JP7431002B2 - Searched device and search system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a searched device and a search system.

Information reading devices that read information held in information holding bodies are widely used in various fields such as logistics and distribution. In recent years, small and lightweight handheld terminals have been used as the information reading devices, and are used by employees (users) working in distribution warehouses and factories in the various fields mentioned above.

Incidentally, the premises of the above-mentioned distribution warehouses and factories are vast, and since employees carry out their work while carrying handheld terminals, there is a problem that handheld terminals may be misplaced or lost. In general, as in Patent Document 1 below, mutual communication is performed between multiple devices equipped with short-range wireless communication technology to enable one device to search for another device, thereby preventing misplacement and loss of devices. is prevented.

However, since the above-mentioned handy terminal is premised on being driven by a battery built into the handy terminal, when the technology described in Patent Document 1 below is applied, when the battery runs out, the handy terminal There is a problem in that it is not possible to carry out a search. Therefore, there is a need to suppress battery consumption in handy terminals as much as possible to extend the battery life. In addition, since it is difficult to search for small and lightweight handheld terminals in distribution warehouses and factories with vast premises, we will take measures to extend the battery life and make it easier to search for handheld terminals, as mentioned above. It is also required.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-323682

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to perform optimal transmission control according to the remaining battery level by using a plurality of transmission methods depending on the remaining battery level. The object of the present invention is to provide a searched device and a search system that can perform the search.

In order to achieve the above object, the searched device according to the present embodiment has a normal mode and a search mode, and is a searched device that can be searched by a search device, and is built in the searched device and has a search mode. A battery capable of supplying power consumed by the searched device, a remaining battery power detection section that detects the remaining power of the battery, and a notification signal capable of transmitting a notification signal to notify the search device of the presence of the searched device. a transmitting unit, and in the search mode, the transmitting unit executes transmission control to transmit the notification signal by using a plurality of transmission methods depending on the remaining battery level detected by the remaining battery level detecting unit. and a control unit, and when the control unit executes the transmission control for the same time using each of the plurality of transmission methods, the amount of power consumed by the battery differs.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the search system according to the present embodiment includes a searched device having a normal mode and a search mode, and a search device capable of searching the searched device. The searched device includes a battery built into the searched device and capable of supplying power consumed by the searched device, a remaining battery power detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the battery, and the presence of the searched device. a searched-side transmitter capable of transmitting a notification signal for notifying the search device; a control unit that executes transmission control for transmitting the broadcast signal by the searched side transmission unit, using each of the plurality of transmission methods, and for controlling the transmission by the control unit at the same time using each of the plurality of transmission methods. When executing, the power consumption of the battery is different, and the search device has a search-side receiving unit that can receive the notification signal, and a search unit that can notify that the search-side reception unit has received the notification signal. A side notification section.

The search system and searched device according to the present embodiment can perform optimal transmission control according to the remaining battery level by selectively using a plurality of transmission methods depending on the remaining electricity level.

It is a schematic diagram showing a search system concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a searched device in this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the composition of the search device in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing after shifting to a search mode in the searched device and the search device of the search system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a notification signal transmitted from the transmitting/receiving section shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a table stored in the storage unit shown in FIG. 2 and showing transmission settings and communication methods of notification signals associated with remaining battery power. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a search device specialized for searching for the searched device shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, a searched device and a search system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is not limited to the content described below, and can be implemented with arbitrary changes within the scope of not changing the gist. In addition, the drawings used to explain the embodiments schematically show the constituent members, and are partially emphasized, enlarged, reduced, or omitted for better understanding, and the scale of the constituent members is In some cases, it may not accurately represent the shape, shape, etc.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a search system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a search system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a search target device 2 and a search device 3, and is used in a building 4 such as a distribution warehouse or a factory in various fields such as logistics and distribution. The search system 1 is a system that makes it possible to search for the searched device 2 using the search device 3 when the searched device 2 is left behind or lost.

Note that the searched device 2 and search device 3 in this embodiment are information readers that read information held in information holding bodies such as one-dimensional symbols, two-dimensional symbols, optical characters/symbols (OCR), or non-contact IC tags. It is assumed to be a handy terminal with functions. That is, in the search system 1 according to the present embodiment, the searched device 2 and the search device 3 have substantially identical configurations. The search system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a handy terminal that functions as the searched device 2 and a handy terminal that functions as the search device 3 depending on predetermined conditions.

For example, the handy terminal functions as the searched device 2 when the user leaves or loses the handy terminal in the building 4 and no input operation is performed for a predetermined period of time or longer. At this time, the handy terminal functioning as the searched device 2 shifts from the normal mode to the search mode. Further, the handy terminal functioning as the searched device 2 shifts from the search mode to the normal mode when receiving an input operation from the user. Here, the normal mode is a mode in which the functions of the handy terminal are activated in response to input operations from the user. Search mode is a mode in which a device notifies itself as a search target by transmitting a notification signal. In addition, if the above-mentioned handy terminal is located in a predetermined area such as the storage location of the said handy terminal in building 4, even if no input operation from the user is performed for a predetermined period of time, the handheld terminal will not be able to switch from the normal mode. Does not switch to exploration mode. Furthermore, as will be explained later, the handy terminal functions as the search device 3 when receiving the notification signal.

Here, the configurations of the searched device 2 and search device 3 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the searched device 2 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the searched device 2 in this embodiment includes, for example, an information reading section 21, a battery 22, a remaining battery level detection section 23, a transmitting/receiving section 24-1, an antenna 24-2, an input section 25, and a notification section 24-1. (searched side notification unit) 26, a storage unit 27, and a control unit 28.

The information reading unit 21 has a configuration for reading information held in an information holding body. For example, when the information carrier is a one-dimensional symbol, a two-dimensional symbol, or an optical character/symbol (OCR), the information reading unit 21 in this embodiment includes, for example, an optical lens (not shown), a CMOS sensor, illumination, and a laser beam. It has an irradiator and an imaging control section. Further, when the information holding body is a non-contact IC tag, the information reading unit 21 in this embodiment includes, for example, an antenna (not shown) and a control circuit that controls transmission and reception of signals at the antenna.

The battery 22 is built into the searched device 2 and can supply power consumed by the searched device 2 . The battery 22 in this embodiment is assumed to be a primary battery or a secondary battery, but the battery 22 also includes a super capacitor or a capacitor. The battery remaining amount detection unit 23 detects the remaining amount of the battery 22 . The battery remaining amount detection unit 23 in this embodiment can detect the remaining amount of the battery 22 by detecting the voltage output from the battery 22, for example. The battery remaining amount detection section 23 transmits information regarding the remaining amount of the battery 22 to the control section 28 . Note that when the battery 22 is a secondary battery, the battery remaining amount detection unit 23 uses a method of detecting the remaining amount of the battery 22 by detecting the voltage, as well as a method of detecting the remaining amount of the battery by coulomb. The remaining amount of the battery 22 may be detected using a detection method such as a counter method, a cell model method, or an impedance track method.

The transmitting/receiving unit 24-1 is capable of transmitting a notification signal for notifying the searching device 3 of the existence of the searched device 2 via the antenna 24-2. That is, the transmitting/receiving section 24-1 functions as a transmitting section (searched side transmitting section) in the searched device 2. Further, the transmitting/receiving section 24-1 can receive an instruction signal transmitted from the searching device 3 via the antenna 24-2. That is, the transmitting/receiving section 24-1 functions as a receiving section in the searched device 2. Here, the transmitter/receiver 24-1 in this embodiment is a transmitter/receiver that can simply transmit and receive signals, or a short-range wireless communication device such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark) that enables mutual communication over a short distance. Alternatively, signals can be transmitted and received using a generally known transmission/reception (communication) method such as wireless communication such as LTE, CDMA, or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access).

The input unit 25 converts an input operation from the user into an electrical signal and transmits it to the control unit 28 . The input unit 25 in this embodiment includes, for example, a switch capable of inputting alphanumeric characters for numerical keys and function keys, a touch panel, and a sensor capable of detecting voice and gesture. The user inputs instructions and information according to the operation guidance displayed on the notification section (searched side notification section) 26 via the input section 25.

The notification unit (searched side notification unit) 26 displays various data under the control of the control unit 28. For example, the notification unit 26 displays operation guidance for the searched device 2 and the data. Further, the notification unit 26 displays the reading result of the information holding body outputted from the control unit 28. Further, the notification unit 26 includes a device that can notify the surroundings of the searched device 2 of the existence of the searched device 2 under the control of the control unit 28 . For example, the notification unit 26 includes a light emitting device, a vibration device, and an audio processing device (not shown) as devices that can notify the presence of the searched device 2. The light-emitting device is an indicator such as an LED mounted on the search target device 2, and emits light under the control of the control unit 28. The vibration device is a vibrator mounted on the searched device 2, and vibrates under the control of the control unit 28. The audio processing device is connected to a microphone and a speaker, and performs various audio processing (for example, digital processing on audio data). The microphone acquires external sound, and the speaker outputs sound to the outside.

The storage unit 27 is a medium capable of storing data such as memory (for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), nonvolatile RAM), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive). include. For example, the storage unit 27 in this embodiment stores device information (status information) regarding the searched device 2. Here, the device information includes information such as the voltage value output from the battery 22, the period of no operation of the searched device 2 based on a timer described later, the electric field strength, and the device ID of the searched device 2. ing. Note that the storage area of the storage unit 27 may be located within the searched device 2, or may be located in an external storage device (not shown) connected via the transmitting/receiving unit 24-1 and the antenna 24-2. good.

The control unit 28 is a control device for performing overall control of the searched device 2. The control unit 28 in this embodiment includes an input/output interface device, memory, a predetermined processor, and a timer as hardware resources. For example, in the normal mode, the control unit 28 in this embodiment executes normal control to operate a function as a handy terminal in response to an input operation from a user via the input unit 25.

Further, in the search mode, the control unit 28 in this embodiment uses a plurality of transmission methods depending on the remaining amount of the battery 22 detected by the remaining battery amount detection unit 23, and causes the transmitting and receiving unit 24-1 to send the notification. Executes transmission control to transmit signals. Here, when the control unit 28 executes transmission control for the same time using each of the plurality of transmission methods described above, the amount of power consumed by the battery 22 differs. For example, as the remaining capacity of the battery 22 decreases, the control unit 28 executes transmission control using a transmission method that consumes less power of the battery 22.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the search device 3 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the search device 3 in this embodiment includes, for example, an information reading section 31, a battery 32, a remaining battery level detection section 33, a transmitting/receiving section 34-1, an antenna 34-2, an input section 35, a notification section (search side notification section) 36, a storage section 37, and a control section 38. In addition, in the search system 1 according to this embodiment, the searched device 2 and the search device 3 have substantially identical configurations. Therefore, in the following description of the searching device 3, the parts that are particularly different between the searching device 3 and the searched device 2 (the transmitting/receiving section 34-1 and the notification section (search side notification section) 36) will be described in detail.

The transmitting/receiving section 34-1 can receive the above notification signal via the antenna 34-2. That is, the transmitting/receiving section 34-1 functions as a receiving section (search side receiving section) in the searching device 3. Further, the transmitting/receiving unit 34-1 can transmit the instruction signal to the searched device 2 that transmitted the notification signal via the antenna 34-2. That is, the transmitter/receiver 34-1 functions as a transmitter in the search device 3. Here, like the transmitting/receiving unit 24-1, the transmitting/receiving unit 34-1 in this embodiment is a transmitting/receiving device that can simply transmit and receive signals, or a short-distance mutual communication device such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). Signals can be transmitted and received using a generally known transmission/reception (communication) method, such as short-range wireless communication or wireless communication such as LTE, CDMA, or WiMAX.

The notification unit (search side notification unit) 36 displays various data under the control of the control unit 38. For example, the notification unit 36 can notify that the transmitting/receiving unit 34-1 has received the notification signal.

Next, each calculation process executed in the searched device 2 and the search device 3 of the search system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing after the search mode is shifted in the searched device 2 and search device 3 of the search system 1 shown in FIG. 1.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, the searched device 2 shifts from the normal mode to the search mode when no input operation is performed from the user via the input unit 25 for a predetermined period of time or more (step S1). For example, when the search target device 2 is automatically powered off after a predetermined time (auto power off) due to no input operation from the user being performed for a predetermined time or more, the searched device 2 switches from normal mode to search. mode.

After step S1 is completed, the searched device 2 uses the transmitting/receiving unit 24-1 to transmit a notification signal for notifying the searching device 3 of the existence of the searched device 2 via the antenna 24-2 (step S2 ). At this time, the control unit 28 of the searched device 2 uses a plurality of transmission methods according to the remaining amount of the battery 22 detected by the remaining battery amount detecting unit 23, and transmits the notification signal by the transmitting/receiving unit 24-1. Execute transmission control. For example, when using each of a plurality of transmission methods, the control unit 28 of the searched device 2 changes at least one of the transmission intensity or the transmission interval of the notification signal, as shown in FIG. Execute transmission control. Specifically, as the remaining capacity of the battery 22 decreases, the control unit 28 of the searched device 2 may set the transmission strength of the notification signal weaker or set the transmission interval of the notification signal longer. Do at least one.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table stored in the storage unit 27 that indicates transmission settings and communication methods for notification signals associated with the remaining amount of the battery 22. According to the table shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 28 of the searched device 2 compares the transmission setting when the remaining capacity of the battery 22 is less than 30% with the transmission setting when the remaining capacity of the battery 22 is 30% or more. , executing at least one of setting the transmission strength of the notification signal to be weak or setting the transmission interval of the notification signal to be long. As a result, in the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment, although the detection rate of the searched device 2 by the search device 3 decreases because the effective range or transmission frequency of the notification signal decreases, the battery 2 Since the amount of power consumed is also reduced, the battery 22 can last longer.

After completing step S2, the search device 3 determines whether the transmitting/receiving section 34-1 has received the notification signal (step S3). When the transmitting/receiving unit 34-1 receives the notification signal (Yes in step S3), the search device 3 notifies the user of the search device 3 that the notification signal has been received (step S4). After completing step S4, the searching device 3 transmits an instruction signal to the searched device 2 using the transmitting/receiving section 34-1 (step S5). If the transmitter/receiver 34-1 does not receive the notification signal (No in step S3), the search device 3 repeats the process in step S3.

After completing step S5, the searched device 2 receives the instruction signal transmitted from the transmitter/receiver 34-1 of the searching device 3 by the transmitter/receiver 24-1 via the antenna 24-2 (step S6). After step S6 ends, the searched device 2 determines whether the remaining amount of the battery 22 is less than a predetermined threshold by the control unit 28 (step S7). If the remaining capacity of the battery 22 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S7), the control unit 28 of the searched device 2 executes bidirectional communication between the searched device 2 and the search device 3. Specifically, the control unit 28 of the searched device 2 determines whether the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value that is a guideline for performing two-way communication (for example, if the remaining battery level is set as is 50% or more), and when the transmitter/receiver 24-1 receives an instruction signal, the notification unit 26 causes the surroundings of the searched device 2 to recognize the existence of the searched device 2. Execute. The notification unit 26 operates a light emitting device, a vibration device, and an audio processing device (not shown) under cognitive control by the control unit 28 . Thereby, the searched device 2 makes the surroundings of the searched device 2 aware of the existence of the searched device 2 (step S8).

If the remaining capacity of the battery 22 is less than the predetermined threshold (No in step S7), the control unit 28 of the searched device 2 executes one-way communication from the searched device 2 to the search device 3. Specifically, the control unit 28 controls the control unit 28 when the remaining capacity of the battery 22 is less than a predetermined threshold that is a guideline for performing one-way communication (for example, if the remaining capacity of the battery 22 listed in the table shown in FIG. 6 is less than 50%). ), and when the search device 3 transmits an instruction signal, the instruction signal transmitted from the search device 3 is not accepted. That is, the searched device 2 discards the instruction signal and does not perform the cognitive control (step S9).

After completing step S8 or step S9, the searched device 2 determines whether the conditions for transition from the search mode to the normal mode are satisfied (step S10). That is, the control unit 28 of the searched device 2 determines whether an input operation from the user via the input unit 25 has been received. If the conditions for transition from the search mode to the normal mode are satisfied (Yes in step S10), the searched device 2 transitions from the search mode to the normal mode (step S11). If the conditions for transition from the search mode to the normal mode are not satisfied (No in step S10), the process returns to step S2. After step S11 ends, the series of processing ends.

(Summary)
As described above, in the search mode, the control unit 28 of the search system 1 and searched device 2 according to the present embodiment uses a plurality of transmission methods according to the remaining amount of the battery 22 detected by the remaining battery amount detection unit 23. The transmitting/receiving unit 24-1 executes transmission control for transmitting the notification signal by using the following. At this time, when transmission control is executed for the same time using each of the plurality of transmission methods, the amount of power consumed by the battery 22 differs. According to the above configuration, the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment use a plurality of transmission methods depending on the remaining amount of the battery 22 to send an optimal notification signal according to the remaining amount of the battery 22. can be sent.

Furthermore, as the remaining capacity of the battery 22 decreases, the control unit 28 of the search system 1 and searched device 2 according to the present embodiment executes transmission control using a transmission method that consumes less power of the battery 22. do. Specifically, the control unit 28 of the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment sets the transmission strength of the notification signal to be weaker or decreases the transmission interval of the notification signal as the remaining amount of the battery 22 decreases. Execute at least one of the following: Thereby, in the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment, the power consumption of the battery 22 is reduced, so that the battery 22 can last longer.

Further, the control unit 28 of the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment executes bidirectional communication between the searched device 2 and the searched device 3 when the remaining amount of the battery 22 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. do. Specifically, the control unit 28 of the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment controls the control unit 28 when the remaining amount of the battery 22 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value that is a guideline for performing bidirectional communication. Triggered by the reception of the instruction signal by the transmitting/receiving unit 24-1, the notification unit 26 executes recognition control to make the surroundings of the searched device 2 aware of the existence of the searched device 2. Thereby, the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to this embodiment can facilitate the search by the search device 3.

Further, the control unit 28 of the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment executes one-way communication from the searched device 2 to the searched device 3 when the remaining amount of the battery 22 is less than a predetermined threshold. do. When the remaining capacity of the battery 22 is less than a predetermined threshold value that is a guideline for performing one-way communication, and when the search device 3 transmits an instruction signal, the searched device 2 receives the instruction signal transmitted from the search device 3. Does not receive instructional signals and does not exercise cognitive control. As a result, in the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment, the power consumption of the battery 22 is reduced by the amount that the light emitting device (not shown) does not emit light, the vibration device does not vibrate, and the audio processing device does not output audio. Therefore, the battery 22 can last for a long time.

In this way, the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment can perform optimal transmission control according to the remaining battery level by selectively using a plurality of transmission methods depending on the remaining battery level.

Here, when the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment shift to the search mode, they unconditionally transmit a notification signal to the search device 3. However, the search system 1 and search target device 2 according to this embodiment are not limited to this. For example, the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment transmit the above-mentioned notification signal to the search device 3 upon receiving a request signal for requesting transmission of the above-mentioned notification signal transmitted from the search device 3. You may also send it.

In addition, the notification signal in this embodiment includes various information (for example, device information stored in the storage section 27, information regarding the remaining amount of the battery 22 acquired by the remaining battery amount detection section 23, or information obtained from a GPS receiver (not shown). information such as acquired location information) can be stored. Thereby, the search device 3 of the search system 1 according to the present embodiment can specify the searched device 2 based on the device information. Further, the search device 3 of the search system 1 according to the present embodiment can always grasp the remaining amount of the battery 22. Further, the search device 3 of the search system 1 according to the present embodiment can grasp the position of the searched device 2 based on the position information stored in the notification signal.

In addition, the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment have the transmitter/receiver unit 24-1 placed on a stand stand in order to suppress power consumption, assuming that the voltage drops below the operating voltage due to the power being turned off or left unused for a long period of time. It may also have a configuration that allows it to operate alone. For example, the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment provide a sub-battery (not shown) in addition to the battery 22, and switch from the battery 22 to the sub-battery when operating the transmitter/receiver 24-1 standalone. . As a result, even if the battery 22 of the searched device 2 drops below the operating voltage, the search device 3 in this embodiment can continue searching because the transmitter/receiver 24-1 can operate standalone. can do.

Further, the search system 1 and the searched device 2 according to the present embodiment, assuming that the voltage drops below the operating voltage due to power off or being left unused for a long period of time, It may also be possible to exchange data with an external device (for example, an external server). Thereby, the search device 3 in this embodiment can search for the search target device 2 based on the data transmitted to the external device immediately before the battery 22 of the search target device 2 becomes lower than the operating voltage.

Note that the search device 3 in this embodiment is not limited to the above configuration, and may be, for example, a search device 5 specialized for searching for the searched device 2 as shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, although the searched device 2 and searching device 3 in this embodiment are assumed to be handheld terminals, other devices that can be searched for (for example, devices and devices in general that may be misplaced or lost) may be used. There may be. Furthermore, the term "predetermined processor" used in the above description means, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Further, each component (each processing unit) of the present embodiment described above is not limited to a single processor, but may be realized by a plurality of processors. Furthermore, a plurality of components (a plurality of processing units) may be realized by a single processor.

1 Search system 2 Searched device 3 Search device 21, 31 Information reading section 22, 32, 52 Battery 23, 33 Battery remaining amount detection section 24-1, 34-1, 54-1 Transmission/reception section 24-2, 34-2 , 54-2 Antenna 25, 35, 55 Input section 26, 36, 56 Notification section 27, 37 Storage section 28, 38, 58 Control section

Claims (7)

A searched device that has a normal mode and a search mode and can be searched by a search device,
a battery built into the searched device and capable of supplying power consumed by the searched device;
a battery remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the battery;
a transmitter capable of transmitting a notification signal for notifying the searching device of the existence of the searched device;
In the search mode, a control unit that executes transmission control in which the transmission unit transmits the notification signal by properly using a plurality of transmission methods according to the remaining battery level detected by the battery level detection unit; Equipped with
When the control unit executes the transmission control for the same time using each of the plurality of transmission methods, the power consumption of the battery is different;
The control unit starts transmitting the notification signal after transitioning from the normal mode to the search mode, and uses the transmission method that reduces power consumption of the battery as the remaining capacity of the battery decreases. A searched device that executes the transmission control . The control unit executes at least one of setting the transmission strength of the notification signal weaker or setting the transmission interval of the notification signal longer as the remaining amount of the battery decreases. 1. The searched device according to 1 . The control unit includes:
If the remaining amount of the battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, performing bidirectional communication between the searched device and the searching device;
If the remaining amount of the battery is less than a predetermined threshold, performing one-way communication from the searched device to the searching device;
The searched device according to claim 1 . a receiving unit capable of receiving an instruction signal transmitted from the search device;
further comprising a searched side notification unit capable of informing the surroundings of the searched device of the existence of the searched device,
When the remaining amount of the battery is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value serving as a guideline for executing the two-way communication, the control unit controls the searched side when the receiving unit receives the instruction signal. The searched device according to claim 3 , wherein a notification unit performs cognitive control to make the surroundings of the searched device aware of the presence of the searched device. The control unit is configured to transmit the command signal from the search device when the remaining amount of the battery is less than the predetermined threshold value that is a guideline for executing the one-way communication, and when the search device transmits the instruction signal. The searched device according to claim 4 , wherein the searched device does not receive the instruction signal and does not perform the cognitive control. The searched device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the searched device is a handy terminal having an information reading function for reading information held in an information holding body. In a search system including a searched device having a normal mode and a search mode, and a search device capable of searching the searched device,
The searched device is
a battery built into the searched device and capable of supplying power consumed by the searched device;
a battery remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the battery;
a searched-side transmitter capable of transmitting a notification signal for notifying the searching device of the existence of the searched device;
In the search mode, control for executing transmission control for transmitting the notification signal by the searched side transmitting unit, using a plurality of transmission methods depending on the remaining battery level detected by the battery remaining level detecting unit. and,
When the control unit executes the transmission control for the same time using each of the plurality of transmission methods, the power consumption of the battery is different;
The control unit starts transmitting the notification signal after transitioning from the normal mode to the search mode, and uses the transmission method that reduces power consumption of the battery as the remaining capacity of the battery decreases. executing the transmission control;
The search device is
a search side receiving unit capable of receiving the notification signal;
a search-side notification unit that can notify that the search-side reception unit has received the notification signal;
A search system equipped with.

Images