WO2016017177A1 - Search device and relay device - Google Patents

Search device and relay device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016017177A1
WO2016017177A1 PCT/JP2015/003848 JP2015003848W WO2016017177A1 WO 2016017177 A1 WO2016017177 A1 WO 2016017177A1 JP 2015003848 W JP2015003848 W JP 2015003848W WO 2016017177 A1 WO2016017177 A1 WO 2016017177A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
search
signal
searched
distance
search target
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2015/003848
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
哲也 芦塚
孝一 飯田
Original Assignee
哲也 芦塚
加藤　学
孝一 飯田
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 哲也 芦塚, 加藤　学, 孝一 飯田 filed Critical 哲也 芦塚
Publication of WO2016017177A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016017177A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S1/00—Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith
    • G01S1/02—Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith using radio waves
    • G01S1/68—Marker, boundary, call-sign, or like beacons transmitting signals not carrying directional information
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/74—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/76—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems wherein pulse-type signals are transmitted
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S5/00—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S5/02—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
    • G01S5/12—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves by co-ordinating position lines of different shape, e.g. hyperbolic, circular, elliptical or radial
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/02—Transmitters
    • H04B1/03—Constructional details, e.g. casings, housings
    • H04B1/034—Portable transmitters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a search device for searching for another communication device (searched device) and a relay device that communicates with the search device.
  • the transmitter transmits a 457 kHz radio wave as a rescue signal, and the receiver can know the direction and approximate distance of the transmitter from the received radio wave.
  • the supervisor holds the terminal device equipped with the GPS function to the child or the elderly, and the location information of the person to be searched (the terminal device holder) is obtained.
  • An acquisition system is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
  • the radio beacon system uses a medium-frequency band (457 kHz) and the transmission output is limited to a minute power range due to restrictions based on the Radio Law, the radio wave reception distance is about 100 m at the maximum. It cannot be searched if the distance between them is more than that.
  • the positioning accuracy of the positioning method using the GPS function is usually a radius of several tens of meters
  • a range in which a search target person may exist The search range can only be specified roughly.
  • this type of system requires a running cost (communication cost).
  • the radio wave beacon system device and the terminal device equipped with the GPS function have a large battery consumption, so it is difficult to use continuously for a long period of time, and there is a limit to miniaturization and weight reduction.
  • the object of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and compared to the conventional one, the possibility of finding a search target person is increased, and the search that can shorten the time until discovery is shortened.
  • An apparatus and a relay apparatus are provided.
  • a relay device is a relay device that performs direct wireless communication with a portable search device and directly performs wireless communication with a portable search device, and is configured for the search device or the search target device.
  • the receiving means does not receive the first response signal corresponding to the first call signal from the searched device after receiving the first call signal including the identification information of the searched device from the searching device.
  • the transmitting means transmits a second call signal including identification information of the searched device, and the receiving means receives the second response signal from the searched device corresponding to the second call signal.
  • the second response signal is used to estimate the distance between the own device and the device to be searched and the direction of the device to be searched, and the response confirmation includes information related to the estimated distance and direction corresponding to the second response signal.
  • a configuration is adopted in which a signal is transmitted to the transmission means.
  • the search device of the present invention is a portable search device that performs wireless communication with the relay device described above and directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and is included in the response confirmation signal.
  • the structure to comprise is taken.
  • FIG. 1 is an external view of a search device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • 1 is an external view of a search target device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the block diagram which shows the structure of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.
  • the block diagram which shows the structure of the to-be-searched apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.
  • the sequence diagram which shows the mode of communication with the search device and search target device concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention
  • the sequence diagram which shows the mode of communication with the search device and search target device concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention Diagram showing the relationship between distance and received signal strength
  • the sequence diagram which shows the mode of communication with the search device and search target device concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention The flowchart which shows the flow of operation
  • the figure which shows the usage example of the search apparatus and relay apparatus which concern on Embodiment 3 of this invention The sequence diagram which shows the mode of communication of the search apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, a to-be-searched apparatus, and a relay apparatus.
  • the communication system includes a search device 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) and one or a plurality of search target devices 2 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).
  • the search device 1 performs wireless communication with each search target device 2.
  • the search device 1 has all the functions of the search target device 2 and can perform wireless communication with other search devices as the search target device.
  • Search device 1 of this embodiment performs one of the following communication modes based on a user's instruction.
  • (1) Individual search mode (2) Full search mode (3) Group search mode (4) Searched mode
  • the search device 1 performs wireless communication with the single searched device 2 instructed by the user, and estimates the relative position (distance and direction) of the single searched device 2.
  • the search device 1 can register the search target device 2 in advance in association with a registration number (for example, 1 to 10).
  • the full search mode is a mode in which the search device 1 requests transmission of a response signal for all the search target devices 2, receives the response signal, and specifies a searchable device 2 that can communicate.
  • the search device 1 requests transmission of a response signal to all the search target devices 2 registered in advance, and receives the response signal to identify the searchable device 2 that can communicate. Mode.
  • the search mode is a mode in which the search device 1 performs wireless communication with another search device as a search target device.
  • FIG. 1 is an external view of a search device 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • 1A is a front view
  • FIG. 1B is a right side view
  • FIG. 1C is a rear view
  • FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view along AA.
  • the search device 1 has a size (for example, width W: 64 mm, height H: 107 mm, thickness T: 13 mm) and weight (for example, 70 g) that can be carried by a user (general person).
  • a size for example, width W: 64 mm, height H: 107 mm, thickness T: 13 mm
  • weight for example, 70 g
  • the casing 11 of the search device 1 has a substantially rectangular shape and is formed of a non-conductive member.
  • the front surface 11a of the housing 11 has a flat plate shape.
  • a display unit 12 and an operation unit 13 are provided on the front surface 11 a of the housing 11.
  • the display unit 12 is provided on the front surface 11a of the housing 11, and has a screen configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like.
  • the display screen in each communication mode will be described later.
  • the operation unit 13 is provided in the vicinity of the bottom surface 11b side (lower end side) on the front surface 11a of the housing 11, and has a plurality of buttons.
  • the operation unit 13 converts the button operation content based on the user's will into an electric signal and transmits it to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 131 (see FIG. 3).
  • CPU Central Processing Unit
  • the side surfaces 11c and 11d of the housing 11 are thinner on the flat surface 11e side (upper end side) than on the bottom surface 11b (lower end side) with the central portion as a boundary.
  • a power switch 14 is provided on the right side surface 11c.
  • a substrate 15 is housed inside the housing 11.
  • the antenna 101 is patterned on the plane 11e side (upper end side) from the center of the substrate 15.
  • Various circuits are placed on the substrate 15.
  • the antenna 101 includes a first antenna element 111 serving as a radiator at the center and a second antenna element 112 and a third antenna element 113 each serving as a director or a reflector on both sides thereof.
  • the length of the first antenna element 111 is 1/4 ( ⁇ / 4) of the wavelength ⁇ .
  • the length ( ⁇ / 4) of the first antenna element 111 is about 81.5 mm.
  • the lengths of the second antenna element 112 and the third antenna element 113 are the same and are slightly shorter than the first antenna element 111.
  • Each antenna element 111, 112, 113 is formed in a folded pattern so as to be accommodated in a space having a length H1 (for example, 40 mm), and is patterned on both surfaces of the substrate 15 and connected in a through hole.
  • H1 for example, 40 mm
  • a recess 16 is provided at the center of the rear surface 11 f of the housing 11.
  • FIG. 2 is an external view (front view) of the search target device 2 according to the present embodiment.
  • the search target device 2 has a size (for example, width W: 40 mm, height H: 63 mm, thickness T: 13 mm) and weight (for example, 20 g) that can be carried by a user (general person).
  • the casing 21 of the search device 2 has a substantially rectangular shape and is formed of a non-conductive member.
  • an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 22 and a power switch 23 are provided on the front surface 21a of the housing 21, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 22 and a power switch 23 are provided.
  • the LED 22 emits light (flashes) at a predetermined timing, for example, when a radio wave is received from the search device 1 in the individual search mode.
  • an antenna see FIG. 4
  • a substrate Inside the housing 21, an antenna (see FIG. 4) and a substrate (not shown) are housed.
  • Various circuits are placed on the substrate.
  • a convex portion 24 having a hole 24a for passing a string or the like is provided on the flat surface (upper end) of the housing 21, a convex portion 24 having a hole 24a for passing a string or the like is provided.
  • the searched device 2 does not leave the user even when the user is in an avalanche or the like.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of search device 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • the search device 1 includes a housing 11 (not shown in FIG. 3), a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a power switch 14 (not shown in FIG. 3), and a substrate 15 (not shown in FIG. 3). ), The antenna 101, the wireless unit 102, the control unit 103, the ringing unit 104, and the battery 105. The wireless unit 102 and the control unit 103 are placed on the substrate 15.
  • the wireless unit 102 processes wireless signals.
  • the wireless unit 102 includes a transmission unit 121, a reception unit 122, a wireless control unit 123, a first clock 124, a first switch 125, a second switch 126, and a third switch 127.
  • the transmission unit 121 performs wireless transmission processing such as modulation, amplification, and up-conversion on the baseband digital signal output from the CPU 131, and transmits the wireless signal from the first antenna element 111.
  • the frequency of the radio wave (call signal or the like) transmitted from the transmission unit 121 is 710 MHz or more and 960 MHz or less.
  • the receiving unit 122 performs wireless reception processing such as amplification, down-conversion, and demodulation on the wireless signal received by the first antenna element 111 and outputs a baseband digital signal to the CPU 131.
  • the reception unit 122 measures the received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength) indicator of the radio wave received by the first antenna element 111 and outputs the measured value (analog value) to the wireless control unit 123.
  • RSSI Received Signal Strength
  • the wireless control unit 123 controls each unit in the wireless unit 102 using the clock signal of the first clock 124. In addition, the wireless control unit 123 converts the measurement value of the received signal strength output from the receiving unit 122 into a digital value and outputs the digital value to the CPU 131. Details of the control performed by the wireless control unit 123 for the switches 125, 126, and 127 will be described later.
  • the first clock 124 is a high-speed and high-accuracy clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 36 MHz) for use inside the wireless unit 102.
  • the first switch 125 connects either the transmission unit 121 or the reception unit 122 and the first antenna element 111 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless control unit 123.
  • the second switch 126 connects / disconnects between the substrate 15 and the second antenna element 112 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless control unit 123.
  • the third switch 127 connects / disconnects between the substrate 15 and the third antenna element 113 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless control unit 123.
  • the control unit 103 performs baseband signal processing.
  • the control unit 103 includes a CPU 131, a memory unit 132, a second clock 133, a third clock 134, and a logical operation unit 135.
  • the CPU 131 is a central processing unit of the control unit 103, and executes various programs using the memory unit 132 as a work memory. In particular, the CPU 131 generates a signal to be transmitted to the search target device 2, and when the radio wave is received from the search target device 2, the CPU 131 displays the acquired predetermined information on the display unit 12, and the ringing unit 104 notifies the notification sound. Is output.
  • the memory unit 132 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores various programs executed by the CPU 131 and various data.
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • the second clock 133 is a low-speed clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 32 kHz) to be used inside the control unit 103 in a standby state or the like.
  • the third clock 134 is a high-speed and high-accuracy clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 40 MHz) for use inside the control unit 103 in a communication state with the search target device 2 or the like.
  • the logical operation unit 135 cooperates with the CPU 131 to determine the difference between the transmission timing of the transmission frame and the reference clock of the third clock 134, the difference between the reception timing of the reception frame and the reference clock of the third clock 134, Based on the difference between the transmission timing of the transmission frame and the reference clock of the third clock 234 (see FIG. 4) and the difference between the reception timing of the reception frame and the reference clock of the third clock 234 in the search device 2 The propagation delay time of the transmission line between 2 is calculated.
  • the ringing unit 104 outputs a notification sound from the speaker at a predetermined timing when receiving an instruction from the user.
  • the battery 105 is housed in the housing 11, and supplies power to each part of the search device 1 when a user turns on the power via the power switch 14.
  • the CPU 131 includes a signal generation unit 131a, a signal acquisition unit 131b, a distance estimation unit 131c, and a direction estimation unit 131d as functions according to the present invention.
  • the signal generation unit 131a generates a digital signal sequence (transmission frame) including various information based on a user instruction (electrical signal input from the operation unit 13) and outputs the digital signal sequence (transmission frame) to the transmission unit 121.
  • the signal generation unit 131a includes the identification information of the single searched device 2 and the identification information of the own device instructed by the user in the digital signal.
  • the signal generation unit 131a includes, in the digital signal, information indicating that all of the search target devices 2 request transmission of response signals.
  • the signal generation unit 131a includes identification information of all search target devices 2 belonging to the group instructed by the user in the digital signal.
  • the signal generation unit 131a In the search mode, when the signal generation unit 131a inputs information requesting transmission of identification information of its own device from the signal acquisition unit 131b, the signal generation unit 131a receives the identification information of its own device and the identification information of the communication partner searching device 1 as a digital signal. Include in the individual search mode, the signal generation unit 131a includes, in the digital signal (response confirmation signal), information that instructs the search target device 2 to emit light or output a notification sound based on an instruction from the user. Also good.
  • the signal acquiring unit 131b acquires the identification information of the searched device 2 from the digital signal sequence (received frame) of the received response signal and outputs it to the display unit 12.
  • the signal acquisition unit 131b acquires information from the digital signal sequence (reception frame) of the received call signal, and when the information requests transmission of identification information of the own device, The fact is output to the signal generator 131a.
  • the signal acquisition unit 131b is based on the user's instruction, and (1) only the one having the highest received signal strength among the acquired identification information of the search target device 2 is registered (2). Any one of (3) that matches the existing identification information may be output to the display unit 12.
  • the distance estimation unit 131c estimates the distance to the search target device 2 based on the received signal strength of the radio wave measured by the reception unit 122 or the propagation delay time calculated by the logic operation unit 135 in the individual search mode. The estimated value is output to the display unit 12. Details of the distance estimation in the present embodiment will be described later.
  • the direction estimation unit 131d receives the received signal strength when the second switch 126 is ON and the third switch 127 is OFF and the reception when the second switch 126 is OFF and the third switch 127 is ON in the individual search mode. Based on the signal strength, the direction of the search target device 2 is estimated, and the estimated value is output to the display unit 12. Details of direction estimation in the present embodiment will be described later.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of searched device 2 according to the present embodiment.
  • the searched device 2 includes a housing 21 (not shown in FIG. 4), an LED 22, a power switch 23 (not shown in FIG. 4), a substrate (not shown), an antenna 201, and a wireless unit 202. And a control unit 203, a ringing unit 204, and a battery 205.
  • the wireless unit 202 processes wireless signals.
  • the wireless unit 202 includes a transmission unit 221, a reception unit 222, a wireless control unit 223, a first clock 224, and a first switch 225.
  • the transmission unit 221 performs wireless transmission processing such as modulation, amplification, and up-conversion on the baseband digital signal output from the CPU 231, and transmits a wireless signal from the antenna 201.
  • the frequency of the radio wave (response signal or the like) transmitted from the transmission unit 221 is 710 MHz or more and 960 MHz or less.
  • the reception unit 222 performs wireless reception processing such as amplification, down-conversion, and demodulation on the wireless signal received by the antenna 201 and outputs a baseband digital signal to the CPU 231.
  • the wireless control unit 223 controls each unit in the wireless unit 202 using the clock signal of the first clock 224.
  • the first clock 224 is a high-speed and high-precision clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 36 MHz) for use inside the wireless unit 202.
  • the first switch 225 connects either the transmission unit 221 or the reception unit 222 and the antenna 201 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless control unit 223.
  • the control unit 203 performs baseband signal processing.
  • the control unit 203 includes a CPU 231, a memory unit 232, a second clock 233, and a third clock 234.
  • the CPU 231 is a central processing unit of the control unit 203, and executes various programs using the memory unit 232 as a work memory. In particular, the CPU 231 generates a signal to be transmitted to the search device 1, and causes the LED 22 to emit light when the radio wave is received from the search device 1 or when an instruction is received from the search device 1. Is output.
  • the memory unit 232 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores various programs executed by the CPU 231 and various data.
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • the second clock 233 is a low-speed clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 32 kHz) for use inside the control unit 203 in a standby state or the like.
  • the third clock 234 is a high-speed and high-accuracy clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 40 MHz) to be used inside the control unit 203 in a communication state with the search device 1 or the like.
  • the ringing unit 204 outputs a notification sound from the speaker at a predetermined timing, for example, when a radio wave is received from the search device 1.
  • the battery 205 is housed in the housing 21, and supplies power to each part of the search target device 2 when a user turns on the power via the power switch 23.
  • the CPU 231 includes a signal generation unit 231a and a signal acquisition unit 231b as functions according to the present invention.
  • the signal generation unit 231a When the signal generation unit 231a receives information requesting transmission of its own identification information from the signal acquisition unit 231b, the signal generation unit 231a includes a digital signal sequence (transmission frame) including the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the search device 1 of the communication partner. ) And output to the transmission unit 221.
  • a digital signal sequence transmission frame
  • the signal acquisition unit 231b acquires information from the digital signal sequence (reception frame) of the received call signal, and if the information requests transmission of identification information of the own device, generates a signal to that effect. To the unit 231a. Further, the signal acquisition unit 231 b causes the LED 22 to emit light and output a notification sound from the ringing unit 204 when receiving radio waves from the search device 1 or receiving an instruction from the search device 1.
  • the search device 1 is in a standby state after the power is turned on until there is an instruction from the user (button operation of the operation unit 13). In the standby state, power is not supplied to each unit of the search device 1 in order to reduce power consumption (sleep state). However, power is supplied from the battery 105 to the operation unit 13 and the second clock 133.
  • the second clock 133 always counts by operating a low-speed clock circuit.
  • the searched device 2 enters a standby state after being powered on.
  • the standby state power is not supplied to each unit of the searchee device 2 in order to reduce power consumption (sleep state).
  • power is supplied from the battery 205 to the second clock 233.
  • the second clock 233 always counts by operating a low-speed clock circuit.
  • the searched device 2 supplies power to each unit at every first interval (for example, 3 s) until the count value of the second clock 233 expires (starting state).
  • the searchee device 2 performs reception processing in the first period 321 (for example, 3 ms).
  • the first clock 224 performs a count operation by operating the clock circuit.
  • the searched device 2 returns to the sleep state when it cannot acquire information requesting transmission of its own identification information.
  • the search device 1 supplies power to each unit and starts searching for the search target device 2 (search state).
  • the first clock 124 and the third clock 134 perform a counting operation by operating a high-speed clock circuit.
  • the search device 1 that has entered the search state first performs reception processing in the second period 311 (for example, 5 ms) in order to confirm that other search devices 1 are not transmitting radio waves. Then, when the search device 1 does not receive the radio wave from the other search device 1 during the second period 311, the search device 1 in the third period 312 (for example, 3.5 s) longer than the first interval.
  • the call signal including the identification information, the identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, and the timing information indicating the transmission timing of the response signal to the search target device 2 is repeatedly transmitted.
  • the searched device 2 starts communication with the search device 1 (communication state) when receiving the calling signal during any of the first periods 321-3.
  • the third clock 234 performs a count operation by operating a high-speed clock circuit.
  • the searched device 2 detects its own identification information, the identification information of the communication partner searching device 1, and the distance information (
  • the first response signal to be transmitted is referred to as “call response signal”).
  • the search device 1 performs reception processing in the fifth period 313 (for example, 100 ms). Then, as soon as the search device 1 receives the call response signal, in the sixth period 314-1 (for example, 2 ms), the response confirmation signal including the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched. Send. Note that the radio frequency of the response confirmation signal is different from that of the call signal. Therefore, even if the searched device 2 receives the response confirmation signal and the calling signal from the other searching device 1 at the same time, no interference occurs.
  • the searched device 2 performs reception processing in the seventh period 323-1 (for example, 3 ms) immediately after the fourth period 322-1. Then, when the searched device 2 receives the response confirmation signal, it transmits the response signal again in the fourth period 322-2 after the second interval (for example, 100 ms) shorter than the first interval has elapsed.
  • the second interval for example, 100 ms
  • the communication system repeats transmission / reception of response signals and transmission / reception of response confirmation signals until a disconnection instruction is received from the user.
  • the search device 1 estimates the distance and direction of the search target device 2 using the response signal, and obtains identification information of the search target device 2 and information on the distance and direction of the search target device 2. It is displayed on the screen of the display unit 12.
  • the search device 1 disconnects its own identification information, identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, and the search target device 2 A disconnection signal including information for transmitting is transmitted.
  • the searchee device 2 When the searchee device 2 receives the disconnection signal in the corresponding seventh period 323-7, in the next fourth period 322-8, the searchee device 2 receives the identification information of the own device, the identification information of the communication partner search device 1 and the disconnection signal. A disconnection response signal including information indicating that it has been received is transmitted.
  • the search device 1 transmits a disconnection confirmation signal including its own identification information, identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, and information indicating that a disconnection response signal has been received. Return to the standby state.
  • the searchee device 2 returns to the standby state when receiving the disconnection confirmation signal.
  • the search device 1 in the communication state first performs reception processing in the second period 311 (for example, 5 ms) in order to confirm that the other search devices 1 are not transmitting radio waves. Then, when the search device 1 does not receive radio waves from the other search devices 1 during the second period 311, the search device 1 performs all the coverage in the third period 312 (for example, 3.5 s) longer than the first interval.
  • the calling signal including information requesting the search device 2 to transmit identification information is repeatedly transmitted.
  • each searched device 2 When each searched device 2 receives a call signal during any of the first periods 321-12, 321-22, 321-31, and 321-41, the first interval time from the start of the first period 321 is received. In a fourth period 322 after the elapse, a call response signal including identification information of the own device is transmitted.
  • the search device 1 receives a call response signal in a fifth period 313 (for example, 3.5 s) longer than the first interval after the third period 312 expires.
  • the communication system repeats transmission / reception of a paging signal and transmission / reception of a paging response signal for a predetermined number N.
  • the search device 1 displays the identification information of the search target device 2 included in the received call response signal on the screen of the display unit 12. Thereafter, the searching device 1 and each searched device 2 return to the standby state.
  • a method for estimating the distance to the search target device 2 by the search device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
  • a distance estimation method in the field of wireless communication a first distance estimation method based on received signal strength and a second distance estimation method based on propagation delay time are known.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between distance and received signal strength.
  • the horizontal axis represents distance (m)
  • the vertical axis represents received signal strength (dBm).
  • the first distance estimation method is a method of estimating a distance using a correlation between this distance and the received signal strength.
  • the search device 1 can estimate the distance with high accuracy by using the first distance estimation method.
  • the radio wave fluctuation becomes gentle. Therefore, when the first distance estimation method is used, the distance cannot be estimated with high accuracy.
  • the second distance estimation method is a method for estimating the distance by multiplying the calculated propagation delay time by the speed of the radio wave.
  • the estimation accuracy of the second distance estimation method is substantially constant regardless of the distance.
  • higher estimation accuracy is not required than when the distance is short.
  • the distance estimation unit 131c of the search device 1 receives signals when the measured received signal strength is greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, ⁇ 50 dBm) (short-range mode).
  • the distance to the search target device 2 is estimated using the first distance estimation method based on the signal strength, and the search target is searched using the second distance estimation method based on the propagation delay time when it is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (wide area mode).
  • a predetermined threshold for example, ⁇ 50 dBm
  • hysteresis control is used to switch the estimation method, the first threshold for switching from the first distance estimation method to the second distance estimation method, and the second distance estimation method to the first distance estimation method.
  • a second threshold value (> first threshold value) for switching may be set.
  • switching from the first distance estimation method to the second distance estimation method is performed based on the magnitude relationship between the received signal strength and the third threshold value, and the second distance estimation method to the first distance estimation method.
  • Switching to may be performed based on the magnitude relationship between the propagation delay time and the fourth threshold value.
  • the wireless control unit 123 controls the first switch 125 to connect the first antenna element 111 and the receiving unit 122.
  • the wireless control unit 123 turns on the second switch 126 and connects the substrate 15 and the second antenna element 112 in the first partial period during the reception period of the radio wave (response signal). Then, the third switch 127 is turned OFF to disconnect between the substrate 15 and the third antenna element 113.
  • the connected second antenna element 112 and substrate 15 are longer than the first antenna element 111 (radiator) as a whole, and thus act as a reflector. Moreover, since the 3rd antenna element 113 becomes shorter than the 1st antenna element 111 (radiator), it acts as a waveguide.
  • the first reception directivity 801 of FIG. 8 is formed in the first partial period.
  • the search device 1 can strongly receive radio waves from diagonally forward right.
  • the wireless control unit 123 turns off the second switch 126 and disconnects the substrate 15 from the second antenna element 112 in the second partial period during the reception period of the radio wave (response signal), and the third switch 127 is turned on to connect between the substrate 15 and the third antenna element 113.
  • the connected third antenna element 113 and substrate 15 are longer than the first antenna element 111 (radiator) as a whole, and thus act as a reflector. Moreover, since the 2nd antenna element 112 becomes shorter than the 1st antenna element 111 (radiator), it acts as a waveguide.
  • the second reception directivity 802 in FIG. 8 is formed in the second partial period.
  • the search device 1 can strongly receive radio waves from the diagonally left front.
  • the received signal strength in the first partial period is higher than the received signal strength in the second partial period. Conversely, when the search target device 2 to be searched exists on the left side of the user, the received signal strength in the first partial period is lower than the received signal strength in the second partial period.
  • the present embodiment it is possible to estimate the direction of searched device 2 based on the magnitude and magnitude relationship of the difference in received signal strength between the first partial period and the second partial period.
  • the radio control unit 123 turns off the second switch 126 and the third switch 127 during radio wave transmission in the individual search mode, in the full search mode, in the group search mode, and in the searched mode, and the search device 1 is omnidirectional. Sexual transmission / reception may be performed.
  • the memory unit 132 stores an information table indicating the estimated direction based on the magnitude of the difference in received signal strength and its sign (magnitude relationship).
  • the direction estimation unit 131d estimates the direction of the search target device 2 with reference to the information table of FIG. 9 from the received signal strengths measured in the first partial period and the second partial period, and calculates the estimation result. Output to the display unit 12.
  • the direction estimation unit 131d may estimate the direction of the search target device 2 using a plurality of received signal strength measurement values. Thereby, the influence of the fluctuation
  • “Using a plurality of measured values of received signal strength” means, for example, averaging a plurality of received signal strengths for each directivity (simple moving average, weighted moving average, etc.) and using the average value.
  • FIG. 10A is a screen at the start of the individual search mode when starting the search for the already-registered search target device 2.
  • an identification number (identification information) 1001 of the search target device 2 to be searched is displayed together with the registration number.
  • the search apparatus 1 executes the individual search mode for the search target apparatus 2 whose identification number is displayed on the screen.
  • FIG. 10B is a screen at the start of the individual search mode when starting the search for the unregistered search target device 2.
  • This screen displays a portion 1002 in which the input of the identification number (identification information) of the search target device 2 to be searched is completed.
  • the search device 1 executes the individual search mode (see FIG. 5) for the searched device 2 whose identification number is displayed on the screen. .
  • FIG. 10C shows a screen at the start of the full search mode. On this screen, a character 1003 of “ALL” is displayed.
  • the search device 1 executes the all-in-one search mode (see FIG. 6).
  • FIG. 10D shows a screen at the start of the group search mode. On this screen, a character 1004 of “registration ALL” is displayed.
  • the search device 1 executes the group search mode (see FIG. 6) for all the search target devices 2 registered in advance.
  • FIG. 10E is a screen when the individual search mode is executed and a response signal is received from the searchee device 2. This screen shows the identification information 1005-1 of the searched device 2 that has responded, the information 1005-2 regarding the distance to the searched device 2, the information 1005-3 regarding the direction of the searched device 2, and the received signal strength. Information 1005-4 and the like are displayed on the screen.
  • the update of the information 1005-3 regarding the direction of the searchee device 2 is limited to one step. For example, when the previous direction estimation result is 75 ° left and the next direction estimation result is 30 ° right, the screen approaches from the left 75 ° to 30 ° right by one step (15 °). Information indicating the left 60 ° is displayed. Thereafter, when the direction estimation result is continuously 30 ° to the right, information indicating 45 ° left, 30 ° left 15 ° left, 0 °, 15 ° right, and 30 ° right is sequentially displayed on the screen. Is done. Thereby, the influence of the temporary and rapid fluctuation
  • the direction estimation of the form can roughly estimate the direction of the search target device 2 and is sufficiently effective.
  • FIG. 10 (F) is a screen when the full search mode or the group search mode is executed and a call response signal is received from the searched device 2.
  • identification information 1006 of all searched devices 2 to be searched is displayed on the screen.
  • the identification information 1006 of the search target device 2 is displayed from the top in descending order of the received signal strength.
  • the search device 1 enters a sleep state when the power is turned on (ST1101), and waits for an instruction from the user in this state (ST1102).
  • the search device 1 When the instruction from the user is the individual search mode (ST1102: individual search mode), the search device 1 transmits a call signal to the search target device 2 (ST1103, ST1104). Then, search device 1 performs reception processing at the timing instructed to searched device 2 in the call signal (ST1105).
  • search device 1 repeats steps ST1104 to ST1106 (ST1107: NO, ST1108). If the call response signal is not received even if the call signal is transmitted M times (ST1107: YES), search device 1 displays a message indicating that there is no response on the screen of display unit 12 (ST1109). Then, the flow proceeds to ST1132.
  • search device 1 If the call response signal can be received in ST1105 (ST1106: YES), search device 1 immediately transmits a response confirmation signal to searched device 2 (ST1110). Search device 1 measures the received signal strength of the response signal (ST1111), estimates the distance to search target device 2 (ST1112), and estimates the direction of search target device 2 (ST1113). Then, search device 1 displays the identification information of search target device 2 and the information related to the distance and direction of search target device 2 on the screen of display unit 12 (ST1114).
  • the search device 1 After that, if there is no instruction to end the search from the user (ST1115: NO) and the timer does not end after counting a predetermined time (ST1116: NO), the search device 1 performs the receiving process again at a predetermined interval ( ST1117).
  • search device 1 repeats steps ST1115 to ST1117. On the other hand, if a response signal can be received in ST1117 (ST1118: YES), the flow returns to ST1110, and search device 1 repeats the steps from ST1110 to ST1117 (communication state).
  • search device 1 when the instruction from the user is the full search mode or the group search mode (ST1102: full search mode, group search mode), search device 1 is registered for all search target devices 2 or in advance. Call signals are transmitted to all the searched devices 2 all at once (ST1121, ST1122), and reception processing is performed over a predetermined period (ST1123). Searching apparatus 1 repeats steps ST1122 and ST1123 N times (ST1124, ST1125).
  • search device 1 displays a message indicating that there is no response on screen of display unit 12 (ST1127). Then, the flow proceeds to ST1132.
  • search device 1 displays the identification information of search target device 2 on the screen of display unit 12 (ST1128).
  • search device 1 After that, if there is no instruction to shift to the individual search mode or an instruction to end the search from the user (ST1129: NO, ST1130: NO), and the timer does not end after measuring a predetermined time (ST1131: NO), search device 1 Repeats step ST1128.
  • ST1129: YES If there is an instruction to shift to the individual search mode after ST1128 (ST1129: YES), the flow proceeds to ST1103. If the search is instructed by the user (ST1130: YES), or if the timer expires after measuring a predetermined time (ST1131: YES), the flow proceeds to ST1132.
  • ST1132 if the power is not turned off (ST1132: NO), the flow returns to ST1101. On the other hand, if the power is turned off in ST1132 (ST1132: YES), the flow ends.
  • ST1102 when the instruction from the user is the search mode (ST1102: search mode), the flow proceeds to ST1201 in FIG. 12, and the search device 1 operates as the search target device.
  • the search target device 2 enters a sleep state when the power is turned on (ST1201), and performs a reception process periodically (at a first interval) (ST1202).
  • searched device 2 When a call signal can be received in ST1202 (ST1203: YES), searched device 2 transmits a response signal to search device 1 at a designated timing (ST1204), and immediately performs reception processing (ST1205). .
  • ST1205 If a response confirmation signal can be received in ST1205 (ST1206: YES), searched device 2 transmits a response signal again to searching device 1 after a predetermined time (second interval) has passed (ST1204). Thereafter, when a response confirmation signal can be received (ST1206: YES), steps ST1204 and ST1205 are repeated.
  • the searched device 2 does not always need to transmit a periodic signal such as a beacon, and only receives a response signal when receiving a call signal from the searching device 1. Since transmission is sufficient, power consumption is reduced as compared to conventional devices. Therefore, the searched device 2 can continuously operate for a long period (for example, three months or more), and the battery runs out until the user descends even if the user turns on the power in advance such as when entering the mountain. There is no worry. Furthermore, if the search target device 2 is turned on in advance, the search target device 2 can perform wireless communication with the search device 1 without further user operation, so that the user is in an avalanche or the like. Even if the user loses his or her mind, the search device 1 can specify the position of the search target device 2.
  • a periodic signal such as a beacon
  • the searchable device 2 since the search device 1 and the search target device 2 perform wireless communication using a frequency of 710 MHz or more and 960 MHz or less, the searchable device 2 has a long radio wave receivable distance from the search device 1. A wide range (for example, 100 m to 5 km) can be searched. If a higher frequency is used like 2.4 GHz of WLAN, the antenna becomes shorter and the receivable distance becomes shorter. Further, when a higher frequency is used, the straightness of radio waves becomes stronger and the wraparound is reduced, so that the possibility of finding a search target person such as a victim in an environment where there is an obstacle is reduced. On the other hand, if a lower frequency is used, the antenna becomes longer and the device becomes larger.
  • the search device 1 can accurately estimate the relative distance to the search target device 2 when the search target device 2 exists at a short distance.
  • the relative distance to the searched device 2 can be estimated with a predetermined accuracy.
  • the circuit scale of the antenna portion can be reduced and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and weight as compared with the case of using an array antenna.
  • the first antenna element 111 radio wave
  • switching for switching directivity is not performed, so that switching loss is minimized.
  • the switching timing of the second switch 126 and the third switch 127 is the same, there is only one control system for switching the switch.
  • the user can press the button of the operation unit 13 with the first finger (thumb).
  • the search device 1 can be stably held by placing the second finger (index finger) in the recess 16. Also, this way of holding can prevent the influence of the antenna directivity and stabilize the direction estimation accuracy because hands and fingers do not come around the antenna elements 111, 112, and 113.
  • the searched device 2 of the present embodiment receives radio waves from the searching device 1 or receives an instruction from the searching device 1, the LED 22 is caused to emit light and the sounding unit 204 outputs a notification sound.
  • the user of the search device 1 can search the search target device 2 by his / her own visual or auditory sense.
  • the search target device 2 always transmits a call response signal when receiving the call signal from the search device 1 in the full search mode or the group search mode.
  • the search target device 2 stores the identification information of the predetermined search device 1 in advance, and when the call signal from the search device 1 is received, the search target device 2 stores the call information in the stored identification information of the search device 1.
  • the paging response signal may be transmitted only when there is a match with the identification information of the search device 1 included in the signal.
  • the search device 1 can display only the identification information of the searched device 2 in which the identification information of the own device is registered.
  • the searched device 2 since the number of times of transmitting the call response signal is relatively reduced, the searched device 2 can suppress power consumption.
  • the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the information regarding the estimated distance and direction of the to-be-searched apparatus 2 was displayed on screens, such as LCD of the search apparatus 1, this invention is not limited to this,
  • the search apparatus 1 Other display methods may be used such as providing a plurality of LEDs on the front surface of the housing 11 and changing the position of the LED to emit light according to the distance and direction of the search target device 2.
  • the search device 1 includes a speaker
  • the identification information of the search target device 2 may be output by voice from a speaker.
  • Embodiment 2 describes a use example of a search device when searching by a team.
  • the configuration of the search device and the searched device is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of the search device according to the present embodiment.
  • searchers # 1A, # 1B, # 1C, and # 1D of four teams use search devices 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, respectively, and search target devices equipped with search target devices 2 are used.
  • the example which searches for person # 2 is shown.
  • searched device 2 transmits a response signal to searching device 1A possessed by searcher # 1A, and searching device 1A is communicating with searched device 2.
  • the other searchers # 1B, # 1C, and # 1D receive the response signal from the search target device 2 of the search target # 2 by the search device 1A of the searcher # 1A.
  • each member can easily confirm that one person in the team can communicate with the search target device of the search target person without using other communication means. This will be described below.
  • FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a state of communication between the search device and the search target device according to the present embodiment.
  • communication has already been performed between the search device 1A possessed by the searcher # 1A and the search target device 2 possessed by the searchee # 2.
  • search device 1B possessed by searcher # 1B has started searching.
  • the search device 1B responds to the identification information of the own device, the identification information of the search target device to be searched, and the search target device 2 as described in the first embodiment (FIG. 5).
  • the call signal including timing information indicating the signal transmission timing is repeatedly transmitted.
  • the search device 1B receives the response signal transmitted from the search target device 2 to the search device 1A in the fifth period 313B. Since this response signal includes the identification information of the searched device 2, the identification information of the searching device 1A in communication, etc., the searching device 1B indicates that the searched device 2 is communicating with the searching device 1A. Can be recognized.
  • the search device 1B receives a response signal including identification information of another search device, the search device 1B performs a display process of predetermined information described later.
  • search device 1B shifts to a display operation based on information included in a response signal transmitted from search target device 2, but in this embodiment, search device 1B The display operation may be shifted based on information included in the response confirmation signal transmitted from the search device 1A.
  • Whether the search device 1B receives the response signal from the search target device 2 or the response confirmation signal from the search device 1A in the fifth period 313B is determined by the search device 1B and the search target device 2 or the search device 1A. It depends on the positional relationship. Depending on the terrain, generally, if the distance between the search device 1B and the search device 1A is shorter than the distance between the search device 1B and the search target device 2, the search device 1B searches for the fifth period 313B. The possibility of receiving a response signal from the device 1A increases.
  • FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations of the search device according to the present embodiment.
  • steps common to those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
  • ST1301 to ST1304 are added.
  • search device 1 determines the call response signal or the identification information included in the call signal (ST1301).
  • the flow proceeds to ST1110, and the search device 1 immediately transmits a response confirmation signal to the searched device 2 (ST1110).
  • search device 1 causes display unit 12 to display the identification information of the other search device (ST1302).
  • search device 1 After that, if there is no instruction to end the search from the user (ST1303: NO), and the timer does not end after measuring a predetermined time (ST1304: NO), search device 1 repeats the step of ST1302. Further, when the user gives an instruction to end the search (ST1303: YES), or when the timer ends by measuring a predetermined time (ST1304: YES), the flow proceeds to ST1132.
  • FIG. 16 shows the screen of search device 1 in ST1302. This screen is displayed when the searchee device 2 is communicating with another search device 1 after the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, the identification information 1401 of the search target device 2 and the identification information 1402 of another search device 1 in communication with the search target device 2006 are displayed on the screen.
  • the search device can display the identification information of the search device in communication with the search target device.
  • each member can easily and quickly confirm that one member of the team has been able to communicate with the searchee device of the searchee without using other communication means. Therefore, all the teams can cooperate with each other and perform a rescue operation for a search target person such as a victim quickly and efficiently.
  • the search device can obtain the identification information of the other search device even from the response confirmation signal from the other search device communicating with the search target device, each member receives a signal from the search target device.
  • the search target person's search target device can communicate with the search target device even in an area that does not reach. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the area to be searched can be enlarged.
  • search The device 1 may include a speaker, and the identification information of the searched device 2 and the identification information of another searching device may be output from the speaker.
  • the radio wave from the search device 1 held by the searcher # 1 on the ground does not sufficiently reach the search target device 2 carried by the search target person # 2, and
  • another search device (hereinafter referred to as “relay device”) 3 installed at a high place performs communication in the individual search mode with the search target device 2.
  • the relay device 3 has the same configuration as that of the search device 1.
  • the search device 1 has a function for causing the search device 1 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment to display the search result (distance and direction of the searched device) of the relay device 3. Added. Further, the relay device 3 is added with a function for notifying the search device 1 of the search result (distance and direction of the search target device) to the search device 1 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment.
  • the signal acquisition unit 131b of the search device 1 acquires information indicating the search result (distance and direction of the search target device 2) from the response confirmation signal from the relay device 3, and outputs the information to the display unit 12.
  • the signal generation unit 131a of the relay device 3 confirms the identification information of the searched device 2, the identification information of the own device, and information indicating the search result (distance and direction of the searched device 2). Include in
  • FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing how the search device 1, search target device 2 and relay device 3 communicate according to the present embodiment.
  • the searching device 1, the searched device 2, and the relay device 3 are in a standby state after being powered on.
  • the search mode is initially selected.
  • the relay device 3 and the searched device 2 perform reception processing in the first period 321 (for example, 3 ms) at every first interval (for example, 3 s) (activated state). Then, in the first period 321, the searchee device 2 returns to the sleep state when the information requesting transmission of the identification information of the own device cannot be acquired.
  • the search device 1 In the standby state, when the search device 1 is instructed by the user for identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, the search device 1 enters the search state, performs reception processing in the second period 311-1 (for example, 5 ms), If no radio wave is received from the other search device 1 during the period 311-1, the call signal for the individual search mode is repeatedly transmitted in the third period 312 (for example, 3.5 s) longer than the first interval. To do.
  • the search device 1 performs reception processing in the fifth period 313-1 (for example, 5 ms) including the timing specified by the timing information included in the call signal.
  • the relay device 3 performs reception processing in the fifth period 313-1 (for example, 5 ms) including the timing specified by the timing information included in the call signal. If the relay apparatus 3 does not receive a call response signal from the search apparatus 2 to the search apparatus 1 in this fifth period, the call signal transmitted from the search apparatus 1 is not received by the search apparatus 2 and the search apparatus 2 The device 1 recognizes that it cannot communicate with the searched device 2. Therefore, the relay device 3 starts communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2 instead of the search device 1. Specifically, the relay device 3 repeatedly transmits the call signal for the individual search mode in the third period 312-2 immediately after the fifth period 313-1.
  • the relay device 3 repeatedly transmits the call signal for the individual search mode in the third period 312-2 immediately after the fifth period 313-1.
  • the search device 1 Since the search device 1 receives the calling signal from the relay device 3 in the second period 311-2 immediately after the fifth period 313-1, the relay device 3 starts communication in the individual search mode with the search target device 2. You can know what you did. In this case, the search device 1 stops transmission of the calling signal.
  • the searched device 2 When the searched device 2 receives the watch mode call signal during any of the first periods 321-3, in the fourth period 322-1 (for example, 2 ms) specified by the timing information, the radio frequency of the dedicated channel Then, a response signal including the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the relay device 3 of the communication partner is transmitted.
  • the fourth period 322-1 for example, 2 ms
  • the relay device 3 performs reception processing in the fifth period 313-2 (for example, 5 ms). Then, as soon as the relay device 3 receives the response signal, in the sixth period 314-1 (eg, 2 ms), the relay device 3 uses its own channel identification information, the identification information of the searched device 2, and the search at the radio frequency of the dedicated channel. A response confirmation signal including information indicating the result (distance and direction of the search target device 2) is transmitted.
  • the searched device 2 performs reception processing in the seventh period 323-1 (for example, 3 ms) immediately after the fourth period 322-1. Then, when the searched device 2 receives the response confirmation signal, it transmits the response signal again in the fourth period 322-2 after the second interval (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed.
  • the search device 1 intercepts the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3 in the fifth period 313-2 (for example, 100 ms). Since the response confirmation signal includes the identification information of the searched device 2 and the identification information of the relay device 3, the searching device 1 recognizes that the searched device 2 is communicating with the relay device 3. can do. In addition, the search device 1 acquires and displays information indicating a search result (distance and direction of the search target device 2) included in the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3. Thereby, searcher # 1 can know the distance and direction of search target device 2 carried by search target person # 2.
  • the relay device 3 and the searched device 2 repeat transmission / reception of a response signal and transmission / reception of a response confirmation signal until a disconnection instruction is received from the user.
  • the search device 1 continues to intercept the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3.
  • the relay device 3 performs reception processing at the radio frequency of the common channel in the first period 321 (for example, 3 ms) every second interval (for example, 100 ms).
  • the search device 1 transmits a disconnection signal at the radio frequency of the common channel when instructed by the user to disconnect.
  • the relay device 3 receives the disconnection signal in the first period 321, the relay device 3 performs a disconnection process with the searched device 2.
  • the relay device 3 and the searched device 2 return to the standby state when the disconnection process is completed.
  • the search device 1 intercepts the disconnection response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3 to the searched device 2, the search device 1 returns to the standby state.
  • the antenna of the relay apparatus 3 may be a sector antenna, and the relay apparatus 3 may estimate the azimuth (absolute direction) of the searched apparatus 2 from the received signal strength of the radio wave of each antenna element.
  • the sector antenna uses a plurality of directional antenna elements, and each antenna element is arranged so as to cover all 360 ° directions of the horizontal plane.
  • the search device 1 estimates the direction of the search target device 2 viewed from the own device based on the direction of the search target device 2 received from the relay device 3 and the current direction of the own device, and the estimated search target device Information regarding the two directions may be displayed.
  • any one of a plurality (four in the example of FIG. 19) of relay devices 3 is connected to the search target device 2.
  • the search result (distance and direction of the search target device) may be notified to the search device 1 via the other relay device 3.
  • Each circle shown in FIG. 19 indicates a range in which the radio wave transmitted from the device at the center reaches at a predetermined level (a level at which the communication partner can receive).
  • relay device 3-1 exists in a circle centered on search device 1, it can receive a signal from search device 1 at a predetermined level and acquire information contained in the received signal.
  • relay devices 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4 exist outside the circle centering on search device 1, it receives a signal from search device 1 at a predetermined level. The information contained in the received signal cannot be acquired.
  • the relay device 3-1 receives the call signal from the search device 1, and performs reception processing on the call response signal from the searched device 2 in the period specified by the timing information included in the call signal. .
  • the relay device 3-1 does not receive a call response signal for the search device 1 from the search target device 2, the call signal transmitted from the search device 1 is not received by the search target device 2. Recognize that communication with the search device 2 has failed. Therefore, the relay device 3-1 transmits a call signal and attempts to start communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2.
  • the relay device 3-2 receives the call signal from the relay device 3-1, and performs a reception process on the call response signal from the searched device 2 in a period specified by the timing information included in the call signal. If the relay device 3-2 does not receive a call response signal from the searched device 2 to the relay device 3-1, the call signal transmitted from the relay device 3-1 is not received by the searched device 2, and relaying is performed. The device 3-1 recognizes that it cannot communicate with the searchee device 2. Therefore, the relay device 3-2 transmits a call signal and attempts to start communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2.
  • the relay device 3-3 recognizes that the relay device 3-2 cannot communicate with the searched device 2, transmits a call signal, and starts communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2. Try to do.
  • the relay device 3-4 recognizes that the relay device 3-3 could not communicate with the searched device 2, transmits a call signal, and tries to start communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2.
  • the relay device 3-4 can communicate with the searched device 2 in the individual search mode.
  • the relay device 3-4 and the searched device 2 repeat transmission / reception of a response signal and transmission / reception of a response confirmation signal.
  • the response confirmation signal includes identification information of the searched device 2, identification information of the relay device 3-4, and information indicating a search result (distance and direction of the searched device 2).
  • the relay device 3-3 can recognize that the searched device 2 is communicating with the relay device 3-4 by intercepting the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3-4.
  • the relay device 3-3 transmits the intercepted response confirmation signal as it is. Thereby, the relay device 3-2 can intercept the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3-4.
  • the relay device 3-2 and the relay device 3-1 transmit the intercepted response confirmation signal as it is.
  • the search device 1 can intercept the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3-4.
  • the relay device searches for the searched device instead of the searching device, and notifies the searching device (user) of the search result (distance and direction of the searched device). it can. Accordingly, the user can know the position of the search target device even if the search target device does not exist in a range in which the search target device can communicate with the search device, thereby increasing the possibility of finding the search target person. Can be shortened.
  • the relay device is a relay device that performs direct wireless communication with a portable search device and directly performs wireless communication with a portable search device. Transmitting means for transmitting signals, receiving means for receiving signals from the searching device or the searched device, and control means for controlling the transmitting means and the receiving means, the control means comprising: The receiving means does not receive the first response signal corresponding to the first call signal from the searched device after receiving the first call signal including the identification information of the searched device from the searching device.
  • the transmission means transmits a second call signal including identification information of the searched device, receives a second response signal from the searched device corresponding to the second call signal, and Using response signal Estimates the distance between the own device and the searched device and the direction of the searched device, and causes the transmitting means to transmit a response confirmation signal corresponding to the second response signal and including information on the estimated distance and direction Take the configuration.
  • the search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that performs wireless communication with the relay device described above and directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and the response confirmation Control that estimates the distance between the device itself and the device to be searched and the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from the device based on information on the distance and direction included in the signal, and displays information on the estimated distance and direction Means.
  • the search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that performs direct wireless communication with a portable search target device, a transmission unit that transmits a signal to the search target device, and the transmission Receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to the signal transmitted from the means, and calculating a propagation delay time of a transmission path between the receiving device that measures the received signal strength and the searched device; According to the magnitude of the signal strength, either the first distance estimation method based on the received signal strength or the second distance estimation method based on the propagation delay time is selected, and the distance between the own device and the search target device is selected. And a control unit that estimates and displays information on the estimated distance.
  • control means estimates the distance using the first distance estimation method when the received signal strength is greater than a predetermined threshold, and is less than or equal to the threshold.
  • the second distance estimation method is used to estimate the distance.
  • the control unit uses the first distance estimation method when the received signal strength is greater than a first threshold when the control unit used the first distance estimation method last time.
  • the distance is estimated using the second distance estimation method when the distance is equal to or less than the first threshold, and the received signal is used when the second distance estimation method is used last time.
  • the first distance estimation method is used to estimate the distance when the intensity is greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and the second distance estimation method is used when the intensity is less than or equal to the second threshold value. And adopting a configuration for estimating the distance.
  • the search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves, and the search target device via the antenna.
  • Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the receiving apparatus; receiving means for receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to a signal transmitted from the transmitting means via the antenna; and measuring received signal strength; and the received signal Control means for estimating the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from its own device using intensity, and displaying information on the estimated direction, wherein the antenna is connected to the transmission means or the via the first switch.
  • the received signal strength is measured in each of the first state where the second switch is shut off and the second state where the second switch is shut off and the third switch is connected, and the control means receives the measured signal in the first state.
  • a configuration is adopted in which the direction of the searched device is estimated based on the magnitude relationship between the signal strength and the received signal strength in the second state.
  • the search device of the above embodiment divides the numerical value of the difference between the received signal strength in the first state and the received signal strength in the second state into a plurality of ranges, and the range of the searched device is divided into each range.
  • a table in which representative values of estimated directions are associated is stored in a memory, and the control means represents a representative corresponding to a range including the measured received signal strength in the first state and the received signal strength in the second state.
  • a configuration is adopted in which information indicating a value is displayed on the screen as information on the estimated direction.
  • the search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves, and the search target device via the antenna.
  • Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the receiving apparatus; receiving means for receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to a signal transmitted from the transmitting means via the antenna; and measuring received signal strength; and the received signal Control means for estimating the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from its own device using intensity, and displaying information on the estimated direction, wherein the antenna is capable of directional reception, and the receiving means Measures the received signal strength at each of a plurality of directivities, and the control means estimates the direction of the searched device based on a plurality of received signal strength measurements at each directivity.
  • a configuration A configuration.
  • control means averages a plurality of received signal strength measurement values for each directivity, and based on the average value of the received signal strength of each directivity, Take the configuration to estimate the direction.
  • the search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves, and the search target device via the antenna.
  • Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the receiving apparatus; receiving means for receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to a signal transmitted from the transmitting means via the antenna; and measuring received signal strength; and the received signal Control means for estimating the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from its own device using intensity, and displaying information on the estimated direction.
  • the control means includes a plurality of preset direction candidates. Then, a configuration is used in which a device closest to the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from its own device is estimated, and a direction that is one step closer to the currently estimated direction than the previously displayed direction is displayed.
  • the search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that directly performs wireless communication with a portable device to be searched, and is stored in the portable case and the case, and transmits and receives radio waves.
  • a transmitting means for transmitting a call signal to the searched device via the antenna Information on the estimated distance and direction, estimating the distance between the own device and the searched device and the direction of the searched device viewed from the own device using the signal received by the receiving means
  • Control means for displaying the operation button the operation button is disposed on a first end side of the first surface of the housing from the center of the housing, and the antenna is disposed from the center of the housing. Opposite the first end There is arranged on the second end portion side, the concave or convex portion in the center or side of the second surface which is opposite side of the first surface is provided, a configuration.
  • the search device of the above embodiment is a search device capable of communicating with a plurality of search target devices, and includes a transmission means for transmitting a call signal to the search target device, and the search target corresponding to the call signal.
  • a configuration is adopted in which a paging signal for transmitting a response signal to the searched device or a paging signal for transmitting response signals to a plurality of searched devices is selectively generated and output to the transmitting means.
  • the control unit when one search target device is instructed as a search target by the user, the control unit is configured to identify the own device identification information, the search target search device identification information, The paging signal including information requesting the searched device to transmit identification information and timing information indicating the transmission timing of the response signal to the searched device is generated and output to the transmitting means, and the receiving device A means takes the structure which receives the said response signal in the time including the transmission timing of the said timing information.
  • the control unit identifies the identification information of the own device and all the search target devices. Generating the paging signal including information for requesting transmission of information and outputting the paging signal to the transmitting unit; and the receiving unit receives the response signal for a predetermined time after the paging signal is transmitted. Take.
  • the control means when a plurality of search target devices registered in advance are instructed as search targets by the user, the control means includes the identification information of the own device and the pre-registered multiple Generating a call signal including information requesting transmission of identification information to the searched device and outputting the call signal to the transmission means, and the reception means for a predetermined time after the call signal is transmitted. The response signal is received.
  • the reception unit receives the call signal from another search device, and the control unit
  • the response signal including the identification information of the machine and the identification information of the other search device is generated and output to the transmission means, and the transmission means sends the response signal for the call signal to the other search device. Send, take the configuration.
  • the present invention is suitable for use in a search device for searching the position of another communication device and a relay device that communicates with the search device.

Abstract

　The purpose of the present invention is, relative to the prior art, to increase the likelihood of discovering a mountaineering accident victim or the like, and shortening the time to discovery. In standby mode, a beacon device (2), at each of first intervals, supplies electrical power to components and performs a reception process in a first period (321). A search device (1) having entered search mode repeatedly transmits call signals during a third period (312) longer than the first interval. The beacon device (2), upon receiving a call signal in the first period (321), transmits a response signal that includes identifying information about itself and the like, in a fourth period (322). Each time that a response signal is received, the search device (1) uses the response signal to estimate the distance and direction of the beacon device (2), and displays on a screen identifying information of the beacon device (2) and information pertaining to the distance and direction of the beacon device (2).

Description

探索装置および中継装置Search device and relay device
　本発明は、他の通信装置（被探索装置）を探索するための探索装置、および、探索装置と通信を行う中継装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a search device for searching for another communication device (searched device) and a relay device that communicates with the search device.
　雪崩等により登山者が遭難した際に、登山者が携帯している送信装置（小型発信器）が電波を発信して受信装置を携行する救助者に遭難場所を知らせる電波ビーコンシステムが知られている（特許文献１、特許文献２、非特許文献１等）。 There is a radio beacon system that informs the rescuer who carries a receiver by transmitting a radio wave (a small transmitter) carried by the climber when a climber is lost due to an avalanche. (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Non-Patent Document 1, etc.).
　この電波ビーコンシステムにおいて、送信装置は、４５７ｋＨｚの電波を救助信号として送信し、受信装置は、受信した電波から送信装置の方向とおおよその距離を知ることができる。 In this radio beacon system, the transmitter transmits a 457 kHz radio wave as a rescue signal, and the receiver can know the direction and approximate distance of the transmitter from the received radio wave.
　また、行方不明となった際に捜索を容易にするために、監視者が、子供や老人にＧＰＳ機能を搭載した端末装置を保持させ、捜索対象者（端末装置の保持者）の位置情報を取得するシステムが知られている（例えば、特許文献３参照）。 In addition, in order to facilitate the search when it is missing, the supervisor holds the terminal device equipped with the GPS function to the child or the elderly, and the location information of the person to be searched (the terminal device holder) is obtained. An acquisition system is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
特開２００３－１９８３８９号公報JP 2003-198389 A 特開２００５－２２９４４９号公報JP 2005-229449 A 特開平８－６５４１３号公報JP-A-8-65413
　しかしながら、上記電波ビーコンシステムは、中波帯の周波数（４５７ｋＨｚ）を使用するため、また、電波法に基づく制限によって発信出力が微小電力の範囲に抑えられるため、電波の受信距離が最大でも約１００ｍ程度であり、それ以上に互いの距離が離れると捜索することができない。 However, since the radio beacon system uses a medium-frequency band (457 kHz) and the transmission output is limited to a minute power range due to restrictions based on the Radio Law, the radio wave reception distance is about 100 m at the maximum. It cannot be searched if the distance between them is more than that.
　また、ＧＰＳ機能を用いた測位方式の測位精度は、通常、半径数十ｍであるため、上記ＧＰＳ機能を搭載した端末装置を用いたシステムでは、捜索対象者が存在する可能性がある範囲（捜索範囲）を大まかにしか特定することができない。また、この種のシステムは、ランニングコスト（通信費）が必要となる。 In addition, since the positioning accuracy of the positioning method using the GPS function is usually a radius of several tens of meters, in the system using the terminal device equipped with the GPS function, a range in which a search target person may exist ( The search range can only be specified roughly. In addition, this type of system requires a running cost (communication cost).
　また、上記電波ビーコンシステムの装置、および、ＧＰＳ機能を搭載した端末装置は、電池の消費量が多いため、長期期間の連続使用が困難であり、小型化や軽量化に限界がある。 In addition, the radio wave beacon system device and the terminal device equipped with the GPS function have a large battery consumption, so it is difficult to use continuously for a long period of time, and there is a limit to miniaturization and weight reduction.
　本発明の目的は、上記の点に鑑みて為されたものであり、従来のものに比べて、捜索対象者を発見する可能性を高め、発見されるまでの時間を短縮することができる探索装置および中継装置を提供することである。 The object of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and compared to the conventional one, the possibility of finding a search target person is increased, and the search that can shorten the time until discovery is shortened. An apparatus and a relay apparatus are provided.
　本発明の中継装置は、携帯可能な探索装置と直接無線通信を行い、かつ、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、中継装置であって、前記探索装置あるいは前記被探索装置に対して信号を送信する送信手段と、前記探索装置あるいは前記被探索装置からの信号を受信する受信手段と、前記送信手段および前記受信手段を制御する制御手段と、を具備し、前記制御手段は、前記受信手段が、前記探索装置からの前記被探索装置の識別情報を含む第１呼出信号を受信した後、前記被探索装置からの前記第１呼出信号に対応する第１応答信号を受信しなかった場合、前記送信手段に、前記被探索装置の識別情報を含む第２呼出信号を送信させ、前記受信手段に、前記第２呼出信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの第２応答信号を受信させ、前記第２応答信号を用いて自機と前記被探索装置との距離および前記被探索装置の方角を推定し、前記第２応答信号に対応し、前記推定した距離および方角に関する情報を含む応答確認信号を前記送信手段に送信させる構成を採る。 A relay device according to the present invention is a relay device that performs direct wireless communication with a portable search device and directly performs wireless communication with a portable search device, and is configured for the search device or the search target device. Transmitting means for transmitting signals, receiving means for receiving signals from the searching device or the searched device, and control means for controlling the transmitting means and the receiving means, the control means comprising: The receiving means does not receive the first response signal corresponding to the first call signal from the searched device after receiving the first call signal including the identification information of the searched device from the searching device. In this case, the transmitting means transmits a second call signal including identification information of the searched device, and the receiving means receives the second response signal from the searched device corresponding to the second call signal. Let The second response signal is used to estimate the distance between the own device and the device to be searched and the direction of the device to be searched, and the response confirmation includes information related to the estimated distance and direction corresponding to the second response signal. A configuration is adopted in which a signal is transmitted to the transmission means.
　本発明の探索装置は、上記に記載の中継装置と無線通信を行い、かつ、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、携帯可能な探索装置であって、前記応答確認信号に含まれる距離および方角に関する情報に基づいて、自機と前記被探索装置との距離および自機からみた前記被探索装置の方向を推定し、前記推定した距離および方向に関する情報を表示させる制御手段と、を具備する構成を採る。 The search device of the present invention is a portable search device that performs wireless communication with the relay device described above and directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and is included in the response confirmation signal. Control means for estimating the distance between the own device and the searched device and the direction of the searched device viewed from the own device based on the information on the distance and the direction, and displaying information on the estimated distance and direction. The structure to comprise is taken.
　本発明によれば、捜索対象者を発見する可能性を高め、発見されるまでの時間を短縮することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the possibility of finding a search target person and to shorten the time until discovery.
本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置の外観図1 is an external view of a search device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る被探索装置の外観図1 is an external view of a search target device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置の構成を示すブロック図The block diagram which shows the structure of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る被探索装置の構成を示すブロック図The block diagram which shows the structure of the to-be-searched apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置と被探索装置との通信の様子を示すシーケンス図The sequence diagram which shows the mode of communication with the search device and search target device concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention 本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置と被探索装置との通信の様子を示すシーケンス図The sequence diagram which shows the mode of communication with the search device and search target device concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention 距離と受信信号強度との関係を示す図Diagram showing the relationship between distance and received signal strength 本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置によって形成される指向性を示す図The figure which shows the directivity formed by the search device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置のメモリ部内に格納される情報テーブルを示す図The figure which shows the information table stored in the memory part of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置の表示画面を示す図The figure which shows the display screen of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置の動作の流れを示すフロー図The flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る探索装置の動作の流れを示すフロー図The flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１に係る被探索装置の動作の流れを示すフロー図The flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the to-be-searched apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態２に係る探索装置の使用状態の一例を示す図The figure which shows an example of the use condition of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態２に係る探索装置と被探索装置との通信の様子を示すシーケンス図The sequence diagram which shows the mode of communication with the search device and search target device concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention 本発明の実施の形態２に係る探索装置の動作の流れを示すフロー図The flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態２に係る探索装置の動作の流れを示すフロー図The flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態２に係る探索装置の表示画面を示す図The figure which shows the display screen of the search device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態３に係る探索装置および中継装置の使用例を示す図The figure which shows the usage example of the search apparatus and relay apparatus which concern on Embodiment 3 of this invention 本発明の実施の形態３に係る探索装置、被探索装置および中継装置の通信の様子を示すシーケンス図The sequence diagram which shows the mode of communication of the search apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, a to-be-searched apparatus, and a relay apparatus. 本発明の実施の形態３のバリエーションに係る探索装置および中継装置の使用例を示す図The figure which shows the usage example of the search device and relay device which concern on the variation of Embodiment 3 of this invention
　（実施の形態１）
　以下、本発明の実施の形態１について、図面を参照して詳細に説明する。本実施の形態に係る通信システムは、探索装置１（図１、図３参照）と、１または複数の被探索装置２（図２、図４参照）とから構成される。探索装置１は、各被探索装置２と無線通信を行う。また、探索装置１は、被探索装置２が備える全ての機能を備えており、被探索装置として他の探索装置と無線通信を行うことができる。 (Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The communication system according to the present embodiment includes a search device 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) and one or a plurality of search target devices 2 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The search device 1 performs wireless communication with each search target device 2. The search device 1 has all the functions of the search target device 2 and can perform wireless communication with other search devices as the search target device.
　［通信モード］
　本実施の形態の探索装置１は、ユーザの指示に基づいて、以下の通信モードのいずれかを実行する。
　（１）個別探索モード
　（２）全探索モード
　（３）グループ探索モード
　（４）被探索モード [Communication mode]
Search device 1 of this embodiment performs one of the following communication modes based on a user's instruction.
(1) Individual search mode (2) Full search mode (3) Group search mode (4) Searched mode
　（１）個別探索モードは、探索装置１が、ユーザに指示された単一の被探索装置２と無線通信を行い、当該単一の被探索装置２の相対位置（距離と方向）を推定するモードである。なお、探索装置１は、登録番号（例えば１～１０）に対応付けて被探索装置２を予め登録しておくことができる。 (1) In the individual search mode, the search device 1 performs wireless communication with the single searched device 2 instructed by the user, and estimates the relative position (distance and direction) of the single searched device 2. Mode. The search device 1 can register the search target device 2 in advance in association with a registration number (for example, 1 to 10).
　（２）全探索モードは、探索装置１が、全ての被探索装置２を対象として応答信号の送信を要求し、応答信号を受信して通信可能な被探索装置２を特定するモードである。 (2) The full search mode is a mode in which the search device 1 requests transmission of a response signal for all the search target devices 2, receives the response signal, and specifies a searchable device 2 that can communicate.
　（３）グループ探索モードは、探索装置１が、予め登録された全ての被探索装置２に対して応答信号の送信を要求し、応答信号を受信して通信可能な被探索装置２を特定するモードである。 (3) In the group search mode, the search device 1 requests transmission of a response signal to all the search target devices 2 registered in advance, and receives the response signal to identify the searchable device 2 that can communicate. Mode.
　（４）被探索モードは、探索装置１が、被探索装置として他の探索装置と無線通信を行うモードである。 (4) The search mode is a mode in which the search device 1 performs wireless communication with another search device as a search target device.
　［探索装置１の構造］
　まず、図１を用いて探索装置１の構造について説明する。図１は、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１の外観図である。図１（Ａ）は正面図、図１（Ｂ）は右側面図、図１（Ｃ）は背面図、図１（Ｄ）はＡ－Ａ断面図である。 [Structure of search device 1]
First, the structure of the search device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view of a search device 1 according to the present embodiment. 1A is a front view, FIG. 1B is a right side view, FIG. 1C is a rear view, and FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view along AA.
　探索装置１は、ユーザ（一般人）が携帯可能な大きさ（例えば、幅Ｗ：６４ｍｍ、高さＨ：１０７ｍｍ、厚みＴ：１３ｍｍ）、および、重さ（例えば、７０ｇ）である。 The search device 1 has a size (for example, width W: 64 mm, height H: 107 mm, thickness T: 13 mm) and weight (for example, 70 g) that can be carried by a user (general person).
　探索装置１の筐体１１は、略方形状を為し、非導電性の部材により形成されている。筐体１１の正面１１ａは平板形状を為している。筐体１１の正面１１ａには、表示部１２および操作部１３が設けられている。 The casing 11 of the search device 1 has a substantially rectangular shape and is formed of a non-conductive member. The front surface 11a of the housing 11 has a flat plate shape. A display unit 12 and an operation unit 13 are provided on the front surface 11 a of the housing 11.
　表示部１２は、筐体１１の正面１１ａ上に設けられ、例えばＬＣＤ（Liquid Crystal Display）等により構成される画面を有する。なお、各通信モードにおける表示画面については後述する。 The display unit 12 is provided on the front surface 11a of the housing 11, and has a screen configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. The display screen in each communication mode will be described later.
　操作部１３は、筐体１１の正面１１ａ上の底面１１ｂ側（下端側）近傍に設けられ、複数のボタンを有する。操作部１３は、ユーザの意志に基づくボタン操作内容を電気信号に変換してＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）１３１（図３参照）に伝達する。 The operation unit 13 is provided in the vicinity of the bottom surface 11b side (lower end side) on the front surface 11a of the housing 11, and has a plurality of buttons. The operation unit 13 converts the button operation content based on the user's will into an electric signal and transmits it to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 131 (see FIG. 3).
　筐体１１の側面１１ｃ、１１ｄは、中央部を境にして、平面１１ｅ側（上端側）の方が底面１１ｂ（下端側）よりも薄くなっている。右側面１１ｃには、電源スイッチ１４が設けられている。 The side surfaces 11c and 11d of the housing 11 are thinner on the flat surface 11e side (upper end side) than on the bottom surface 11b (lower end side) with the central portion as a boundary. A power switch 14 is provided on the right side surface 11c.
　筐体１１の内部には、基板１５が収められている。基板１５の中央より平面１１ｅ側（上端側）には、アンテナ１０１がパターンニングされる。また、基板１５には、種々の回路（図３参照）が載置される。 A substrate 15 is housed inside the housing 11. The antenna 101 is patterned on the plane 11e side (upper end side) from the center of the substrate 15. Various circuits (see FIG. 3) are placed on the substrate 15.
　アンテナ１０１は、中央に放射器となる第１アンテナ素子１１１と、その両側にそれぞれが導波器または反射器となる第２アンテナ素子１１２および第３アンテナ素子１１３と、から構成される。 The antenna 101 includes a first antenna element 111 serving as a radiator at the center and a second antenna element 112 and a third antenna element 113 each serving as a director or a reflector on both sides thereof.
　第１アンテナ素子１１１の長さは、波長λの１／４（λ／４）である。例えば、探索装置１が９２０ＭＨｚを使用して無線通信を行う場合、第１アンテナ素子１１１の長さ（λ／４）は、約８１．５ｍｍとなる。第２アンテナ素子１１２および第３アンテナ素子１１３の長さは、同一であり、第１アンテナ素子１１１よりも少し短い。 The length of the first antenna element 111 is 1/4 (λ / 4) of the wavelength λ. For example, when the search device 1 performs wireless communication using 920 MHz, the length (λ / 4) of the first antenna element 111 is about 81.5 mm. The lengths of the second antenna element 112 and the third antenna element 113 are the same and are slightly shorter than the first antenna element 111.
　各アンテナ素子１１１、１１２、１１３は、長さＨ１（例えば４０ｍｍ）のスペースに収められるために、折り返しパターンで構成され、それぞれ、基板１５の両面にパターンニングされてスルーホール中で接続される。 Each antenna element 111, 112, 113 is formed in a folded pattern so as to be accommodated in a space having a length H1 (for example, 40 mm), and is patterned on both surfaces of the substrate 15 and connected in a through hole.
　筐体１１の背面１１ｆの中央部には、凹部１６が設けられている。ユーザは、第１指（親指）で操作部１３のボタンを押すことができるように探索装置１を手に持つ場合、凹部１６に第２指（人差し指）を収めることにより、探索装置１を安定して持つことができる。 A recess 16 is provided at the center of the rear surface 11 f of the housing 11. When the user holds the search device 1 so that the user can press the button of the operation unit 13 with the first finger (thumb), the user can stabilize the search device 1 by placing the second finger (index finger) in the recess 16. Can have.
　［被探索装置２の構造］
　次に、図２を用いて被探索装置２の構造について説明する。図２は、本実施の形態に係る被探索装置２の外観図（正面図）である。 [Structure of searched device 2]
Next, the structure of the search target device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an external view (front view) of the search target device 2 according to the present embodiment.
　被探索装置２は、ユーザ（一般人）が携帯可能な大きさ（例えば、幅Ｗ：４０ｍｍ、高さＨ：６３ｍｍ、厚みＴ：１３ｍｍ）、および、重さ（例えば、２０ｇ）である。 The search target device 2 has a size (for example, width W: 40 mm, height H: 63 mm, thickness T: 13 mm) and weight (for example, 20 g) that can be carried by a user (general person).
　探索装置２の筐体２１は、略方形状を為し、非導電性の部材により形成されている。筐体２１の正面２１ａには、ＬＥＤ（Light Emitting Diode）２２および電源スイッチ２３が設けられている。 The casing 21 of the search device 2 has a substantially rectangular shape and is formed of a non-conductive member. On the front surface 21a of the housing 21, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 22 and a power switch 23 are provided.
　ＬＥＤ２２は、個別探索モードにおいて探索装置１から電波を受信した時等、所定のタイミングで発光（点滅）する。 The LED 22 emits light (flashes) at a predetermined timing, for example, when a radio wave is received from the search device 1 in the individual search mode.
　筐体２１の内部には、アンテナ（図４参照）および基板（図示せず）が収められている。また、基板には、種々の回路（図４参照）が載置される。 Inside the housing 21, an antenna (see FIG. 4) and a substrate (not shown) are housed. Various circuits (see FIG. 4) are placed on the substrate.
　筐体２１の平面（上端）には、紐などを通すための穴２４ａを有する凸部２４が設けられている。穴２４ａに通した紐をユーザの衣服（ベルト等）に結びつけることにより、ユーザが雪崩等にあった場合でも、被探索装置２がユーザから離れることが無い。 On the flat surface (upper end) of the housing 21, a convex portion 24 having a hole 24a for passing a string or the like is provided. By tying the string passed through the hole 24a to the user's clothes (such as a belt), the searched device 2 does not leave the user even when the user is in an avalanche or the like.
　［探索装置１の回路構成（ブロック図）］
　次に、図３を用いて探索装置１の回路構成について説明する。図３は、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１の構成を示すブロック図である。探索装置１は、筐体１１（図３では図示せず）と、表示部１２と、操作部１３と、電源スイッチ１４（図３では図示せず）と、基板１５（図３では図示せず）と、アンテナ１０１と、無線部１０２と、制御部１０３と、鳴動部１０４と、電池１０５と、から主に構成される。無線部１０２および制御部１０３は、基板１５に載置される。 [Circuit Configuration of Searching Device 1 (Block Diagram)]
Next, the circuit configuration of the search device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of search device 1 according to the present embodiment. The search device 1 includes a housing 11 (not shown in FIG. 3), a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a power switch 14 (not shown in FIG. 3), and a substrate 15 (not shown in FIG. 3). ), The antenna 101, the wireless unit 102, the control unit 103, the ringing unit 104, and the battery 105. The wireless unit 102 and the control unit 103 are placed on the substrate 15.
　無線部１０２は、無線信号の処理を行う。無線部１０２は、送信部１２１と、受信部１２２と、無線制御部１２３と、第１クロック１２４と、第１スイッチ１２５と、第２スイッチ１２６と、第３スイッチ１２７と、を有する。 The wireless unit 102 processes wireless signals. The wireless unit 102 includes a transmission unit 121, a reception unit 122, a wireless control unit 123, a first clock 124, a first switch 125, a second switch 126, and a third switch 127.
　送信部１２１は、ＣＰＵ１３１から出力されたベースバンドのデジタル信号に対して、変調、増幅、アップコンバート等の無線送信処理を行い、第１アンテナ素子１１１から無線信号を送信する。送信部１２１から送信される電波（呼出信号等）の周波数は、７１０ＭＨｚ以上９６０ＭＨｚ以下である。 The transmission unit 121 performs wireless transmission processing such as modulation, amplification, and up-conversion on the baseband digital signal output from the CPU 131, and transmits the wireless signal from the first antenna element 111. The frequency of the radio wave (call signal or the like) transmitted from the transmission unit 121 is 710 MHz or more and 960 MHz or less.
　受信部１２２は、第１アンテナ素子１１１に受信された無線信号に対して、増幅、ダウンコンバート、復調等の無線受信処理を行い、ベースバンドのデジタル信号をＣＰＵ１３１に出力する。また、受信部１２２は、第１アンテナ素子１１１に受信された電波の受信信号強度（ＲＳＳＩ：Received Signal Strength Indicator）を測定し、測定値（アナログ値）を無線制御部１２３に出力する。 The receiving unit 122 performs wireless reception processing such as amplification, down-conversion, and demodulation on the wireless signal received by the first antenna element 111 and outputs a baseband digital signal to the CPU 131. In addition, the reception unit 122 measures the received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength) indicator of the radio wave received by the first antenna element 111 and outputs the measured value (analog value) to the wireless control unit 123.
　無線制御部１２３は、第１クロック１２４のクロック信号を使用して無線部１０２内の各部の制御を行う。また、無線制御部１２３は、受信部１２２から出力された受信信号強度の測定値をデジタル値に変換して、ＣＰＵ１３１に出力する。なお、無線制御部１２３が行う、各スイッチ１２５、１２６、１２７に対する制御の詳細については後述する。 The wireless control unit 123 controls each unit in the wireless unit 102 using the clock signal of the first clock 124. In addition, the wireless control unit 123 converts the measurement value of the received signal strength output from the receiving unit 122 into a digital value and outputs the digital value to the CPU 131. Details of the control performed by the wireless control unit 123 for the switches 125, 126, and 127 will be described later.
　第１クロック１２４は、高速・高精度のクロックであり、無線部１０２内部で使用するための、所定周波数（例えば３６ＭＨｚ）の基準クロック信号を生成する。 The first clock 124 is a high-speed and high-accuracy clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 36 MHz) for use inside the wireless unit 102.
　第１スイッチ１２５は、無線制御部１２３の指示に従って、送信部１２１あるいは受信部１２２のいずれかと第１アンテナ素子１１１とを接続する。第２スイッチ１２６は、無線制御部１２３の指示に従って、基板１５と第２アンテナ素子１１２との間を接続／切断する。第３スイッチ１２７は、無線制御部１２３の指示に従って、基板１５と第３アンテナ素子１１３との間を接続／切断する。 The first switch 125 connects either the transmission unit 121 or the reception unit 122 and the first antenna element 111 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless control unit 123. The second switch 126 connects / disconnects between the substrate 15 and the second antenna element 112 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless control unit 123. The third switch 127 connects / disconnects between the substrate 15 and the third antenna element 113 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless control unit 123.
　制御部１０３は、ベースバンド信号の処理を行う。制御部１０３は、ＣＰＵ１３１と、メモリ部１３２と、第２クロック１３３と、第３クロック１３４と、論理演算部１３５と、を有する。 The control unit 103 performs baseband signal processing. The control unit 103 includes a CPU 131, a memory unit 132, a second clock 133, a third clock 134, and a logical operation unit 135.
　ＣＰＵ１３１は、制御部１０３の中央処理装置であり、メモリ部１３２をワークメモリとして、各種プログラムを実行する。特に、ＣＰＵ１３１は、被探索装置２に対して送信する信号を生成し、被探索装置２から電波を受信した際に、取得した所定の情報を表示部１２に表示させ、鳴動部１０４から報知音を出力させる。 The CPU 131 is a central processing unit of the control unit 103, and executes various programs using the memory unit 132 as a work memory. In particular, the CPU 131 generates a signal to be transmitted to the search target device 2, and when the radio wave is received from the search target device 2, the CPU 131 displays the acquired predetermined information on the display unit 12, and the ringing unit 104 notifies the notification sound. Is output.
　メモリ部１３２は、ＲＯＭ（Read Only Memory）、ＲＡＭ（Random Access Memory）を有し、ＣＰＵ１３１が実行する各種プログラム、および、各種データを記憶する。 The memory unit 132 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores various programs executed by the CPU 131 and various data.
　第２クロック１３３は、低速クロックであり、待機状態等において制御部１０３内部で使用するための、所定周波数（例えば３２ｋＨｚ）の基準クロック信号を生成する。第３クロック１３４は、高速・高精度のクロックであり、被探索装置２との通信状態等において制御部１０３内部で使用するための、所定周波数（例えば４０ＭＨｚ）の基準クロック信号を生成する。 The second clock 133 is a low-speed clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 32 kHz) to be used inside the control unit 103 in a standby state or the like. The third clock 134 is a high-speed and high-accuracy clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 40 MHz) for use inside the control unit 103 in a communication state with the search target device 2 or the like.
　論理演算部１３５は、ＣＰＵ１３１と協働して、送信フレームの送信タイミングと第３クロック１３４の基準クロックとの差、受信フレームの受信タイミングと第３クロック１３４の基準クロックとの差、および、被探索装置２における、送信フレームの送信タイミングと第３クロック２３４（図４参照）の基準クロックとの差、受信フレームの受信タイミングと第３クロック２３４の基準クロックとの差に基づいて、被探索装置２との間の伝送路の伝播遅延時間を計算する。 The logical operation unit 135 cooperates with the CPU 131 to determine the difference between the transmission timing of the transmission frame and the reference clock of the third clock 134, the difference between the reception timing of the reception frame and the reference clock of the third clock 134, Based on the difference between the transmission timing of the transmission frame and the reference clock of the third clock 234 (see FIG. 4) and the difference between the reception timing of the reception frame and the reference clock of the third clock 234 in the search device 2 The propagation delay time of the transmission line between 2 is calculated.
　鳴動部１０４は、ユーザからの指示を受けた場合等、所定のタイミングでスピーカから報知音を出力する。 The ringing unit 104 outputs a notification sound from the speaker at a predetermined timing when receiving an instruction from the user.
　電池１０５は、筐体１１内に収められ、電源スイッチ１４を介してユーザから電源ＯＮを指示されると、探索装置１の各部に電源を供給する。 The battery 105 is housed in the housing 11, and supplies power to each part of the search device 1 when a user turns on the power via the power switch 14.
　［ＣＰＵ１３１の機能］
　次に、図３を用いて探索装置１のＣＰＵ１３１の機能について説明する。ＣＰＵ１３１は、本発明に係る機能として、信号生成部１３１ａと、信号取得部１３１ｂと、距離推定部１３１ｃと、方向推定部１３１ｄと、を有する。 [Function of CPU 131]
Next, functions of the CPU 131 of the search device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 131 includes a signal generation unit 131a, a signal acquisition unit 131b, a distance estimation unit 131c, and a direction estimation unit 131d as functions according to the present invention.
　信号生成部１３１ａは、ユーザの指示（操作部１３から入力された電気信号）に基づいて、各種の情報を含むデジタル信号列（送信フレーム）を生成して送信部１２１に出力する。信号生成部１３１ａは、個別探索モードでは、ユーザから指示された単一の被探索装置２の識別情報および自機の識別情報をデジタル信号に含める。信号生成部１３１ａは、全探索モードでは、全ての被探索装置２に対して応答信号の送信を要求する旨の情報をデジタル信号に含める。信号生成部１３１ａは、グループ探索モードでは、ユーザから指示されたグループに属する全ての被探索装置２の識別情報をデジタル信号に含める。信号生成部１３１ａは、被探索モードでは、信号取得部１３１ｂから自機の識別情報の送信を要求する情報を入力した場合、自機の識別情報および通信相手の探索装置１の識別情報をデジタル信号に含める。なお、信号生成部１３１ａは、個別探索モードにおいて、ユーザからの指示等に基づいて、被探索装置２に対して発光または報知音の出力を指示する情報をデジタル信号（応答確認信号）に含めてもよい。 The signal generation unit 131a generates a digital signal sequence (transmission frame) including various information based on a user instruction (electrical signal input from the operation unit 13) and outputs the digital signal sequence (transmission frame) to the transmission unit 121. In the individual search mode, the signal generation unit 131a includes the identification information of the single searched device 2 and the identification information of the own device instructed by the user in the digital signal. In the all search mode, the signal generation unit 131a includes, in the digital signal, information indicating that all of the search target devices 2 request transmission of response signals. In the group search mode, the signal generation unit 131a includes identification information of all search target devices 2 belonging to the group instructed by the user in the digital signal. In the search mode, when the signal generation unit 131a inputs information requesting transmission of identification information of its own device from the signal acquisition unit 131b, the signal generation unit 131a receives the identification information of its own device and the identification information of the communication partner searching device 1 as a digital signal. Include in In the individual search mode, the signal generation unit 131a includes, in the digital signal (response confirmation signal), information that instructs the search target device 2 to emit light or output a notification sound based on an instruction from the user. Also good.
　信号取得部１３１ｂは、被探索モード以外の通信モードでは、受信された応答信号のデジタル信号列（受信フレーム）から、被探索装置２の識別情報を取得し、表示部１２に出力する。信号取得部１３１ｂは、被探索モードでは、受信された呼出信号のデジタル信号列（受信フレーム）から情報を取得し、当該情報が自機の識別情報の送信を要求するものである場合には、その旨を信号生成部１３１ａに出力する。なお、信号取得部１３１ｂは、全探索モードにおいて、ユーザの指示に基づいて、取得した被探索装置２の識別情報の内、（１）最も受信信号強度が大きいもののみ、（２）登録されている識別情報と一致するもの、（３）全て、のいずれかを表示部１２に出力するようにしても良い。 In the communication mode other than the searched mode, the signal acquiring unit 131b acquires the identification information of the searched device 2 from the digital signal sequence (received frame) of the received response signal and outputs it to the display unit 12. In the searched mode, the signal acquisition unit 131b acquires information from the digital signal sequence (reception frame) of the received call signal, and when the information requests transmission of identification information of the own device, The fact is output to the signal generator 131a. In the all search mode, the signal acquisition unit 131b is based on the user's instruction, and (1) only the one having the highest received signal strength among the acquired identification information of the search target device 2 is registered (2). Any one of (3) that matches the existing identification information may be output to the display unit 12.
　距離推定部１３１ｃは、個別探索モードにおいて、受信部１２２で測定された電波の受信信号強度、あるいは、論理演算部１３５で計算された伝播遅延時間に基づいて、被探索装置２までの距離を推定し、推定値を表示部１２に出力する。なお、本実施の形態における距離推定の詳細については後述する。 The distance estimation unit 131c estimates the distance to the search target device 2 based on the received signal strength of the radio wave measured by the reception unit 122 or the propagation delay time calculated by the logic operation unit 135 in the individual search mode. The estimated value is output to the display unit 12. Details of the distance estimation in the present embodiment will be described later.
　方向推定部１３１ｄは、個別探索モードにおいて、第２スイッチ１２６がＯＮかつ第３スイッチ１２７がＯＦＦのときの受信信号強度、および、第２スイッチ１２６がＯＦＦかつ第３スイッチ１２７がＯＮのときの受信信号強度に基づいて、被探索装置２の方向を推定し、推定値を表示部１２に出力する。なお、本実施の形態における方向推定の詳細については後述する。 The direction estimation unit 131d receives the received signal strength when the second switch 126 is ON and the third switch 127 is OFF and the reception when the second switch 126 is OFF and the third switch 127 is ON in the individual search mode. Based on the signal strength, the direction of the search target device 2 is estimated, and the estimated value is output to the display unit 12. Details of direction estimation in the present embodiment will be described later.
　［被探索装置２の回路構成（ブロック図）］
　次に、図４を用いて被探索装置２の回路構成について説明する。図４は、本実施の形態に係る被探索装置２の構成を示すブロック図である。被探索装置２は、筐体２１（図４では図示せず）と、ＬＥＤ２２と、電源スイッチ２３（図４では図示せず）と、基板（図示せず）と、アンテナ２０１と、無線部２０２と、制御部２０３と、鳴動部２０４と、電池２０５と、から主に構成される。 [Circuit Configuration of Searched Device 2 (Block Diagram)]
Next, the circuit configuration of the search target device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of searched device 2 according to the present embodiment. The searched device 2 includes a housing 21 (not shown in FIG. 4), an LED 22, a power switch 23 (not shown in FIG. 4), a substrate (not shown), an antenna 201, and a wireless unit 202. And a control unit 203, a ringing unit 204, and a battery 205.
　無線部２０２は、無線信号の処理を行う。無線部２０２は、送信部２２１と、受信部２２２と、無線制御部２２３と、第１クロック２２４と、第１スイッチ２２５と、を有する。 The wireless unit 202 processes wireless signals. The wireless unit 202 includes a transmission unit 221, a reception unit 222, a wireless control unit 223, a first clock 224, and a first switch 225.
　送信部２２１は、ＣＰＵ２３１から出力されたベースバンドのデジタル信号に対して、変調、増幅、アップコンバート等の無線送信処理を行い、アンテナ２０１から無線信号を送信する。送信部２２１から送信される電波（応答信号等）の周波数は、７１０ＭＨｚ以上９６０ＭＨｚ以下である。 The transmission unit 221 performs wireless transmission processing such as modulation, amplification, and up-conversion on the baseband digital signal output from the CPU 231, and transmits a wireless signal from the antenna 201. The frequency of the radio wave (response signal or the like) transmitted from the transmission unit 221 is 710 MHz or more and 960 MHz or less.
　受信部２２２は、アンテナ２０１に受信された無線信号に対して、増幅、ダウンコンバート、復調等の無線受信処理を行い、ベースバンドのデジタル信号をＣＰＵ２３１に出力する。 The reception unit 222 performs wireless reception processing such as amplification, down-conversion, and demodulation on the wireless signal received by the antenna 201 and outputs a baseband digital signal to the CPU 231.
　無線制御部２２３は、第１クロック２２４のクロック信号を使用して無線部２０２内の各部の制御を行う。 The wireless control unit 223 controls each unit in the wireless unit 202 using the clock signal of the first clock 224.
　第１クロック２２４は、高速・高精度のクロックであり、無線部２０２内部で使用するための、所定周波数（例えば３６ＭＨｚ）の基準クロック信号を生成する。 The first clock 224 is a high-speed and high-precision clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 36 MHz) for use inside the wireless unit 202.
　第１スイッチ２２５は、無線制御部２２３の指示に従って、送信部２２１あるいは受信部２２２のいずれかとアンテナ２０１とを接続する。 The first switch 225 connects either the transmission unit 221 or the reception unit 222 and the antenna 201 in accordance with an instruction from the wireless control unit 223.
　制御部２０３は、ベースバンド信号の処理を行う。制御部２０３は、ＣＰＵ２３１と、メモリ部２３２と、第２クロック２３３と、第３クロック２３４と、を有する。 The control unit 203 performs baseband signal processing. The control unit 203 includes a CPU 231, a memory unit 232, a second clock 233, and a third clock 234.
　ＣＰＵ２３１は、制御部２０３の中央処理装置であり、メモリ部２３２をワークメモリとして、各種プログラムを実行する。特に、ＣＰＵ２３１は、探索装置１に対して送信する信号を生成し、探索装置１から電波を受信した場合あるいは探索装置１から指示を受けた場合に、ＬＥＤ２２を発光させ、鳴動部２０４から報知音を出力させる。 The CPU 231 is a central processing unit of the control unit 203, and executes various programs using the memory unit 232 as a work memory. In particular, the CPU 231 generates a signal to be transmitted to the search device 1, and causes the LED 22 to emit light when the radio wave is received from the search device 1 or when an instruction is received from the search device 1. Is output.
　メモリ部２３２は、ＲＯＭ（Read Only Memory）、ＲＡＭ（Random Access Memory）を有し、ＣＰＵ２３１が実行する各種プログラム、および、各種データを記憶する。 The memory unit 232 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores various programs executed by the CPU 231 and various data.
　第２クロック２３３は、低速クロックであり、待機状態等において制御部２０３内部で使用するための、所定周波数（例えば３２ｋＨｚ）の基準クロック信号を生成する。第３クロック２３４は、高速・高精度のクロックであり、探索装置１との通信状態等において制御部２０３内部で使用するための、所定周波数（例えば４０ＭＨｚ）の基準クロック信号を生成する。 The second clock 233 is a low-speed clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 32 kHz) for use inside the control unit 203 in a standby state or the like. The third clock 234 is a high-speed and high-accuracy clock, and generates a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 40 MHz) to be used inside the control unit 203 in a communication state with the search device 1 or the like.
　鳴動部２０４は、探索装置１から電波を受信した時等、所定のタイミングでスピーカから報知音を出力する。 The ringing unit 204 outputs a notification sound from the speaker at a predetermined timing, for example, when a radio wave is received from the search device 1.
　電池２０５は、筐体２１内に収められ、電源スイッチ２３を介してユーザから電源ＯＮを指示されると、被探索装置２の各部に電源を供給する。 The battery 205 is housed in the housing 21, and supplies power to each part of the search target device 2 when a user turns on the power via the power switch 23.
　［ＣＰＵ２３１の機能］
　次に、図４を用いて被探索装置２のＣＰＵ２３１の機能について説明する。ＣＰＵ２３１は、本発明に係る機能として、信号生成部２３１ａと、信号取得部２３１ｂと、を有する。 [Function of CPU 231]
Next, functions of the CPU 231 of the search target device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 231 includes a signal generation unit 231a and a signal acquisition unit 231b as functions according to the present invention.
　信号生成部２３１ａは、信号取得部２３１ｂから自機の識別情報の送信を要求する情報を入力した場合、自機の識別情報および通信相手の探索装置１の識別情報を含むデジタル信号列（送信フレーム）を生成して送信部２２１に出力する。 When the signal generation unit 231a receives information requesting transmission of its own identification information from the signal acquisition unit 231b, the signal generation unit 231a includes a digital signal sequence (transmission frame) including the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the search device 1 of the communication partner. ) And output to the transmission unit 221.
　信号取得部２３１ｂは、受信された呼出信号のデジタル信号列（受信フレーム）から情報を取得し、当該情報が自機の識別情報の送信を要求するものである場合には、その旨を信号生成部２３１ａに出力する。また、信号取得部２３１ｂは、探索装置１から電波を受信した場合あるいは探索装置１から指示を受けた場合に、ＬＥＤ２２を発光させ、鳴動部２０４から報知音を出力させる。 The signal acquisition unit 231b acquires information from the digital signal sequence (reception frame) of the received call signal, and if the information requests transmission of identification information of the own device, generates a signal to that effect. To the unit 231a. Further, the signal acquisition unit 231 b causes the LED 22 to emit light and output a notification sound from the ringing unit 204 when receiving radio waves from the search device 1 or receiving an instruction from the search device 1.
　［個別探索モードの通信シーケンス］
　次に、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１と被探索装置２との個別探索モードでの通信の様子について、図５のシーケンス図を用いて説明する。 [Communication sequence in individual search mode]
Next, communication in the individual search mode between search device 1 and search target device 2 according to the present embodiment will be described using the sequence diagram of FIG.
　探索装置１は、電源ＯＮされた後、ユーザからの指示（操作部１３のボタン操作）があるまでは待機状態になる。待機状態では、消費電力を下げるために、探索装置１の各部には電力が供給されない（スリープ状態）。ただし、操作部１３および第２クロック１３３には電池１０５から電力が供給される。第２クロック１３３は、常時、低速のクロック回路を動作させてカウント動作を行う。 The search device 1 is in a standby state after the power is turned on until there is an instruction from the user (button operation of the operation unit 13). In the standby state, power is not supplied to each unit of the search device 1 in order to reduce power consumption (sleep state). However, power is supplied from the battery 105 to the operation unit 13 and the second clock 133. The second clock 133 always counts by operating a low-speed clock circuit.
　被探索装置２は、電源ＯＮされた後、待機状態になる。待機状態では、消費電力を下げるために、被探索装置２の各部には電力が供給されない（スリープ状態）。ただし、第２クロック２３３には電池２０５から電力が供給される。第２クロック２３３は、常時、低速のクロック回路を動作させてカウント動作を行う。 The searched device 2 enters a standby state after being powered on. In the standby state, power is not supplied to each unit of the searchee device 2 in order to reduce power consumption (sleep state). However, power is supplied from the battery 205 to the second clock 233. The second clock 233 always counts by operating a low-speed clock circuit.
　被探索装置２は、第２クロック２３３のカウント値が満了するまでの第１間隔（例えば３ｓ）毎に、各部に電力を供給する（起動状態）。起動状態では、被探索装置２は、第１期間３２１（例えば３ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。この時、第１クロック２２４は、クロック回路を動作させてカウント動作を行う。 The searched device 2 supplies power to each unit at every first interval (for example, 3 s) until the count value of the second clock 233 expires (starting state). In the activated state, the searchee device 2 performs reception processing in the first period 321 (for example, 3 ms). At this time, the first clock 224 performs a count operation by operating the clock circuit.
　そして、被探索装置２は、第１期間３２１の間に、自機の識別情報の送信を要求する情報を取得できなかった場合にはスリープ状態に戻る。 Then, in the first period 321, the searched device 2 returns to the sleep state when it cannot acquire information requesting transmission of its own identification information.
　待機状態において、探索装置１は、ユーザから探索対象の被探索装置２の識別情報を指示されると、各部に電力を供給し、被探索装置２の探索を開始する（サーチ状態）。この時、第１クロック１２４、第３クロック１３４は、高速のクロック回路を動作させてカウント動作を行う。 In the standby state, when the user instructs the identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, the search device 1 supplies power to each unit and starts searching for the search target device 2 (search state). At this time, the first clock 124 and the third clock 134 perform a counting operation by operating a high-speed clock circuit.
　サーチ状態に入った探索装置１は、まず、他の探索装置１が電波を送信していないことを確認するために、第２期間３１１（例えば５ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。そして、探索装置１は、第２期間３１１の間に他の探索装置１からの電波を受信しなかった場合、上記第１間隔よりも長い第３期間３１２（例えば３．５ｓ）において、自機の識別情報、探索対象の被探索装置２の識別情報および当該被探索装置２に対して応答信号の送信タイミングを指示するタイミング情報を含む呼出信号を繰り返し送信する。 The search device 1 that has entered the search state first performs reception processing in the second period 311 (for example, 5 ms) in order to confirm that other search devices 1 are not transmitting radio waves. Then, when the search device 1 does not receive the radio wave from the other search device 1 during the second period 311, the search device 1 in the third period 312 (for example, 3.5 s) longer than the first interval. The call signal including the identification information, the identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, and the timing information indicating the transmission timing of the response signal to the search target device 2 is repeatedly transmitted.
　被探索装置２は、いずれかの第１期間３２１－３の間に呼出信号を受信すると、探索装置１との通信を開始する（通信状態）。この時、第３クロック２３４は、高速のクロック回路を動作させてカウント動作を行う。そして、被探索装置２は、呼出信号に含まれるタイミング情報によって指定された第４期間３２２－１（例えば２ｍｓ）において、自機の識別情報、通信相手の探索装置１の識別情報および距離情報（送信フレームの送信タイミングと第３クロック２３４の基準クロックとの差、受信フレームの受信タイミングと第３クロック２３４の基準クロックとの差）を含む応答信号（なお、以下の説明において、呼出信号を受信してから最初に送信する応答信号を「呼出応答信号」という）を送信する。 The searched device 2 starts communication with the search device 1 (communication state) when receiving the calling signal during any of the first periods 321-3. At this time, the third clock 234 performs a count operation by operating a high-speed clock circuit. Then, in the fourth period 322-1 (for example, 2 ms) specified by the timing information included in the call signal, the searched device 2 detects its own identification information, the identification information of the communication partner searching device 1, and the distance information ( A response signal including the difference between the transmission timing of the transmission frame and the reference clock of the third clock 234 and the difference between the reception timing of the reception frame and the reference clock of the third clock 234 (in the following description, the call signal is received) Then, the first response signal to be transmitted is referred to as “call response signal”).
　探索装置１は、第５期間３１３（例えば１００ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。そして、探索装置１は、呼出応答信号を受信すると、すぐに、第６期間３１４－１（例えば２ｍｓ）において、自機の識別情報および探索対象の被探索装置２の識別情報を含む応答確認信号を送信する。なお、応答確認信号の無線周波数は、呼出信号のものと異なる。したがって、被探索装置２は、応答確認信号と他の探索装置１からの呼出信号とを同時に受信しても混信を起こすことがない。 The search device 1 performs reception processing in the fifth period 313 (for example, 100 ms). Then, as soon as the search device 1 receives the call response signal, in the sixth period 314-1 (for example, 2 ms), the response confirmation signal including the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched. Send. Note that the radio frequency of the response confirmation signal is different from that of the call signal. Therefore, even if the searched device 2 receives the response confirmation signal and the calling signal from the other searching device 1 at the same time, no interference occurs.
　被探索装置２は、第４期間３２２－１の直後の第７期間３２３－１（例えば３ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。そして、被探索装置２は、応答確認信号を受信すると、第１間隔よりも短い第２間隔（例えば１００ｍｓ）が経過した後の第４期間３２２－２において、再び応答信号を送信する。 The searched device 2 performs reception processing in the seventh period 323-1 (for example, 3 ms) immediately after the fourth period 322-1. Then, when the searched device 2 receives the response confirmation signal, it transmits the response signal again in the fourth period 322-2 after the second interval (for example, 100 ms) shorter than the first interval has elapsed.
　以降、ユーザから切断指示があるまで、通信システムは、応答信号の送信／受信、応答確認信号の送信／受信を繰り返す。探索装置１は、応答信号を受信する毎に、当該応答信号を用いて被探索装置２の距離と方向を推定し、被探索装置２の識別情報および被探索装置２の距離および方向に関する情報を表示部１２の画面上に表示させる。 Thereafter, the communication system repeats transmission / reception of response signals and transmission / reception of response confirmation signals until a disconnection instruction is received from the user. Each time the search device 1 receives a response signal, the search device 1 estimates the distance and direction of the search target device 2 using the response signal, and obtains identification information of the search target device 2 and information on the distance and direction of the search target device 2. It is displayed on the screen of the display unit 12.
　ユーザから切断指示があると、探索装置１は、次の第６期間３１４－７において、自機の識別情報、探索対象の被探索装置２の識別情報および当該被探索装置２に対して送信切断を伝達する情報を含む切断信号を送信する。 When there is a disconnection instruction from the user, in the next sixth period 314-7, the search device 1 disconnects its own identification information, identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, and the search target device 2 A disconnection signal including information for transmitting is transmitted.
　被探索装置２は、対応する第７期間３２３－７において切断信号を受信すると、次の第４期間３２２－８において、自機の識別情報、通信相手の探索装置１の識別情報および切断信号を受信した旨を示す情報を含む切断応答信号を送信する。 When the searchee device 2 receives the disconnection signal in the corresponding seventh period 323-7, in the next fourth period 322-8, the searchee device 2 receives the identification information of the own device, the identification information of the communication partner search device 1 and the disconnection signal. A disconnection response signal including information indicating that it has been received is transmitted.
　探索装置１は、次の第６期間３１４－８において、自機の識別情報、探索対象の被探索装置２の識別情報および切断応答信号を受信した旨を示す情報を含む切断確認信号を送信し、待機状態に戻る。また、被探索装置２は、次の第７期間３２３－８において切断確認信号を受信すると待機状態に戻る。 In the next sixth period 314-8, the search device 1 transmits a disconnection confirmation signal including its own identification information, identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, and information indicating that a disconnection response signal has been received. Return to the standby state. In addition, in the next seventh period 323-8, the searchee device 2 returns to the standby state when receiving the disconnection confirmation signal.
　［全探索（グループ探索）モードの通信シーケンス］
　次に、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１と被探索装置２との個別探索モードでの通信の様子について、図６のシーケンス図を用いて説明する。なお、グループ探索モードのシーケンスは、全探索モードと同一になる。また、待機状態における探索装置１と被探索装置２の様子は、全ての通信モードにおいて同一であり、既に図５を用いて説明したので、ここではその説明を省略する。 [Communication sequence in full search (group search) mode]
Next, the state of communication in the individual search mode between search device 1 and search target device 2 according to the present embodiment will be described using the sequence diagram of FIG. Note that the sequence of the group search mode is the same as that of the full search mode. In addition, since the states of the search device 1 and the search target device 2 in the standby state are the same in all communication modes and have already been described with reference to FIG. 5, description thereof is omitted here.
　図６において、探索装置１の電波が届く範囲には、４台の被探索装置２（２－１、２－２、２－３、２－４）が存在しているものとする。 In FIG. 6, it is assumed that there are four searched devices 2 (2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4) in the range where the radio waves of the searching device 1 reach.
　全探索モードの場合、通信状態の探索装置１は、まず、他の探索装置１が電波を送信していないことを確認するために、第２期間３１１（例えば５ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。そして、探索装置１は、第２期間３１１の間に他の探索装置１から電波を受信しなかった場合、上記第１間隔よりも長い第３期間３１２（例えば３．５ｓ）において、全ての被探索装置２に対して識別情報の送信を要求する情報を含む呼出信号を繰り返し送信する。 In the full search mode, the search device 1 in the communication state first performs reception processing in the second period 311 (for example, 5 ms) in order to confirm that the other search devices 1 are not transmitting radio waves. Then, when the search device 1 does not receive radio waves from the other search devices 1 during the second period 311, the search device 1 performs all the coverage in the third period 312 (for example, 3.5 s) longer than the first interval. The calling signal including information requesting the search device 2 to transmit identification information is repeatedly transmitted.
　各被探索装置２は、いずれかの第１期間３２１－１２、３２１－２２、３２１－３１、３２１－４１の間に呼出信号を受信すると、当該第１期間３２１の開始から第１間隔時間が経過した後の第４期間３２２において、自機の識別情報を含む呼出応答信号を送信する。 When each searched device 2 receives a call signal during any of the first periods 321-12, 321-22, 321-31, and 321-41, the first interval time from the start of the first period 321 is received. In a fourth period 322 after the elapse, a call response signal including identification information of the own device is transmitted.
　探索装置１は、第３期間３１２の満了後、上記第１間隔よりも長い第５期間３１３（例えば３．５ｓ）において呼出応答信号を受信する。 The search device 1 receives a call response signal in a fifth period 313 (for example, 3.5 s) longer than the first interval after the third period 312 expires.
　以降、通信システムは、予め定められた回数Ｎだけ、呼出信号の送信／受信、呼出応答信号の送信／受信を繰り返す。探索装置１は、受信した呼出応答信号に含まれる被探索装置２の識別情報を表示部１２の画面上に表示させる。その後、探索装置１および各被探索装置２は、待機状態に戻る。 Thereafter, the communication system repeats transmission / reception of a paging signal and transmission / reception of a paging response signal for a predetermined number N. The search device 1 displays the identification information of the search target device 2 included in the received call response signal on the screen of the display unit 12. Thereafter, the searching device 1 and each searched device 2 return to the standby state.
　［距離推定］
　次に、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１による被探索装置２までの距離の推定方法について説明する。無線通信の分野における距離の推定方法として、受信信号強度に基づく第１距離推定方法と、伝播遅延時間に基づく第２距離推定方法とが知られている。 [Distance estimation]
Next, a method for estimating the distance to the search target device 2 by the search device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As a distance estimation method in the field of wireless communication, a first distance estimation method based on received signal strength and a second distance estimation method based on propagation delay time are known.
　図７は、距離と受信信号強度との関係を示す図である。図７において、横軸は距離（ｍ）、縦軸は受信信号強度（ｄＢｍ）である。図７に示すように距離と受信信号強度との間には相関があり、距離が長くなるほど受信信号強度は低くなる。第１距離推定方法は、この距離と受信信号強度との間には相関を用いて距離を推定する方法である。 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between distance and received signal strength. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents distance (m), and the vertical axis represents received signal strength (dBm). As shown in FIG. 7, there is a correlation between the distance and the received signal strength, and the longer the distance, the lower the received signal strength. The first distance estimation method is a method of estimating a distance using a correlation between this distance and the received signal strength.
　ここで、図７に示すように、距離が長くなるほど、単位距離に対する受信信号強度の変動量が小さくなる。したがって、探索装置１は、被探索装置２までの距離が短い場合には、第１距離推定方法を用いることにより、精度良く距離を推定することができる。一方、被探索装置２までの距離が長い場合には、電波変動が緩やかになるため、第１距離推定方法を用いると、精度良く距離を推定することができない。 Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the longer the distance, the smaller the fluctuation amount of the received signal strength with respect to the unit distance. Therefore, when the distance to the search target device 2 is short, the search device 1 can estimate the distance with high accuracy by using the first distance estimation method. On the other hand, when the distance to the search target device 2 is long, the radio wave fluctuation becomes gentle. Therefore, when the first distance estimation method is used, the distance cannot be estimated with high accuracy.
　第２距離推定方法は、計算された伝播遅延時間に電波の速さを乗算することにより距離を推定する方法である。第２距離推定方法の推定精度は、距離によらず略一定である。また、被探索装置２までの距離が長い場合は、その距離が短い場合に比べて推定精度の高さを要求されない。 The second distance estimation method is a method for estimating the distance by multiplying the calculated propagation delay time by the speed of the radio wave. The estimation accuracy of the second distance estimation method is substantially constant regardless of the distance. In addition, when the distance to the search target device 2 is long, higher estimation accuracy is not required than when the distance is short.
　上記の点に鑑み、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１の距離推定部１３１ｃは、測定された受信信号強度が、所定の閾値（例えば－５０ｄＢｍ）よりも大きい場合（近距離モード）には受信信号強度に基づく第１距離推定方法を用いて被探索装置２までの距離を推定し、所定の閾値以下の場合（広域モード）には伝播遅延時間に基づく第２距離推定方法を用いて被探索装置２までの距離を推定する。 In view of the above points, the distance estimation unit 131c of the search device 1 according to the present embodiment receives signals when the measured received signal strength is greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, −50 dBm) (short-range mode). The distance to the search target device 2 is estimated using the first distance estimation method based on the signal strength, and the search target is searched using the second distance estimation method based on the propagation delay time when it is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (wide area mode). The distance to the device 2 is estimated.
　なお、本実施の形態では、推定方法の切り替えにヒステリシス制御を用い、第１距離推定方法から第２距離推定方法に切り替えるための第１閾値と、第２距離推定方法から第１距離推定方法に切り替えるための第２閾値（＞第１閾値）とを、それぞれ設定してもよい。これにより、推定方法の切り替えが頻繁になって推定距離が短時間で大きく上下してしまうことを防ぐことができる。 In the present embodiment, hysteresis control is used to switch the estimation method, the first threshold for switching from the first distance estimation method to the second distance estimation method, and the second distance estimation method to the first distance estimation method. A second threshold value (> first threshold value) for switching may be set. As a result, it is possible to prevent the estimated distance from greatly changing in a short time due to frequent switching of the estimation method.
　また、本実施の形態では、第１距離推定方法から第２距離推定方法への切り替えを受信信号強度と第３閾値との大小関係に基づいて行い、第２距離推定方法から第１距離推定方法への切り替えを伝播遅延時間と第４閾値との大小関係に基づいて行ってもよい。 Further, in the present embodiment, switching from the first distance estimation method to the second distance estimation method is performed based on the magnitude relationship between the received signal strength and the third threshold value, and the second distance estimation method to the first distance estimation method. Switching to may be performed based on the magnitude relationship between the propagation delay time and the fourth threshold value.
　［アンテナ制御および方向推定］
　次に、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１によるアンテナ１０１の制御および被探索装置２の方向の推定方法について説明する。 [Antenna control and direction estimation]
Next, a method for controlling the antenna 101 by the search device 1 and a method for estimating the direction of the search target device 2 according to the present embodiment will be described.
　無線制御部１２３は、電波（応答信号）を受信する際、第１スイッチ１２５を制御して第１アンテナ素子１１１と受信部１２２と接続させる。 When receiving the radio wave (response signal), the wireless control unit 123 controls the first switch 125 to connect the first antenna element 111 and the receiving unit 122.
　また、個別探索モードにおいて、無線制御部１２３は、電波（応答信号）の受信期間中の第１部分期間において、第２スイッチ１２６をＯＮにして基板１５と第２アンテナ素子１１２との間を接続し、第３スイッチ１２７をＯＦＦにして基板１５と第３アンテナ素子１１３との間を切断する。 In the individual search mode, the wireless control unit 123 turns on the second switch 126 and connects the substrate 15 and the second antenna element 112 in the first partial period during the reception period of the radio wave (response signal). Then, the third switch 127 is turned OFF to disconnect between the substrate 15 and the third antenna element 113.
　この制御により、接続した第２アンテナ素子１１２および基板１５は、全体として第１アンテナ素子１１１（放射器）より長くなるので、反射器として作用する。また、第３アンテナ素子１１３は、第１アンテナ素子１１１（放射器）より短くなるので、導波器として作用する。 By this control, the connected second antenna element 112 and substrate 15 are longer than the first antenna element 111 (radiator) as a whole, and thus act as a reflector. Moreover, since the 3rd antenna element 113 becomes shorter than the 1st antenna element 111 (radiator), it acts as a waveguide.
　この結果、第１部分期間では、図８の第１受信指向性８０１が形成される。この時、ユーザが、探索装置１を、平面１１ｅ側（上端側）を前方にして略水平に持つと、探索装置１は、右斜め前方からの電波を強く受信することができる。 As a result, the first reception directivity 801 of FIG. 8 is formed in the first partial period. At this time, if the user holds the search device 1 substantially horizontally with the plane 11e side (upper end side) in front, the search device 1 can strongly receive radio waves from diagonally forward right.
　また、無線制御部１２３は、電波（応答信号）の受信期間中の第２部分期間において、第２スイッチ１２６をＯＦＦにして基板１５と第２アンテナ素子１１２との間を切断し、第３スイッチ１２７をＯＮにして基板１５と第３アンテナ素子１１３との間を接続する。 In addition, the wireless control unit 123 turns off the second switch 126 and disconnects the substrate 15 from the second antenna element 112 in the second partial period during the reception period of the radio wave (response signal), and the third switch 127 is turned on to connect between the substrate 15 and the third antenna element 113.
　この制御により、接続した第３アンテナ素子１１３および基板１５は、全体として第１アンテナ素子１１１（放射器）より長くなるので、反射器として作用する。また、第２アンテナ素子１１２は、第１アンテナ素子１１１（放射器）より短くなるので、導波器として作用する。 By this control, the connected third antenna element 113 and substrate 15 are longer than the first antenna element 111 (radiator) as a whole, and thus act as a reflector. Moreover, since the 2nd antenna element 112 becomes shorter than the 1st antenna element 111 (radiator), it acts as a waveguide.
　この結果、第２部分期間では、図８の第２受信指向性８０２が形成される。この時、ユーザが、探索装置１を、平面１１ｅ側（上端側）を前方にして略水平に持つと、探索装置１は、左斜め前方からの電波を強く受信することができる。 As a result, the second reception directivity 802 in FIG. 8 is formed in the second partial period. At this time, if the user holds the search device 1 substantially horizontally with the plane 11e side (upper end side) in front, the search device 1 can strongly receive radio waves from the diagonally left front.
　そして、探索対象の被探索装置２がユーザの右側に存在する場合、第１部分期間における受信信号強度が、第２部分期間における受信信号強度よりも高くなる。逆に、探索対象の被探索装置２がユーザの左側に存在する場合、第１部分期間における受信信号強度が、第２部分期間における受信信号強度よりも低くなる。 When the search target device 2 to be searched exists on the right side of the user, the received signal strength in the first partial period is higher than the received signal strength in the second partial period. Conversely, when the search target device 2 to be searched exists on the left side of the user, the received signal strength in the first partial period is lower than the received signal strength in the second partial period.
　したがって、本実施の形態によれば、第１部分期間と第２部分期間とにおける受信信号強度の差の大きさおよび大小関係によって被探索装置２の方向を推定することができる。 Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to estimate the direction of searched device 2 based on the magnitude and magnitude relationship of the difference in received signal strength between the first partial period and the second partial period.
　なお、個別探索モードにおける電波送信時、全探索モード時、グループ探索モード時および被探索モード時には、無線制御部１２３が第２スイッチ１２６および第３スイッチ１２７をＯＦＦにし、探索装置１は、無指向性の送受信を行ってもよい。 Note that the radio control unit 123 turns off the second switch 126 and the third switch 127 during radio wave transmission in the individual search mode, in the full search mode, in the group search mode, and in the searched mode, and the search device 1 is omnidirectional. Sexual transmission / reception may be performed.
　本実施の形態では、メモリ部１３２が、図９に示すように、受信信号強度の差の大きさとその符号（大小関係）に基づく推定方向を示す情報テーブルを格納する。方向推定部１３１ｄは、第１部分期間内および第２部分期間内においてそれぞれ測定された受信信号強度から、図９の情報テーブルを参照して、被探索装置２の方向を推定し、推定結果を表示部１２に出力する。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the memory unit 132 stores an information table indicating the estimated direction based on the magnitude of the difference in received signal strength and its sign (magnitude relationship). The direction estimation unit 131d estimates the direction of the search target device 2 with reference to the information table of FIG. 9 from the received signal strengths measured in the first partial period and the second partial period, and calculates the estimation result. Output to the display unit 12.
　なお、方向推定部１３１ｄは、複数の受信信号強度の測定値を用いて被探索装置２の方向を推定しても良い。これにより、伝搬路の変動の影響を吸収することができる。「複数の受信信号強度の測定値を用いる」とは、例えば、指向性毎に、複数の受信信号強度を平均化し（単純移動平均、加重移動平均等）、その平均値を用いることである。 Note that the direction estimation unit 131d may estimate the direction of the search target device 2 using a plurality of received signal strength measurement values. Thereby, the influence of the fluctuation | variation of a propagation path can be absorbed. “Using a plurality of measured values of received signal strength” means, for example, averaging a plurality of received signal strengths for each directivity (simple moving average, weighted moving average, etc.) and using the average value.
　［表示画面］
　次に、図１０を用いて、本実施の形態に係る探索装置の画面に表示する情報について説明する。 [Display screen]
Next, information displayed on the screen of the search device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
　図１０（Ａ）は、既に登録している被探索装置２の探索を開始する際の個別探索モードの開始時の画面である。この画面には、登録番号と共に探索対象の被探索装置２の識別番号（識別情報）１００１が表示される。ユーザがこの表示状態で探索実行を指示すると、探索装置１は、画面に識別番号が表示されている被探索装置２について個別探索モードを実行する。 FIG. 10A is a screen at the start of the individual search mode when starting the search for the already-registered search target device 2. On this screen, an identification number (identification information) 1001 of the search target device 2 to be searched is displayed together with the registration number. When the user instructs search execution in this display state, the search apparatus 1 executes the individual search mode for the search target apparatus 2 whose identification number is displayed on the screen.
　図１０（Ｂ）は、未登録の被探索装置２の探索を開始する際の個別探索モードの開始時の画面である。この画面には、探索対象の被探索装置２の識別番号（識別情報）の入力が完了した部分１００２が表示される。ユーザが識別番号の入力を完了した後にこの表示状態で探索実行を指示すると、探索装置１は、画面に識別番号が表示されている被探索装置２について個別探索モード（図５参照）を実行する。 FIG. 10B is a screen at the start of the individual search mode when starting the search for the unregistered search target device 2. This screen displays a portion 1002 in which the input of the identification number (identification information) of the search target device 2 to be searched is completed. When the user instructs the search execution in this display state after completing the input of the identification number, the search device 1 executes the individual search mode (see FIG. 5) for the searched device 2 whose identification number is displayed on the screen. .
　図１０（Ｃ）は、全探索モードの開始時の画面である。この画面には、「ＡＬＬ」の文字１００３が表示される。ユーザがこの表示状態で探索実行を指示すると、探索装置１は、全別探索モード（図６参照）を実行する。 FIG. 10C shows a screen at the start of the full search mode. On this screen, a character 1003 of “ALL” is displayed. When the user instructs search execution in this display state, the search device 1 executes the all-in-one search mode (see FIG. 6).
　図１０（Ｄ）は、グループ探索モードの開始時の画面である。この画面には、「登録ＡＬＬ」の文字１００４が表示される。ユーザがこの表示状態で探索実行を指示すると、探索装置１は、予め登録された全ての被探索装置２に対してグループ探索モード（図６参照）を実行する。 FIG. 10D shows a screen at the start of the group search mode. On this screen, a character 1004 of “registration ALL” is displayed. When the user instructs search execution in this display state, the search device 1 executes the group search mode (see FIG. 6) for all the search target devices 2 registered in advance.
　図１０（Ｅ）は、個別探索モードを実行し、被探索装置２から応答信号を受信した際の画面である。この画面には、応答があった被探索装置２の識別情報１００５－１、被探索装置２までの距離に関する情報１００５－２、被探索装置２の方向に関する情報１００５－３、受信信号強度を示す情報１００５－４等が画面上に表示させる。 FIG. 10E is a screen when the individual search mode is executed and a response signal is received from the searchee device 2. This screen shows the identification information 1005-1 of the searched device 2 that has responded, the information 1005-2 regarding the distance to the searched device 2, the information 1005-3 regarding the direction of the searched device 2, and the received signal strength. Information 1005-4 and the like are displayed on the screen.
　なお、本実施の形態では、被探索装置２の方向に関する情報１００５－３の更新を１ステップずつに制限する。例えば、前回の方向推定の結果が左７５°であり、次の方向推定の結果が右３０°であった場合、画面には、左７５°から１ステップ（１５°）右３０°に近づいた左６０°を示す情報が表示される。その後、方向推定の結果が継続して右３０°であった場合、画面には、左４５°、左３０°左１５°、０°、右１５°、右３０°をそれぞれ示す情報が順次表示される。これにより、電波遮断等による推定方向の一時的かつ急激な変動の影響を吸収することができる。また、図８の指向性は、ユーザの探索装置１の持ち方等により変動するものであり、受信信号強度から推定した方向と実際の被探索装置２の方向は必ずしも一致しないが、本実施の形態の方向推定は、大まかに被探索装置２の方向を推定することができ、十分有効なものである。 In the present embodiment, the update of the information 1005-3 regarding the direction of the searchee device 2 is limited to one step. For example, when the previous direction estimation result is 75 ° left and the next direction estimation result is 30 ° right, the screen approaches from the left 75 ° to 30 ° right by one step (15 °). Information indicating the left 60 ° is displayed. Thereafter, when the direction estimation result is continuously 30 ° to the right, information indicating 45 ° left, 30 ° left 15 ° left, 0 °, 15 ° right, and 30 ° right is sequentially displayed on the screen. Is done. Thereby, the influence of the temporary and rapid fluctuation | variation of the estimated direction by radio wave interruption etc. can be absorbed. In addition, the directivity of FIG. 8 varies depending on the user's way of holding the search device 1 and the like, and the direction estimated from the received signal strength and the actual direction of the search target device 2 do not necessarily match. The direction estimation of the form can roughly estimate the direction of the search target device 2 and is sufficiently effective.
　図１０（Ｆ）は、全探索モードあるいはグループ探索モードを実行し、被探索装置２から呼出応答信号を受信した際の画面である。この画面には、探索された全ての被探索装置２の識別情報１００６が画面上に表示させる。この時、受信信号強度が高い順番に、被探索装置２の識別情報１００６が上から表示される。 FIG. 10 (F) is a screen when the full search mode or the group search mode is executed and a call response signal is received from the searched device 2. On this screen, identification information 1006 of all searched devices 2 to be searched is displayed on the screen. At this time, the identification information 1006 of the search target device 2 is displayed from the top in descending order of the received signal strength.
　［フローの説明］
　次に、図１１Ａおよび図１１Ｂを用いて、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１の動作の流れを説明する。 [Description of flow]
Next, the flow of the operation of search device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B.
　探索装置１は、電源がＯＮされた段階ではスリープ状態となり（ＳＴ１１０１）、この状態で、ユーザからの指示を待つ（ＳＴ１１０２）。 The search device 1 enters a sleep state when the power is turned on (ST1101), and waits for an instruction from the user in this state (ST1102).
　ユーザからの指示が個別探索モードであった場合（ＳＴ１１０２：個別探索モード）、探索装置１は、探索対象の被探索装置２に対して呼出信号を送信する（ＳＴ１１０３、ＳＴ１１０４）。そして、探索装置１は、呼出信号において被探索装置２に指示したタイミングで受信処理を行う（ＳＴ１１０５）。 When the instruction from the user is the individual search mode (ST1102: individual search mode), the search device 1 transmits a call signal to the search target device 2 (ST1103, ST1104). Then, search device 1 performs reception processing at the timing instructed to searched device 2 in the call signal (ST1105).
　ＳＴ１１０５において呼出応答信号を受信できなかった場合には（ＳＴ１１０６：ＮＯ）、探索装置１は、ＳＴ１１０４からＳＴ１１０６のステップを繰り返す（ＳＴ１１０７：ＮＯ、ＳＴ１１０８）。そして、呼出信号をＭ回送信しても呼出応答信号を受信できなかった場合（ＳＴ１１０７：ＹＥＳ）、探索装置１は、応答がない旨のメッセージを表示部１２の画面に表示する（ＳＴ１１０９）。そして、フローは、ＳＴ１１３２に進む。 If the call response signal cannot be received in ST1105 (ST1106: NO), search device 1 repeats steps ST1104 to ST1106 (ST1107: NO, ST1108). If the call response signal is not received even if the call signal is transmitted M times (ST1107: YES), search device 1 displays a message indicating that there is no response on the screen of display unit 12 (ST1109). Then, the flow proceeds to ST1132.
　ＳＴ１１０５において呼出応答信号を受信できた場合（ＳＴ１１０６：ＹＥＳ）、探索装置１は、被探索装置２に対して直ぐに応答確認信号を送信する（ＳＴ１１１０）。また、探索装置１は、応答信号の受信信号強度を測定し（ＳＴ１１１１）、被探索装置２までの距離を推定し（ＳＴ１１１２）、被探索装置２の方向を推定する（ＳＴ１１１３）。そして、探索装置１は、被探索装置２の識別情報、および、被探索装置２の距離および方向に関する情報を表示部１２の画面に表示する（ＳＴ１１１４）。 If the call response signal can be received in ST1105 (ST1106: YES), search device 1 immediately transmits a response confirmation signal to searched device 2 (ST1110). Search device 1 measures the received signal strength of the response signal (ST1111), estimates the distance to search target device 2 (ST1112), and estimates the direction of search target device 2 (ST1113). Then, search device 1 displays the identification information of search target device 2 and the information related to the distance and direction of search target device 2 on the screen of display unit 12 (ST1114).
　その後、ユーザから探索終了の指示がなく（ＳＴ１１１５：ＮＯ）、タイマが所定の時間を計時して終了しなければ（ＳＴ１１１６：ＮＯ）、探索装置１は、所定の間隔で再び受信処理を行う（ＳＴ１１１７）。 After that, if there is no instruction to end the search from the user (ST1115: NO) and the timer does not end after counting a predetermined time (ST1116: NO), the search device 1 performs the receiving process again at a predetermined interval ( ST1117).
　ＳＴ１１１７において応答信号を受信できなかった場合には（ＳＴ１１１８：ＮＯ）、探索装置１は、ＳＴ１１１５からＳＴ１１１７のステップを繰り返す。一方、ＳＴ１１１７において応答信号を受信できた場合には（ＳＴ１１１８：ＹＥＳ）、フローはＳＴ１１１０に戻り、探索装置１は、ＳＴ１１１０からＳＴ１１１７のステップを繰り返す（通信状態）。 If the response signal cannot be received in ST1117 (ST1118: NO), search device 1 repeats steps ST1115 to ST1117. On the other hand, if a response signal can be received in ST1117 (ST1118: YES), the flow returns to ST1110, and search device 1 repeats the steps from ST1110 to ST1117 (communication state).
　この通信状態において、ユーザから探索終了の指示があった場合（ＳＴ１１１５：ＹＥＳ）、あるいは、タイマが所定の時間を計時して終了した場合（ＳＴ１１１６：ＹＥＳ）、探索装置１は、切断信号送信、切断応答信号受信および切断確認信号送信の切断処理を行う（ＳＴ１１１９）。そして、フローは、ＳＴ１１３２に進む。 In this communication state, when the user gives an instruction to end the search (ST1115: YES), or when the timer ends by measuring a predetermined time (ST1116: YES), the search device 1 transmits a disconnection signal, A disconnection signal reception and disconnection confirmation signal transmission disconnection process is performed (ST1119). Then, the flow proceeds to ST1132.
　ＳＴ１１０２において、ユーザからの指示が全探索モードあるいはグループ探索モードであった場合（ＳＴ１１０２：全探索モード、グループ探索モード）、探索装置１は、全ての被探索装置２に対して、あるいは、予め登録された全ての被探索装置２に対して、一斉に呼出信号を送信し（ＳＴ１１２１、ＳＴ１１２２）、所定期間に渡って受信処理を行う（ＳＴ１１２３）。探索装置１は、ＳＴ１１２２およびＳＴ１１２３のステップをＮ回繰り返す（ＳＴ１１２４、ＳＴ１１２５）。 In ST1102, when the instruction from the user is the full search mode or the group search mode (ST1102: full search mode, group search mode), search device 1 is registered for all search target devices 2 or in advance. Call signals are transmitted to all the searched devices 2 all at once (ST1121, ST1122), and reception processing is performed over a predetermined period (ST1123). Searching apparatus 1 repeats steps ST1122 and ST1123 N times (ST1124, ST1125).
　Ｎ回のＳＴ１１２３において応答信号を１つも受信できなかった場合には（ＳＴ１１２６：ＮＯ）、探索装置１は、探索装置１は、応答がない旨のメッセージを表示部１２の画面に表示する（ＳＴ１１２７）。そして、フローは、ＳＴ１１３２に進む。 When no response signal has been received in N times of ST1123 (ST1126: NO), search device 1 displays a message indicating that there is no response on screen of display unit 12 (ST1127). ). Then, the flow proceeds to ST1132.
　Ｎ回のＳＴ１１２３において１つでも応答信号を受信できた場合（ＳＴ１１２６：ＹＥＳ）、探索装置１は、被探索装置２の識別情報を表示部１２の画面に表示する（ＳＴ１１２８）。 If at least one response signal has been received in ST1123 (ST1126: YES), search device 1 displays the identification information of search target device 2 on the screen of display unit 12 (ST1128).
　その後、ユーザから個別探索モードへの移行指示や探索終了の指示がなく（ＳＴ１１２９：ＮＯ、ＳＴ１１３０：ＮＯ）、タイマが所定の時間を計時して終了しなければ（ＳＴ１１３１：ＮＯ）、探索装置１は、ＳＴ１１２８のステップを繰り返す。 After that, if there is no instruction to shift to the individual search mode or an instruction to end the search from the user (ST1129: NO, ST1130: NO), and the timer does not end after measuring a predetermined time (ST1131: NO), search device 1 Repeats step ST1128.
　ＳＴ１１２８の後、個別探索モードへの移行指示があった場合（ＳＴ１１２９：ＹＥＳ）、フローはＳＴ１１０３に進む。また、ユーザから探索終了の指示があった場合（ＳＴ１１３０：ＹＥＳ）、あるいは、タイマが所定の時間を計時して終了した場合（ＳＴ１１３１：ＹＥＳ）、フローは、ＳＴ１１３２に進む。 If there is an instruction to shift to the individual search mode after ST1128 (ST1129: YES), the flow proceeds to ST1103. If the search is instructed by the user (ST1130: YES), or if the timer expires after measuring a predetermined time (ST1131: YES), the flow proceeds to ST1132.
　ＳＴ１１３２において、電源がＯＦＦされなければ（ＳＴ１１３２：ＮＯ）、フローはＳＴ１１０１に戻る。一方、ＳＴ１１３２において、電源がＯＦＦされれば（ＳＴ１１３２：ＹＥＳ）、フローは終了する。 In ST1132, if the power is not turned off (ST1132: NO), the flow returns to ST1101. On the other hand, if the power is turned off in ST1132 (ST1132: YES), the flow ends.
　なお、ＳＴ１１０２において、ユーザからの指示が被探索モードであった場合（ＳＴ１１０２：被探索モード）、フローは図１２のＳＴ１２０１に進み、探索装置１は、被探索装置として動作する。 In ST1102, when the instruction from the user is the search mode (ST1102: search mode), the flow proceeds to ST1201 in FIG. 12, and the search device 1 operates as the search target device.
　次に、図１２を用いて、本実施の形態に係る被探索装置２の動作の流れを説明する。 Next, the operation flow of the searchee device 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
　被探索装置２は、電源がＯＮされた段階ではスリープ状態となり（ＳＴ１２０１）、定期的に（第１間隔で）受信処理を行う（ＳＴ１２０２）。 The search target device 2 enters a sleep state when the power is turned on (ST1201), and performs a reception process periodically (at a first interval) (ST1202).
　ＳＴ１２０２において呼出信号を受信できなかった場合には（ＳＴ１２０３：ＮＯ）、被探索装置２は、ＳＴ１２０１のスリープ状態に戻る。 If the call signal cannot be received in ST1202 (ST1203: NO), searched device 2 returns to the sleep state of ST1201.
　ＳＴ１２０２において呼出信号を受信できた場合（ＳＴ１２０３：ＹＥＳ）、被探索装置２は、探索装置１に対して、指定されたタイミングで応答信号を送信し（ＳＴ１２０４）、直ぐに受信処理を行う（ＳＴ１２０５）。 When a call signal can be received in ST1202 (ST1203: YES), searched device 2 transmits a response signal to search device 1 at a designated timing (ST1204), and immediately performs reception processing (ST1205). .
　ＳＴ１２０５において応答確認信号を受信できた場合（ＳＴ１２０６：ＹＥＳ）、被探索装置２は、所定時間（第２間隔）経過後、探索装置１に対して再び応答信号を送信する（ＳＴ１２０４）。以降、応答確認信号を受信できた場合（ＳＴ１２０６：ＹＥＳ）、ＳＴ１２０４およびＳＴ１２０５のステップを繰り返す。 If a response confirmation signal can be received in ST1205 (ST1206: YES), searched device 2 transmits a response signal again to searching device 1 after a predetermined time (second interval) has passed (ST1204). Thereafter, when a response confirmation signal can be received (ST1206: YES), steps ST1204 and ST1205 are repeated.
　ＳＴ１２０５において応答確認信号を受信せず（ＳＴ１２０６：ＮＯ）、切断信号を受信した場合（ＳＴ１２０７：ＹＥＳ）、被探索装置２は、切断応答信号送信および切断確認信号受信の切断処理を行う（ＳＴ１２０８）。そして、フローは、ＳＴ１２０９に進む。 If no response confirmation signal is received in ST1205 (ST1206: NO) and a disconnection signal is received (ST1207: YES), searched device 2 performs a disconnection process of disconnection response signal transmission and disconnection confirmation signal reception (ST1208). . Then, the flow proceeds to ST1209.
　ＳＴ１２０５において応答確認信号、切断信号のいずれも受信しなかった場合（ＳＴ１２０６：ＮＯ、ＳＴ１２０７：ＮＯ）、フローは、ＳＴ１２０９に進む。 If neither a response confirmation signal nor a disconnection signal is received in ST1205 (ST1206: NO, ST1207: NO), the flow proceeds to ST1209.
　ＳＴ１２０９において、電源がＯＦＦされなければ（ＳＴ１２０９：ＮＯ）、フローはＳＴ１２０１に戻る。一方、ＳＴ１２０９において、電源がＯＦＦされれば（ＳＴ１２０９：ＹＥＳ）、フローは終了する。 If the power is not turned off in ST1209 (ST1209: NO), the flow returns to ST1201. On the other hand, if the power is turned off in ST1209 (ST1209: YES), the flow ends.
　［効果］
　以上説明したように、本実施の形態によれば、被探索装置２は、ビーコン等、定期的な信号を常に送信する必要が無く、探索装置１からの呼出信号を受信した時のみ応答信号を送信すれば良いので、従来の装置に比べて電力消費が少なくなる。したがって、被探索装置２は、長期間（例えば３ヶ月以上）に渡って連続して動作することができ、ユーザが入山時等、事前に電源をＯＮにしておいても下山するまで電池が切れる心配が無い。さらに、被探索装置２は、事前に電源をＯＮにしておけば、ユーザの更なる操作を必要とすることなく、探索装置１と無線通信を行うことができるので、ユーザが雪崩等にあって気を失った場合でも、探索装置１は被探索装置２の位置を特定することができる。 [effect]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the searched device 2 does not always need to transmit a periodic signal such as a beacon, and only receives a response signal when receiving a call signal from the searching device 1. Since transmission is sufficient, power consumption is reduced as compared to conventional devices. Therefore, the searched device 2 can continuously operate for a long period (for example, three months or more), and the battery runs out until the user descends even if the user turns on the power in advance such as when entering the mountain. There is no worry. Furthermore, if the search target device 2 is turned on in advance, the search target device 2 can perform wireless communication with the search device 1 without further user operation, so that the user is in an avalanche or the like. Even if the user loses his or her mind, the search device 1 can specify the position of the search target device 2.
　また、探索装置１および被探索装置２は、７１０ＭＨｚ以上９６０ＭＨｚ以下の周波数を用いて無線通信を行うので、被探索装置２における探索装置１からの電波の受信可能距離が長く、探索装置１は、広い範囲（例えば１００ｍから５ｋｍ）を探索することができる。なお、ＷＬＡＮの２．４ＧＨｚのように、より高い周波数を用いると、アンテナが短くなり、受信可能距離が短くなる。また、より高い周波数を用いると、電波の直進性が強くなり、回り込みが少なくなるので、障害物があるような環境において、遭難者等の捜索対象者を発見できる可能性が低くなってしまう。一方、より低い周波数を用いると、アンテナが長くなり、装置が大型化してしまう。 In addition, since the search device 1 and the search target device 2 perform wireless communication using a frequency of 710 MHz or more and 960 MHz or less, the searchable device 2 has a long radio wave receivable distance from the search device 1. A wide range (for example, 100 m to 5 km) can be searched. If a higher frequency is used like 2.4 GHz of WLAN, the antenna becomes shorter and the receivable distance becomes shorter. Further, when a higher frequency is used, the straightness of radio waves becomes stronger and the wraparound is reduced, so that the possibility of finding a search target person such as a victim in an environment where there is an obstacle is reduced. On the other hand, if a lower frequency is used, the antenna becomes longer and the device becomes larger.
　また、本実施の形態の距離推定方法を用いることにより、探索装置１は、被探索装置２が近距離に存在する場合には、被探索装置２までの相対距離を精度良く推定することができ、被探索装置２が近距離に存在しない場合には、被探索装置２までの相対距離を所定の精度で推定することができる。 Further, by using the distance estimation method of the present embodiment, the search device 1 can accurately estimate the relative distance to the search target device 2 when the search target device 2 exists at a short distance. When the searched device 2 does not exist at a short distance, the relative distance to the searched device 2 can be estimated with a predetermined accuracy.
　また、本実施の形態のアンテナ構造およびスイッチング制御を用いることにより、アレーアンテナを用いる場合に比べて、アンテナ部分の回路規模を小さくし、装置全体を小型軽量化することができる。電波を受信する第１アンテナ素子１１１（放射器）では、指向性を切り替えるためのスイッチング行われないので、スイッチングロスが最小限となる。また、第２スイッチ１２６と第３スイッチ１２７の切り替えタイミングが同時であるので、スイッチ切り替えのための制御系が１つのみとなる。 Also, by using the antenna structure and switching control of this embodiment, the circuit scale of the antenna portion can be reduced and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and weight as compared with the case of using an array antenna. In the first antenna element 111 (radiator) that receives radio waves, switching for switching directivity is not performed, so that switching loss is minimized. Further, since the switching timing of the second switch 126 and the third switch 127 is the same, there is only one control system for switching the switch.
　また、本実施の形態の探索装置１の筐体１１の背面１１ｆの中央部に凹部１６を設けることにより、ユーザは、第１指（親指）で操作部１３のボタンを押すことができるように探索装置１を手に持つ場合、凹部１６に第２指（人差し指）を収めることにより、探索装置１を安定して持つことができる。また、この持ち方は、各アンテナ素子１１１、１１２、１１３の周辺に手や指が来ないので、アンテナ指向性に影響することを防止し、方向推定精度を安定化させることができる。 Further, by providing the recess 16 at the center of the back surface 11f of the casing 11 of the search device 1 of the present embodiment, the user can press the button of the operation unit 13 with the first finger (thumb). When the search device 1 is held in the hand, the search device 1 can be stably held by placing the second finger (index finger) in the recess 16. Also, this way of holding can prevent the influence of the antenna directivity and stabilize the direction estimation accuracy because hands and fingers do not come around the antenna elements 111, 112, and 113.
　また、本実施の形態の被探索装置２が、探索装置１から電波を受信した場合あるいは探索装置１から指示を受けた場合に、ＬＥＤ２２を発光させ、鳴動部２０４から報知音を出力させることにより、探索装置１のユーザは、自己の視覚あるいは聴覚によっても被探索装置２を探索することができる。 In addition, when the searched device 2 of the present embodiment receives radio waves from the searching device 1 or receives an instruction from the searching device 1, the LED 22 is caused to emit light and the sounding unit 204 outputs a notification sound. The user of the search device 1 can search the search target device 2 by his / her own visual or auditory sense.
　そして、本実施の形態によれば、上記の効果により、山岳遭難者等の捜索対象者を発見する可能性がより高まり、また発見されるまでの時間がより短縮されることが期待できる。 And according to this Embodiment, it can be expected that the above-described effect increases the possibility of finding a search target person such as a mountain victim, and further shortens the time until discovery.
　なお、上記実施の形態では、全探索モードあるいはグループ探索モードにおいて、被探索装置２が探索装置１からの呼出信号を受信すると必ず呼出応答信号を送信する場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限られず、被探索装置２が、予め所定の探索装置１の識別情報を格納しておき、探索装置１からの呼出信号を受信したときに、格納した探索装置１の識別情報の中に当該呼出信号に含まれる探索装置１の識別情報と一致するものがある場合にのみ呼出応答信号を送信するようにしても良い。 In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the search target device 2 always transmits a call response signal when receiving the call signal from the search device 1 in the full search mode or the group search mode. The search target device 2 stores the identification information of the predetermined search device 1 in advance, and when the call signal from the search device 1 is received, the search target device 2 stores the call information in the stored identification information of the search device 1. The paging response signal may be transmitted only when there is a match with the identification information of the search device 1 included in the signal.
　これにより、探索装置１は、自機の識別情報が登録されている被探索装置２の識別情報のみを表示させることができる。また、被探索装置２は、呼出応答信号を送信する回数が相対的に減るので、消費電力を抑えることができる。 Thereby, the search device 1 can display only the identification information of the searched device 2 in which the identification information of the own device is registered. In addition, since the number of times of transmitting the call response signal is relatively reduced, the searched device 2 can suppress power consumption.
　また、上記実施の形態では、探索装置１のＬＣＤ等の画面に、推定した被探索装置２の距離および方向に関する情報を表示する場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限られず、探索装置１の筐体１１の正面に複数のＬＥＤを設け、被探索装置２の距離および方向に応じて、発光させるＬＥＤの位置を変える等、他の表示方法を用いても良い。 Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the information regarding the estimated distance and direction of the to-be-searched apparatus 2 was displayed on screens, such as LCD of the search apparatus 1, this invention is not limited to this, The search apparatus 1 Other display methods may be used such as providing a plurality of LEDs on the front surface of the housing 11 and changing the position of the LED to emit light according to the distance and direction of the search target device 2.
　また、上記実施の形態では、探索装置１の画面に、被探索装置２の識別情報を表示する場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限られず、例えば、探索装置１がスピーカを備え、当該スピーカから被探索装置２の識別情報を音声出力させてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the case where the identification information of the search target device 2 is displayed on the screen of the search device 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the search device 1 includes a speaker, The identification information of the search target device 2 may be output by voice from a speaker.
　また、上記実施の形態では、アンテナ指向性に影響することを防止するために探索装置１の筐体１１の背面１１ｆの中央部に凹部１６を設ける場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限られず、背面１１ｆの中央よりもやや平面１１ｅ側（上端側）に凸部を設ける等、他の構成値によって、各アンテナ素子１１１、１１２、１１３の周辺に手や指が来ないようにしても良い。 Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the recessed part 16 was provided in the center part of the back surface 11f of the housing | casing 11 of the search device 1 in order to prevent affecting antenna directivity, this invention is not limited to this. However, it may be possible to prevent hands and fingers from coming around the antenna elements 111, 112, and 113 by other constituent values, such as providing a convex portion on the flat surface 11e side (upper end side) slightly from the center of the back surface 11f. good.
　（実施の形態２）
　雪山等では、通常、複数人からなるチーム単位で遭難者の捜索にあたる。この場合、チーム内の一人が遭難者を見つけたこと等の情報を、他のメンバーに迅速に知らせ、チーム内で情報を共有して救援活動にあたることが重要である。 (Embodiment 2)
In snowy mountains, etc., the team usually consists of multiple people who search for the victims. In this case, it is important to quickly inform other members of information such as that one person in the team has found a victim and share the information within the team for relief activities.
　実施の形態２では、チームで探索を行う場合の探索装置の使用例について説明する。なお、本実施の形態において、探索装置および被探索装置の構成は、上記実施の形態１で説明したものと同様であるので、説明を省略する。 Embodiment 2 describes a use example of a search device when searching by a team. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the search device and the searched device is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
　［使用状態の説明］
　図１３は、本実施の形態における探索装置の使用状態の一例を示す図である。図１３では、４名のチームの探索者＃１Ａ、＃１Ｂ、＃１Ｃ、＃１Ｄが、それぞれ、探索装置１Ａ、１Ｂ、１Ｃ、１Ｄを使用し、被探索装置２を装備している被探索者＃２を探索する例を示している。そして、探索者＃１Ａが持つ探索装置１Ａに対して被探索装置２が応答信号を送信し、探索装置１Ａが被探索装置２と通信中であるとする。 [Description of usage status]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of the search device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, searchers # 1A, # 1B, # 1C, and # 1D of four teams use search devices 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, respectively, and search target devices equipped with search target devices 2 are used. The example which searches for person # 2 is shown. Then, it is assumed that searched device 2 transmits a response signal to searching device 1A possessed by searcher # 1A, and searching device 1A is communicating with searched device 2.
　この場合、本実施の形態では、他の探索者＃１Ｂ、＃１Ｃ、＃１Ｄは、探索者＃１Ａの探索装置１Ａが被探索者＃２の被探索装置２からの応答信号を受信していることを、自己がもつ探索装置１Ｂ、１Ｃ、１Ｄで知ることができる。すなわち、本実施の形態では、他の通信手段を用いなくても、各メンバーが、チーム内の一人が被探索者の被探索装置と通信できたということを容易に確認することができる。以下、この内容について説明する。 In this case, in this embodiment, the other searchers # 1B, # 1C, and # 1D receive the response signal from the search target device 2 of the search target # 2 by the search device 1A of the searcher # 1A. Can be known by the search devices 1B, 1C, and 1D that the user has. In other words, in this embodiment, each member can easily confirm that one person in the team can communicate with the search target device of the search target person without using other communication means. This will be described below.
　［通信シーケンス］
　図１４は、本実施の形態に係る探索装置と被探索装置との通信の様子を示すシーケンス図である。図１４において、探索者＃１Ａが持つ探索装置１Ａと被探索者＃２が持つ被探索装置２との間で既に通信が行われている。この状態において、探索者＃１Ｂが持つ探索装置１Ｂがサーチを開始したとする。 [Communication sequence]
FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a state of communication between the search device and the search target device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 14, communication has already been performed between the search device 1A possessed by the searcher # 1A and the search target device 2 possessed by the searchee # 2. In this state, it is assumed that search device 1B possessed by searcher # 1B has started searching.
　探索装置１Ｂは、第３期間３１２Ｂにおいて、実施の形態１（図５）で説明したように、自機の識別情報、探索対象の被探索装置の識別情報および当該被探索装置２に対して応答信号の送信タイミングを指示するタイミング情報を含む呼出信号を繰り返し送信する。 In the third period 312B, the search device 1B responds to the identification information of the own device, the identification information of the search target device to be searched, and the search target device 2 as described in the first embodiment (FIG. 5). The call signal including timing information indicating the signal transmission timing is repeatedly transmitted.
　その後、探索装置１Ｂは、第５期間３１３Ｂにおいて、被探索装置２から探索装置１Ａに対して送信した応答信号を受信する。この応答信号には、被探索装置２の識別情報、通信中の探索装置１Ａの識別情報等が含まれているため、探索装置１Ｂは、被探索装置２が探索装置１Ａと通信中であることを認識することができる。探索装置１Ｂは、他の探索装置の識別情報が含まれている応答信号を受信すると、後述する所定情報の表示処理を行う。 Thereafter, the search device 1B receives the response signal transmitted from the search target device 2 to the search device 1A in the fifth period 313B. Since this response signal includes the identification information of the searched device 2, the identification information of the searching device 1A in communication, etc., the searching device 1B indicates that the searched device 2 is communicating with the searching device 1A. Can be recognized. When the search device 1B receives a response signal including identification information of another search device, the search device 1B performs a display process of predetermined information described later.
　なお、上記の説明では、探索装置１Ｂが、被探索装置２から送信された応答信号に含まれる情報に基づいて表示動作に移行する場合について説明したが、本実施の形態では、探索装置１Ｂが、探索装置１Ａから送信された応答確認信号に含まれる情報に基づいて表示動作に移行する場合もある。 In the above description, a case has been described in which search device 1B shifts to a display operation based on information included in a response signal transmitted from search target device 2, but in this embodiment, search device 1B The display operation may be shifted based on information included in the response confirmation signal transmitted from the search device 1A.
　探索装置１Ｂが、第５期間３１３Ｂにおいて、被探索装置２からの応答信号あるいは探索装置１Ａからの応答確認信号のいずれを受信するかは、探索装置１Ｂと被探索装置２あるいは探索装置１Ａとの位置関係による。地形にもよるが、一般的に、探索装置１Ｂと探索装置１Ａとの距離が、探索装置１Ｂと被探索装置２との距離よりも短ければ、探索装置１Ｂは、第５期間３１３Ｂにおいて、探索装置１Ａからの応答信号を受信する可能性が高くなる。 Whether the search device 1B receives the response signal from the search target device 2 or the response confirmation signal from the search device 1A in the fifth period 313B is determined by the search device 1B and the search target device 2 or the search device 1A. It depends on the positional relationship. Depending on the terrain, generally, if the distance between the search device 1B and the search device 1A is shorter than the distance between the search device 1B and the search target device 2, the search device 1B searches for the fifth period 313B. The possibility of receiving a response signal from the device 1A increases.
　［フローの説明］
　図１５は、本実施の形態に係る探索装置の動作の流れを示すフロー図である。なお、図１５において、図１１と共通するステップについては、同一の符号を付して説明を省略する。図１５は、図１１と比較して、ＳＴ１３０１からＳＴ１３０４が追加されている。 [Description of flow]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations of the search device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 15, steps common to those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 15, compared with FIG. 11, ST1301 to ST1304 are added.
　ＳＴ１１０５において呼出応答信号を受信できた場合（ＳＴ１１０６：ＹＥＳ）、探索装置１は、呼出応答信号あるいは呼出信号含まれる識別情報を判定する（ＳＴ１３０１）。 If the call response signal can be received in ST1105 (ST1106: YES), search device 1 determines the call response signal or the identification information included in the call signal (ST1301).
　識別情報が自機宛のものである場合（ＳＴ１３０１：ＹＥＳ）、フローはＳＴ１１１０に進み、探索装置１は、被探索装置２に対して直ぐに応答確認信号を送信する（ＳＴ１１１０）。 If the identification information is addressed to the own device (ST1301: YES), the flow proceeds to ST1110, and the search device 1 immediately transmits a response confirmation signal to the searched device 2 (ST1110).
　一方、識別情報が他の探索装置宛のものである場合（ＳＴ１３０１：ＮＯ）、探索装置１は、表示部１２に当該他の探索装置の識別情報を表示させる（ＳＴ１３０２）。 On the other hand, if the identification information is addressed to another search device (ST1301: NO), search device 1 causes display unit 12 to display the identification information of the other search device (ST1302).
　その後、ユーザから探索終了の指示がなく（ＳＴ１３０３：ＮＯ）、タイマが所定の時間を計時して終了しなければ（ＳＴ１３０４：ＮＯ）、探索装置１は、ＳＴ１３０２のステップを繰り返す。また、ユーザから探索終了の指示があった場合（ＳＴ１３０３：ＹＥＳ）、あるいは、タイマが所定の時間を計時して終了した場合（ＳＴ１３０４：ＹＥＳ）、フローは、ＳＴ１１３２に進む。 After that, if there is no instruction to end the search from the user (ST1303: NO), and the timer does not end after measuring a predetermined time (ST1304: NO), search device 1 repeats the step of ST1302. Further, when the user gives an instruction to end the search (ST1303: YES), or when the timer ends by measuring a predetermined time (ST1304: YES), the flow proceeds to ST1132.
　［表示画面］
　図１６は、ＳＴ１３０２における探索装置１の画面である。この画面は、図１０（Ａ）に示した画面の後に、被探索装置２が他の探索装置１と通信中である場合に表示される。この画面には、被探索装置２の識別情報１４０１、および、この被探索装置２００６と通信中である他の探索装置１の識別情報１４０２が画面上に表示される。 [Display screen]
FIG. 16 shows the screen of search device 1 in ST1302. This screen is displayed when the searchee device 2 is communicating with another search device 1 after the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, the identification information 1401 of the search target device 2 and the identification information 1402 of another search device 1 in communication with the search target device 2006 are displayed on the screen.
　［効果］
　以上のように、本実施の形態によれば、探索装置が、被探索装置と通信中の探索装置の識別情報を表示させることができる。これにより、他の通信手段を用いなくても、各メンバーが、チーム内の一人が被探索者の被探索装置と通信することができたことを容易にかつ迅速に確認することができる。したがって、チーム全員が協力して遭難者等の捜索対象者の救助活動を速やかにかつ効率的に行うことができる。 [effect]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the search device can display the identification information of the search device in communication with the search target device. Thus, each member can easily and quickly confirm that one member of the team has been able to communicate with the searchee device of the searchee without using other communication means. Therefore, all the teams can cooperate with each other and perform a rescue operation for a search target person such as a victim quickly and efficiently.
　また、探索装置が、被探索装置と通信中の他の探索装置からの応答確認信号からでも当該他の探索装置の識別情報が取得することができるため、各メンバーは、被探索装置からの信号が届かないエリアにいても、チーム内の一人が被探索者の被探索装置と通信することができたことを確認することができる可能性が有る。したがって、本実施の形態によれば、探索するエリアを拡大させることができる。 Further, since the search device can obtain the identification information of the other search device even from the response confirmation signal from the other search device communicating with the search target device, each member receives a signal from the search target device. There is a possibility that one person in the team can confirm that the search target person's search target device can communicate with the search target device even in an area that does not reach. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the area to be searched can be enlarged.
　また、上記実施の形態では、探索装置１の画面に、被探索装置２の識別情報および他の探索装置の識別情報を表示する場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限られず、例えば、探索装置１がスピーカを備え、当該スピーカから被探索装置２の識別情報および他の探索装置の識別情報を音声出力させてもよい。 Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the identification information of the to-be-searched apparatus 2 and the identification information of another search apparatus were displayed on the screen of the search apparatus 1, this invention is not limited to this, For example, search The device 1 may include a speaker, and the identification information of the searched device 2 and the identification information of another searching device may be output from the speaker.
　（実施の形態３）
　探索装置が地上近くにあり、被探索装置との間に多くの障害物（木や建物等）が存在する環境では、探索装置と被探索装置との通信可能距離は短くなり（例えば、数百ｍ）、探索範囲が限定される。一方、探索装置が高所に設置されていれば、被探索装置との間に障害物が殆ど存在しないので、探索装置と被探索装置との通信可能距離は長くなる（例えば、数ｋｍ）。なお、「探索装置を高所に設置する」とは、鉄塔やビルの屋上等、地上から所定の高さ以上の地点に探索装置を固定的に設置する場合の他に、探索装置を装着したラジコンヘリを上空に飛ばすこと等も含まれる。 (Embodiment 3)
In an environment where the search device is near the ground and there are many obstacles (trees, buildings, etc.) between the search device and the search device, the communicable distance between the search device and the search device becomes short (for example, several hundreds). m) The search range is limited. On the other hand, if the search device is installed at a high place, there are almost no obstacles between the search device and the communicable distance between the search device and the search device becomes long (for example, several km). “Installing the search device at a high place” means that the search device is installed in addition to the case where the search device is fixedly installed at a point higher than a predetermined height from the ground, such as a tower or the roof of a building. This includes flying a radio controlled helicopter.
　［使用例］
　実施の形態３では、図１７に示すように、地上の捜索者＃１に保持された探索装置１からの電波が、捜索対象者＃２が携帯する被探索装置２に十分に届かず、当該探索装置１が被探索装置２と通信ができないときに、高所に設置された他の探索装置（以下、「中継装置」という）３が、被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を行い、探索結果（被探索装置の距離と方向）を当該探索装置１に知らせる場合について説明する。なお、本実施の形態において、探索装置１および被探索装置２の構成は、上記実施の形態１で説明したものと同様であるので、説明を省略する。また、中継装置３は、探索装置１と同一の構成を有する。ただし、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１には、実施の形態１の探索装置１（図３）に、中継装置３の探索結果（被探索装置の距離と方向）を表示させるための機能が追加される。また、中継装置３には、実施の形態１の探索装置１（図３）に、探索結果（被探索装置の距離と方向）を探索装置１に知らせるための機能が追加される。 [Example of use]
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the radio wave from the search device 1 held by the searcher # 1 on the ground does not sufficiently reach the search target device 2 carried by the search target person # 2, and When the search device 1 cannot communicate with the search target device 2, another search device (hereinafter referred to as “relay device”) 3 installed at a high place performs communication in the individual search mode with the search target device 2. A case where the search result (distance and direction of the search target device) is notified to the search device 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, the configurations of search device 1 and search target device 2 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The relay device 3 has the same configuration as that of the search device 1. However, the search device 1 according to the present embodiment has a function for causing the search device 1 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment to display the search result (distance and direction of the searched device) of the relay device 3. Added. Further, the relay device 3 is added with a function for notifying the search device 1 of the search result (distance and direction of the search target device) to the search device 1 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment.
　［探索装置の追加機能］
　探索装置１の信号取得部１３１ｂは、中継装置３からの応答確認信号から、探索結果（被探索装置２の距離と方向）を示す情報を取得し、表示部１２に出力する。 [Additional function of search device]
The signal acquisition unit 131b of the search device 1 acquires information indicating the search result (distance and direction of the search target device 2) from the response confirmation signal from the relay device 3, and outputs the information to the display unit 12.
　［中継装置の追加機能］
　中継装置３の信号生成部１３１ａは、個別探索モードでは、被探索装置２の識別情報、自機の識別情報、および、探索結果（被探索装置２の距離と方向）を示す情報を確認応答信号に含める。 [Additional relay device functions]
In the individual search mode, the signal generation unit 131a of the relay device 3 confirms the identification information of the searched device 2, the identification information of the own device, and information indicating the search result (distance and direction of the searched device 2). Include in
　［通信シーケンス］
　図１８は、本実施の形態に係る探索装置１、被探索装置２および中継装置３の通信の様子を示すシーケンス図である。 [Communication sequence]
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing how the search device 1, search target device 2 and relay device 3 communicate according to the present embodiment.
　探索装置１、被探索装置２および中継装置３は、電源ＯＮされた後、待機状態となる。また、中継装置３では、最初、被探索モードが選択される。 The searching device 1, the searched device 2, and the relay device 3 are in a standby state after being powered on. In relay device 3, the search mode is initially selected.
　待機状態において、中継装置３および被探索装置２は、第１間隔（例えば３ｓ）毎に、第１期間３２１（例えば３ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う（起動状態）。そして、被探索装置２は、第１期間３２１の間に、自機の識別情報の送信を要求する情報を取得できなかった場合にはスリープ状態に戻る。 In the standby state, the relay device 3 and the searched device 2 perform reception processing in the first period 321 (for example, 3 ms) at every first interval (for example, 3 s) (activated state). Then, in the first period 321, the searchee device 2 returns to the sleep state when the information requesting transmission of the identification information of the own device cannot be acquired.
　待機状態において、探索装置１は、ユーザから探索対象の被探索装置２の識別情報を指示されると、サーチ状態に入り、第２期間３１１－１（例えば５ｍｓ）において受信処理を行い、第２期間３１１－１の間に他の探索装置１からの電波を受信しなかった場合、上記第１間隔よりも長い第３期間３１２（例えば３．５ｓ）において、個別探索モードの呼出信号を繰り返し送信する。探索装置１は、呼出信号に含まれるタイミング情報によって指定されたタイミングを含む第５期間３１３－１（例えば５ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。 In the standby state, when the search device 1 is instructed by the user for identification information of the search target device 2 to be searched, the search device 1 enters the search state, performs reception processing in the second period 311-1 (for example, 5 ms), If no radio wave is received from the other search device 1 during the period 311-1, the call signal for the individual search mode is repeatedly transmitted in the third period 312 (for example, 3.5 s) longer than the first interval. To do. The search device 1 performs reception processing in the fifth period 313-1 (for example, 5 ms) including the timing specified by the timing information included in the call signal.
　ここで、探索装置１から送信された呼出信号が、中継装置３には受信されたが、被探索装置２には受信されなかったものとする。 Here, it is assumed that the call signal transmitted from the search device 1 has been received by the relay device 3 but not received by the search target device 2.
　中継装置３は、呼出信号に含まれるタイミング情報によって指定されたタイミングを含む第５期間３１３－１（例えば５ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。中継装置３は、この第５期間において、被探索装置２から探索装置１に対する呼出応答信号を受信しなかった場合、探索装置１から送信された呼出信号が被探索装置２に受信されず、探索装置１が被探索装置２と通信できなかったことを認識する。そこで、中継装置３は、探索装置１の代わりに、被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を開始する。具体的には、中継装置３は、第５期間３１３－１の直後から、第３期間３１２－２において、個別探索モードの呼出信号を繰り返し送信する。 The relay device 3 performs reception processing in the fifth period 313-1 (for example, 5 ms) including the timing specified by the timing information included in the call signal. If the relay apparatus 3 does not receive a call response signal from the search apparatus 2 to the search apparatus 1 in this fifth period, the call signal transmitted from the search apparatus 1 is not received by the search apparatus 2 and the search apparatus 2 The device 1 recognizes that it cannot communicate with the searched device 2. Therefore, the relay device 3 starts communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2 instead of the search device 1. Specifically, the relay device 3 repeatedly transmits the call signal for the individual search mode in the third period 312-2 immediately after the fifth period 313-1.
　探索装置１は、第５期間３１３－１の直後の第２期間３１１－２において、中継装置３からの呼出信号を受信するので、中継装置３が被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を開始したことを知ることができる。この場合、探索装置１は、呼出信号の送信を停止する。 Since the search device 1 receives the calling signal from the relay device 3 in the second period 311-2 immediately after the fifth period 313-1, the relay device 3 starts communication in the individual search mode with the search target device 2. You can know what you did. In this case, the search device 1 stops transmission of the calling signal.
　被探索装置２は、いずれかの第１期間３２１－３の間に見守りモードの呼出信号を受信すると、タイミング情報によって指定された第４期間３２２－１（例えば２ｍｓ）において、個別チャネルの無線周波数で、自機の識別情報および通信相手の中継装置３の識別情報を含む応答信号を送信する。 When the searched device 2 receives the watch mode call signal during any of the first periods 321-3, in the fourth period 322-1 (for example, 2 ms) specified by the timing information, the radio frequency of the dedicated channel Then, a response signal including the identification information of the own device and the identification information of the relay device 3 of the communication partner is transmitted.
　中継装置３は、第５期間３１３－２（例えば５ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。そして、中継装置３は、応答信号を受信すると、すぐに、第６期間３１４－１（例えば２ｍｓ）において、個別チャネルの無線周波数で、自機の識別情報、被探索装置２の識別情報および探索結果（被探索装置２の距離と方向）を示す情報を含む応答確認信号を送信する。 The relay device 3 performs reception processing in the fifth period 313-2 (for example, 5 ms). Then, as soon as the relay device 3 receives the response signal, in the sixth period 314-1 (eg, 2 ms), the relay device 3 uses its own channel identification information, the identification information of the searched device 2, and the search at the radio frequency of the dedicated channel. A response confirmation signal including information indicating the result (distance and direction of the search target device 2) is transmitted.
　被探索装置２は、第４期間３２２－１の直後の第７期間３２３－１（例えば３ｍｓ）において受信処理を行う。そして、被探索装置２は、応答確認信号を受信すると、第２間隔（例えば１００ｍｓ）が経過した後の第４期間３２２－２において、再び応答信号を送信する。 The searched device 2 performs reception processing in the seventh period 323-1 (for example, 3 ms) immediately after the fourth period 322-1. Then, when the searched device 2 receives the response confirmation signal, it transmits the response signal again in the fourth period 322-2 after the second interval (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed.
　探索装置１は、第５期間３１３－２（例えば１００ｍｓ）において、中継装置３から送信された応答確認信号を傍受する。この応答確認信号には、被探索装置２の識別情報、中継装置３の識別情報等が含まれているため、探索装置１は、被探索装置２が中継装置３と通信中であることを認識することができる。また、探索装置１は、中継装置３から送信された応答確認信号に含まれる探索結果（被探索装置２の距離と方向）を示す情報を取得し、表示させる。これにより、捜索者＃１は、捜索対象者＃２が携帯する被探索装置２の距離と方向を知ることができる。 The search device 1 intercepts the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3 in the fifth period 313-2 (for example, 100 ms). Since the response confirmation signal includes the identification information of the searched device 2 and the identification information of the relay device 3, the searching device 1 recognizes that the searched device 2 is communicating with the relay device 3. can do. In addition, the search device 1 acquires and displays information indicating a search result (distance and direction of the search target device 2) included in the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3. Thereby, searcher # 1 can know the distance and direction of search target device 2 carried by search target person # 2.
　以降、ユーザから切断指示があるまで、中継装置３と被探索装置２は、応答信号の送信／受信、応答確認信号の送信／受信を繰り返す。探索装置１は、中継装置３から送信された応答確認信号の傍受を継続する。 Thereafter, the relay device 3 and the searched device 2 repeat transmission / reception of a response signal and transmission / reception of a response confirmation signal until a disconnection instruction is received from the user. The search device 1 continues to intercept the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3.
　なお、本実施の形態の個別探索モードでは、中継装置３が、第２間隔（例えば１００ｍｓ）毎に、第１期間３２１（例えば３ｍｓ）において、共通チャネルの無線周波数で受信処理を行う。 Note that, in the individual search mode of the present embodiment, the relay device 3 performs reception processing at the radio frequency of the common channel in the first period 321 (for example, 3 ms) every second interval (for example, 100 ms).
　探索装置１は、ユーザから切断指示があった場合、共通チャネルの無線周波数で切断信号を送信する。中継装置３は、第１期間３２１において切断信号を受信すると、被探索装置２との間で切断処理を行う。中継装置３および被探索装置２は、切断処理を完了すると待機状態に戻る。探索装置１は、中継装置３から被探索装置２に対して送信された切断応答確認信号を傍受すると待機状態に戻る。 The search device 1 transmits a disconnection signal at the radio frequency of the common channel when instructed by the user to disconnect. When the relay device 3 receives the disconnection signal in the first period 321, the relay device 3 performs a disconnection process with the searched device 2. The relay device 3 and the searched device 2 return to the standby state when the disconnection process is completed. When the search device 1 intercepts the disconnection response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3 to the searched device 2, the search device 1 returns to the standby state.
　なお、本実施の形態において、中継装置３のアンテナをセクタアンテナとし、中継装置３は、各アンテナ素子の電波の受信信号強度から被探索装置２の方位（絶対的方向）を推定しても良い。ここで、セクタアンテナとは、指向性を有するアンテナ素子を複数用いて、それぞれのアンテナ素子を水平面の３６０°の全方位をカバーするように配置するものである。 In the present embodiment, the antenna of the relay apparatus 3 may be a sector antenna, and the relay apparatus 3 may estimate the azimuth (absolute direction) of the searched apparatus 2 from the received signal strength of the radio wave of each antenna element. . Here, the sector antenna uses a plurality of directional antenna elements, and each antenna element is arranged so as to cover all 360 ° directions of the horizontal plane.
　また、探索装置１は、中継装置３から受信した被探索装置２の方位と、自機の現在の方位に基づいて、自機からみた被探索装置２の方向を推定し、推定した被探索装置２の方向に関する情報を表示させても良い。 Further, the search device 1 estimates the direction of the search target device 2 viewed from the own device based on the direction of the search target device 2 received from the relay device 3 and the current direction of the own device, and the estimated search target device Information regarding the two directions may be displayed.
　［バリエーション］
　本実施の形態において、図１９に示すように、探索装置１が被探索装置２と通信ができないときに、複数（図１９の例では４個）の中継装置３いずれかが、被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を行い、探索結果（被探索装置の距離と方向）を他の中継装置３を経由して当該探索装置１に知らせるようにしても良い。なお、図１９に示された各円は、その中心にある装置から送信された電波が所定のレベル（通信相手が受信可能なレベル）で届く範囲を示している。例えば、中継装置３－１は、探索装置１を中心とした円の中に存在するので、探索装置１からの信号を所定のレベルで受信し、受信信号に含まれる情報を取得することができる。一方、中継装置３－１、３－２、３－３、３－４は、探索装置１を中心とした円の外に存在するので、探索装置１からの信号を所定のレベルで受信することができず、受信信号に含まれる情報を取得することができない。 [variation]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, when the search device 1 cannot communicate with the search target device 2, any one of a plurality (four in the example of FIG. 19) of relay devices 3 is connected to the search target device 2. The search result (distance and direction of the search target device) may be notified to the search device 1 via the other relay device 3. Each circle shown in FIG. 19 indicates a range in which the radio wave transmitted from the device at the center reaches at a predetermined level (a level at which the communication partner can receive). For example, since relay device 3-1 exists in a circle centered on search device 1, it can receive a signal from search device 1 at a predetermined level and acquire information contained in the received signal. . On the other hand, since relay devices 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4 exist outside the circle centering on search device 1, it receives a signal from search device 1 at a predetermined level. The information contained in the received signal cannot be acquired.
　図１９において、中継装置３－１は、探索装置１からの呼出信号を受信し、呼出信号に含まれるタイミング情報によって指定された期間において、被探索装置２からの呼出応答信号について受信処理を行う。中継装置３－１は、被探索装置２から探索装置１に対する呼出応答信号を受信しなかった場合、探索装置１から送信された呼出信号が被探索装置２に受信されず、探索装置１が被探索装置２と通信できなかったことを認識する。そこで、中継装置３－１は、呼出信号を送信し、被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を開始することを試みる。 In FIG. 19, the relay device 3-1 receives the call signal from the search device 1, and performs reception processing on the call response signal from the searched device 2 in the period specified by the timing information included in the call signal. . When the relay device 3-1 does not receive a call response signal for the search device 1 from the search target device 2, the call signal transmitted from the search device 1 is not received by the search target device 2. Recognize that communication with the search device 2 has failed. Therefore, the relay device 3-1 transmits a call signal and attempts to start communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2.
　中継装置３－２は、中継装置３－１からの呼出信号を受信し、呼出信号に含まれるタイミング情報によって指定された期間において、被探索装置２からの呼出応答信号について受信処理を行う。中継装置３－２は、被探索装置２から中継装置３－１に対する呼出応答信号を受信しなかった場合、中継装置３－１から送信された呼出信号が被探索装置２に受信されず、中継装置３－１が被探索装置２と通信できなかったことを認識する。そこで、中継装置３－２は、呼出信号を送信し、被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を開始することを試みる。 The relay device 3-2 receives the call signal from the relay device 3-1, and performs a reception process on the call response signal from the searched device 2 in a period specified by the timing information included in the call signal. If the relay device 3-2 does not receive a call response signal from the searched device 2 to the relay device 3-1, the call signal transmitted from the relay device 3-1 is not received by the searched device 2, and relaying is performed. The device 3-1 recognizes that it cannot communicate with the searchee device 2. Therefore, the relay device 3-2 transmits a call signal and attempts to start communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2.
　以下、同様に、中継装置３－３は、中継装置３－２が被探索装置２と通信できなかったことを認識し、呼出信号を送信し、被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を開始することを試みる。中継装置３－４は、中継装置３－３が被探索装置２と通信できなかったことを認識し、呼出信号を送信し、被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を開始することを試みる。 Thereafter, similarly, the relay device 3-3 recognizes that the relay device 3-2 cannot communicate with the searched device 2, transmits a call signal, and starts communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2. Try to do. The relay device 3-4 recognizes that the relay device 3-3 could not communicate with the searched device 2, transmits a call signal, and tries to start communication in the individual search mode with the searched device 2.
　中継装置３－４の電波が通信可能なレベルで届く範囲内に被探索装置２が存在するので、中継装置３－４は、被探索装置２と個別探索モードの通信を行うことができる。中継装置３－４と被探索装置２は、応答信号の送信／受信、応答確認信号の送信／受信を繰り返す。応答確認信号には、被探索装置２の識別情報、中継装置３－４の識別情報および探索結果（被探索装置２の距離と方向）を示す情報が含まれている。 Since the searched device 2 exists in a range where radio waves of the relay device 3-4 reach at a communicable level, the relay device 3-4 can communicate with the searched device 2 in the individual search mode. The relay device 3-4 and the searched device 2 repeat transmission / reception of a response signal and transmission / reception of a response confirmation signal. The response confirmation signal includes identification information of the searched device 2, identification information of the relay device 3-4, and information indicating a search result (distance and direction of the searched device 2).
　中継装置３－３は、中継装置３－４から送信された応答確認信号を傍受することにより、被探索装置２が中継装置３－４と通信中であることを認識することができる。中継装置３－３は、傍受した応答確認信号をそのまま送信する。これにより、中継装置３－２は、中継装置３－４から送信された応答確認信号を傍受することができる。 The relay device 3-3 can recognize that the searched device 2 is communicating with the relay device 3-4 by intercepting the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3-4. The relay device 3-3 transmits the intercepted response confirmation signal as it is. Thereby, the relay device 3-2 can intercept the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3-4.
　以下、同様に、中継装置３－２、中継装置３－１は、傍受した応答確認信号をそのまま送信する。これにより、探索装置１は、中継装置３－４から送信された応答確認信号を傍受することができる。 Hereinafter, similarly, the relay device 3-2 and the relay device 3-1 transmit the intercepted response confirmation signal as it is. Thus, the search device 1 can intercept the response confirmation signal transmitted from the relay device 3-4.
　［効果］
　以上のように、本実施の形態によれば、中継装置が探索装置の代わりに被探索装置の探索を行い、探索結果（被探索装置の距離と方向）を探索装置（ユーザ）に知らせることができる。これにより、ユーザは、被探索装置が探索装置と通信可能な範囲に存在しなくても、被探索装置の位置を知ることができるので、捜索対象者を発見する可能性を高め、発見されるまでの時間を短縮することができる。 [effect]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the relay device searches for the searched device instead of the searching device, and notifies the searching device (user) of the search result (distance and direction of the searched device). it can. Accordingly, the user can know the position of the search target device even if the search target device does not exist in a range in which the search target device can communicate with the search device, thereby increasing the possibility of finding the search target person. Can be shortened.
　なお、上記実施の形態の中継装置は、携帯可能な探索装置と直接無線通信を行い、かつ、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、中継装置であって、前記被探索装置に対して信号を送信する送信手段と、前記探索装置あるいは前記被探索装置からの信号を受信する受信手段と、前記送信手段および前記受信手段を制御する制御手段と、を具備し、前記制御手段は、前記受信手段が、前記探索装置からの前記被探索装置の識別情報を含む第１呼出信号を受信した後、前記被探索装置からの前記第１呼出信号に対応する第１応答信号を受信しなかった場合、前記送信手段に、前記被探索装置の識別情報を含む第２呼出信号を送信させ、前記第２呼出信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの第２応答信号を受信させ、前記第２応答信号を用いて自機と前記被探索装置との距離および前記被探索装置の方角を推定し、前記第２応答信号に対応し、前記推定した距離および方角に関する情報を含む応答確認信号を前記送信手段に送信させる、構成を採る。 The relay device according to the above embodiment is a relay device that performs direct wireless communication with a portable search device and directly performs wireless communication with a portable search device. Transmitting means for transmitting signals, receiving means for receiving signals from the searching device or the searched device, and control means for controlling the transmitting means and the receiving means, the control means comprising: The receiving means does not receive the first response signal corresponding to the first call signal from the searched device after receiving the first call signal including the identification information of the searched device from the searching device. In this case, the transmission means transmits a second call signal including identification information of the searched device, receives a second response signal from the searched device corresponding to the second call signal, and Using response signal Estimates the distance between the own device and the searched device and the direction of the searched device, and causes the transmitting means to transmit a response confirmation signal corresponding to the second response signal and including information on the estimated distance and direction Take the configuration.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、上記に記載の中継装置と無線通信を行い、かつ、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、携帯可能な探索装置であって、前記応答確認信号に含まれる距離および方角に関する情報に基づいて、自機と前記被探索装置との距離および自機からみた前記被探索装置の方向を推定し、前記推定した距離および方向に関する情報を表示させる制御手段と、を具備する構成を採る。 The search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that performs wireless communication with the relay device described above and directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and the response confirmation Control that estimates the distance between the device itself and the device to be searched and the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from the device based on information on the distance and direction included in the signal, and displays information on the estimated distance and direction Means.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、携帯可能な探索装置であって、前記被探索装置に対して信号を送信する送信手段と、前記送信手段から送信された信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの信号を受信し、受信信号強度を測定する受信手段と、前記被探索装置との間の伝送路の伝播遅延時間を計算し、前記受信信号強度の大きさに応じて、前記受信信号強度に基づく第１距離推定方法と前記伝播遅延時間に基づく第２距離推定方法のいずれかを選択し、自機と前記被探索装置との距離を推定し、前記推定した距離に関する情報を表示させる制御手段と、を具備する構成を採る。 The search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that performs direct wireless communication with a portable search target device, a transmission unit that transmits a signal to the search target device, and the transmission Receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to the signal transmitted from the means, and calculating a propagation delay time of a transmission path between the receiving device that measures the received signal strength and the searched device; According to the magnitude of the signal strength, either the first distance estimation method based on the received signal strength or the second distance estimation method based on the propagation delay time is selected, and the distance between the own device and the search target device is selected. And a control unit that estimates and displays information on the estimated distance.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、前記制御手段が、前記受信信号強度が、所定の閾値より大きい場合に前記第１距離推定方法を使用して前記距離を推定し、前記閾値以下の場合に前記第２距離推定方法を使用して前記距離を推定する、構成を採る。 In the search device of the above embodiment, the control means estimates the distance using the first distance estimation method when the received signal strength is greater than a predetermined threshold, and is less than or equal to the threshold. The second distance estimation method is used to estimate the distance.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、前記制御手段が、前回、前記第１距離推定方法を使用した場合に、前記受信信号強度が、第１閾値より大きい場合に前記第１距離推定方法を使用して前記距離を推定し、前記第１閾値以下の場合に前記第２距離推定方法を使用して前記距離を推定し、前回、前記第２距離推定方法を使用した場合に、前記受信信号強度が、前記第１閾値よりも大きい第２閾値より大きい場合に前記第１距離推定方法を使用して前記距離を推定し、前記第２閾値以下の場合に前記第２距離推定方法を使用して前記距離を推定する、構成を採る。 In the search device of the above-described embodiment, the control unit uses the first distance estimation method when the received signal strength is greater than a first threshold when the control unit used the first distance estimation method last time. The distance is estimated using the second distance estimation method when the distance is equal to or less than the first threshold, and the received signal is used when the second distance estimation method is used last time. The first distance estimation method is used to estimate the distance when the intensity is greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and the second distance estimation method is used when the intensity is less than or equal to the second threshold value. And adopting a configuration for estimating the distance.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、携帯可能な探索装置であって、電波を送受信するアンテナと、前記アンテナを介して前記被探索装置に対して信号を送信する送信手段と、前記アンテナを介して前記送信手段から送信された信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの信号を受信し、受信信号強度を測定する受信手段と、前記受信信号強度を用いて自機からみた前記被探索装置の方向を推定し、前記推定した方向に関する情報を表示させる制御手段と、を具備し、前記アンテナは、第１スイッチを介して前記送信手段または前記受信手段に接続する第１素子と、前記第１素子とほぼ平行に配置され第２スイッチを介して前記筐体に接続する第２素子と、前記第１素子とほぼ平行に前記第１素子に対して前記第２素子と反対側に配置され第３スイッチを介して前記筐体に接続する第３素子と、を有し、前記受信手段は、前記第２スイッチを接続し前記第３スイッチを遮断した第１状態、および、前記第２スイッチを遮断し前記第３スイッチを接続した第２状態のそれぞれで前記受信信号強度を測定し、前記制御手段は、測定した前記第１状態での受信信号強度と前記第２状態での受信信号強度との大小関係に基づいて前記被探索装置の方向を推定する、構成を採る。 The search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves, and the search target device via the antenna. Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the receiving apparatus; receiving means for receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to a signal transmitted from the transmitting means via the antenna; and measuring received signal strength; and the received signal Control means for estimating the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from its own device using intensity, and displaying information on the estimated direction, wherein the antenna is connected to the transmission means or the via the first switch. A first element connected to the receiving means; a second element arranged substantially parallel to the first element and connected to the housing via a second switch; and substantially parallel to the first element A third element disposed on the opposite side of the second element and connected to the housing via a third switch, wherein the receiving means connects the second switch and connects the third switch The received signal strength is measured in each of the first state where the second switch is shut off and the second state where the second switch is shut off and the third switch is connected, and the control means receives the measured signal in the first state. A configuration is adopted in which the direction of the searched device is estimated based on the magnitude relationship between the signal strength and the received signal strength in the second state.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、前記第１状態での受信信号強度と前記第２状態での受信信号強度との差の数値を複数の範囲に区切り、各範囲に前記被探索装置の推定方向の代表値を対応付けたテーブルをメモリに格納し、前記制御手段が、測定した前記第１状態での受信信号強度と前記第２状態での受信信号強度が含まれる範囲に対応する代表値を示す情報を、前記推定した方向に関する情報として、画面上に表示させる、構成を採る。 Further, the search device of the above embodiment divides the numerical value of the difference between the received signal strength in the first state and the received signal strength in the second state into a plurality of ranges, and the range of the searched device is divided into each range. A table in which representative values of estimated directions are associated is stored in a memory, and the control means represents a representative corresponding to a range including the measured received signal strength in the first state and the received signal strength in the second state. A configuration is adopted in which information indicating a value is displayed on the screen as information on the estimated direction.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、携帯可能な探索装置であって、電波を送受信するアンテナと、前記アンテナを介して前記被探索装置に対して信号を送信する送信手段と、前記アンテナを介して前記送信手段から送信された信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの信号を受信し、受信信号強度を測定する受信手段と、前記受信信号強度を用いて自機からみた前記被探索装置の方向を推定し、前記推定した方向に関する情報を表示させる制御手段と、を具備し、前記アンテナは、指向性受信が可能であり、前記受信手段は、複数の指向性それぞれにおいて前記受信信号強度を測定し、前記制御手段は、各指向性における複数の受信信号強度の測定値に基づいて前記被探索装置の方向を推定する、構成を採る。 The search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves, and the search target device via the antenna. Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the receiving apparatus; receiving means for receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to a signal transmitted from the transmitting means via the antenna; and measuring received signal strength; and the received signal Control means for estimating the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from its own device using intensity, and displaying information on the estimated direction, wherein the antenna is capable of directional reception, and the receiving means Measures the received signal strength at each of a plurality of directivities, and the control means estimates the direction of the searched device based on a plurality of received signal strength measurements at each directivity. A configuration.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、前記制御手段が、指向性毎に複数の受信信号強度の測定値を平均化し、各指向性の受信信号強度の平均値に基づいて前記被探索装置の方向を推定する、構成を採る。 Further, in the search device of the above embodiment, the control means averages a plurality of received signal strength measurement values for each directivity, and based on the average value of the received signal strength of each directivity, Take the configuration to estimate the direction.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、携帯可能な探索装置であって、電波を送受信するアンテナと、前記アンテナを介して前記被探索装置に対して信号を送信する送信手段と、前記アンテナを介して前記送信手段から送信された信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの信号を受信し、受信信号強度を測定する受信手段と、前記受信信号強度を用いて自機からみた前記被探索装置の方向を推定し、前記推定した方向に関する情報を表示させる制御手段と、を具備し、前記制御手段は、予め設定された複数の方向候補の中で、自機からみた前記被探索装置の方向に最も近いものを推定し、前回表示した方向から今回推定した方向に１ステップ近づいた方向を表示させる、構成を採る。 The search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that directly performs wireless communication with a portable search target device, and includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves, and the search target device via the antenna. Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the receiving apparatus; receiving means for receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to a signal transmitted from the transmitting means via the antenna; and measuring received signal strength; and the received signal Control means for estimating the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from its own device using intensity, and displaying information on the estimated direction. The control means includes a plurality of preset direction candidates. Then, a configuration is used in which a device closest to the direction of the device to be searched as viewed from its own device is estimated, and a direction that is one step closer to the currently estimated direction than the previously displayed direction is displayed.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、携帯可能な探索装置であって、携帯可能な筐体と、前記筐体内に収められ、電波を送受信するアンテナと、前記アンテナを介して前記被探索装置に対して呼出信号を送信する送信手段と、前記アンテナを介して前記送信手段から送信された信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの信号を受信する受信手段と、前記受信手段に受信された信号を用いて、自機と前記被探索装置との距離および自機からみた前記被探索装置の方向を推定し、前記推定した距離および方向に関する情報を表示させる制御手段と、を具備し、操作ボタンが、前記筐体の第１面の、前記筐体の中央より第１端部側に配置され、前記アンテナが、前記筐体の中央より前記第１端部の反対側である第２端部側に配置され、前記第１面の反対面である第２面の中央部または側部に凹部または凸部が設けられている、構成を採る。 The search device of the above embodiment is a portable search device that directly performs wireless communication with a portable device to be searched, and is stored in the portable case and the case, and transmits and receives radio waves. Receiving a signal from the searched device corresponding to a signal transmitted from the transmitting means via the antenna, a transmitting means for transmitting a call signal to the searched device via the antenna Information on the estimated distance and direction, estimating the distance between the own device and the searched device and the direction of the searched device viewed from the own device using the signal received by the receiving means Control means for displaying the operation button, the operation button is disposed on a first end side of the first surface of the housing from the center of the housing, and the antenna is disposed from the center of the housing. Opposite the first end There is arranged on the second end portion side, the concave or convex portion in the center or side of the second surface which is opposite side of the first surface is provided, a configuration.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、複数の被探索装置と通信可能な探索装置であって、前記被探索装置に対して呼出信号を送信する送信手段と、前記呼出信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの応答信号を受信する受信手段と、前記応答信号を送信した被探索装置の識別情報を表示させる制御手段と、を具備し、前記制御手段は、ユーザの指示に基づいて、１つの被探索装置に対して応答信号を送信させる呼出信号か、複数の被探索装置に対して応答信号を送信させる呼出信号を、選択的に生成して前記送信手段に出力する、構成を採る。 The search device of the above embodiment is a search device capable of communicating with a plurality of search target devices, and includes a transmission means for transmitting a call signal to the search target device, and the search target corresponding to the call signal. Receiving means for receiving a response signal from the search device; and control means for displaying identification information of the search target device that has transmitted the response signal. A configuration is adopted in which a paging signal for transmitting a response signal to the searched device or a paging signal for transmitting response signals to a plurality of searched devices is selectively generated and output to the transmitting means.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、ユーザから１つの被探索装置を探索対象として指示された場合、前記制御手段が、自機の識別情報、前記探索対象の被探索装置の識別情報、前記被探索装置に対して識別情報の送信を要求する情報および当該被探索装置に対して応答信号の送信タイミングを指示するタイミング情報を含む前記呼出信号を生成して前記送信手段に出力し、前記受信手段が、前記タイミング情報の送信タイミングを含む時間において前記応答信号を受信する、構成を採る。 In addition, in the search device of the above embodiment, when one search target device is instructed as a search target by the user, the control unit is configured to identify the own device identification information, the search target search device identification information, The paging signal including information requesting the searched device to transmit identification information and timing information indicating the transmission timing of the response signal to the searched device is generated and output to the transmitting means, and the receiving device A means takes the structure which receives the said response signal in the time including the transmission timing of the said timing information.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、ユーザから全ての被探索装置を探索対象として指示された場合、前記制御手段が、自機の識別情報、および、前記全ての被探索装置に対して識別情報の送信を要求する情報を含む前記呼出信号を生成して前記送信手段に出力し、前記受信手段が、前記呼出信号が送信されてから所定の時間に渡って前記応答信号を受信する、構成を採る。 In addition, in the search device of the above embodiment, when the user instructs all search target devices as search targets, the control unit identifies the identification information of the own device and all the search target devices. Generating the paging signal including information for requesting transmission of information and outputting the paging signal to the transmitting unit; and the receiving unit receives the response signal for a predetermined time after the paging signal is transmitted. Take.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、ユーザから予め登録された複数の被探索装置を探索対象として指示された場合、前記制御手段が、自機の識別情報、および、前記予め登録された複数の前記被探索装置に対して識別情報の送信を要求する情報を含む前記呼出信号を生成して前記送信手段に出力し、前記受信手段が、前記呼出信号が送信されてから所定の時間に渡って前記応答信号を受信する、構成を採る。 In the search device of the above embodiment, when a plurality of search target devices registered in advance are instructed as search targets by the user, the control means includes the identification information of the own device and the pre-registered multiple Generating a call signal including information requesting transmission of identification information to the searched device and outputting the call signal to the transmission means, and the reception means for a predetermined time after the call signal is transmitted. The response signal is received.
　また、上記実施の形態の探索装置は、ユーザから被探索装置として動作することを指示された場合、前記受信手段が、他の探索装置からの前記呼出信号を受信し、前記制御手段が、自機の識別情報および前記他の探索装置の識別情報を含む前記応答信号を生成して前記送信手段に出力し、前記送信手段が、前記呼出信号に対する前記応答信号を前記他の探索装置に対して送信する、構成を採る。 In addition, in the search device of the above embodiment, when the user gives an instruction to operate as the search target device, the reception unit receives the call signal from another search device, and the control unit The response signal including the identification information of the machine and the identification information of the other search device is generated and output to the transmission means, and the transmission means sends the response signal for the call signal to the other search device. Send, take the configuration.
　２０１４年８月１日出願の特願２０１４－１５７８９６の日本出願に含まれる明細書、図面および要約書の開示内容は、すべて本願に援用される。 The entire disclosure of the specification, drawings and abstract included in the Japanese application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-157896 filed on August 1, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference.
　本発明は、他の通信装置の位置を探索するための探索装置、および、探索装置と通信を行う中継装置に用いるのに好適である。 The present invention is suitable for use in a search device for searching the position of another communication device and a relay device that communicates with the search device.
　１　探索装置
　２　被探索装置
　１１、２１　筐体
　１２　表示部
　１３　操作部
　１４、２３　電源スイッチ
　１５　基板
　１６　凹部
　２２　ＬＥＤ
　１０１、２０１　アンテナ
　１０２、２０２　無線部
　１０３、２０３　制御部
　１０４、２０４　鳴動部
　１０５、２０５　電池（電源部）
　１１１　第１アンテナ素子
　１１２　第２アンテナ素子
　１１３　第３アンテナ素子
　１２１、２２１　送信部
　１２２、２２２　受信部
　１２３、２２３　無線制御部
　１２４、２２４　第１クロック
　１２５、２２５　第１スイッチ
　１２６　第２スイッチ
　１２７　第３スイッチ
　１３１、２３１　ＣＰＵ
　１３１ａ、２３１ａ　信号生成部
　１３１ｂ、２３１ｂ　信号取得部
　１３１ｃ　距離推定部
　１３１ｄ　方向推定部
　１３２、２３２　メモリ部
　１３３、２３３　第２クロック
　１３４、２３４　第３クロック
　１３５　論理演算部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Search apparatus 2 Searched apparatus 11, 21 Case 12 Display part 13 Operation part 14, 23 Power switch 15 Board | substrate 16 Recessed part 22 LED
101, 201 Antenna 102, 202 Radio section 103, 203 Control section 104, 204 Ring section 105, 205 Battery (power supply section)
111 First antenna element 112 Second antenna element 113 Third antenna element 121, 221 Transmitter 122, 222 Receiver 123, 223 Radio controller 124, 224 First clock 125, 225 First switch 126 Second switch 127 Third Switch 131,231 CPU
131a, 231a Signal generation unit 131b, 231b Signal acquisition unit 131c Distance estimation unit 131d Direction estimation unit 132, 232 Memory unit 133, 233 Second clock 134, 234 Third clock 135 Logic operation unit

Claims (2)

  1. 　携帯可能な探索装置と直接無線通信を行い、かつ、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、中継装置であって、
    　前記探索装置あるいは前記被探索装置に対して信号を送信する送信手段と、
    　前記探索装置あるいは前記被探索装置からの信号を受信する受信手段と、
    　前記送信手段および前記受信手段を制御する制御手段と、
    　を具備し、
    　前記制御手段は、
    　前記受信手段が、前記探索装置からの前記被探索装置の識別情報を含む第１呼出信号を受信した後、前記被探索装置からの前記第１呼出信号に対応する第１応答信号を受信しなかった場合、前記送信手段に、前記被探索装置の識別情報を含む第２呼出信号を送信させ、前記受信手段に、前記第２呼出信号に対応する前記被探索装置からの第２応答信号を受信させ、
    　前記第２応答信号を用いて自機と前記被探索装置との距離および前記被探索装置の方角を推定し、
    　前記第２応答信号に対応し、前記推定した距離および方角に関する情報を含む応答確認信号を前記送信手段に送信させる、
    　中継装置。     A relay device that performs direct wireless communication with a portable search device and performs direct wireless communication with a portable search target device,
    Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the search device or the searched device;
    Receiving means for receiving a signal from the search device or the searched device;
    Control means for controlling the transmitting means and the receiving means;
    Comprising
    The control means includes
    The receiving means does not receive the first response signal corresponding to the first call signal from the searched device after receiving the first call signal including the identification information of the searched device from the searching device. In this case, the transmitting means transmits a second call signal including identification information of the searched device, and the receiving means receives the second response signal from the searched device corresponding to the second call signal. Let
    Using the second response signal to estimate the distance between the device and the searched device and the direction of the searched device;
    Corresponding to the second response signal, causing the transmission means to transmit a response confirmation signal including information on the estimated distance and direction,
    Relay device.
  2. 　請求項１に記載の中継装置と無線通信を行い、かつ、携帯可能な被探索装置と直接無線通信を行う、携帯可能な探索装置であって、
    　前記中継装置あるいは前記被探索装置に対して信号を送信する送信手段と、
    　前記中継装置あるいは前記被探索装置からの信号を受信する受信手段と、
    　前記送信手段および前記受信手段を制御する制御手段と、
    　を具備し、
    　前記制御手段は、
    　前記応答確認信号に含まれる距離および方角に関する情報に基づいて、自機と前記被探索装置との距離および自機からみた前記被探索装置の方向を推定し、前記推定した距離および方向に関する情報を表示させる、
    　探索装置。     A portable search device that performs wireless communication with the relay device according to claim 1 and performs direct wireless communication with a portable search target device,
    Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the relay device or the searched device;
    Receiving means for receiving a signal from the relay device or the searched device;
    Control means for controlling the transmitting means and the receiving means;
    Comprising
    The control means includes
    Based on the information on the distance and direction included in the response confirmation signal, the distance between the own device and the searched device and the direction of the searched device viewed from the own device are estimated, and information on the estimated distance and direction is obtained. Display,
    Search device.
PCT/JP2015/003848 2014-08-01 2015-07-30 Search device and relay device WO2016017177A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2014-157896 2014-08-01
JP2014157896A JP6366060B2 (en) 2014-08-01 2014-08-01 Search device and communication system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016017177A1 true WO2016017177A1 (en) 2016-02-04

Family

ID=55217086

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2015/003848 WO2016017177A1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-30 Search device and relay device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP6366060B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2016017177A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2018042059A (en) * 2016-09-06 2018-03-15 哲也 芦塚 Searching apparatus, repeating apparatus and searching method

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4494119A (en) * 1983-08-04 1985-01-15 122923 Canada Limited Distress radiolocation method and system
JPS63198424A (en) * 1987-02-13 1988-08-17 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Position detecting system
JPH03162140A (en) * 1989-11-21 1991-07-12 Nippon Denki Musen Denshi Kk Distress message system
JP2001325634A (en) * 2000-05-12 2001-11-22 Nec Corp System and method for confirming position
JP2002342858A (en) * 2001-05-17 2002-11-29 Secom Co Ltd Search supporting system and method
WO2015079683A1 (en) * 2013-11-27 2015-06-04 哲也 芦塚 Seeking device and communication system

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009217668A (en) * 2008-03-12 2009-09-24 Panasonic Corp Message tracking system, and program
JP5172600B2 (en) * 2008-10-23 2013-03-27 パナソニック株式会社 Dynamic area monitoring device, dynamic area monitoring system, display device and method for dynamic area monitoring
JP2013054518A (en) * 2011-09-02 2013-03-21 Daito Tekko Kk Radio distance measuring switch, radio distance detecting system, portable terminal, program thereof, and wireless tag

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4494119A (en) * 1983-08-04 1985-01-15 122923 Canada Limited Distress radiolocation method and system
JPS63198424A (en) * 1987-02-13 1988-08-17 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Position detecting system
JPH03162140A (en) * 1989-11-21 1991-07-12 Nippon Denki Musen Denshi Kk Distress message system
JP2001325634A (en) * 2000-05-12 2001-11-22 Nec Corp System and method for confirming position
JP2002342858A (en) * 2001-05-17 2002-11-29 Secom Co Ltd Search supporting system and method
WO2015079683A1 (en) * 2013-11-27 2015-06-04 哲也 芦塚 Seeking device and communication system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2016036072A (en) 2016-03-17
JP6366060B2 (en) 2018-08-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN108111995B (en) Wearable device, information terminal device, communication system, electronic device, and communication control method
JP5820157B2 (en) Disaster relief support system, information processing method
WO2015079683A1 (en) Seeking device and communication system
JP5503774B1 (en) Wireless tag search method and apparatus
US20130076523A1 (en) Low power location-tracking device with combined short-range and wide-area wireless and location capabilities
EP2552162A2 (en) WLAN-based positioning system
US20120258741A1 (en) Apparatus and Method for Using a Wireless Mobile Handset Application to Locate Beacons
JP2006510898A (en) Object positioning system, object positioning device, and object positioning method
JP5595578B1 (en) Search device and communication system
WO2017145789A1 (en) Positioning device, communication device and positioning system
US20220272488A1 (en) Method and system to synchronize radio devices in a wireless network
CN114616838A (en) Communication apparatus and communication method
JP5798651B2 (en) Wireless tag search method and apparatus
US20150015442A1 (en) System and method to find lost objects
WO2016020960A1 (en) Position detection system and position detection method
WO2016017177A1 (en) Search device and relay device
JP2018042059A (en) Searching apparatus, repeating apparatus and searching method
JP2018125726A (en) Search device and communication system
JP2018197755A (en) Searching device
US20160286358A1 (en) Navigational aid
JP6478239B2 (en) Terminal device and communication system
JP2015212627A (en) Search device and communication system
JP2015102544A (en) Search device and communication system
JP7271994B2 (en) Information processing device, information processing system and program
KR100718531B1 (en) A location searching apparatus using wireless signal and a location transmitter

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15827538

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 15827538

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1