JP4477585B2 - How to provide product movement status information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for collecting and providing information for indicating a moving state of a product; and a technology for providing the information for indicating the moving state of the product in an easily usable form. <P>SOLUTION: A position information acquiring device 100 is used for successively recording acquired position information by acquiring the position information for indicating a location position on the basis of a received signal by receiving a radio wave. This device is packed in a packing material 200 together with a carrying object M, and operated in a movable state. The position information is successively acquired by receiving a radio wave signal from a GPS satellite group S. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&amp;NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for collecting and providing information indicating the movement status of a product, and more particularly, to a technology for collecting information indicating the movement status of a product by moving a device that acquires the location of the product together with the product. .

Japanese Patent Application 2000-334869

  In general, many products such as electric products are produced in a factory, packed with a packing material, and then shipped. Recently, it can be delivered directly from the factory to the consumer. However, it is often delivered to consumers through intermediate processes such as warehouses, wholesalers, and retailers. In other words, the factory produces exclusively, and other distributors share distribution and sales. This can be said to be more efficient in terms of role division than the direct delivery described above. On the other hand, there arises a problem that the product stays in the intermediate process after shipment from the factory until it reaches the consumer. Such stagnation of the product in the intermediate process is preferably eliminated from the viewpoint of delivering the product to the consumer in a short period of time. It is also desirable to reduce stagnation from the viewpoint of compressing product inventory. For this reason, many traders who provide products are considering the ideal way of logistics in order to reduce logistics costs and to provide products quickly. For this purpose, it is necessary to collect information indicating the flow of the product and grasp the movement status after the product is shipped. Therefore, provision of easy-to-use information regarding product movement is required.

  Normally, after a product is shipped and delivered to a distributor, the manufacturer can know the state after the product is shipped by returning the product, registering the user, or the like. However, it is difficult to know where the product is delivered and where and how it stops before it reaches the consumer.

  As a means of knowing the status of the product after shipment, there is typically a method of inquiring about the inventory status to an intermediate contractor by telephone or the like. However, this method only knows the number of stocks at the intermediate trader at a certain point in time. It does not grasp the actual movement situation of each product, such as where the product moved from where and where it existed for how many days.

  In addition, it is conceivable to check the product movement status of the products that are loaded and unloaded at a warehouse or the like each time the products are loaded or unloaded. However, the work of individually confirming a large number of products that come in and out is a heavy burden for the intermediate trader. For this reason, it is difficult to achieve this because it is difficult to obtain cooperation from middlemen.

  Furthermore, even if the investigation is completed, it is necessary to create a document by collecting information for grasping the location and movement status of the product. However, for that purpose, there is a problem that it takes a lot of trouble.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for collecting and providing information indicating the movement status of a product.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention uses a position information acquisition device that receives radio waves, acquires position information indicating a location based on a received signal, and sequentially records the acquired position information. This apparatus is operated in a state where it can move together with the object to be transported, receives radio signals, and sequentially acquires position information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A summary of the service that collects information about the movement status of products and provides the information will be described.

<Outline of product movement status information provision service>
FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 show an outline of a product movement status information providing service to which the present invention is applied. In the present invention, the location information service company 1 collects product movement status information. In addition, the location information service company 1 provides the collection result and information with added value by processing the collection result according to the request to the product manufacturer 2 as the requesting company. The product M is packed at the time of shipment by the manufacturer 2 and is sent to the consumer 5 through the wholesale warehouse 3 and the retail store 4.

  In the present invention, first, the location information service company 1 acquires movement status information indicating how a product moves after it is shipped from the manufacturer 2 and reaches the consumer. Second, the location information service company 1 provides the acquired movement status information to the manufacturer 2 who is the requester. In order to acquire information, first, it is necessary to collect the location of the product (for example, latitude and longitude) and the time (including date, that is, year, month, day) at that time. Secondly, information indicating the collected location and time information must be transmitted by the location information service company 1 respectively. Below, some forms are shown about them.

  The movement status information can also be collected by the manufacturer. In that case, the location information service company 1 and the manufacturer 2 are the same entity. The location information service company is an expression for convenience of explanation in the embodiment. You don't have to be a company. Any entity that can substantially collect and provide location information may be used. Manufacturers, intermediaries, and the like may be any entity that can engage in production and distribution of products.

  The collection of position information is basically performed by receiving external radio waves. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, respectively, radio waves from the GPS satellite group S are received and position information is acquired. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to measure the position using a position registration function in cellular radio communication and provide the position information to the position information service company 1 via the PHS communication company 7. In this case, the position is indicated by, for example, information for specifying the registered area. As information specifying the area, for example, an area identifier indicating the area, the latitude and longitude of the antenna location of the area, the address of the antenna location of the area, and the like can be used.

  In the present invention, as the simplest case, only position information may be collected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Time information is also important information in order to grasp the movement status of products in detail. Therefore, in the following embodiment, time information is acquired together with position information. For obtaining time information, for example, obtaining based on a signal included in a radio wave from a GPS satellite group, providing time measuring means, obtaining time information based on the time measuring means, and further comprising a cellular radio communication terminal. You can use the watch you are using.

  As an apparatus for collecting position information, for example, a physical distribution information collection apparatus 100 such as a position history recording apparatus or a position information acquisition apparatus described later is used. These are placed in a state of moving together with the object and acquire information indicating the position of the object. As a method for realizing the state of moving together with the object, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, a method of packing the physical distribution information collecting apparatus 100 together with the product M of the object in a packing material 200, FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.

  In order to transmit the acquired information to the location information service company, for example, a storage collection method, an occasional collection method, or the like can be used. In the accumulation and collection method, information is transmitted by collecting and reading out an apparatus that accumulates position information as history information. For example, two forms are possible. As shown in FIG. 1, the physical distribution information collecting apparatus 100 itself is recovered, and as shown in FIG. 2, the recording medium 155 on which the position history information is recorded is recovered. As shown in FIG. 3, the occasional collection method transmits information by using the above-described cellular wireless communication terminal. For example, two forms are possible. After collecting the position information, each time the position information is transmitted, and the position information is temporarily stored and the information is transmitted appropriately. As for information collection in these cases, as described above, a cellular radio communication terminal, particularly, a form of acquiring position information using PHS, and a form of collecting position information using a GPS satellite group, There is. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the acquisition of position information and the transmission of position information may be performed together using a physical distribution information collection apparatus 100 having a cellular wireless communication terminal.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the product M itself is provided with a physical distribution information collection device 100 such as a location history recording device, acquires the location history information, and is acquired when the product M is connected to the network and starts to be used. The location history information can be transmitted to the location information service company 1. This is possible if the product has such a function.

The acquired information indicating the movement status of the product is provided from the location information service company 1 to the request source 2. Various forms of provision are possible. In addition, various forms can be provided in combination. For example,
a) Providing collected data b) Processing and providing collected information c) Analyzing collected information and providing analysis results, etc.

In addition to the collected data, processed data, analysis data, and the like, other data such as map data can be prepared, and the collected data can be provided together with the prepared data. For example,
d) Providing collected data and map data respectively e) Providing collected data and map data by processing so that the movement trajectory of the product can be shown on the map .

In addition, the collected data as it is or processed data,
f) It is possible to browse or download information indicating the movement status online by the requester accessing the location information service company, and g) to store and provide the information on a recording medium.

In addition to this, as the provision timing of the location information service, for example,
h) Start service after collecting a certain number or more of position information recording devices or a certain ratio i) Start service after a certain period of time has passed since the shipment of the product whose position information is to be acquired j ) Services can be provided from time to time immediately after shipment.

  Various costs are incurred when collecting and providing information indicating the status of product movement. Therefore, for example, as shown by a broken line in FIGS. The product location information service company 1 collects a fee for the service provision. As a mechanism for this, a system for determining a fee and a charging system can be provided. The example shown in FIG. 5 does not show the flow of money, but in this case as well, charges can be collected.

  In addition, the product location information service company 1 collects a rental fee, a sales price, and the like of the physical distribution information collection device 100 as expenses. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, payback costs, purchase costs, and the like that occur when collecting the physical distribution information collection device 100 or the recording medium 155 may occur as part of the costs. . In that case, those expenses are collected.

  If the product location information service company and the manufacturer are the same entity, there is no problem of charge billing and payment. However, there is no difference in that information collection costs arise. Therefore, the flow of money can be considered as the flow of expenses.

<About logistics information collection device>
Next, an example of a physical distribution information collecting apparatus used when acquiring product position information in the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 6 shows a typical appearance of the physical distribution information collecting apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the physical distribution information collection device 100 includes a rectangular parallelepiped case 101. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6B to 6E, the ridge portion of the case 101 is processed to be a curved surface. In front of the case 101, a key top 104 of a power switch and a display unit 106 indicating that the power is on are arranged. As the power switch, for example, a switch having a structure in which once operated, the on state is maintained until it is operated again can be used. Moreover, what has a structure where an ON state is maintained while being pressed using a limit switch can be used. When using a switch that is kept on while being pressed, as in the latter case, for example, the logistics information collection device is turned on by packing the logistics information collection device in a packing material. When removed from the packaging material, the switch can be turned off.

  A connector 102 for connecting an external antenna for receiving GPS radio waves is provided on the upper end side of the case 101. On the other hand, an output terminal 103 is provided on the lower end side of the case 101. The output terminal 102 constitutes a part of an output unit 117 shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D, the physical distribution information collecting apparatus 100 is formed in a size of 50 mm to 100 mm in length, 40 mm in width, and 20 mm in thickness. Of course, it is not limited to this.

  The physical distribution information collection device 100 is packed together with the product M in the packing material 200 in order to be placed in a state where it can move together with the object. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, after the product is packed, the cushioning material 210 is placed in the upper space, and the physical distribution information collecting apparatus 100 is placed thereon. Then, the lids 201, 202, 203, and 204 are shown so that they are packed together with the product by the packing material 200. As the buffer material 210, for example, a corrugated board, a foamed resin board or the like is used.

  At this time, the external antenna 112a can be disposed, for example, at a ridge portion of the packaging material 200 as shown in FIG. The external antenna 112a is fixed by covering with an adhesive tape or the like.

  An internal antenna may be used as the antenna. In this case, a window 209 is provided in a part of the packing material 200, that is, in a part where the physical distribution information collecting device is arranged below and is planned to cover the packing information 200 (see FIG. 9). Thereby, even in the case of an internal antenna, it can be expected to improve the reception state of radio waves.

  Note that a pocket for mounting the physical distribution information collection device 100 may be provided in the packing material 200 in advance. The pocket can be shaped and sized such that the key top 104 shown in FIG. 6A described above is pressed when the physical distribution information collecting apparatus is inserted into the pocket.

  Next, the physical distribution information collection device will be described with some examples. In the following example, an apparatus of a type that is used by being packed with a product will be mainly described. However, it goes without saying that they can be incorporated into products. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the position history recording apparatus 110 as an example of the physical distribution information collection apparatus. A position history recording apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 10 includes an information control unit 111 that controls the operation of the apparatus, a position measurement unit 112 that measures a position and outputs position information, and a time that measures time and outputs time information. The measurement unit 113, the measurement timing determination unit 114 that generates the measurement timing of the position information and the time information, the recording unit 115 that sequentially records the acquired information, the operation unit 116 that receives an external operation, and the acquired information An output unit 117 for outputting to the outside and a power supply unit 118 for supplying power for operating each unit described above are provided. Each unit described above is connected through a signal line 119. Each part mentioned above can be comprised by the common chip | tip about all or one part.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the information control unit 111 can be configured by a small computer having a CPU 111a, a ROM 111b, a RAM 111c, and an interface 111d. The CPU 111a operates according to a program stored in the ROM 111b. All or some of the functions of the information control unit 111 may be configured by hardware logic circuits. Under the control of the information control unit 111, position information and time information are acquired, recorded, and output. The flow of acquisition, recording, and output of position information under the control of the information control unit 111 will be described later.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the position measurement unit 112 receives an antenna 112a, a radio wave from the GPS satellite group S, receives a radio wave from the GPS satellite group S, extracts a signal included therein, and signal processing that processes the received signal 112c, a position information extraction unit 112d that obtains position information from the processed signal, and an interface unit 112e that temporarily holds the obtained position information and outputs it to the outside. The antenna 112a is attached to the aforementioned external antenna, for example, a packaging box 200 that is a packaging material, as shown in FIG. As the position, for example, latitude and longitude are acquired. The receiving unit 112b has a function of determining whether the intensity of the radio wave is sufficiently strong for acquisition of position information. If the radio wave intensity is strong as a determination result, a flag indicating that is set in the interface unit 112e. This flag is checked by the information control unit 111.

  The time measuring unit 113 has a calendar timepiece as time measuring means, and when receiving an instruction from the information control unit 111, generates time information including the date at that time. Note that the time measuring unit 113 may acquire time information included in the signal received by the position measuring unit 112. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the position measuring unit 112 and the time measuring unit 113 separately. In the position measurement unit 112, the position information is acquired and the time information is also acquired.

  The position measurement unit 112 and the time measurement unit 113 operate under the control of the information control unit 111, function as means for receiving radio waves and acquiring position information indicating the location based on the received signal. The position information is recorded as one record by the information control unit 111 in the recording unit 115 described later as information associated with the time information. In the present embodiment, for example, about 40 bytes are allocated.

  The measurement timing determination unit 114 functions as a unit that generates a specific timing signal that generates and outputs a position measurement timing signal. The generation of timing is focused on following the movement of the object, and when the motion state of the object is changed by the acceleration detector, that is, when acceleration is generated, it is at a certain level or more. Detect if there is. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the measurement timing determination unit 114 includes an acceleration detector 114b and a timing pulse generation circuit 114b that outputs a timing pulse when the output is equal to or higher than a certain level. The acceleration detector 114a does not generate a timing pulse because the acceleration is small when the object is stationary and when the object is moving at a substantially constant speed and with little vibration. On the other hand, when there is a motion that causes acceleration in the target portion, a timing pulse is generated.

  The position measurement unit 112 and the time measurement unit 113 operate in response to the timing pulse, and each starts a measurement operation. The time measuring unit 113 outputs time information. On the other hand, the information control unit 111 is activated upon receiving this timing pulse. Then, the measurement of the position measuring unit 112 and the time measuring unit 113 is monitored. In addition, the information control unit 111 acquires the time at which valid position information is obtained by the position measurement unit 112 and records the position information and the time information in the recording device 115.

The recording unit 115 functions as a unit that records the associated position information and time information as position history information under the control of the information control unit 111. FIG. 15 shows an example of the structure of data recorded in the recording unit 115. In the example shown in FIG. 15, date 1151, time 1152, longitude 1153, and latitude 1154 are recorded as one record. Recording is performed sequentially. Therefore, in this recording unit 115,
As shown in FIG. 14, the recording unit 115 includes a non-volatile memory 115b that is readable and writable as a recording medium for recording information and stores the written information, and a read / write drive circuit 115a. The memory 115b sequentially accumulates position information and time information as history information, for example, for several months. For this reason, a storage capacity capable of storing such data is required. For example, if the information of one record 40 bytes described above is recorded once a day for 6 months, and if it is recorded about 7.2 KB, 12 times a day for 6 months, a storage capacity of about 87 KB is sufficient. . Nonvolatile memories having such a storage capacity are manufactured at a very low cost.

  Note that when the position information is the same, the information can be not recorded. By doing so, the amount of data to be recorded is greatly reduced. For example, if the acquired position information indicates a position where the difference between the positions is within a predetermined range two or more times in succession, no record is added to the position information acquired after the second time. Can be. Thereby, when the object is continuously located at the same position, one piece of position information is recorded, and the amount of data to be recorded can be reduced.

  Further, when the acquired position information indicates a position where the difference between the positions is within a predetermined range three or more times in succession, the currently acquired position information and time information are acquired for the second time. The second record is updated as the position information and time information. Therefore, after that, when the object moves, the position information is held in association with the time of the existence start and the time of the existence end at the position where the object was present immediately before. Therefore, the amount of data to be recorded can be compressed and the stay time can be known. This process is controlled by the information control unit 111.

  The recording unit 115 may record an identifier for identifying the device for each position history recording device. By doing in this way, the information control unit 111 can accept a request only when the request is accompanied by an identifier and the identifiers match with respect to a read request from the outside. Thereby, it is possible to protect the recorded data from being read out unnecessarily.

  The recording unit 115 can store a mail address. This mail address can be used later when the content recorded in the recording unit 115 is transmitted to the mail address. In particular, when a physical distribution information collection device is incorporated in a product, it can be used effectively when an e-mail is transmitted via the product.

  The operation unit 116 functions as means for instructing the operation of the position history recording apparatus 110 from the outside. Specifically, input operations such as a power on / off instruction, a start instruction, and a stop instruction are accepted. In the present embodiment, a power switch is assigned to the operation unit 116. In addition, it is preferable to always supply electric power to the part which needs to operate | move continuously like the time measurement part 113. FIG. Therefore, even if the power switch is turned off, power can be supplied without interruption.

  The output unit 117 functions as a means for outputting the acquired information to the outside. Specifically, an output terminal 103 as shown in FIG. 6D and a circuit for causing the output terminal to function are provided.

  The power supply unit 118 includes a battery, a circuit for supplying the power of the battery to each unit, and a circuit for charging. The power supply unit 118 is provided with a battery having a capacity capable of maintaining the operation of the position history recording apparatus 110 for several months, for example, three months to six months, corresponding to the estimation in the recording unit 115 described above. The battery can be replaced. And the battery which has a suitable capacity | capacitance according to the length of a use period is mounted | worn.

  Next, an example in which the measurement timing is determined differently from the apparatus shown in FIG. 10 described above will be described with reference to FIG. The position history recording apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 16 is an apparatus that can measure position information and time information at regular intervals. Therefore, it has the measurement timing determination part 124 which can determine the measurement timing suitable for it.

  The measurement timing determination unit 124 generates timing pulses at regular intervals, and generates the specific timing signal based on the timing pulses. For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, a pulse oscillator 124a and a timing pulse generation circuit 124b that counts pulses output from the oscillator and generates pulses at regular intervals are included. The timing pulse generation circuit 124b can be configured by a preset counter, for example. That is, depending on whether to acquire position information in advance what interval, to determine the preset value, the generation timing of the timing pulse is determined.

  The preset value may be programmed according to the movement pattern of the product. For example, since it moves immediately after shipment, the period may be shortened, and after that, it may be stagnant in the warehouse, so the period may be lengthened, and after that, it may be issued and moved again Therefore, it can be decided to shorten it. By doing in this way, much information required in order to grasp | ascertain a movement condition is acquired, and the data amount can be reduced about the condition which is not so necessary. This contributes to power saving and saving of memory usage.

  Next, an example in which the acquisition of time information is different from the example shown in FIG. 10 described above will be described with reference to FIG. The position history recording device 130 shown in FIG. 18 acquires both position and time using GPS. For this purpose, a suitable position and time measuring unit 132 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 19, this position and time measuring unit 132 receives an antenna 112a, a radio wave from the GPS satellite group S, a receiving unit 112b that extracts a signal included therein, and a signal that processes the received signal The processing unit 112c includes a position and time information extraction unit 132d that obtains position information from the processed signal, and an interface unit 132e that temporarily holds the obtained position information and outputs the information to the outside. The position and time information extraction unit 132d obtains the position and time from the received signal, and the interface unit 132e temporarily holds the obtained position information and time information, as described above with reference to FIG. It operates in the same way as shown in

  Also in the position history recording apparatus 130 shown in FIG. 18, the measurement timing determination unit 114 can be the measurement timing determination unit 124 shown in FIG.

  Next, an example in which measurement timing acquisition is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 16 will be described with reference to FIG. The position history recording device 140 shown in FIG. 20 performs measurement timing determination and time measurement in the same device. For this purpose, a suitable measurement timing determination and time measurement unit 143 is provided.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the measurement timing determination and time measurement unit 143 generates a timing pulse based on time information generated by the calendar timepiece 143a that generates time information and the timepiece generated by the calendar timepiece 143b. Generating circuit 143b. The timing pulse generation circuit 143b generates a pulse when time information generated by the calendar timepiece 143a satisfies a predetermined condition. As the predetermined condition, a predetermined time, for example, a certain time every day, a certain time every other day, a specific time on a specific date, or the like can be designated. This may also be programmed in advance. In this example, position information can be acquired by specifying a required time. Therefore, it is possible to perform detailed information collection as required.

  Next, an example different from the above-described examples in the way of storing position history information will be described with reference to FIG. A position history recording apparatus 150 shown in FIG. 22 includes a card connection unit 159 and a memory card 155 detachably attached to the recording unit 115 in the example shown in FIG. 10 described above.

  The external appearance is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 6A, but differs in that a card slot 107 is provided on the side as shown in FIG. For example, a compact flash (registered trademark) memory card or the like can be mounted in the card slot. The memory card stores history information including the position information and time information described above. Since memory cards with various storage capacities are commercially available, those selected as necessary can be used. In this example, by collecting the memory card 155, product position information can be acquired.

  The above example is an example of a position history recording apparatus suitable for the case where the acquired position information and time information are temporarily stored and later read out and used. Next, an example of a position information acquisition apparatus suitable for sending acquired information to a position information service company as needed will be described.

  24 has a card connection unit 169 instead of the recording unit 115 in the above-described position history recording device shown in FIG. 10, and the card connection unit 169 has a cellular line-of-sight terminal, This is an example in which a card-type PHS terminal 190 is mounted. That is, when the information control unit 111 can acquire the position information from the position measurement unit 112 and the time information from the time measurement unit 113, the information control unit 111 transmits the position information to the PHS terminal 190 via the card connection unit 169. When it is instructed to send data to the service company and a telephone call is possible, the position information and time information data are passed. At this time, an identifier assigned in advance to the position information acquisition device 160 is also sent.

  Note that when transmission is difficult due to radio wave conditions or the like when the transmission instruction is given, the PHS terminal 190 does not perform transmission, and transmits the position information and time information data passed from the information control unit 111 to its own. The stored data may be transmitted when it is stored in the memory and ready for transmission.

  Further, the PHS terminal 190 stores the position information and time information data passed from the information control unit 111 in its own memory, and sends the data to the position information service company when the storage amount reaches a certain level. It may be.

  A non-card type PHS terminal can also be used. In that case, it is configured to connect to the output unit 117.

  In this example, the acquisition of position information and time information is basically the same as the example shown in FIG. 10, except that the acquired position information and time information are transmitted to the position information service by the PHS terminal 190 which is a wireless terminal. It differs in that it is sent to Company 1. 16 to 20 can also be configured to send the acquired location information and time information to the location information service company 1 by the PHS terminal 190.

  The position information acquisition device 170 shown in FIG. 25 determines position measurement timing triggered by an inquiry to the PHS terminal 190 that is a wireless terminal, and acquires position information and time information based on the timing. Therefore, the measurement timing determination unit is omitted. The acquired position information and time information are sent to the position information service company 1 by the PHS terminal 190 which is a wireless terminal.

  The position information acquisition apparatus 180 shown in FIG. 26 determines the position measurement timing in response to an inquiry to the PHS terminal 190 that is a wireless terminal, acquires position information based on the timing, and uses the clock of the PHS terminal. Find the time. Therefore, the measurement timing determination unit and the time measurement unit are omitted. The acquired position information and time information are sent to the position information service company 1 by the PHS terminal 190 which is a wireless terminal.

  FIG. 27 shows an outline of the configuration of a PHS terminal which is an example of a cellular radio terminal used in the present invention. The PHS terminal shown in FIG. 27 can be installed in a card slot of a mobile computer or the like and configured similarly to that used for data communication or the like. That is, an antenna 191, a transmission / reception unit 192 for transmitting / receiving radio waves, a demodulation unit 193 for demodulating a received signal, a modulation unit 194 for modulating a signal to be transmitted, and a communication such as TDMA / TDD processing for the signal to be transmitted / received A communication processing unit 195 that performs processing, a quality monitoring unit 196 that monitors the quality of radio waves, a control unit 197 that performs processing such as position registration, and an interface unit 198 that outputs the acquired position information and time information. . In this PHS terminal 190, the position information is acquired using the position registration function, and the time information is acquired using a clock that the PHS terminal 190 has. In the memory 197m, the telephone number of the location information service company 1, the telephone number of the PHS terminal, and the like are recorded.

  In the examples shown in FIGS. 24, 25, and 26, the PHS terminal 190 is simply used for information transmission, timing setting, or time information measurement. However, the PHS terminal 190 can acquire location information by using the location registration function. Therefore, the position information acquisition apparatus can be configured by connecting a power source for driving to the PHS terminal 190.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which such a PHS terminal is used as the physical distribution information collection device 100. By constantly registering the position of the PHS terminal, it can be seen that the PHS exists within a certain range based on the position of the base station provided in a relatively small area. Therefore, by using the position of the base station and the map data, the position of the product can be known based on the position of the base station. For example, when the location of the warehouse is known, if the warehouse is in the area where the PHS terminal is located, the PHS terminal can be considered to exist in the warehouse.

  Next, an operation for acquiring position history information using the position history recording apparatus shown in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, as a premise, it is assumed that the position history recording device 110 is packed with a product with the power turned on.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, the CPU 111a of the information control unit 111 first performs a monitoring operation according to a program recorded in the ROM 111b. It is monitored whether a timing pulse is output from the measurement timing determination unit 114 (step 1111). That is, the acceleration detector 114a monitors whether a timing pulse is output from the timing pulse generation circuit 114b when an acceleration of a certain level or more is detected.

  When this timing pulse is output, the position measuring unit 112 and the time measuring unit 113 are activated to enter the measurement state. Therefore, the CPU 111a checks the flag of the position measuring unit 112 in the position measuring unit 112 to determine whether or not the radio wave from the GPS satellite group S is sufficient and the position information has been acquired (step 1112). If sufficient GPS radio waves can be captured and position information can be acquired, the process proceeds to step 1113. On the other hand, if the position information cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step 1114.

  In step 1113, the position information is read from the position measuring unit 112 and recorded in the recording unit 115. Further, the time information at that time is read from the time measuring unit 113 and recorded in the same record as the position information. At this time, the read / write drive circuit 115a of the recording unit 115 generates a write address and performs control so as not to overwrite previously written data. The data structure in the recording unit 115 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 as described above. Thereafter, the process returns to step 1111 except when the power is off (step 1116).

  On the other hand, in step 1114, it is checked whether a timing pulse is output from the measurement timing determination unit 114. That is, it is checked whether or not the position history recording device 110 continues to be subjected to acceleration. If an acceleration of a certain level or more is applied, a timing pulse is output, and the process returns to step 1112. At this time, the position measuring unit 112 and the time measuring unit 113 are also in an operating state in response to the timing pulse.

  If the timing is not output because the acceleration is below a certain level, then it is checked whether a certain time has passed (step 1115). That is, the procedure from steps 1112 to 1115 is continued until a preset time elapses, and then this loop is removed. Unless the power is turned off, the process returns to step 1111.

  Therefore, when the position history recording apparatus 110 is placed in a state where acceleration is applied together with the product, that is, when the position history recording apparatus 110 is probably being transported, a timing pulse is generated. Information is acquired. Usually, acceleration is applied at the nodes where the product moves such as when shipped, when entering, when leaving, etc., because the product is greatly displaced. Therefore, the position and time information can be frequently obtained in such a situation. On the other hand, when the product is not moved, such as when the product is placed in a warehouse, the timing pulse is not generated, so the position information and time information are not measured. Therefore, necessary information can be concentrated in a limited memory capacity.

  Next, an example of further saving the memory will be described. Examples thereof are shown in FIGS.

  In the example shown in FIG. 29, when the CPU 111a stores the acquired position information and time information in the recording unit 115, the position information stored in the previous storage address is read and compared with the currently acquired position information. (Step 1121). If the difference is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the position has not moved, and the process ends without recording the acquired position information and time information. On the other hand, if there is a difference, the currently acquired position information and time information are stored in the designated storage address (step 1122). Here, the difference between the previous position and the current position can be, for example, about the size of a warehouse. This is to cope with a change in position in the warehouse, although it has not been issued.

  In the example shown in FIG. 30, the data in the case where the position information acquired by the position history recording apparatus 110 indicates a position where the difference between the positions is within a predetermined range three times or more has been described so far. This is an example of different handling.

  That is, the CPU 111a refers to the recording unit 115 to check whether the acquired position information is a position where the difference between the positions is within a predetermined range three or more times (step 1131). If the difference is within a predetermined range, the acquired position information and time information are recorded in the recording unit 115 as second data, assuming that the position has not moved (step 1132). On the other hand, if there is a difference, the currently acquired position information and time information are stored in the designated storage address (step 1133). Here, the difference between the previous position and the current position can be, for example, about the size of a warehouse. Thereby, for example, it is possible to cope with the change of the position in the warehouse, although it has not been issued.

  The distribution information collection device for collecting position information has been described above. Next, handling of collected information will be described.

  Next, an example where the above-described position history recording device 110 as shown in FIG. Devices that can do this need not be special. For example, the position history recording device 110 may be removed from the product, or in the example shown in FIG. 2, it is sufficient to remove the recording medium 155 from the product and pass it to the location information service company.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 4, it is necessary to have a mail transmission function. In other words, the product in this case needs to be an electronic device that is connected to a communication network and has a function of transferring information. That is, it is necessary to have a communication processing device that realizes a function of transferring information, and a physical distribution information collection device that can be connected to the communication processing device, for example, the position history recording device 110 described above. is there.

  A typical product as such an electronic apparatus is an information processing apparatus. An example is shown in FIG. A product M that is an information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 31 includes a computer 410, a storage device 450, a communication control device 460 for performing communication via a network NW, and a position history recording device 110. When used as an information processing apparatus, it can be used by further connecting an input device 420 and a display device 430 thereto.

  The position history recording device 110 is built in or attached to the product M. For example, it is conceivable that information can be sent to the product M by attaching the output terminal 103 to a connector or the like. For this reason, it is preferable that the output unit 117 and the output terminal 103 be configured to be connectable to a connector of a standard such as IEEE 1394, USB, RS232C, PCMCIA, or the like. In the position history recording apparatus 110, an e-mail address is recorded in advance in the recording unit 115 which is the recording medium.

  In this product M, in addition to the program 455 such as an operating system, the mail address and the position history information recorded thereon are read from the recording unit 115 which is a recording medium of the position history recording apparatus 110 to the storage device 450, and the position history For generating a mail addressed to the read mail address including the information to be transmitted and receiving a transmission instruction, the CPU 411 executes a process for transmitting the mail to realize a means for performing a mail transmission / reception process. A program 456 is stored. This program starts up when the computer is operable, automatically creates a mail, and saves the sent mail as a file. When the computer 40 is placed in an environment where mail can be sent and the user issues a transmission instruction to the provider, the stored mail is sent to the destination. Accordingly, the location history information mail is automatically transmitted without any special effort by the user. Further, this mail transmission may be performed at the time of online registration of the user.

  Further, the program can be restricted so as to limit the number of times to create a mail for transmitting the position history information. For example, it can be considered that there is a restriction that only one section is created. This is to avoid sending the same content multiple times.

  The position history record information can be sent by mail from the communication control device 460 to the information providing system 500 via the network NW.

  Needless to say, in order to send the distribution information by this method, the apparatus for collecting the distribution information is not limited to that shown in FIG.

<About the location information provision system>
The location information providing system 500 is provided in the location information service company 1 as shown in FIGS. Of course, a service company may be provided separately from the location information providing service company 1, and the information providing service may be provided by that company. Here, a case where the location information service company 1 is a service execution entity will be described as an example.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the position information providing system 500 includes a computer 510, an input device 520 connected thereto, a display device 530, and a recording device reader 540 that reads data from the above-described position history recording device. A storage device 550 for storing data and programs, a communication control device 560 for performing communication via the network NW, and a recording medium recording device 570 for writing data to the recording medium.

  The storage device 550 stores map data 551 and a program 555 in advance. Further, the position history information 552 to be read later is stored. In addition, a time and place name correspondence table 553 for storing the time and place name correspondence data created based on it is prepared (see FIG. 33). Of course, data other than these, for example, fee data, a service providing support program, data, and the like are stored.

  The computer 510 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 511 and a main memory 512, and loads necessary programs from the program 555 stored in the storage device 550 to the main memory 512 and executes them.

  Here, first, the location history information read from the recording device reader 540 is stored in the storage device 550, and the map data 551 is referred to, and the location name corresponding to each location included in the location history information, for example, the prefecture The city, town, street number, building name, etc. are searched, and if there is a corresponding place name, it is assumed that it exists at that position. Then, the position information and time information are associated with the place names and stored in the time and place name correspondence table 553 shown in FIG. At this time, if the map data includes a name of a facility located at the lot number, for example, a name such as X company Y factory, A trading company B warehouse, etc., it is acquired and associated with the aforementioned data. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33, the date 5531, the time 5532, the place name 5533, and the location 5534 are recorded as one record in the time and place name correspondence table 553. This is performed for data included in the position history information. Since the time and place name correspondence table 553 is generated for each position history recording device, it can be processed separately. Therefore, when merging the data of each table, an identifier for identifying each table is attached. Of course, an identifier may be added in advance. As an identifier at this time, an identifier given in advance to the position history recording apparatus may be used.

  In addition to reading the position information and the like by the recording device reader 540, as shown in FIG. 4, the position information and the like may be sent by mail from the product. Also in this case, a mail receiving function is prepared, and the position information providing system takes in the position information included in the mail when receiving the mail. The subsequent processing is as described above.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, position information or the like may be sent via a PHS company. In this case, the system captures position information and the like by receiving data sent via the PHS company, unlike the above-described one that captures position information by the recording device reader 540. Therefore, the transmitted data is stored in the storage device 550 for each identifier (which may be a telephone number) of the transmission source.

  When inquiring each position information acquisition device and acquiring position information, etc., an inquiry program is prepared in advance, and each position information acquisition device is inquired at a predetermined inquiry timing. Go to get location information etc.

  Next, a location information providing service by the location information providing system 500 and a support service therefor will be described.

  The CPU 511 reads out the position history information 552 stored in the storage device 550 and, based on the position information included in the position history information 552, a part including the position indicated by the position information from the map data 551 prepared in advance. A map (partial map) is searched, and an output for visually indicating the obtained partial map and a symbol indicating the position included in the position history information on the map is performed. As the position history information 553, a plurality of products can be accumulated, and each can be displayed on a map. Here, when there are a plurality of products, the symbols may be distinguished for each product. When there are a large number of products, the same moving products may be collectively represented by one symbol. At that time, the number may be written together. Further, the symbol may be changed depending on the type of product.

  For example, this output may be performed on the display device 530 in the system to display an image. Further, it can be sent to the request source system 600 via a network in response to a request. Furthermore, a homepage can be created, received from the requesting company, converted into data of a type that can be viewed by a browser, and transmitted to the requesting system 600. In addition, information can be written to a portable recording medium such as a writable optical disk or a magneto-optical disk via the recording medium recording apparatus 570, and information can be passed to the client company in the form of the recording medium. it can. Of course, although not shown, a printer can be connected and provided in a form printed on paper.

  In the above-described visual output, time information at the position can be added to the symbol. By doing in this way, it becomes easy to follow the movement locus of a product temporally.

  It is also possible to link the above-described partial map, symbol display position, and data specifying the symbol form to the above-mentioned time and place name table 553 in correspondence with the position. If it does so, a map and a symbol can be easily displayed by using this time place name table 553.

  It is also possible to provide information at a different point from the model described above. For example, when reading the position history information 552, the CPU 511 can search the position history information 552 using a specified condition related to time as a key. For this purpose, key settings can be received via the input device 520. It is also possible to send the received data to the requesting company via the network, accept input regarding the received data, and receive the input instruction via the network. Furthermore, it can also be set in advance.

  In any case, the CPU 511 first extracts the position information in accordance with the specified time condition from the position history information 552, and includes the position indicated by the position information from the map data 551 prepared in advance based on the position information. Search the map of the part to be. Then, an output for visually showing the obtained map and the symbol indicating the position information indicated on the map can be performed. This search may be performed using the time and place name table 553 described above. In addition, the specified conditions related to time include the specification for a certain point in the unit selected from day, month and year, the specification indicating the start and end of the period, the specification of any date, and any Specification for date and time may be included as options.

  As described above, it is possible to accept an inquiry about information indicating the movement status of any one or more products via the network. In this case, as described above, the output is made to the inquiry source via the network. At this time, data for visually indicating a map including the position indicated by the position information and a symbol indicating the position information indicated on the map can be transmitted to the inquiry source via the network. At this time, if necessary, a program for displaying them can be sent together. In response to this, the inquiry source system, for example, the request source system 600 can display the location of the product as a symbol together with the map on the display device.

  Further, data for visually indicating a map including the position indicated by the position information and a symbol indicating the position indicated by the position information on the map is recorded on a portable recording medium via the recording medium recording device 570. Can be output. At this time, if necessary, a program for displaying them can be recorded on the recording medium.

  Next, a description will be given of the case where the system supports the provision of product movement status information. This system can be performed using the hardware system described above. Of course, another hardware system may be used.

  The program 555 of the storage device 550 stores programs for realizing these systems. When the CPU 511 executes it, the following means are realized. That is, a means for displaying a screen for accepting designation regarding an information collection mode, a means for deciding a position information acquisition device used for obtaining position information of product movement status information based on the accepted designation, and outputting a decision result Means to do this. Here, the means for displaying the screen for accepting the designation displays the acceptance screen on the display device 630 of the request source system 600. Of course, it can also be displayed on its own device. According to this means, it is possible to accept a selection of a storage collection method for reading movement status information in a state of being accumulated in the position information acquisition device or an ad hoc collection method for reading during a movement status information collection period. Display 631 is performed. The means for displaying a screen for accepting the designation displays 632 to accept the designation of the tracking period for collecting the movement status information. Further, the means for displaying the screen for accepting the designation performs a display 633 for accepting the input of the number of used position information acquisition devices.

  When the storage and collection method is selected, the means for determining the location information acquisition device is a location history recording device that does not have a wireless communication function and has a function of storing movement status information, for example, FIG. 10, FIG. It is decided to use the apparatus shown in any of FIG. 18, FIG. 20, and FIG. Either of these can be specified in advance or determined by inputting the user's wishes. On the other hand, when the collection method is selected at any time, it is determined to use a device having a wireless communication function, for example, a device shown in any of FIGS. This can be determined in advance or by allowing the user to input a request.

  Further, the means for determining the collecting device determines to use a collecting device having a battery that can be operated during a specified period in the collecting device of the selected method.

  In addition, the product movement status information provision support system further includes means for determining a fee for providing the product movement status information. This means determines a fee based on the determined unit price, usage period, and number of units of use of the position information acquisition device, and outputs information indicating the determined fee. The unit price of the position information acquisition device is prepared in advance as data.

  On the other hand, in the product movement status information provision support system, the CPU 511 further executes a program to realize means for receiving a provision request for the collected product movement status information. The means for accepting the provision request has a function of accepting designation of the provision form of the product movement status information. In this case, the means for determining the fee can determine the usage fee based on the predetermined unit price according to the designation of the provision form of the product movement status information.

<Requester system>
Next, a system for using information used by the requester will be described. The request source system 600 is provided in the manufacturer 2 that uses the location information service, as shown in FIGS. Of course, a service use company may be provided separately from the manufacturer 2 and information may be used by the company. Here, it is assumed that manufacturer 2 uses it.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 35, the request source system 600 includes a computer 610, an input device 620 connected thereto, a display device 630, a storage device 650 for storing data and programs, and a network NW. A communication control device 660 for performing communication and a recording medium playback device 670 for playing back data written in the recording medium.

  In the storage device 650, map data 651 provided from the information providing system 500, position history information 652, a time and place name correspondence table 653 for storing time and place name correspondence data created based on the map data 651, A program 655 to be installed is stored. In the program 655, browser software for browsing a homepage is prepared in addition to an operating system and the like.

  The computer 610 has a central processing unit (CPU) 611 and a main memory 612, and loads necessary programs from the program 655 stored in the storage device 650 into the main memory 612 for execution.

  In this system 600, the screen for service reception shown in FIG. 34 sent from the position information providing system 500 is first displayed, and the input for that is received. The input instruction is transmitted to the product movement status information providing system 500 via the network NW. Then, the product movement status information provision system 500 selects the position information acquisition device according to the designation as described above, determines the necessary number, and determines the fee. Then, this is notified to the request source system 600. If the request source approves this, the required device is provided to the request source. Then, as described above, the provided position information acquisition device is packaged or mounted on the product in any or all of the products M group. Thereafter, information is acquired from the collected apparatus, and various data for providing information created based on the information, that is, the above-described map data, position history record, and the like, and a program for display are obtained from the request source system 600. Send to. In response to this, the request source system 600 displays a map or the like on the screen.

<Ancillary services using location information and time information>
In the present invention, an incidental service using the acquired location information, time information, and the like can be performed. As the incidental service, for example, an analysis service that analyzes the movement of the product based on the position information and time information of the product, a notification service that outputs an alarm when a specified condition is reached, and the like can be cited. The analysis service is, for example, a service that collects position information and time information related to the product described above for a plurality of products, accumulates information about the products, analyzes the movement of the products, and provides an analysis result. . Further, the notification service is a service that searches for location information and time information based on specified conditions, and notifies an alarm or the like. These supplementary services are basically performed in the location information providing system. The supplementary service may be provided in the request source system in place of or in parallel with execution in the location information providing system. In this case, it is possible to provide the request source system with a program and data for executing the supplementary service so that the request source system can enjoy the service. Furthermore, a third organization may be able to provide ancillary services upon receiving the program and data.

  For these, billing processing for providing ancillary services is also performed. Billing fixedly for contracts to provide incidental services, billing on a pay-as-you-go basis each time a service is offered, billing as usage of programs and data to be offered, billing in combination of them, etc. Can be mentioned.

  The following services can be listed as incidental services. Of course, the service that can be provided by applying the present invention is not limited to this.

  First, analysis services include fixed time analysis, fixed point analysis, sales analysis, lead time analysis, benchmarking analysis, and the like. The notification service includes a stagnation alarm, a prohibited area alarm, a scheduled alarm, a lead time alarm, and the like.

  The fixed time analysis searches and acquires the position of each product at a specified time, and obtains the distribution based on the obtained position information. And the results are illustrated. In the illustration, for example, it may be displayed on the above-described map. For example, the distribution of products can be shown by displaying a histogram with the number of products as a height on a map in a three-dimensional manner on a two-dimensional map. In addition, the distribution status of products for a plurality of designated times can be shown in order of time. For example, a daily change, a monthly change, a seasonal change, an annual change, etc. can be shown for the distribution status. In this case, for example, different times can be written on one screen. Further, different times may be dynamically indicated by switching the screen. Furthermore, for example, the above-described histogram can be dynamically displayed so that the height changes with the passage of time.

  Fixed point analysis indicates the entry and exit of a product at a specified location. This can be shown by numerical values, graphs, and the like. For example, placing a horizontal position on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis on the number of goods in and out, the number of goods in stock, the number of existing goods, etc., the histogram showing the number of each item, the line graph showing the change, etc. Show. Further, in the present invention, since the movement of individual products can be known, it is not simply the number of subtractions, but for each product, the time that has existed at that position at a certain point in time is obtained. The stop time distribution at the time can be illustrated. Thereby, for example, when the variation in the stopping time is large, it can be inferred that the product does not come in and out at that position uniformly. In addition, analysis at a plurality of fixed points can be performed continuously. Thereby, the throughput of each route from one fixed point to another fixed point can be analyzed. And it can utilize for estimating the bottleneck regarding the flow of a product.

  In the sales analysis, position information indicating the final positions of products shipped in the same period is acquired and their distribution is obtained. The results can be illustrated. For example, the sales situation of a product can be shown by showing on a map. Moreover, the pace of sales can be shown by acquiring time information together. Moreover, it is possible to show the sales pace according to the place. Thereby, specific sales performance information can be provided.

  In the lead time analysis, a movement lead time from a certain fixed point to another fixed point or a stagnation lead time at a certain fixed point is obtained. The results are illustrated. By obtaining the lead time for a plurality of products, statistical processing such as an average value, a maximum value, and a minimum value can be performed.

  Benchmarking analysis selects the best practice for each product / industry category by holding a plurality of the above-described analysis results. Then, by comparing the latest results with best practices, we can propose ways to improve logistics.

  Next, the stagnation alarm searches for a product that has been stopped for a specified period of time for a specified position, and outputs an alarm if there is a corresponding one. This is applicable not only when the position and time are acquired in real time, but also when information is collected by the accumulation method. That is, since it is necessary to know that the product is stagnant in order to know the flow of the product, the necessity of this alarm is not limited to real time.

  The prohibited area alarm checks whether a product exists at a specified position, and outputs an alarm if there is one. In this case, since there is a high possibility that the position history recording apparatus cannot be collected, it can be said that it is effective when a cellular radio communication terminal is used. Of course, it is also possible to acquire this type of information from the collected position history recording device and output an alarm. For example, this method can be used when knowing products that have been distributed outside the original distribution route. Here, the prohibited areas include export-prohibited countries / areas, restricted areas (for example, illegal dumping areas), routes other than scheduled distribution routes, and the like.

  The scheduled alarm checks whether a product exists at a specified position at a specified time, and outputs an alarm if it does not exist. Here, the specified time includes a specific date, a specific period, a special day of the week, a certain time zone, and the like.

  The lead time alarm checks whether a product has arrived within a designated lead time from a designated position to another designated position, and outputs an alarm if it has not arrived.

  The various alarms described above can be performed in various combinations in addition to being performed alone. Further, the above-described analysis service may be performed, and an alarm may be performed using the result.

  As described above, the movement status of the product can be collected according to the actual movement of the product. As a result, it is possible to elucidate the flow of products in an intermediate process that was not obvious. Furthermore, the product flow can be analyzed from various viewpoints, and services such as alarms can be provided.

  According to the present invention, information indicating the movement status of products can be easily collected.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a first form of a service status information providing service for products to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a second mode of a product movement status information providing service to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a third outline of a service status information providing service for products to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth outline of a service status information providing service for products to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a fifth outline of the service status information providing service for products to which the present invention is applied. 6A is a perspective view showing a typical external appearance of the physical distribution information collecting apparatus, FIG. 6B is a front view thereof, FIG. 6C is a plan view thereof, FIG. 6D is a bottom view thereof, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a physical distribution information collecting apparatus is packed in a packing material together with a product. FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C are perspective views showing an example of mounting an external antenna of the physical distribution information collection device. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another example of the packing material that houses the physical distribution information collection device. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a position history recording apparatus which is an example of a physical distribution information collecting apparatus. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information control unit used in the configuration of the position history recording apparatus. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a position measurement unit used in the configuration of the position history recording apparatus. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a measurement timing determination unit used in the configuration of the position history recording apparatus. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a recording unit used in the configuration of the position history recording apparatus. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a storage state of data in the recording unit. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the position history recording apparatus which is an example of the physical distribution information collecting apparatus. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the measurement timing determination unit used in the configuration of the position history recording apparatus. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the position history recording apparatus which is an example of the physical distribution information collecting apparatus. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a position and time measurement unit used in the configuration of the position history recording apparatus. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the position history recording apparatus which is an example of the physical distribution information collecting apparatus. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a measurement timing determination and time measurement unit used in the configuration of the position history recording apparatus. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the position history recording apparatus which is an example of the physical distribution information collecting apparatus. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the appearance of another example of the position history recording apparatus. FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a position information acquisition apparatus that is an example of a physical distribution information collection apparatus. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the position information acquisition apparatus which is an example of the physical distribution information collection apparatus. FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the position information acquisition apparatus which is an example of the physical distribution information collection apparatus. FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a PHS terminal used in the configuration of the position information acquisition apparatus. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation when position history information is acquired using a position history recording apparatus. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure for recording the acquired position information and time information while saving memory. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing another procedure for recording the acquired position information and time information while saving memory. FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing apparatus which is an example of an electronic apparatus including a position history recording apparatus. FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware system configuration of the position information providing system. FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing an example of the position of the time and place name correspondence table generated in the position information providing system. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a service reception screen sent from the position information providing system to the request source system. FIG. 35 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a request source system.

Explanation of symbols

1 --- Location information service company, 2 --- Manufacturer (requester), 3 --- Wholesale warehouse, 4 --- Retail store, 5 --- Consumer, 6 --- Convenience store, 100-- -Logistics information collection device, 101 --- Case, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 --- Location history recording device, 111 --- Information control unit, 112 --- Location measurement unit, 112a --- Antenna 113 --- Time measuring unit, 114, 124--Measurement timing determining unit, 115 --- Recording unit, 116 --- Operation unit, 117 --- Output unit, 118 --- Power supply unit, 119-- --Signal line, 132 --- Position / time measurement unit, 143--Measurement timing determination / time measurement unit, 155 --- Recording medium, 159, 169, 179 --- Card connection unit, 160, 170 180 --- Position information acquisition device 190--PHS terminal 200--Packaging material 400--Information processing device 410, 510, 610--Computer 420, 520, 620 --- input device, 430, 530, 630 --- display device, 450, 540--recording device reader, 550, 650 --- storage device, 500 --- position information providing system 600 --- Requester system.

Claims (2)

And accepting step of attaching the request of investigation related to the distribution of goods from customers,
Or packing the product integral of the customer, or by connecting the to products and electrical, and installation steps of installing the position history recording apparatus so as to be movable together with the product,
When the position history recording device installed in the product put on the market is pre-programmed as a measurement timing at regular intervals or according to the distribution characteristics of the product after shipment, or at a certain level When the above acceleration is applied, it autonomously receives radio waves from the GPS satellite group and acquires position information indicating the location, and also corresponds the position information and time information indicating the acquisition date and time. In addition, a recording step of sequentially recording the position history information on the recording medium in time series,
A collection step of collecting the location history recording device or storage medium installed in the product from a consumer who has purchased the product;
Read the position information and time information stored in time series from the collected position history recording device or storage medium, refer to the map data, place name corresponding to the read position information, facility name, And a creation step of creating logistics information representing the movement of the product including the corresponding time information , and stagnation information representing the stagnation place and stagnation period of the product;
A reporting step for reporting logistics information and stagnation information of the product to the customer ;
With
In the recording step, the position history recording device includes:
When the acquired position information indicates a position where the difference between the positions is within a predetermined range two or more times in succession, the position information acquired at the first time is recorded as the position history information, and the second time For the position information within the predetermined range acquired thereafter, a product that repeats the process of associating only the last acquired position information with time information and recording it as the position history information on a recording medium How to provide information on the status of travel. And accepting step of attaching the request of investigation related to the distribution of goods from customers,
A sales step of selling a position history recording device incorporated in the customer's product and movable with the product to the customer;
When the position history recording device incorporated in the product put on the market is pre-programmed as a measurement timing at regular intervals or according to the distribution characteristics of the product after shipment, or at a certain level When the above acceleration is applied, it autonomously receives radio waves from the GPS satellite group and acquires position information indicating the location, and also corresponds the position information and time information indicating the acquisition date and time. In addition, a recording step for sequentially recording the position history information in the internal memory in time series,
A reporting step in which the location history recording device reports the location information and time information stored in the internal memory in time series via a wireless communication means or network at the time of initial use of the product;
With reference to the map data, the location information corresponding to the reported location information, the name of the facility, and the logistics information indicating the movement of the product including the reported time information, and the stagnation location and stagnation period of the product A creation step for creating stagnation information to represent,
A reporting step for reporting logistics information and stagnation information of the product to the customer ;
With
In the recording step, the position history recording device includes:
When the acquired position information indicates a position where the difference between the positions is within a predetermined range two or more times in succession, the first position information is recorded as the position history information, and the second and subsequent times. For the acquired position information within the predetermined range, the product movement is characterized in that only the last acquired position information is associated with time information and the process of recording in the internal memory as the position history information is repeated. How to provide status information.

Images