.

First, in step S1, the fixed terminal 100 may acquire location identification information. The location information may be the location information of the fixed terminal 100 or the location information of the base station 2. For example, the location information of the base station 2 or the fixed terminal 100 may be acquired when the base station 2 or the fixed terminal 100 is installed, and may be set in the storage unit 130 in advance. Then, in step S1, the main control unit 140 of the fixed terminal 100 may load the position information from the storage unit 130 into the memory 120. Alternatively, the position specifying information may be an ID (identification information) that uniquely identifies the base station 2 or the fixed terminal 100. For example, the ID that uniquely identifies the base station 2 or the fixed terminal 100 is set when the base station 2 or the fixed terminal 100 is installed, and may be set in the storage unit 130 in advance. Then, in step S1, the main control unit 140 of the fixed terminal 100 may load an ID that uniquely identifies the base station 2 or the fixed terminal 100 from the storage unit 130 into the memory 120. This allows the main control unit 140 to handle position identification information.

Next, in step S2, the fixed terminal 100 may acquire detection result information of the wireless signal source and store it in the storage unit 130. For example, the detection processing unit 142 may acquire identification information and radio field intensity of the wireless signal source through scanning (detection processing) of the wireless signal source via the communication unit 110. Then, the detection processing unit 142 may store the scan timestamp, the identification information of the wireless signal source, and the radio field intensity in the memory 120 and the storage unit 130.

In step S3, the main control unit 140 of the fixed terminal 100 determines whether the wireless signal source detected by the detection processing unit 142 is reliable based on predetermined conditions. Details of the reliability determination will be described later.

Further, in step S4, the transmission processing unit 144 of the fixed terminal 100 may transmit detection result information of the wireless signal source to the server 200, depending on the result of step S3. For example, the transmission processing unit 144 may (i) transmit to the server 200 information regarding the wireless signal source determined to be reliable in step S3 among the wireless signal sources detected in step S2, or (ii) ) Information regarding the wireless signal source determined to be unreliable in step S3 may be transmitted to the server 200 together with information regarding the wireless signal source detected in step S2.

In step S5, the main control unit 140 of the fixed terminal 100 may leave a predetermined time interval. Thereafter, the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 may repeat the process from the detection process of step S2. Note that instead of leaving a predetermined time interval, the main control unit 140 may execute the process of step S2 at the scheduled time. Further, in order to avoid network congestion, the main control unit 140 may execute the process of step S2 according to a predetermined time interval or a fixed time by adding a random time width each time.

For example, there is a possibility that a person who passes by the base station 2 at the same time every day carries a mobile router. In order to avoid falsely detecting such a mobile router as a router with a fixed location, it is possible to set the detection processing time to a different time range or to a random time range for each day. Alternatively, the detection process may be performed more frequently.

On the other hand, the reception processing unit 242 of the server 200 may receive the wireless signal source detection result information and position identification information from the fixed terminal 100 in step S6.

In step S8, the management unit 244 of the server 200 may manage the identification information of the wireless signal source in association with the position specified by the position specifying information. For example, the management unit 244 of the server 200 may store the identification information of the wireless signal source in the storage unit 230 or an external database in association with the position specified by the position specifying information. For example, when the location identification information is location information such as latitude and longitude, the management unit 244 may manage the identification information of the wireless signal source by associating it with the location identification information; If it is the identification information of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2, the management unit 244 acquires the position of the fixed terminal 100 or the base station 2 corresponding to the identification information, and determines the position where the identification information of the wireless signal source was acquired. It is sufficient to manage the information in association with information indicating the information.

(Reliability judgment example 1)
Next, an example of reliability determination in operation example 1 will be described.

The range of a wireless signal output from a wireless signal source may change depending on the surrounding environment. Specifically, for example, for a wireless signal source installed inside a subway station, during times when there are few passengers, such as early morning or late at night, there are few obstacles to the wireless signal, so the wireless signal can reach far and can be used during commuting hours. During times when there are many passengers, such as when there are many passengers, the wireless signal may be blocked by the passenger's body or luggage, and the wireless signal may only reach a short distance. Therefore, depending on the timing at which detection information is acquired, some wireless signal sources may or may not be detected. If network positioning is performed using such a wireless signal source whose detectable wireless signals are unstable, the accuracy of positioning will decrease. Therefore, such wireless signal sources are not suitable for managing as information on wireless signal sources used for network positioning.

Similarly, a wireless signal source that is far away from the fixed terminal 100 and whose wireless signal cannot be stably detected is also not suitable for managing as information on a wireless signal source used for network positioning. Moreover, such a radio signal source is not suitable for being managed in association with the location information of the base station 2 or the fixed terminal 100.

Further, depending on the mode of operation of the wireless signal sources, the same identification ID may be assigned to a plurality of wireless signal sources. For example, the same identification ID may be assigned to base stations at different stations. Such radio signal sources are not suitable for managing as radio signal source information used for network positioning.

Furthermore, a moving radio signal source is naturally not suitable for managing as radio signal source information used for network positioning. For example, a portable wireless signal source (such as a mobile Wi-Fi router) is not suitable for managing wireless signal source information used for network positioning. In particular, underground malls, underground stations, and the like are places where many people gather, and therefore there may be moving wireless signal sources such as mobile Wi-Fi routers or tethering functions.

Therefore, the system 1 includes a mechanism for determining the above-mentioned wireless signal sources as unreliable wireless signal sources and not managing information on unreliable wireless signal sources as information on wireless signal sources used for network positioning. You can leave it there.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of reliability determination in operation example 1 (reliability determination example 1). In reliability determination example 1, the fixed terminal 100 repeatedly performs detection processing and determines whether or not the wireless signal source is reliable based on the results of multiple detection processing for the same wireless signal source. , transmits the determination result to the server 200 together with the identification information of the wireless signal source.
Hereinafter, reliability determination example 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

In reliability determination example 1, step S2a and step S2b are executed as step 2 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S2a, the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 may acquire detection result information of the wireless signal source.

Next, in step S2b, the detection processing unit 142 may update the number of detections in the memory 120 by +1 for each wireless signal source whose identification information is included in the acquired detection result information. Note that, as a premise, the storage unit 130 may manage the number of detections for each wireless signal source. Additionally, the number of detections may be loaded into memory 120. The number of detections loaded into the memory 120 may be referenced and updated by the main control unit 140. Note that step S2a and step S2b may be repeatedly executed.

Furthermore, in reliability determination example 1, step S3a and step S3b are executed as step 3 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S3a, the detection processing unit 142 may determine whether there is a wireless signal source that has been continuously detected a predetermined number of times or more. A wireless signal source that has been “detected consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more” means that the wireless signal source continues to exist within the wireless communication range from the fixed terminal 100, and is reliable as a reference for location information. It means that.

Note that the numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be a fixed value or may be a variable parameter set in the fixed terminal 100. The numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be set by the user as a parameter of the fixed terminal 100, or may be specified by the server 200.

If the detection processing unit 142 detects the same wireless signal source a predetermined number of times or more consecutively in step S3a (YES in step S3a), in step S3b, the detection processing unit 142 detects the same wireless signal source as a reliable wireless signal source. It is determined that it is the signal source.

Furthermore, the reliability of the wireless signal source may be determined based on the elapsed time instead of the number of times. In this case, in step S3a, the detection processing unit 142 may determine whether there is a wireless signal source that has been continuously detected for a predetermined period of time or longer. A wireless signal source that has been detected continuously for a predetermined period of time or more means that the wireless signal source continues to exist within a wireless communication range from the fixed terminal 100, and is reliable as a reference for location information. means.

Note that the numerical value of the predetermined time may be a fixed value or may be a variable parameter set in the fixed terminal 100. The numerical value of the predetermined time may be set by the user as a parameter of the fixed terminal 100, or may be specified by the server 200.

If the detection processing unit 142 continuously detects the same radio signal source for a predetermined period of time or more in step S3a (YES in step S3a), the detection processing unit 142 detects the same radio signal source as a reliable radio in step S3b. It may be determined that it is a signal source.

In the reliability determination example 1, step S4a is executed as step 4 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3, and step S6a is executed as step 6 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S4a, the transmission processing unit 144 of the fixed terminal 100 transmits parameters including reliable access point identification information and position specifying information to the server 200. In step S6a, the reception processing unit 242 of the server 200 receives the parameters transmitted in step S4a.

Furthermore, in reliability determination example 1, step S8a is executed as step 8 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S8a, the management unit 244 of the server 200 manages the identification information of the reliable access point in association with the location specified by the location information, as a management target to be managed as information on a wireless signal source used for network positioning. do.

Note that the above example is an example of a method for determining the reliability of a wireless signal source, and the method for determining the reliability of a wireless signal source is not limited to the above example. In place of or in addition to the above-described conditions, the detection processing unit 142 detects that the identification information (for example, MAC address) of the detected wireless signal source falls within a predetermined range (for example, a portable Wi-Fi access point). (a range other than the MAC address indicating that The detected wireless signal source may be determined to be a reliable wireless signal source if a condition such as being within the error range is satisfied.

As described above, information on inappropriate wireless signal sources, such as information on wireless signal sources that are far away from the fixed terminal 100 and whose wireless signals cannot be stably detected, or information on portable wireless signal sources, can be used for network positioning. It is possible to prevent the information from being managed as information on the radio signal source used for.

(Reliability judgment example 2)
In Reliability Determination Example 1, only the information of the wireless signal sources determined to be reliable is managed as the information of the wireless signal sources used for network positioning, but this embodiment is not limited to this, and the reliability The configuration may be such that information on a wireless signal source determined to be impossible is excluded from the information to be managed as information on a wireless signal source used for network positioning. Such a configuration can also prevent inappropriate radio signal source information from being managed as radio signal source information used for network positioning.

Here, the wireless signal source (eg, Wi-Fi access point) is not necessarily managed by a particular operator, such as a communication provider or a location-based service provider. Specifically, for example, an individual, company, or store may install it under their own management. In such cases, the radio signal source may be moved or removed, and its relevance to location information may change. If such radio signal source information is managed as radio signal source information used for network positioning without position information being corrected, the accuracy of positioning will decrease. Therefore, it is preferable that there be a mechanism for excluding information on radio signal sources determined to be unreliable from the management targets to be managed as information on radio signal sources used for network positioning.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of reliability determination in operation example 1 (reliability determination example 2). In reliability determination example 2, the fixed terminal 100 repeatedly executes the detection process and determines whether or not the wireless signal source is reliable based on the results of multiple detection processes for the same wireless signal source. , transmits the determination result to the server 200 together with the identification information of the wireless signal source. Reliability determination example 2 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

In reliability determination example 2, step S2a and step S2c are executed as step 2 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S2a, the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 may acquire detection result information of the wireless signal source.

Next, in step S2c, the detection processing unit 142 records the number of undetected times in the memory 120 for each radio signal source that was detected in the past but whose identification information was not included in the detection result information obtained in step S2a. You may update +1. Note that, as a premise, the storage unit 130 may manage the number of undetected times for each wireless signal source. Additionally, the number of non-detections may be loaded into the memory 120. The number of undetected times loaded into the memory 120 may be referenced and updated by the main control unit 140. Note that step S2b and step S2c may be repeatedly executed.

Furthermore, in reliability determination example 2, step S3c and step S3d are executed as step 3 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S3c, the detection processing unit 142 may determine whether or not there is a wireless signal source that has not been detected consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more among the wireless signal sources detected in the past. A wireless signal source that "could not be detected consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more" may not be within the wireless communication range from the fixed terminal 100, and may not be reliable as a reference for location information. It means no.

Further, in one aspect, the detection processing unit 142 may consider a wireless signal source that has been detected but whose radio field intensity is below a threshold value to be an undetectable wireless signal source. This is because a wireless signal source whose radio field intensity is less than the threshold value exists far from the fixed terminal 100, and it is highly likely that it is inappropriate to use it for network positioning.

Note that the numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be a fixed value or may be a variable parameter set in the fixed terminal 100. The numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be set by the user as a parameter of the fixed terminal 100, or may be specified by the server 200.

If the detection processing unit 142 detects the same radio signal source not consecutively for more than a predetermined number of times in step S3a (YES in step S3c), in step S3d, the detection processing unit 142 detects that the radio signal source is not reliable. It is determined that it is a wireless signal source.

Furthermore, the reliability of the wireless signal source may be determined based on the elapsed time instead of the number of times. In this case, in step S3c, the detection processing unit 142 may determine whether there is a wireless signal source that has not been detected continuously for a predetermined period of time or longer. A wireless signal source that could not be detected for a predetermined period of time or longer may not be reliable as a reference for location information because the wireless signal source may not be within a wireless communication range from the fixed terminal 100. It means that.

Note that the numerical value of the predetermined time may be a fixed value or may be a variable parameter set in the fixed terminal 100. The numerical value of the predetermined time may be set by the user as a parameter of the fixed terminal 100, or may be specified by the server 200.

If the detection processing unit 142 does not continuously detect the same radio signal source for a predetermined period of time or more in step S3c (YES in step S3c), the detection processing unit 142 determines that the radio signal source is not trusted in step S3d. It may be determined that the wireless signal source is not available.

In the reliability determination example 2, step S4b is executed as step 4 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3, and step S6b is executed as step 6 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S4b, the transmission processing unit 144 of the fixed terminal 100 transmits to the server 200 parameters including the identification information of the unreliable wireless signal source, in addition to the identification information and location specifying information of the detected wireless signal source. In step S6b, the reception processing unit 242 of the server 200 receives the parameters transmitted in step S4b.

Further, in reliability determination example 2, step S8b is executed as step 8 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S8b, the management unit 244 of the server 200 manages the received identification information of the wireless signal source in association with the position information, and excludes unreliable wireless signal sources from the management target. Moreover, the management unit 244 also excludes the identification information to be excluded from the management target in step S8b executed thereafter.

In other words, excluding from management targets means (A) preventing information on unreliable radio signal sources from being newly added as management targets among the radio signal source information that the server 200 receives from the fixed terminal 100; It's fine. Furthermore, excluding from management targets means (B) excluding radio signal sources that are already management targets based on information on unreliable radio signal sources among the radio signal source information that the server 200 receives from the fixed terminal 100. Information may be excluded from management (that is, deleted). The management unit 244 may perform both of the operations (A) and (B) above, or may perform either one of the operations.

Note that the above example is an example of a method for determining the reliability of a wireless signal source, and the method for determining the reliability of a wireless signal source is not limited to the above example. In place of or in addition to the above-described conditions, the detection processing unit 142 detects that the identification information (for example, MAC address) of the detected wireless signal source falls within a predetermined range (for example, a portable Wi-Fi access point). MAC address that indicates that If a condition such as exceedance is met, the detected wireless signal source may be determined to be an unreliable wireless signal source.

As a result of the above, it is determined that information on inappropriate radio signal sources, for example, information on radio signal sources whose radio signals cannot be detected from the fixed terminal 100 due to movement or removal, has lost its reliability and is used for network positioning. This can prevent the positioning accuracy from deteriorating.

Note that the system 1 may perform operations in both reliability determination example 1 and reliability determination example 2. That is, the fixed terminal 100 determines that a wireless signal source that can be continuously detected is a reliable wireless signal source, and determines that a wireless signal source that cannot be continuously detected is an unreliable wireless signal source, In addition to information regarding reliable wireless signal sources, information regarding unreliable wireless signal sources may be sent to server 200. Thereby, it is possible to cope with the case where a reliable wireless signal source changes to an unreliable wireless signal source.

(Operation example 2)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation (operation example 2) of the system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An example of the specific operation of the system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As an overview, fixed terminal 100 periodically or irregularly detects wireless signal sources (eg, Wi-Fi access points) and sends the results to server 200. On the other hand, the server 200 selects and manages wireless signal sources to be managed or excluded from the identification information, location identification information, and other information received from the fixed terminal 100 as necessary. .

First, steps S1 and S2 are the same as in operation example 1. Subsequently, in step S4, the transmission processing unit 144 of the fixed terminal 100 may transmit the detection result information of the wireless signal source, the position identification information, etc. to the server 200. Step S5 is similar to operation example 1.

The reception processing unit 242 of the server 200 may receive the wireless signal source detection result information, position identification information, etc. from the fixed terminal 100 in step S6.

In step S7, the main control unit 240 of the server 200 determines the reliability of the wireless signal source included in the detection result information. Details of reliability determination will be described later.

In step S8, the management unit 244 of the server 200 may manage the identification information of the wireless signal source in association with the position specified by the position specifying information, depending on the result of step S7. For example, the management unit 244 may manage (i) information regarding the wireless signal source determined to be reliable in step S7 among the wireless signal sources corresponding to the identification information received in step S6 as a management target. However, (ii) the radio signal source corresponding to the identification information received in step S6 may be managed as a management target, and the radio signal source determined to be unreliable in step S7 may be excluded from the management target.

(Reliability judgment example 3)
As described above, a wireless signal source that can be detected or not detected depending on the timing at which the fixed terminal 100 acquires detection information is not suitable for managing as information on a wireless signal source used for network positioning. On the other hand, as explained using FIG. 4, it is possible to perform reliability determination, but when performing reliability determination on the fixed terminal 100, it is necessary to store past detection information in the fixed terminal 100. There is. If the time interval for performing detection processing is set short and the detection information acquisition frequency is increased, a large amount of past detection information will be stored in the fixed terminal 100, which will require a large storage area and reduce the storage capacity of the fixed terminal 100. Costs increase. On the other hand, the reliability determination process may be executed on the server 200.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of reliability determination in operation example 2 (reliability determination example 3). In reliability determination example 3, the server 200 performs reception processing multiple times and determines whether or not the wireless signal source is reliable based on information received about the same wireless signal source in the multiple reception processing. , the identification information of the wireless signal source determined to be reliable is managed as a management target. Reliability determination example 3 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

In reliability determination example 3, step S2a is executed as step 2 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S2a, the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 may obtain detection result information of the Wi-Fi access point. Note that step S2a may be repeatedly executed.

Furthermore, in reliability determination example 3, step S4c is executed as step 4 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6, and step S6c is executed as step 6 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S4c, the transmission processing unit 144 of the fixed terminal 100 transmits parameters including identification information and position specifying information of the detected access point to the server 200. In step S6c, the reception processing unit 242 of the server 200 receives the parameters transmitted in step S4c.

Next, in reliability determination example 3, steps S7a to S7c are executed as step 7 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

In step S7a, the management unit 244 may update the number of receptions on the memory 220 by +1 for each wireless signal source corresponding to the received identification information. Note that, as a premise, the storage unit 230 may manage the number of receptions for each Wi-Fi access point. Additionally, the number of receptions may be loaded into memory 220. The number of receptions loaded into the memory 220 may be referenced and updated by the main control unit 240.

In step S7b, the management unit 244 may determine whether there is a wireless signal source whose identification information has been received consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more. A Wi-Fi access point for which "identification information has been received consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more" means that the wireless signal source continues to exist within the wireless communication range from the fixed terminal 100, and the location information standard This means that it is reliable.

Note that the numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be a fixed value or may be a variable parameter set in the server 200. The numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be set by the user as a parameter of the server 200.

If the management unit 244 receives the same wireless signal source identification information consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more in multiple reception processes by the reception processing unit 242 (YES in step S7b), in step S7c, the management unit 244: The wireless signal source is determined to be a reliable wireless signal source.

Furthermore, the reliability of the wireless signal source may be determined based on the elapsed time instead of the number of times. In this case, the management unit 244 determines that a wireless signal source whose identification information has been received continuously for a predetermined period of time or more means that the wireless signal source continues to exist within a wireless communication range from the fixed terminal 100. This means that it is reliable as a reference for location information.

Note that the numerical value of the predetermined time may be a fixed value or may be a variable parameter set in the server 200. The numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be set by the user as a parameter of the server 200.

If the management unit 244 continuously receives identification information of the same wireless signal source for a predetermined period of time or more in multiple reception processes by the reception processing unit 242 (YES in step S7b), in step S7c, the management unit 244: The wireless signal source is determined to be a reliable wireless signal source.

Further, in reliability determination example 3, step S8a is executed as step 8 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S8a, the management unit 244 of the server 200 manages the identification information of the reliable access point as a management target to be managed as information on the wireless signal source used for network positioning, in association with the position specified by the position specifying information. .

Note that the above example is an example of a method for determining the reliability of a wireless signal source, and the method for determining the reliability of a wireless signal source is not limited to the above example. In place of or in addition to the above-described conditions, the management unit 244 determines whether the identification information (for example, MAC address) of the detected wireless signal source falls within a predetermined range (for example, if it is a portable Wi-Fi access point). (a range other than the MAC address indicating that The detected wireless signal source may be determined to be a reliable wireless signal source if a condition such as being within the range is satisfied.

As described above, information on inappropriate wireless signal sources, for example, information on wireless signal sources that are far away from the fixed terminal 100 and whose wireless signals cannot be stably detected, or information on portable Wi-Fi access points, This can prevent the information from being managed as information on radio signal sources used for network positioning.

As described above, unlike when the reliability determination process is performed on the fixed terminal 100 as in operation example 1, there is no need to store past detection information on the fixed terminal 100, and the cost of the fixed terminal 100 is reduced. be able to.

(Reliability judgment example 4)
In order to improve reliability determination accuracy, there are cases where it is desired to refer to information on more wireless signal sources. When the reliability determination process is performed on the fixed terminal 100 as in operation example 1, it may be difficult to improve accuracy because the reliability determination is performed only based on the wireless signal source within the range that can communicate with the fixed terminal 100. be.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of reliability determination in operation example 2 (reliability determination example 4). In reliability determination example 4, the server 200 repeatedly performs reception processing, and determines whether or not the wireless signal source is reliable based on information received about the same wireless signal source in multiple reception processing, The identification information of the wireless signal source determined to be unreliable is excluded from the management target.
Reliability determination example 4 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

In reliability determination example 4, step S2a is executed as step 2 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S2a, the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 may acquire detection result information of the wireless signal source.

Furthermore, in reliability determination example 4, step S4c is executed as step 4 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6, and step S6c is executed as step 6 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S4c, the transmission processing unit 144 of the fixed terminal 100 transmits parameters including identification information and position information of the detected wireless signal source to the server 200. In step S6c, the reception processing unit 242 of the server 200 receives the parameters transmitted in step S4c.

Next, in reliability determination example 4, steps S7d to S7f are executed as step 7 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

In step S7d, the management unit 244 may update the unreceived number of times in the memory 220 by +1 for each wireless signal source from which identification information was received in the past but from which identification information was not received in step S6c. Note that, as a premise, the storage unit 230 may manage the number of unreceived signals for each wireless signal source. Additionally, the number of unreceived messages may be loaded into the memory 220. The number of receptions loaded into the memory 220 may be referenced and updated by the main control unit 240. Note that step S7b and step S7c may be repeatedly executed.

In step S7e, the management unit 244 may determine whether there is a wireless signal source from which identification information has not been received consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more among the wireless signal sources from which identification information has been received in the past. . A wireless signal source for which "identification information has not been received consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more" may not be within the wireless communication range from the fixed terminal 100, and may not be used as a reference for location information. means unreliable.

Note that the numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be a fixed value or may be a variable parameter set in the server 200. The numerical value of the predetermined number of times may be set by the user as a parameter of the server 200.

If the management unit 244 does not receive the same wireless signal source identification information consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more in multiple reception processes by the reception processing unit 242 (YES in step S7e), in step S7f, the management unit 244 determines that the wireless signal source is an unreliable wireless signal source.

Furthermore, the reliability of the wireless signal source may be determined based on the elapsed time instead of the number of times. In this case, in step S7e, the management unit 244 may determine whether there is a wireless signal source from which identification information has not been received for a predetermined period of time or more. A wireless signal source for which identification information has not been received for a predetermined period of time or more may not be within the wireless communication range from the fixed terminal 100, and may not be reliable as a reference for location information. It means no gender.

Note that the numerical value of the predetermined time may be a fixed value or may be a variable parameter set in the server 200. The numerical value of the predetermined time may be set by the user as a parameter of the server 200.

If the management unit 244 does not receive identification information of the same Wi-Fi access point continuously for a predetermined period of time or more in multiple reception processes by the reception processing unit 242 (YES in step S7e), the management unit 244 performs management in step S7f. The unit 244 determines that the Wi-Fi access point is an unreliable wireless signal source.

Further, in reliability determination example 4, step S8b is executed as step 8 in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. In step S8b, the management unit 244 of the server 200 manages the received identification information of the wireless signal source in association with the position specifying information, and deletes unreliable wireless signal sources from the management target.

Note that the above example is an example of a method for determining the reliability of a wireless signal source, and the method for determining the reliability of a wireless signal source is not limited to the above example. In place of or in addition to the above-described conditions, the management unit 244 determines whether the identification information (for example, MAC address) of the detected wireless signal source falls within a predetermined range (for example, if it is a portable Wi-Fi access point). (a range other than the MAC address indicating that The detected wireless signal source may be determined to be a reliable wireless signal source if a condition such as being within the range is satisfied.

As described above, information on inappropriate wireless signal sources, such as information on wireless signal sources that are far away from the fixed terminal 100 and whose wireless signals cannot be stably detected, or information on portable wireless signal sources, can be used for network positioning. It is possible to prevent the information from being managed as information on the radio signal source used for.

As described above, unlike when the reliability determination process is performed on the fixed terminal 100 as in operation example 1, there is no need to store past detection information on the fixed terminal 100, and the cost of the fixed terminal 100 is reduced. be able to.

Furthermore, in order to improve reliability determination accuracy, there are cases where it is desired to refer to information on more wireless signal sources. When the reliability determination process is performed on the fixed terminal 100 as in operation example 1, it may be difficult to improve accuracy because the reliability determination is performed only based on the wireless signal source within the range that can communicate with the fixed terminal 100. However, according to this operational example, by performing the reliability determination process on the server 200, reliability can be determined by referring to information on more wireless signal sources.

Note that the system 1 may perform operations in both reliability determination example 3 and reliability determination example 4. That is, the server 200 identifies and manages radio signal sources that are continuously received as reliable radio signal sources, and also identifies radio signal sources that are not continuously received as unreliable radio signal sources and removes them from the management target. You may delete it. Thereby, it is possible to cope with the case where a reliable wireless signal source changes to an unreliable wireless signal source.

(Example of operation regarding multiple fixed terminals)
The maximum range of wireless signals from many wireless signal sources (e.g., Wi-Fi access points) is about 100 meters even in unobstructed environments, and shorter in obstructed environments. It is known that distance Therefore, in order to collect detection information about many radio signal sources, it is necessary to install a large number of fixed terminals 100 at high density. Here, if a wireless signal source exists between two adjacent fixed terminals 100, the same wireless signal source may be detected from both fixed terminals 100. When each fixed terminal 100 associates its own device's location information with the detected radio signal source, multiple pieces of location information will be associated with the same radio signal source, causing a decrease in positioning accuracy. . To avoid this, the server 200 may operate as follows, for example.

When the server 200 receives identification information of the same wireless signal source from a plurality of fixed terminals 100, the server 200 may perform the following processing.

(Processing example 1)
In one example, the reception processing unit 242 of the server 200 receives the identification information and the position specifying information of the wireless signal source from the plurality of fixed terminals 100, and the management unit 244 receives the identification information and the position identification information of the wireless signal source from the plurality of fixed terminals 100. When the identification information of the wireless signal source is received, the intermediate position between the positions specified by the position specifying information received from the plurality of fixed terminals 100 is used as the position to be associated with the identification information of the wireless signal source. Good too.

For example, when two different base stations 2 are adjacent to each other and the fixed terminals 100 respectively connected to both base stations 2 detect the same radio signal source, the server 200 stores the identification information of the radio signal source. may be managed in association with, for example, an intermediate position between two base stations 2 or fixed terminals 100.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing example 1. When the management unit 244 of the server 200 receives identification information of the same wireless signal source (for example, a Wi-Fi access point) from a plurality of fixed terminals 100 (Yes in step S9a), the management unit 244 of the server 200 receives identification information from each fixed terminal 100 in step S9b. An intermediate location between the locations indicated by the received location information may be calculated. At this time, the management unit 244 may calculate a position indicating the center position of the position specifying information received from each fixed terminal 100, or may consider specific weight according to the radio field strength at the two base stations 2. . For example, if the ratio of radio field strengths between the first base station 2A and the second base station 2B is 1:2, the ratio between the first base station 2A and the second base station 2B is 2:1. The position of the point to be internally divided may also be calculated. Then, in step S9c, the management unit 244 may manage the identification information of the wireless signal source described above in association with the position calculated in step S9b.

Note that, when the following conditions are met, the management unit 244 locates the wireless signal source detected in the plurality of fixed terminals 100 at an intermediate position between the positions specified by the respective position specifying information received from the plurality of fixed terminals 100. It may also be managed in association with the location.
- The difference in timing detected in the plurality of fixed terminals 100 is smaller than a predetermined value.
- The distance between the plurality of fixed terminals 100 or between the base stations 2 to which each fixed terminal 100 is connected is shorter than a predetermined value.

That is, when the fixed terminals 100 connected to two base stations 2 detect one radio signal source, the management unit 244 determines the relative distance between the base stations 2 and the fixed terminals 100 connected to the base stations 2 and the base stations 2. The distance between two base stations 2 may be calculated from the coordinates, and when the distance is smaller than a threshold, the intermediate position between the coordinates of the two base stations 2 may be managed as position information of the detected wireless signal source.

Additionally, if the two base stations 2 are far apart (for example, if the distance between the two base stations 2 is greater than the radio range of Wi-Fi), the detected wireless signal source may be moving. is possible. In this case, since the detected radio signal source becomes noise during positioning processing, the management unit 244 may consider the radio signal source to be a mobile object and may exclude it from being managed (deleted).

Furthermore, if the difference in timing detected in the plurality of fixed terminals 100 is larger than a predetermined value, the wireless signal source may have moved, and therefore may be excluded from management (deleted).

The above processing is the same even when one wireless signal source is detected by the fixed terminal 100 connected to three or four base stations 2, respectively. That is, the center positions of the plurality of base stations 2 may be used as the position coordinates of the detected target wireless signal source.

However, if the fixed terminals 100 connected to the third and fourth base stations 2 respectively detect the target wireless signal source, the fixed terminals 100 connected to the third and fourth base stations 2 The intermediate position of is used as the reference for the position of the wireless signal source.

The distances between all base stations 2 and the base station 2 to which the newly detected fixed terminal 100 is connected are confirmed. A base station 2 whose distance from the base station 2 to which the newly detected fixed terminal 100 is connected exceeds a threshold value is excluded from the reference for the position of the target radio signal source. The center points of the remaining base stations 2 may be used as the coordinates of the target wireless signal source.

There are cases where a wireless signal source (eg, a Wi-Fi access point) moves due to moving or redecorating a home or store. In order to follow such a case, processing examples (processing example 2 and processing example 3) to be performed when the Wi-Fi access point is no longer detected by the original fixed terminal 100 and are detected by the new fixed terminal 100 are described below. ) is shown below. Note that identification information of a wireless signal source (one BSSID of a Wi-Fi access point) is always associated with one location information (latitude, longitude).

In any of the processing examples, the reception processing unit 242 of the server 200 receives the identification information and position specifying information of the wireless signal source from the plurality of fixed terminals 100, and the management unit 244 When identification information of the same wireless signal source is received from multiple fixed terminals 100 at the same time, the location to be associated with the identification information of the wireless signal source is identified by the position specifying information received from one of the multiple fixed terminals 100. You may use the position shown. This allows information received at earlier timings to be given priority and information received at later timings to be managed, resulting in changes in the managed information in a short period of time, resulting in unstable positioning results. can be avoided. Note that "the identification information of the same wireless signal source was received from multiple fixed terminals 100 at different timings" means that the difference in the reception time of the identification information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and As such, the minimum amount of time that is practical for a wireless signal source to travel between the vicinity of multiple fixed terminals 100 may be used.

Hereinafter, the fixed terminal 100 that detected the wireless signal source at the earlier timing will be referred to as "fixed terminal A," and the fixed terminal 100 that detected the wireless signal source at the later timing will be referred to as "fixed terminal B."

(Processing example 2)
In one example, if fixed terminal B, which is different from fixed terminal A that detected the wireless signal source at a previous timing, detects the wireless signal source at a later timing, the wireless signal source is at least separated from fixed terminal A. There is no doubt that this is true. Therefore, the management unit 244 may exclude information transmitted from fixed terminal A from the management target. On the other hand, the management unit 244 does not need to immediately manage the information transmitted from the fixed terminal B. That is, the management unit 244 performs the reliability determination described above based on the information transmitted from the fixed terminal B, and as a result, after determining that the wireless signal source is reliable, The information may be subject to management. Note that the information transmitted from the fixed terminal 100 is to be managed by the management unit 244, which identifies the location of the wireless signal source corresponding to the identification information transmitted from the fixed terminal 100. It means to manage the information in association with the location specified by the information, and excluding information transmitted from the fixed terminal 100 from the management target means that the radio signal source corresponding to the identification information transmitted from the fixed terminal 100 is This means that management in association with the location specified by the location identification information transmitted from the fixed terminal 100 is stopped.

In this case, a counter for counting movement events may be provided to manage each radio signal source. A wireless signal source that moves frequently may be recognized as a mobile router and included in the unreliable wireless signal sources based on location information.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing example 2. When the management unit 244 of the server 200 receives identification information of the same wireless signal source at different timings from a plurality of fixed terminals 100 (Yes in step S10a), in step S10b, the management unit 244 manages the information received at the previous timing. may be excluded from Then, in step S10c, the management unit 244 may manage the identification information of the wireless signal source in association with the position specified by the position specifying information based on information received at a later timing.

(Processing example 3)
In one example, when the management unit 244 of the server 200 manages the identification information of the wireless signal source based on the position specifying information transmitted from the base station 2 that detected the wireless signal source at the previous timing, the above-mentioned Until the identification information is excluded from management based on the reliability determination, management based on the location identification information transmitted from the base station 2 that detected the radio signal source at a later timing is not performed. You don't have to.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing example 3. When the management unit 244 of the server 200 receives identification information of the same wireless signal source at different timings from a plurality of fixed terminals 100 (Yes in step S11a), in step S11b, the management unit 244 manages information received at a later timing. You can temporarily exclude it from Then, in step S11c, the management unit 244 adds position specifying information to the identification information of the wireless signal source when it is determined that the wireless signal source is reliable in the reliability determination based on the information received at a later timing. It is also possible to manage the locations in association with each other.

(Effects of this embodiment)
As described above, by repeatedly detecting surrounding wireless signal sources in fixed terminal 100 and transmitting them to the server, information on wireless signal sources used for network positioning can be managed. In particular, by determining the reliability of each access point at the fixed terminal 100 or the server 200, information on radio signal sources suitable as radio signal sources used for network positioning can be managed.

[Embodiment 2]
<Configuration example>
Below, a configuration example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1b according to this embodiment. The system 1b has an underground base station slave unit.

The system 1b includes an optical repeater (slave unit) 6 and an optical repeater (main unit) 7, which are shared equipment, and each company's base station equipment 8, which is each company's equipment.

The optical relay device (slave unit) 6 may collect detection result information of a Wi-Fi access point (wireless signal source) at point X as a fixed terminal. In addition, the optical relay device (slave unit) 6 collects Wi-Fi access point detection result information from the fixed terminal 101 at point Y or the Wi-Fi access points 3 and 4 at point Z within its own radio range, for example. It's okay.

[Embodiment 3]
<Modification 1>
The fixed terminal 100 or the server 200 may further apply the following criteria to determine whether the wireless signal source is a reliable wireless signal source.

(1) Identification information of the wireless signal source Since the manufacturer can be known from the identification information of the wireless signal source, for example, the MAC address band, it is assumed that products from OEMs that only manufacture mobile devices will be excluded. The server 200 stores the MAC address to be excluded in the storage unit 230 so that it can be changed or updated. Note that when comparing the MAC address of the exclusion target and the MAC address of the detected wireless signal source (Wi-Fi access point), it may be a complete match or a partial match.

(2) Radio field strength A wireless signal source (Wi-Fi access point) with extremely low radio field strength (for example, RSSI) may be far away from the base station 2, so the management unit 244 may be excluded from management.

Note that the management unit 244 does not exclude the radio signal source from the management target, but leaves information on the radio field strength (RSSI), and assigns priority as a radio signal source (Wi-Fi access point) to be used for positioning. may be lowered. For example, the management unit 244 may store the past average value of radio field strength, set a threshold value of radio field strength for excluding from management targets, or store multiple radio signal sources (Wi-Fi access points) may be ranked based on radio field strength.

<Modification 2>
The time interval of detection processing (for example, Wi-Fi scan) in fixed terminal 100 will be described below.

(1) The width of the time interval of the detection process may be customized for each time period and for each fixed terminal 100.

(2) The width of the time interval of the detection process may be set depending on the amount of foot traffic (the amount of change).

(3) If the width of the time interval of the detection process is increased, the accuracy and the time lag until information is reflected will deteriorate. On the other hand, if the time interval width of the detection process is made smaller, the amount of communication increases and the load on the server 200 increases.

(4) Scheduling of detection processing may be enabled. For example, shrines and the like have an increase in foot traffic during the New Year, and there is a possibility that the number of mobile Wi-Fi routers around the fixed terminal 100 will increase. If a period that is likely to have a negative impact on the accuracy of information can be assumed, that period may be excluded from the detection processing target (information update target).

<Modification 3>
The detection processing method executed by the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 may be a passive scan or an active scan. Passive scanning is a method of comprehensively detecting wireless signal sources of wireless signals that can be received by fixed terminal 100 without specifying the wireless signal sources to be detected. Active scanning is a method of detecting only a specific radio signal source as a detection target.

In one example, the detection processing unit 142 normally performs passive scanning and continuously scans the same base station 2 or fixed terminal for wireless signal sources detected in the past or wireless signal sources that are managed by the server 200. If you want to confirm with priority that the device exists within 100, perform an active scan. In this case, the detection processing unit 142 may share the identification information of the wireless signal source to be detected between the fixed terminals 100 via the communication unit 110.

For example, the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 detects a wireless signal source detected in the fixed terminal 100 and managed by the management unit 244 of the server 200 when the wireless signal source cannot be detected in subsequent detection processing. Active scanning may be performed using the signal source as the detection target. Furthermore, for example, if a wireless signal source detected in the fixed terminal 100 cannot be detected in subsequent detection processing, the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 may perform an active scan using the wireless signal source as a detection target. may be done. Further, for example, the detection processing unit 142 of the fixed terminal 100 may perform an active scan of a radio signal source detected for the first time in the fixed terminal 100, using the radio signal source as a detection target.

By way of background, active scanning is scanning that targets wireless signal sources with specific identification information (eg, BSSID). On the other hand, passive scanning is a method of scanning unspecified surrounding wireless signal sources (eg, Wi-Fi access points). While the latter passive scan broadly searches for wireless signal sources, there may be an upper limit to the number of detections depending on the specifications of the components (for example, the Wi-Fi chip and its upper layer) that constitute the detection processing unit 142. In such cases, it may be difficult to detect all surrounding wireless signal sources by scanning. In such a case, a method of performing active scanning may be considered in order to preferentially detect a wireless signal source (Wi-Fi access point) that is a detection target (detection target).

[Example of implementation using hardware configuration and software]
The control blocks of the fixed terminal 100 and the server 200 (particularly the parts included in the main control units 140 and 240, etc.) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip), etc. It may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In the latter case, the server 200 may be configured using a computer (electronic computer).

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer 910 that can be used as the fixed terminal 100 and the server 200. The computer 910 includes an arithmetic unit 912, a main storage device 913, an auxiliary storage device 914, and an input/output interface 915, which are connected to each other via a bus 911. The arithmetic unit 912, the main storage device 913, and the auxiliary storage device 914 may each be, for example, a CPU, a RAM (random access memory), a solid state drive, or a hard disk drive. Connected to the input/output interface 915 are an input device 920 through which the user inputs various information to the computer 910, and an output device 930 through which the computer 910 outputs various information to the user. The input device 920 and the output device 930 may be built into the computer 910 or may be connected to the computer 910 (externally attached). For example, input device 920 may be a button, keyboard, mouse, touch sensor, etc., and output device 930 may be a lamp, display, printer, speaker, etc. Further, a device having the functions of both the input device 920 and the output device 930, such as a touch panel in which a touch sensor and a display are integrated, may be applied. The communication interface 916 is an interface for the computer 910 to communicate with an external device.

The auxiliary storage device 914 stores an information processing program for operating the computer 910 as the server 200. Then, the arithmetic unit 912 expands the information processing program stored in the auxiliary storage device 914 onto the main storage device 913 and executes the instructions included in the information processing program, so that the computer 910 and the server 200 Function as each part provided. Note that the recording medium used by the auxiliary storage device 914 to record information such as information processing programs may be any computer-readable "non-temporary tangible medium", such as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable It may also be a logic circuit or the like.

Further, a configuration is adopted in which the computer 910 is made to function using a program recorded on a recording medium external to the computer 910 or a program supplied to the computer 910 via an arbitrary transmission medium (communication network, broadcast waves, etc.). You may. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

By using the present invention, in addition to being able to automatically associate wireless signal sources with location information, it is also possible to modify or delete combinations that are inappropriately associated with location information. become. This will improve the accuracy of network positioning and make it easier to use location information even in areas where it is difficult to use satellite positioning. We can contribute to the achievement of ``Let's create something new.''

1 System (information management system)
2 Base station 3, 4 Wi-Fi access point (wireless signal source)
100 Fixed terminal 142 Detection processing section 144 Transmission processing section (transmission section)
200 server 242 reception processing unit 244 management unit

Claims (15)

A fixed terminal,
a detection processing unit that performs a detection process of detecting a wireless signal source existing within a wireless communication range with the fixed terminal;
Sending identification information of the wireless signal source detected by the detection processing unit and position specifying information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source to a server that manages information on the wireless signal source used for network positioning. a transmitter,
Equipped with
Fixed terminal. The fixed terminal is connected to a base station,
The position specifying information transmitted by the transmitter is position information or identification information of the base station or the fixed terminal,
The fixed terminal according to claim 1. The detection processing unit repeatedly executes the detection processing and determines whether the radio signal source is reliable based on the results of the detection processing multiple times for the same radio signal source,
The transmitting unit transmits the determination result of the detection processing unit together with identification information of the wireless signal source.
The fixed terminal according to claim 1. The detection processing unit determines that the wireless signal source is reliable when the same wireless signal source is detected continuously for a predetermined number of times or more, or when the same wireless signal source is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more. ,
The fixed terminal according to claim 3. If the detection processing unit does not detect the same radio signal source consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more, or does not detect the same radio signal source continuously for a predetermined time or more, the detection processing unit determines that the radio signal source is reliable. determine that it is not possible,
The fixed terminal according to claim 3. A server that manages information on wireless signal sources used for network positioning,
a reception processing unit that performs reception processing to receive from a fixed terminal identification information of a wireless signal source existing within a range where wireless communication is possible with the fixed terminal, and position specifying information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source; ,
a management unit that manages the identification information received by the reception processing unit in association with a position specified by the position specifying information;
Equipped with
server. The fixed terminal is connected to a base station,
The location specifying information received by the reception processing unit is location information or identification information of the base station or the fixed terminal,
The server according to claim 6. The reception processing unit repeatedly performs the reception processing,
The management unit determines whether or not the radio signal source is reliable based on information received about the same radio signal source in the plurality of reception processes by the reception processing unit, and the management unit determines whether the radio signal source is reliable or not, and Management of signal source identification information
The server according to claim 6.
The management unit is configured to receive identification information of the same radio signal source continuously for a predetermined number of times or more in the plurality of reception processes, or to receive identification information of the same radio signal source continuously for a predetermined time or more. If the wireless signal source is reliable, the wireless signal source is determined to be reliable.
The server according to claim 8. The reception processing unit repeatedly performs the reception processing,
The management unit determines whether or not the radio signal source is reliable based on information received about the same radio signal source in the plurality of reception processes by the reception processing unit, and the management unit determines whether the radio signal source is reliable or not, and Exclude signal source identification information from management,
The server according to claim 6. If the management unit does not receive identification information of the same radio signal source consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more in the plurality of reception processes, or if the identification information of the same radio signal source continues for a predetermined time or more, If the wireless signal source is not received, the wireless signal source is determined to be unreliable.
The server according to claim 10. The reception processing unit receives the identification information of the wireless signal source and the position specifying information from a plurality of fixed terminals,
When the reception processing unit receives identification information of the same radio signal source from the plurality of fixed terminals, the management unit is configured to determine the information received from the plurality of fixed terminals as a position to be associated with the identification information of the radio signal source. using the intermediate position between the positions specified by each piece of position specifying information,
The server according to claim 6. The reception processing unit receives the identification information of the wireless signal source and the position specifying information from a plurality of fixed terminals,
When the reception processing unit receives identification information of the same radio signal source from the plurality of fixed terminals, and the difference in reception time of the identification information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, using a position specified by position specifying information received from one of the plurality of fixed terminals as the position associated with the identification information of;
The server according to claim 6. Fixed terminal and
Equipped with a server that manages information on wireless signal sources used for network positioning,
The fixed terminal is
a detection processing unit that performs a detection process of detecting a wireless signal source existing within a wireless communication range with the fixed terminal;
a transmitting unit that transmits identification information of the wireless signal source detected by the detection processing unit and position specifying information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source to the server;
Equipped with
The server is
a reception processing unit that performs a reception process to receive, from the fixed terminal, identification information of a wireless signal source existing within a range capable of wireless communication with the fixed terminal, and the position specifying information;
a management unit that manages identification information of the radio signal source received by the reception processing unit in association with a position specified by the position specifying information;
Equipped with
Information management system. a detection processing step in which a fixed terminal performs a detection processing to detect a wireless signal source existing within a range where wireless communication is possible with the fixed terminal;
The fixed terminal manages information on the wireless signal source used for network positioning, including identification information of the wireless signal source detected in the detection processing step and position specifying information for specifying the position of the wireless signal source. a transmission step of transmitting the data to a server to be used;
a management step in which the server manages the identification information of the wireless signal source transmitted in the transmission step in association with the position specified by the position specifying information;
including,
Information management method.

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