WO2017046996A1

WO2017046996A1 - Communication device, communication method and communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2017046996A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/003649
Authority: WO
Inventors: 矢島　正一; 新倉　英生; 石橋　秀則
Original assignee: ソニー株式会社
Priority date: 2015-09-16
Filing date: 2016-08-08
Publication date: 2017-03-23

Abstract

This communication device is provided with a casing, a communication unit and a control unit. The casing is configured to be worn on an organism. The communication unit can switch between a first communication mode for communication according to a first communication schema with a device belonging to a first region, and a second communication mode for communication according to a second communication schema with a device belonging to a second region. The control unit switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode on the basis of region information, which relates to the region to which the communication unit belongs.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

The present technology relates to a communication device that can be attached to a living body such as livestock, for example, and a communication method and communication system using the communication device.

A technique is known in which a small communication device is attached to a domestic animal such as a cow and an individual identification signal or the like is transmitted from the communication device by wireless communication or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The communication device described in the document communicates with the reader by a wireless communication method.

JP 2012-60972 A

When the communication device is attached to livestock, the communication device may move with the livestock, so the communication environment may change, but Patent Document 1 does not consider the change of the communication environment.

In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present technology is to provide a communication device capable of applying an appropriate communication method according to a position, and a communication method and a communication system using the communication device.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication device according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a housing, a communication unit, and a control unit.
The casing is configured to be attached to a living body.
The communication unit includes a first communication mode for communicating with a device belonging to the first area by a first communication method, and a second communication mode for communicating with a device belonging to the second area by a second communication method. Is configured to be switchable.
The control unit switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on region information about a region to which the communication unit belongs.

A communication method according to another embodiment of the present technology is as follows:
A communication unit of a communication device configured to be attached to a living body communicates with a device belonging to the first area using a first communication method, a first communication mode, a device belonging to the second area, Receiving region information about a region to which the communication unit configured to be able to switch between the second communication modes for communication by the communication method of
The control unit of the communication device includes a step of switching the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the area information.

A communication system according to still another embodiment of the present technology includes a first device belonging to the first area, a second device belonging to the second area, and a communication device.
The communication device includes a housing, a communication unit, and a control unit.
The casing is configured to be attached to a living body.
The communication unit includes a first communication mode for communicating with a device belonging to the first area by a first communication method, and a second communication mode for communicating with a device belonging to the second area by a second communication method. Is configured to be switchable.
The control unit switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on region information about a region to which the communication unit belongs.

As described above, according to the present technology, it is possible to provide a communication device that can apply an appropriate communication method according to a position, and a communication method and a communication system using the communication device.
Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in the present disclosure.

It is a typical figure showing a schematic structure of a livestock management system of a 1st embodiment of this art. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of each apparatus contained in the livestock management system shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance of the communication apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the communication apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the flow of the process at the time of the said communication apparatus outputting electric power generation information etc. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the communication mode setting process in the said communication apparatus. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a communication apparatus according to Modification 1-1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a communication device according to Modification 1-2. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another hardware configuration example of the communication device according to Modification 1-2. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating still another hardware configuration example of the communication apparatus according to Modification 1-2. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating still another hardware configuration example of the communication apparatus according to Modification 1-2. It is a figure which shows the operation example about the communication mode setting process which concerns on the modification 1-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a communication device according to Modification 1-4. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of communication mode setting processing according to Modification 1-5. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of communication mode setting processing according to Modification 1-6. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the livestock management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this technique. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a livestock management system according to Modification 2-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a communication device according to Modification 2-3. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another hardware configuration example of the communication device according to Modification 2-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of communication mode setting processing according to Modification 2-4. These are schematic diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a livestock management system according to Modification 2-5.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
[Overview of livestock management system]
The livestock management system according to the present embodiment is a system that can be utilized by, for example, livestock farmers or livestock facility employees (users), and based on signals transmitted from communication devices attached to livestock, the behavior of livestock Management of history, health status, breeding environment, etc. is possible.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a livestock management system according to a first embodiment of the present technology.
As shown in the figure, the livestock management system 100 includes a plurality of transmission devices 1 (

transmission devices

1a, 1b), a plurality of reception devices 2 (

reception devices

2a, 2b, 2c), a server device 3, and a terminal device. 4.

The plurality of

transmission devices

1a and 1b are attached to the plurality of domestic animals A1 and A2, respectively, and function as “communication devices” of the present embodiment.
Examples of the livestock A1 and A2 include industrial animals such as beef cattle, dairy cows, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, poultry, and pet animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits. Examples of dairy cows are shown below.
The transmission device 1 is attached to the ears of the domestic animals A1 and A2, for example. However, the transmission device 1 is not limited to the ears, and can be attached to other than the ears such as the neck, the back, and the feet. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the possibility that the transmitting device 1 is detached due to the action of the livestock A1, A2 rubbing the body against a fence or the like, and the collision between the livestock, attachment to the ear is preferable to the neck or foot.

For example, the transmission device 1 transmits a signal including predetermined information. The predetermined information may include, for example, identification information of the transmission device 1 and other information.
The identification information of the transmission device 1 is information for identifying the transmission device 1, and includes, for example, an identifier (ID) of the transmission device 1 and / or other information. The other information may include, for example, information on the power generation amount described later, information on the characteristics of the transmission device 1, information combining these, and the like.
The identifier here may be an identifier unique to the transmission apparatus 1 or may be an individual identification number for identifying the livestock A1, A2. The individual identification number of livestock is, for example, a number used for general purposes given by the country or a livestock management organization, or a number used for livestock identification within livestock farmers. This individual identification number may be described, for example, on a wearing tool that is attached to the livestock A1, A2 separately from the transmission device 1 and does not have a function such as communication. The above-mentioned wearing tool worn on the ear is referred to as an ear tag. As an example, the ear tag has a resin plate on which an individual identification number and its barcode are printed.
The transmission apparatus 1 may have a livestock individual identification number, an identifier of the transmission apparatus 1, and the like on the surface of a casing 15 to be described later, and may also function as an ear tag.

The first region R1 and the second region R2 shown in FIG. 1 are regions where the livestock A1, A2 can stay in the livestock facility, for example, and are regions registered in advance by the user using the terminal device 4 or the like, for example. is there. Specific examples of the area include a barn, a grazing field, a playground, a milking box / parlor, etc., partitioned in a barn. This figure shows an example in which livestock A1 stays in the first region R1 and livestock A2 stays in the second region R2.
In the present embodiment, the first region R1 is a region wider than the second region R2, for example, the first region R1 is an outdoor region, and the second region R2 is an indoor region. .

The plurality of receiving devices 2 receive signals transmitted from the plurality of transmitting devices 1, respectively, and transmit information including the received signals to the server device 3.
That is, the second communication device 2 is configured as a “device” that can communicate with the transmission device 1.
The receiving device 2 may be a dedicated communication device or may have the same configuration as the transmitting device 1. Alternatively, a portable information terminal different from the terminal device 4 may be used.
The information transmitted from the receiving device 2 to the server device 3 includes identification information included in the signal transmitted from the transmitting device 1 and other information, information on the reception time and signal strength of the signal, and identification of the receiving device 2 itself. Information etc. may be included.

In FIG. 1, the receiving device 2 a belongs to the first region R <b> 1 and functions as a “first device” that can communicate with the transmitting device 1.
The receiving device 2b belongs to the region R2, and functions as a “second device” that can communicate with the transmitting device 1.
The receiving device 2c belongs to a boundary portion between the first region R1 and the second region R2, and functions as a “third device” capable of communicating with the transmitting device 1.
The arrangement density of the receiving devices 2 in the first region R1 is higher than the arrangement density of the receiving devices 2 in the second region R2.
The phrase “belonging to the area” means that the receiving device 2 is located in and around the area, for example, located near the entrance of the area, near the fence (boundary) of the area, inside the area, etc. Say. The reception device 2 “belongs to the boundary between the first area and the second area” means that the first and second areas are at least partially in contact with each other and located at the contact boundary. Typically, it means that it is located in a passage or the like capable of going back and forth between these areas.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of transmission devices 1 (1a, 1b) and a plurality of reception devices 2 (2a, 2b, 2c) constitute a communication system 200 of the present embodiment.
That is, the communication system 200 includes at least a receiving device 2a belonging to the first region R1, a receiving device 2b belonging to the second region R2, and transmitting

devices

1a, 1b, and 1c.

The server device 3 is a server device on the network N. The server device 3 may be configured by one information processing device or may be configured by a plurality of information processing devices.
The network N can be, for example, the Internet or a local area network.
The server device 3 can provide a livestock management service to the terminal device 4 via the network N. For example, the server device 3 is equipped with livestock management application software (hereinafter abbreviated as “livestock management application”), and executes processing based on the software.
The server device 3 may provide a livestock management application to the terminal device 4 or the like in the form of a web application, or may distribute the livestock management application to the terminal device 4 and cause the terminal device 4 to install the application.

The terminal device 4 is an information processing device operated by a user who manages a plurality of livestock A1 and A2, and is configured to be able to communicate with the server device 3 on the network N. The terminal device 4 includes, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a digital camera, a wearable device, a PC (Personal Computer), and the like.
The terminal device 4 is configured to be able to accept user operations. Specifically, the terminal device 4 sets and inputs various processing conditions in the livestock management system 100, registration operations of the first and

second receiving devices

1 and 2, etc., a livestock management application Can be started.

[Hardware configuration of livestock management system]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of each device included in the livestock management system 100.

(Transmitter)
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the transmission device 1 includes a power generation unit 11, a power supply unit 12, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 14. Furthermore, although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the transmission device 1 includes a housing 15 that houses a power generation unit 11, a power supply unit 12, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 14 (see FIG. 3).
The detailed description of the transmission device 1 will be described later.

(Receiver)
The receiving device 2 includes a control unit 21 and a communication unit 22.

The control unit 21 includes a processor that executes control of the communication unit 22 and a memory. These processors and memories may constitute an MCU (Micro Control Unit).
Examples of the processor include an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit).
The memory may store identification information for identifying the receiving device 2 or the like. Thereby, all or part of the information or the like can be added to the signal transmitted from the transmission device 1 and transmitted to the server device 3.
The identification information of the receiving device 2 includes, for example, an identifier (ID) of the communication device, information about characteristics of the receiving device 2, and the like. These pieces of identification information may be information given as unique information before shipment of the receiving device 2 or may be information generated every time communication processing is performed. Or the information set by the user by the terminal device 4 etc. may be sufficient.

The communication unit 22 includes one or a plurality of communication circuits and antennas for communicating with the transmission device 1, the server device 3, and the like.
Communication performed by the communication circuit of the communication unit 22 may be wireless or wired.
A single wireless module may be used, a plurality of types of wireless modules may be used, or a plurality of types of composite modules may be used. The wireless communication may be a communication method using electromagnetic waves or infrared rays, communication using an electric field, or communication using sound waves. Specific communication methods include “Wi-Fi (registered trademark)”, “Zigbee (registered trademark)”, “Bluetooth (registered trademark)”, “Bluetooth Low Energy”, “ANT (registered trademark)”, “ANT +” (Registered trademark), “EnOcean (registered trademark)”, and other communication systems using a band of several hundred MHz (megahertz) to several GHz (gigahertz) can be exemplified. Near field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) may be used.
The communication unit 22 may be able to perform communication using both the first communication method and the second communication method, which will be described later, in communication with the transmission device 1.
Alternatively, the communication unit 22 may be capable of a communication method corresponding to the area to which the receiving device 2 belongs. For example, the receiving device 2a belonging to the first region R1 shown in FIG. 1 may be able to communicate by the first communication method, and the receiving device 2b belonging to the second region R2 Communication by a method may be possible.

In addition to the above, the receiving device 2 may have a power supply unit and a power generation unit similar to those of the transmission device 1 described later. As a result, even when installed outdoors without power supply facilities, it is possible to generate electric power necessary for communication processing and to reduce the frequency of maintenance such as battery replacement.

(Server device)
The server device 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33.
The control unit 31 is a processor realized by a CPU, and comprehensively controls each unit of the server device 3. The control unit 31 executes predetermined processing in accordance with a control program stored in the storage unit 32.
The storage unit 32 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program executed by the control unit 31 is stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work memory when the control unit 31 executes processing, and the like. Have Furthermore, the storage unit 32 may include a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and a flash memory (SSD; Solid State Drive).
The storage unit 32 may store a database in which identification information of the transmission device 1 is registered in advance and a database in which identification information of the reception device 2 is registered in advance. Each database may store identification information of each device and information about the characteristics of the device corresponding to the identification information.
The communication unit 33 is connected to the network N and configured to be able to communicate with the receiving device 2 and the terminal device 4. The communication unit 33 can be connected to the network N through a hardware network interface such as a wireless LAN (IEEE802.11 or the like) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a wired LAN.
In addition to the above-described configuration, the server device 3 may have a configuration such as a display unit or an input operation unit as necessary.

(Terminal device)
The terminal device 4 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, a display unit 44, and an input operation unit 45. The terminal device 4 further includes a housing (not shown) that houses the control unit 41, the storage unit 42, the communication unit 43, the display unit 44, and the input operation unit 45. The housing is configured to be portable by the user, for example.
The control unit 41 is a processor realized by a CPU, and comprehensively controls each unit of the terminal device 4. The control unit 41 executes predetermined processing according to the control program stored in the storage unit 42.
The storage unit 42 includes a ROM, a RAM, a nonvolatile memory, and the like.
The communication unit 43 may be capable of communication connected to the network N using a wireless LAN (IEEE802.11 or the like) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a 3G or 4G network for mobile communication. . In addition to this, the communication unit 43 performs, for example, wireless communication such as communication using electromagnetic waves and infrared rays, communication using electric fields, and proximity wireless communication used in a communication distance of about several cm to 1 m such as NFC. It may be possible.
The display unit 44 is realized by a display element such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The display unit 44 may include a D / A conversion circuit and the like in addition to the display element.
The input operation unit 45 is, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, or other input devices. When the input operation unit 45 is a touch panel, the touch panel can be integrated with the display unit 44.
In addition to the above configuration, the terminal device 4 may include a battery, a camera, a microphone, a speaker, and the like (not shown).

[Detailed configuration of transmitter]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the external appearance of the transmission device 1, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the transmission device 1.
As will be described later, the transmission device 1 can be configured as a tag that can be attached to livestock, for example.
The transmission device 1 is configured as a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped as a whole, and is configured to be portable. For example, the size of the transmitter 1 is configured such that the vertical length is 20 to 100 mm, the horizontal length is 10 to 50 mm, and the thickness is about 1 to 10 mm.

(Casing)
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the transmission device 1 further includes a housing 15 that houses a power generation unit 11, a power supply unit 12, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 14. A power generation unit 11, a power supply unit 12, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 14 in the figure are schematically shown.
The casing 15 is made of, for example, a resin material such as ABS resin, polycarbonate resin, polylactic acid, polyamide resin, or the like, and at least part of the material can transmit light having a predetermined wavelength (such as sunlight) or electromagnetic waves. Or a combination of wood or a resin material without permeability and glass or a resin with permeability.
In addition, the material of the housing 15 can be appropriately selected from materials including plant-derived materials, materials having antiallergic properties, materials having antibacterial properties, etc. in consideration of safety to the environment and living bodies. . Furthermore, you may mix the food additive which an animal dislikes as what prevents accidental ingestion and accidental eating.
The housing 15 is configured to be attached to at least one of a living body and a non-living body, and can be attached to livestock as a living body in the present embodiment. The housing 15 has, for example, a mounting hole 151. Accordingly, for example, the user can attach the housing 15 to the livestock by sandwiching the ears of the livestock between the housing 15 and an object that can be physically fixed to the hole 151 by using a wearer.
“Mounting” as used herein refers to mounting directly on a living body and / or non-living body with a mounting tool or the like, and mounting indirectly on an object to which the living body and / or non-living body is mounted. Including.
Note that the casing 15 is not limited to an example in which the entire casing 15 is configured as a single casing, as shown in the figure, and may be configured by a plurality of casings. For example, the housing 15 may have a tab in which a hole 151 is formed and a main body, and the posture of the tab with respect to the main body may be configured to be variable by a hinge or the like that connects these.

(Power generation part)
The power generation part 11 produces | generates electric power according to the environment of the area | region where the transmitter 1a (communication part 14) belongs.
The power generation unit 11 may generate power using, for example, energy based on at least one of light, heat, vibration, a radio wave including a far electromagnetic field and a near electromagnetic field, and a specific organic substance and inorganic substance. The power generation unit 11 may generate power using a plurality of the above-described energies. The power generation method may be any of electrostatic type, electromagnetic type, inverse magnetostrictive type, piezoelectric type and the like.
The power generation unit 11 may be a generator that generates power using energy based on light (for example, an indoor light bulb or sunlight).
The power generation unit 11 may be a thermoelectric conversion element that generates power using a temperature difference (heat) (for example, a generator that generates power by the Seebeck effect or the Thomson effect, a thermoelectric generator, or a generator that generates thermomagnetic power). Such a power generation unit 11 generates power using, for example, the temperature difference between the body temperature of the livestock and the outside air temperature.
The power generation unit 11 may be an enzyme battery (also referred to as a bio battery) that generates power using sugar.
The power generation unit 11 is a generator that uses any one of LCR (inductance, capacitance, reactance) components, or a combination thereof, and capacitive coupling or electromagnetic coupling by a capacitor, a capacitor, an antenna, a rectenna, etc. It may be a generator.
The power generation unit 11 may be a power generator that performs near electromagnetic field power generation, that is, a power generator that generates power using energy obtained by bringing a communication device close to a predetermined device. As the near electromagnetic field power generation method, a known method such as a magnetic field resonance method, an electromagnetic induction method, an electric field coupling method, an electric field resonance method, or the like can be applied.
As the power generation unit 11, a known power generation unit 11 other than the illustrated generator can be applied.

(Power supply section)
The power supply unit 12 supplies power to the communication unit 14. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 12 supplies the power generated by the power generation unit 11 to the communication unit 14.
Further, the power supply unit 12 can supply power not only to the communication unit 14 but also to the control unit 13.
As will be described later, when the power generated by the power generation unit 11 exceeds a predetermined amount of power, the power supply unit 12 switches from the cut-off state where power supply to the communication unit 14 is cut off to the communication unit 14. It is possible to transition to a conduction state in which power is supplied.
In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 12 includes a power storage unit 121 and a power control unit 132.

The power storage unit 121 can store power to be supplied to the communication unit 14. In the present embodiment, the power storage unit 121 can store power to be supplied to the communication unit 14 and the control unit 13, and can store power generated by the power generation unit 11.
The power storage unit 121 includes various secondary batteries such as lithium ion secondary batteries, electric double layer capacitors, lithium ion capacitors, polyacenic organic semiconductor (PAS) capacitors, nanogate capacitors (“nanogate”). Are registered trademarks of Nanogate Aktiengesellschaft, ceramic capacitors, film capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, tantalum capacitors, and the like. Depending on the purpose, a combination of these power storage elements may be used.

The power control unit 132 is configured to supply power to the communication unit 14 from a cut-off state in which the power supply to the communication unit 14 is cut off when the power generated by the power generation unit 11 exceeds a predetermined power amount. Transition to the state. Thereby, it becomes possible for the transmission apparatus 1 to transmit a signal when the power generation amount by the power generation unit 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
The “predetermined power amount” can be, for example, a power amount that is equal to or greater than the power amount that allows the communication unit 14 to operate for a predetermined time.
The power control unit 132 can use, for example, a voltage value or an electric field value in the power storage unit 121, a charge amount accumulated in the power storage unit 121, or the like as a determination criterion for the power amount.
In addition, when the communication unit 14 includes a plurality of communication circuits, the power control unit 132 can be controlled by the control unit 13 to supply power to one communication circuit.

The power control unit 132 is configured by, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) composed of one element or a plurality of elements. Examples of ICs used for the power control unit 132 include switching elements such as transistors, diodes, reset ICs, regulator ICs, logic ICs, and various arithmetic circuits. The circuit configuration inside the IC can be appropriately changed as long as the function of the power control unit 132 can be realized.
Alternatively, the power control unit 132 may include a field reaction type switch that can be switched between conduction and interruption according to the magnitude of the electric field. In addition, the power control unit 132 preferably has a configuration capable of storing the state by holding the state after the transition, but may have a configuration in which the state cannot be stored and cannot be stored by resetting or the like.
Further, the electric power generated in the power generation unit 11 may be supplied to the power control unit 132 after being stepped up or down as appropriate.

(Communication Department)
The communication unit 14 includes a communication circuit and an antenna, and is configured to be able to communicate with an external device using the power supplied from the power supply unit 12. This “device” is, for example, the receiving device 2 in the present embodiment.
The communication unit 14 transmits a signal including predetermined information to the device. The predetermined information may include, for example, identification information of the transmission device 1, power generation information about the power generation state of the power generation unit 11, and the like. These pieces of information are stored in the memory of the control unit 13, for example.
The identification information of the transmission device 1 includes, for example, an identifier of the transmission device 1. As the identifier, an identifier unique to the transmission apparatus 1 that is assigned in advance is typically used. This makes it possible to identify the livestock in a one-to-one correspondence with the livestock to which the transmission device 1 is attached. The identifier may be an identifier assigned each time. For example, when the transmission apparatus 1 establishes a communication connection (connection) with another device, an identifier may be assigned for each module, and the assigned identifier may be used.
The power generation information includes, for example, at least one of information on the amount of power generation and information indicating the type of power generation.
The information on the power generation amount may include a communication pattern of a signal based on the power generation amount, or may include a numerical value of the power generation amount, a numerical value of a change amount of the power generation amount, and the like.
The information indicating the type of power generation may include information indicating whether the power generation source performed by the communication unit 14 is one of light, vibration, temperature difference, radio wave, or the like, or a combination thereof. Good.

The communication unit 14 can perform communication using a plurality of communication methods. Communication by the communication unit 14 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The wireless communication method by the communication unit 14 may be a communication method using electromagnetic waves or infrared rays, communication using an electric field, or communication using sound waves. Specific communication methods include “Wi-Fi (registered trademark)”, “Zigbee (registered trademark)”, “Bluetooth (registered trademark)”, “Bluetooth Low Energy”, “ANT (registered trademark)”, “ANT +” (Registered trademark), “EnOcean (registered trademark)”, and other communication systems using a band of several hundred MHz (megahertz) to several GHz (gigahertz) can be exemplified. Proximity wireless communication systems such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) such as ISO / IEC 14443 may be used.

The communication unit 14 includes a first communication mode for communicating with the receiving device 2 (device) belonging to the first area by the first communication method, and a second communication with the receiving device 2 (device) belonging to the second area. It is configured to be able to switch between the second communication modes for communication according to the method.
The communication method here includes, for example, a frequency band, a frequency bandwidth, antenna directivity, a communication protocol, and the like.
The first communication method and the second communication method communicate with the receiving device 2 (equipment) in the area from an arbitrary location in consideration of the installation density and arrangement of the receiving apparatuses 2 (equipment) in each area. A communication method having a possible communication distance can be applied.
For example, the first communication method is a wireless communication method using a first frequency band, and the second communication method is a wireless communication method using a second frequency band having a higher frequency than the first wireless frequency band. It may be. In this case, the signal in the first communication method has a longer communication distance than the signal in the second communication method, and has weak straightness.

The communication mode in the communication unit 14 is set as follows, for example.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the communication unit 14 includes a first communication circuit 141a that uses the first communication method and a second communication circuit 142a that uses the second communication method. Thereby, the communication part 14 can communicate using the communication circuit corresponding to the set communication mode.
As shown in FIG. 4, the communication unit 14 may include an antenna 141b corresponding to the first communication circuit 141a and an antenna 142b corresponding to the second communication circuit 142a.
Alternatively, the communication unit 14 includes one or more communication circuits, and the communication circuit includes a first communication protocol corresponding to the first communication mode and a second communication corresponding to the second communication mode. The communication may be controlled by a protocol. Thereby, the communication part 14 can communicate using the communication protocol corresponding to the set communication mode.
Further, the communication unit 14 may have an antenna used for signal communication, and may switch the communication mode by changing the directivity. As a method of changing the antenna directivity, the attitude of the antenna may be changed by a drive mechanism or the like, or a plurality of antennas having different directivities are provided, and communication is performed by changing the antenna used for communication. The mode may be switched.

(Control part)
The control unit 13 includes a processor that controls communication of the communication unit 14 and a memory. The control unit 13 of the present embodiment can be configured as an MCU.
A processor used in the control unit 13 executes control on a communication circuit described later. Examples of the processor include an MPU and a CPU. As the processor, MPU is more preferable because of the processing amount of the communication unit 14 and the request for downsizing in the transmission apparatus 1.
For example, the control unit 13 can use the power supplied from the power supply unit 12, but is not limited thereto, and even if a primary battery or a secondary battery different from the power supply unit 12 is connected. Good.

Firmware for communication processing of the communication unit 14 is stored in the memory of the control unit 13. The firmware may include information about a communication protocol for the communication process.
Further, the memory may store a program for processing for setting the communication mode of the communication unit 14.
Further, the memory may store identification information of the transmission device 1, power generation information about the power generation state of the power generation unit 11, and the like.
The control unit 13 may record a communication pattern in the memory each time the communication process of the communication unit 14 is performed, and calculates a power generation amount, a power generation amount change amount, a cumulative power generation amount, and the like from the communication pattern as necessary. It may be recorded in a memory.

The control unit 13 switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the region information about the region to which the communication unit 14 belongs.
The area information may be power generation information regarding the power generation state of the power generation unit 11 in the present embodiment.
Specifically, the control unit 13 switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode by determining whether the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition based on the power generation information.
In this case, for example, the control unit 13 may switch to the first communication mode when the power generation amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and may switch to the second communication mode when the power generation amount is less than the predetermined threshold.
Alternatively, the control unit 13 may switch between the first communication mode and the second communication mode when the amount of change in power generation satisfies a predetermined condition.

Specifically, the control unit 13 can set the communication mode as follows.
For example, when the communication mode is defined by the

communication circuits

141a and 142a, the control unit 13 can control the power supply unit 12 so that power is supplied to the communication circuit corresponding to the communication mode to be set.
Alternatively, when the communication mode is defined by the communication protocol, the control unit 13 can set the communication mode by selecting and executing a communication protocol corresponding to the communication mode to be set.
When the communication mode is defined by the antenna directivity, the control unit 13 can set the communication mode by selecting or setting an antenna having directivity corresponding to the communication mode to be set.

[Example of basic operation of transmitter]
In the present embodiment, the transmission device 1 performs communication processing using the power generated by the power generation unit 11. In order to effectively use the power generated by the power generation unit 11, the transmission device 1 stores the power generated by the power generation unit 11, and when the amount of power that can be communicated is stored, communication is performed using the power. Processing can be executed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing flow when the transmission device 1 outputs power generation information and the like.

In ST11, the power generation unit 11 generates power. For example, when the power generation unit 11 can generate power using sunlight, the power generation unit 11 generates power by irradiating the power generation unit 11 with sunlight when a livestock or the like equipped with the transmission device 1 is exposed to a sunny day.
At this time, power is not supplied to the communication unit 14 and the control unit 13, and the communication unit 14 is in a standby state in which communication processing is not performed.

In ST12, the electric power generated by the power generation unit 11 is supplied to the power storage unit 121. Thereby, power storage unit 121 is charged, and the voltage of power storage unit 121 rises. Then, the process proceeds to ST13.

In ST13, in response to the amount of power stored in power storage unit 121 being equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, power control unit 132 transitions from a cut-off state to a conductive state. The output voltage of the power storage unit 121 is supplied to the control unit 13 in accordance with the transition of the power control unit 132 to the conductive state. Then, the process proceeds to ST14.

In ST14, the control unit 13 operates using the power supplied from the power supply unit 12 as a power source. For example, the control unit 13 reads a program stored in the memory and executes a process according to a code described in the program.
Then, the process proceeds to ST15.

In ST15, the power supply unit 12 supplies power to the communication unit 14, and the communication unit 14 transitions from the standby state to the operating state. In the operating state, the control unit 13 controls communication of the communication unit 14. That is, the control unit 13 instructs the communication unit 14 to start communication, for example, instructs the receiving device 2 to transmit and receive signals.
At this time, the control part 13 can perform the setting process of a communication mode, for example, and can switch the communication part 14 to the communication mode according to the determination result.
Then, the process proceeds to ST16.

In ST16, the communication unit 14 communicates with the device under the control of the control unit 13. For example, the communication unit 14 transmits a signal including predetermined information to the reception device 2 using the communication method of the set communication mode. The communication unit 14 can also receive a signal transmitted from the receiving device 2.
In the operation state of the communication unit 14 corresponding to ST15 and ST16, the communication unit 14 and the control unit 13 consume power supplied from the power supply unit 12.

Finally, in ST17, the communication unit 14 transitions again to the standby state. At this time, the power storage unit 121 may be discharged so that the voltage returns to the reference potential. As a configuration for discharging the power storage unit 121, the transmission device 1 may include a switching element that is connected to the power storage unit 121 and can connect the power storage unit 121 to a reference potential by being in a conductive state. .

Thus, in this operation example, the communication unit 14 transitions between the standby state and the operating state based on the power supplied from the power supply unit 12 in each of the first communication mode and the second communication mode. Configured to be able to. This enables communication with low power consumption.
Further, in this operation example, the communication unit 14 transitions to the operating state and performs communication when power is generated more than a predetermined amount of power, so the frequency of transition of the communication unit 14 to the operating state, the communication frequency of the communication unit 14, etc. Can be associated with the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11. Therefore, the control unit 13 can monitor the power generation state of the power generation unit 11 based on the communication pattern of the communication unit 14, and the reception device 2 and the server device 3 that communicate with the communication unit 14 can communicate with each other. The power generation information of the power generation unit 11 can be received based on the pattern.

On the other hand, the process for setting the communication mode of the communication unit 14 (hereinafter referred to as communication mode setting process) is executed when the control unit 13 is operable. In the example shown in FIG. 13 and the operation state in which power is supplied to the communication unit 14, that is, in ST14 and / or ST15. Hereinafter, the communication mode setting process will be described.

[Operation example of communication mode setting processing]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the communication mode setting process in the present embodiment. In the following description, the operation subject is the control unit 13.
In this operation example, the first communication method in the first communication mode of the communication unit 14 is a wireless communication method using the first frequency band, and the second communication method in the second communication mode is the first communication mode. It is assumed that the wireless communication system uses a second frequency band higher than the wireless frequency band.
More specifically, the first communication method is realized by the first communication circuit 141a based on a communication method using radio waves in the 920 MHz frequency band, and the second communication method is a communication method using Bluetooth Low Energy. This is realized by the second communication circuit 142a.

At the start of the communication mode setting process, the memory of the control unit 13 stores a communication protocol, a process start condition, and various other conditions used for determination in advance. These conditions may be set by the user, or may be set by an administrator of the server device 3 or the like. When the user sets, these conditions may be input by the terminal device 4 via the setting screen of the livestock management application.

First, the control unit 13 acquires region information about a region when power is supplied and operation starts. In this operation example, the control unit 13 acquires power generation information (ST21).
For example, the control unit 13 may store, for example, the time elapsed since the previous communication process in the memory as a communication pattern, or calculate the amount of change in the power generation amount, the cumulative power generation amount, or the like from the communication pattern as needed, May be stored.
In this operation example, the power generation unit 11 generates power using energy based on light.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first region R1 corresponding to the first communication method is a region wider than the second region R2, and the first region R1 is an outdoor region and the second region R2. Is an indoor area.

Based on the power generation information, the control unit 13 determines whether the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition (ST22).
In this operation example, the predetermined condition regarding the power generation amount can be, for example, a condition that the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is a power generation amount corresponding to the outdoor light irradiation amount.
In the case of this operation example, it can be estimated that the light irradiation amount to the power generation unit 11 is larger in the first region R1 than in the second region R2. For this reason, when the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it can be estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the first region R1, and when it is less than the predetermined threshold, the transmission device 1 belongs to the second region R2. Can be estimated.
More specifically, the control unit 13 may determine whether or not the value of the accumulated power generation amount within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or the communication frequency within the predetermined time is a predetermined frequency. You may determine whether it is above. It may also be determined whether or not the communication interval within a predetermined time is greater than or equal to the predetermined interval.

When it is determined that the power generation amount satisfies the predetermined condition (Y in ST22), the control unit 13 sets the first communication mode (ST23), and when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied (N in ST22) ), The control unit 13 sets the second communication mode (ST24).
In this operation example, the first communication mode uses a communication method using radio waves in the 920 MHz frequency band, and the second communication mode uses communication using Bluetooth Low Energy, which is the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The method is used. For this reason, the communication distance in the first communication mode is longer than the communication distance in the second communication mode.
In this operation example, since the communication mode of the communication unit 14 is defined by the

communication circuits

141a and 142a, the control unit 13 is configured to supply power to the

communication circuits

141a and 142a corresponding to the communication mode to be set. Next, the power supply unit 12 is controlled.
Although not shown, after setting the communication mode, the control unit 13 may control the communication unit 14 to transmit a signal (see ST16 in FIG. 5).

After that, when power is supplied again and the operation is started, the control unit 13 acquires power generation information about the power generation state of the power generation unit 11 (ST21), and repeats the process.

As described above, the control unit 13 can select and set the communication mode corresponding to the region to which the transmission device 1 (communication unit 14) belongs based on the power generation information.
For example, the outdoor first region R1 has a wide area, and it is difficult to install the receiving devices 2 at high density. On the other hand, the indoor second region R2 has a small area, and the receiving devices 2 can be installed at a relatively high density. For this reason, the longest distance and the average distance from any point belonging to the first region R1 to the nearest receiving device 2 are the longest distance from any point belonging to the second region R2 to the nearest receiving device 2, and the like. It is considered to be longer than the average distance. As described above, the communication environment between the transmission device 1 and the reception device 2 varies depending on the characteristics of the region, the installation status of the reception device 2 in each region, and the like.
Therefore, in this operation example, when it is estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the first region R1, the first communication mode using a radio wave in a frequency band of about 920 MHz having a sufficient communication distance is set. On the other hand, when it is estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the second region R2, the second communication mode using the short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth Low Energy with a shorter communication distance and lower power consumption is set.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the transmission device 1 can estimate the region to which the transmission device 1 and the communication unit 14 belong based on the power generation information, and set the optimal communication mode according to the region. it can. Thereby, the transmission device 1 can secure communication with the reception device 2 (device) and can suppress power consumption.
Furthermore, the transmission device 1 can be further downsized by suppressing power consumption.

[Modification of this embodiment]
Hereinafter, modifications of the present embodiment will be described. In addition, about the structure similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Modification 1-1: Modification of the configuration of the communication unit)
As described above, the communication unit 14 is not limited to a configuration having a plurality of communication circuits.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the communication unit 14 may include one communication circuit 141 and an antenna 142.
In this case, the control unit 13 switches between the first communication mode and the second communication protocol by switching between the first communication protocol corresponding to the first communication mode and the second communication protocol corresponding to the second communication mode. The communication mode may be switched.
Alternatively, the control unit 13 switches between the first communication mode and the first antenna directivity corresponding to the first communication mode and the second antenna directivity corresponding to the second communication mode. The two communication modes may be switched.
Also by this, the communication part 14 is comprised so that switching to a some communication mode is possible.

(Modification 1-2: Modification of the configuration for supplying region information)
The transmission device 1 includes the power generation unit 11 as a configuration for supplying the region information to the control unit 13, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the transmission device 1 may include a plurality of power generation units that generate power according to the environment of the region to which the communication unit 14 belongs.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the transmission device 1 according to Modification 1-2.
The transmission device 1 may include a first power generation unit 11 a and a second power generation unit 11 b instead of the power generation unit 11.
The 1st electric power generation part 11a is comprised similarly to the above-mentioned electric power generation part 11. FIG. That is, the power supply unit 12 supplies the communication unit 14 with the power generated by the first power generation unit 11a.
In the present modification, the second power generation unit 11b is configured as a sensor that generates charge according to the environment of the region to which the transmission device 1 belongs, and the control unit 13 is configured to be able to acquire the amount of generated charge as power generation information. Is done. In this case, the power generation amount of the second power generation unit 11b may be small.
The second power generation unit 11b is, for example, a power generator that generates power using energy based on at least one of light, heat, vibration, radio waves including a far electromagnetic field and a near electromagnetic field, and a specific organic substance and inorganic substance. May be. The power generation unit 11 may be a generator that generates power using a plurality of the above-described energies. The power generation method may be any of electrostatic type, electromagnetic type, inverse magnetostrictive type, piezoelectric type and the like.
The second power generation unit 11b may be a generator that generates power using energy based on light (for example, an indoor light bulb or sunlight).
The second power generation unit 11b is also a thermoelectric conversion element that generates power using a temperature difference (heat) (for example, a generator that generates power by the Seebeck effect or the Thomson effect, a thermoelectric generator, or a generator that generates thermomagnetic power). Good. Such a power generation unit 11 generates power using, for example, the temperature difference between the body temperature of the livestock and the outside air temperature.
The second power generation unit 11b may be an enzyme battery (also referred to as a bio battery) that generates power using sugar.
The second power generation unit 11b is a generator that uses any one of LCR (inductance, capacitance, reactance) components, or a combination thereof, and capacitive coupling or electromagnetic coupling by a capacitor, a capacitor, an antenna, a rectenna, and the like. A generator that generates electric power by radio waves may be used.
The second power generation unit 11b may be a power generator that performs near electromagnetic field power generation, that is, a power generator that generates power using energy obtained by bringing a communication device close to a predetermined device. As the near electromagnetic field power generation method, a known method such as a magnetic field resonance method, an electromagnetic induction method, an electric field coupling method, an electric field resonance method, or the like can be applied.
As the second power generation unit 11b, a known power generation element other than the illustrated generator can be applied.
As an example, the first power generation unit 11a may generate power using energy based on light, and the second power generation unit 11b may generate power using energy based on vibration.
Thereby, as will be described later, the communication mode can be switched based on more complicated power generation information.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, the 2nd electric power generation part 11b can also be used for the electric power supply for operating the communication part 14 grade | etc., By the electric power supply part 12 similarly to the 1st electric power generation part 11a.
In this case, the communication unit 14 can transmit a signal based on the power supply from the first power generation unit 11a, and can also transmit a signal based on the power supply from the second power generation unit 11b. . The communication unit 14 may transmit a signal including information indicating the power generation source of the power supply source as the predetermined information.

As shown in FIG. 10, the power generation unit 11 may be directly connected to the control unit 15 and used as a sensor in the same manner as the second power generation unit 11b described above. In this case, the power supply unit 12 includes a power storage unit 121, and the power storage unit 121 is capable of supplying power to the control unit 13 and the communication unit 14, for example, one or a plurality of primary batteries and secondary batteries. Etc. In other words, the power supply unit 12 can supply the power stored in the power storage unit 121 to the communication unit 14 or the like instead of supplying the power from the power generation unit 11.
In this case, the communication unit 14 may be maintained in an operation state in which signals can be transmitted and received at all times without transitioning between a standby state and an operation state according to the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11. Moreover, the communication part 14 may be comprised so that it may change to a standby state and an operation state for every predetermined time.

Furthermore, the transmitter 1 is not limited to the example having two

power generation units

11a and 11b, and may have three or more power generation units.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the transmission device 1 acquires information on the surrounding environment in addition to the power generation unit 11, the power supply unit 12, the control unit 13, and the communication unit 14 similar to those in the above-described embodiment. The sensor unit 16 may be included.
Such a sensor unit 16 is connected to the control unit 13, for example, similarly to the second power generation unit 11 b of FIG. 8, and the control unit 13 can acquire sensor information from the sensor unit 16. The control unit 13 may acquire this sensor information as region information and use it for communication mode setting processing. The communication unit 14 may transmit a signal including sensor information.
The sensor unit 16 may be a position information sensor such as GPS. Thereby, the control unit 13 can acquire sensor information including position information.
The sensor unit 16 may include an activity sensor such as a vibration sensor or an acceleration sensor, a livestock vital sensor such as a body temperature sensor, or the like. Thereby, the control part 13 can acquire the sensor information containing the information regarding the activity amount and health condition of livestock.
Furthermore, the sensor unit 16 may include a sensor capable of measuring data related to climate such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. Thereby, the control part 13 can acquire the sensor information containing the information regarding a climate.
Accordingly, the communication mode can be switched based on the region information including the sensor information from the sensor unit 16 in addition to the power generation information.

(Modification 1-3: Modification for Determining Execution of Communication Mode Setting Process)
In the above operation example, after the power generation information is acquired, the determination for setting the communication mode is subsequently performed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after acquiring the power generation information, it may be determined whether or not to execute the communication mode setting process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication mode setting process according to Modification 1-3.
First, similarly to ST21 of FIG. 6, when power is supplied and operation is started, the control unit 13 acquires power generation information about the power generation state of the power generation unit 11 (ST211).

Subsequently, control unit 13 determines whether or not to execute communication mode setting processing (ST212).
For example, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the amount of change in the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold based on the power generation information. The amount of change may be, for example, the difference between the power generation amount recorded at the start of the previous operation and the power generation amount recorded at the start of the current operation, or the cumulative power generation amount within a predetermined time including the time of the previous operation start. And the accumulated power generation amount within a predetermined time including the start of the current operation. Alternatively, it may be a differential value of the accumulated power generation amount. Thereby, the communication mode setting process can be executed only when the amount of light irradiation changes greatly.
In addition, the control unit 13 may determine to execute the communication mode setting process when the condition that the signal is transmitted a predetermined number of times or more after the previous communication mode setting process is satisfied.
In addition, the control unit 13 may determine to execute the communication mode setting process when a predetermined time has elapsed after the previous communication mode setting process.

If it is determined to be executed (Y in ST212), it is determined whether the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition based on the power generation information (ST213), and the first communication mode is determined based on the determination result. Alternatively, the second communication mode is set (ST214, ST215).
The processing of ST213 to ST215 corresponds to the processing of ST22 to ST24 of FIG.

This communication example allows the communication mode setting process to be executed only when there is a high possibility that the area has changed due to changes in the surrounding environment. Therefore, power consumption related to the communication mode setting process can be suppressed.

(Modification 1-4: Modification of the communication mode setting process)
In the operation example described with reference to FIG. 6, the power generation unit 11 generates power using energy based on light, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the power generation unit 11 may generate power using energy based on vibration.
In this case, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition based on the power generation information when power is generated by energy based on vibration, so that the first communication mode and the second communication mode The communication mode can be switched.
For example, it is assumed that the first region R1 is a region where the movement of livestock such as a playground is possible, and the second region R2 is a region where movement of a livestock etc. in the barn is somewhat restricted. Alternatively, it is assumed that the first region R1 is a region where livestock can be moved inside a livestock etc., and the second region R2 is a region where it is difficult to move livestock such as a milking box / parlor.
In these cases, it can be estimated that the amount of activity of livestock is greater in the first region R1 than in the second region R2. For this reason, when the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the first region R1, and the control unit 13 performs the first communication mode corresponding to the first region R1. Can be set. Further, when the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is less than the predetermined threshold value, it can be estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the second region R2, and the control unit 13 enters the second communication mode corresponding to the second region R2. Can be set.

The power generation unit 11 may generate power using energy based on the temperature difference. This temperature difference can be, for example, the difference between the body temperature of the livestock and the outside air temperature.
In this case, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition based on the power generation information when power is generated by energy based on the temperature difference. 2 communication modes can be switched.
For example, it is assumed that the first region R1 is an outdoor region such as a pasture and the second region R2 is an indoor region such as a barn.
In these cases, the difference between the body temperature of the livestock and the outside air temperature depends on the season and the outside air temperature, but for example, it can be estimated that the first region R1 is larger than the second region R2. For this reason, when the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the first region R1, and the control unit 13 performs the first communication mode corresponding to the first region R1. Can be set. Further, when the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is less than the predetermined threshold value, it can be estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the second region R2, and the control unit 13 enters the second communication mode corresponding to the second region R2. Can be set.

The power generation unit 11 may generate power using energy based on radio waves. The radio wave includes a far electromagnetic field and a near electromagnetic field.
In this case, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition based on power generation information when power is generated by energy based on radio waves, whereby the first communication mode and the second communication mode. The communication mode can be switched.
For example, it is assumed that the first region R1 is a region where a radio wave source that emits radio waves is installed, and the second region R2 is a region where no radio wave source is installed.
In this case, as a matter of course, it can be estimated that the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is larger in the first region R1 than in the second region R2. For this reason, when the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the first region R1, and the control unit 13 performs the first communication mode corresponding to the first region R1. Can be set. Further, when the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 is less than the predetermined threshold value, it can be estimated that the transmission device 1 belongs to the second region R2, and the control unit 13 enters the second communication mode corresponding to the second region R2. Can be set.

Furthermore, the area information may include sensor information by the sensor unit 16 illustrated in FIG. 11 in addition to the power generation information or instead of the power generation information.
When the sensor unit 16 includes a position information sensor, the control unit 13 determines whether the position of the transmission device 1 belongs to which region based on the sensor information of the sensor unit 16 including the position information. The first communication mode and the second communication mode can be switched.
When the sensor unit 16 includes an activity amount sensor, the control unit 13 can switch between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the sensor information of the sensor unit 16 including the activity amount information of livestock. . In this case, as in the case of switching the communication mode based on the power generation information when the power is generated by the energy based on the vibration described above, the communication mode is switched by paying attention to the difference in the amount of activity of the livestock estimated from each region. be able to.
When the sensor unit 16 includes a sensor capable of measuring data related to the climate, the control unit 13 determines which region the position of the transmission device 1 belongs to based on the sensor information of the sensor unit 16 including information related to the climate. By determining, the first communication mode and the second communication mode can be switched. For example, for example, when the first region R1 is an outdoor region and the second region R2 is an indoor region, paying attention to the difference in data regarding climate estimated to be measured in each region, the communication mode Can be switched.
In addition, when the sensor unit 16 includes a sensor capable of measuring data related to climate, and the power generation unit 11 generates power based on the energy of light, the control unit 13 estimates the sunshine situation from sensor information, for example. You may change the threshold value of electric power generation based on a condition. As described above, the communication mode may be switched based on the area information including the sensor information and the power generation information.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the transmission device 1 includes a power supply unit 12, a sensor unit 16, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 14, and may not include a power generation unit. Also by this, sensor information as area information can be acquired and a communication mode setting process can be executed.
The power supply unit 12 includes a power storage unit 121, and the power storage unit 121 is capable of supplying power to the control unit 13, the sensor unit 16, and the communication unit 14, for example, one or more primary batteries, secondary Includes batteries. Thereby, even if it does not have an electric power generation part, a process can be performed.
Also in this case, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 10, the communication unit 14 is maintained in an operation state in which signals can be transmitted and received at all times without transitioning to a standby state and an operation state according to the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11. It may be. Moreover, the communication part 14 may be comprised so that it may change to a standby state and an operation state for every predetermined time.

(Modification 1-5: Modification in which the communication unit has three or more communication modes)
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the communication unit 14 is configured to be switchable between the first communication mode and the second communication mode. However, the communication unit 14 is configured to switch between the first communication mode and the second communication mode. And a third communication mode in which communication is performed using the third communication method. The third communication mode is, for example, a mode for communicating with a device belonging to the third area by the third communication method.
In this modification, the control unit 13 can switch between the first communication mode, the second communication mode, and the third communication mode.

Each of the communication modes is associated with a first area, a second area, and a third area where livestock can be managed. Each communication mode is appropriately set according to the characteristics of each area, the installation status of the receiving device 2 in each area, and the like.
Also, the area information for estimating the area and setting the communication mode can be appropriately selected according to the characteristics of each area, as described in Modification 1-4.
Moreover, in order to acquire area | region information required for determination, the transmitter 1 may have the some electric power generation part 11 as needed (refer FIG. 8, FIG. 9), and the sensor part 16 (FIG. 11).

Hereinafter, the flow of processing will be described by showing a specific operation example.
Here, it is assumed that the first area is an outdoor pasture field (playground), the second area is an indoor barn, and the third area is an indoor milking box parlor.
Since the first area is an outdoor area and the second and third areas are indoor areas, the former and the latter are based on power generation information when power is generated by energy based on light as described above. The region can be estimated.
Further, in the second region and the third region, as exemplified in Modification 1-4, the second region is estimated to have more livestock activity than the third region. The region can be estimated based on the power generation information when power is generated with the energy based on.
Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the transmission device 1 in this operation example generates the first power generation unit 11a capable of generating power based on energy based on light and the power based on vibration based energy. The second power generation unit 11b capable of performing

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication mode setting process according to the modification example 1-5.
First, similarly to ST21 in FIG. 6, when power is supplied and the operation starts, the control unit 13 acquires power generation information about the power generation states of the first power generation unit 11a and the second power generation unit 11b ( ST221).

Subsequently, similarly to ST212 of FIG. 12, the control unit 13 determines whether or not to execute the communication mode setting process (ST222).

When it is determined to be executed (Y in ST222), the control unit 13 determines whether or not the power generation amount of the first power generation unit 11a satisfies the first condition based on the power generation information (ST223), and if satisfied If it is determined (Y in ST223), the first communication mode is set (ST224).
For example, the first condition can be a condition as to whether or not the power generation amount of the first power generation unit 11a is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. Specifically, the control unit 13 may determine whether or not the numerical value of the cumulative power generation amount of the first power generation unit 11a within a predetermined time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, or within a predetermined time You may determine whether the communication frequency based on the electric power supply of the 1st electric power generation part 11a is more than predetermined frequency.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the power generation amount does not satisfy the first condition, the control unit 13 further determines whether the power generation amount of the second power generation unit 11b satisfies the second condition based on the power generation information. (ST225). Specifically, the control unit 13 may determine whether or not the numerical value of the accumulated power generation amount of the second power generation unit 11b within a predetermined time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, or within a predetermined time You may determine whether the communication frequency based on the electric power supply of the 2nd electric power generation part 11b is more than predetermined frequency.
When it is determined that the power generation amount satisfies the second condition, the control unit 13 sets the communication unit 14 to the second communication mode (ST226).
When it is determined that the power generation amount does not satisfy the second condition, the control unit 13 sets the communication unit 14 to the third communication mode (ST227).

This modification allows the communication unit 14 to be switched to various communication modes. In addition, even when livestock wearing the transmission device 1 moves between three or more areas, it is possible to set an optimal communication mode for these areas.

(Variation 1-6: Variation in which information on the state of the transmission device is generated when determining the communication mode)
When the power generation information and the sensor information satisfy a predetermined condition or when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, information about the state of the transmission device 1 may be generated.
Information about the state of the transmission device 1 may be transmitted together with the identification information or the like, or may be transmitted with a signal different from the identification information or the like.
Moreover, the information about the state of the transmission device 1 is information generated from the above-described power generation information and sensor information. For example, information about the position of the transmission device 1 (livestock), the health status of livestock, the behavior of livestock, etc. It may be. Moreover, the information which alert | reported abnormality to the user produced | generated based on electric power generation information or sensor information may be sufficient.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication mode setting process according to the modification example 1-6.
Here, the first and second areas, the first and second communication modes, the hardware configuration of the transmission device 1, the first condition for the power generation amount, and the second condition are the same as those in Modification 1-5. It is assumed that the setting is the same as that of the operation example described in FIG.
ST221 to ST226 in FIG. 15 correspond to ST221 to ST226 in FIG.
When it is determined that the power generation amount does not satisfy the second condition, the control unit 13 generates information about the state of the transmission device 1 (ST228).
For example, if the amount of power generated by energy based on vibration is very small, it is considered that the amount of livestock activity is greatly reduced. In such a case, the control part 13 can produce | generate the information which notifies that the active mass of livestock is falling. Such information may be transmitted as an abnormality signal including information notifying the abnormality of livestock.

The information generated by the control unit 13 is temporarily stored in the memory, and can be transmitted as a signal when the communication unit 14 transitions from the standby state to the operating state, for example.
The transmitted signal including information about the state of the transmission device 1 is acquired by the server device 3 via the reception device 2 and stored and utilized as information about the behavior history of livestock, the position of the livestock, the health state, etc. The
Further, when the signal is an abnormal signal, for example, the server device 3 can notify the terminal device 4 used by the user that there is an abnormality in the signal transmission source device 1 or the livestock wearing the signal device. .

(Modification 1-7: Modification of the process of estimating the position of the transmission device)
In the present embodiment, it has been described that the communication mode using a different communication method can be switched depending on the region to which the transmission device 1 belongs.
Therefore, even if the receiving device 2 or the server device 3 performs a process of estimating the position of the transmitting device 1 and the livestock to which it is attached and the area where the user stays based on the communication method of the signal transmitted from the transmitting device 1. Good.
In the following description, processing by the control unit 31 of the server device 3 that has received a signal from the receiving device 2 will be described, but similar processing may be executed by the control unit 21 of the receiving device 2.

For example, the control unit 31 acquires data on a plurality of signals transmitted from the transmission device 1 that is attached to livestock and is located corresponding to an area where the livestock can stay. The “data” referred to here only needs to include at least information (A) information on the communication scheme in which the signal is transmitted, and (B) identification information of the transmission device 1 included in the signal. In addition, (C) identification information of the receiving device 2 that has received the signal, (D) information on signal strength when received by the communication device, and (E) information on reception time when received by the communication device One or more pieces of information may be included.
Thus, the control unit 31 can acquire the identification information of the transmission device 1 and the communication method information in association with each other, and can estimate the position of the signal transmission source transmission device 1 at the time of signal transmission.

Furthermore, the control part 31 may determine whether the said livestock stays in an area | region based on this data. “Staying” in a certain area means that livestock is present in the area for a predetermined time or more. Although the predetermined time is not particularly limited, for example, it is several minutes to several hours.
The stay determination method determines, for example, whether or not the data satisfies a predetermined condition for the livestock to stay in the area. Predetermined conditions are: (1) When the data includes information on the reception time of each of a plurality of signals in one receiving device 2 located corresponding to the region, the condition regarding the reception time of each of the plurality of signals May be included. Based on the condition (1), the control unit 31 can determine that the livestock is located in the region over the time range that satisfies the condition of “stay”.
The condition (1) regarding the reception time may be, for example, (1a) a condition that the reception times of a plurality of signals extend over a predetermined time determined to be staying. Alternatively, (1b) may be a condition that the reception time of a plurality of signals is a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency, or (1c) may be a condition based on an algorithm generated by machine learning, (1d) Other conditions that can be determined to be staying may be used. The condition (1e) may be a condition obtained by combining a plurality of conditions (1a) to (1d).
Alternatively, the predetermined condition is: (2) when the data includes information on the signal strength of each of the plurality of signals received by the plurality of receiving devices 2 located corresponding to the region, The condition for the signal strength of the signal may be included. Since it is known that there is a correlation between the signal strength and the communication distance, it is possible to estimate the position of the transmission device 1 at the time of signal transmission.
The condition (2) regarding the signal strength is, for example, (2a) the condition that the signal strength of each of the plurality of signals is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and (2b) the average value of the signal strength of each of the plurality of signals is a predetermined value. (2c) The condition that the lowest signal strength among a plurality of signals is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, (2d) The condition that the standard deviation of the plurality of signals is equal to or less than a predetermined value, etc. It may be.
The predetermined condition in the stay determination may be (3) other conditions, or may be a condition combining a plurality of conditions (1) to (3) as the condition (4) Good.

According to this modification, the livestock management system 100 can analyze the information about the position of the transmitter 1 and the livestock wearing the transmitter 1 over time, and can manage the behavior history of each livestock. Therefore, for example, it is possible to provide information to the user that a certain livestock has been mixed with another group or that the livestock is staying in an inappropriate area, and the management of livestock can be facilitated. .

(Modification 1-8: Modification of the configuration of the housing)
The casing 15 of the transmission device 1 is not limited to the configuration having the mounting hole 151 as described above.
For example, the housing 15 may have a hole for the belt. For example, the casing 15 is attached to the livestock by passing a belt that is wound around the neck of the livestock through the hole.
The housing 15 may have a structure for attaching a mounting component for mounting. In this case, the mount component is directly mounted on the livestock, and the housing 15 is mounted on the livestock via the mount component.
The housing | casing part 15 may have another structure for mounting | wearing with livestock.

(Modified example 1-9: Modified example in which the transmitting device is mounted other than livestock)
The casing 15 of the transmission device 1 may be configured to be attached to at least one of a living body and a non-living body. For example, the casing 15 of the transmission device 1 may be attached to a living body other than livestock.
For example, the transmission device 1 may be worn by a person. In this case, for example, when the person wearing the transmission device 1 is located in the first region, the control unit 13 of the transmission device 1 sets the communication unit 14 to the first communication mode based on the region information such as the power generation information. If the communication unit 14 is located in the second area, the communication unit 14 is set to the second communication mode.
Note that, as described above, “domestic animals” in the present technology includes companion animals raised as pets, and therefore the transmission device 1 may be attached to the pets.
Furthermore, the casing 15 of the transmission device 1 may be configured to be attached to a non-living body instead of a living body.
For example, the transmission device 1 may be attached to a property that receives an inspection or the like apart from the owner. As a result, the position of the property can be determined using the processing described in Modification 1-7.

(Other variations)
In the above description, the “first device” and the “second device” are the receiving

devices

2a and 2b, respectively, but are not limited thereto. For example, these devices may be other transmission devices 1 belonging to the communication system 200 (livestock management system 100).
In addition, the first area is a wide area and the second area is a narrow area. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be freely set.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the transmission device 1 has been described with respect to an example in which information generated inside the transmission device 1 such as power generation information is used as region information that is a determination criterion for communication mode setting processing. Examples are not limited to this.
In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the transmission device 1 executes a communication mode setting process based on area information transmitted from an external device (for example, the reception device 2).
Note that the livestock management system according to this embodiment can adopt the same configuration as the livestock management system 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. To do.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 32 of the server device 3 illustrated in FIG. 2 stores a registration information database including identification information of the receiving

devices

2a, 2b, and 2c. This identification information may include, for example, an identifier of each receiving

device

2a, 2b, 2c and information about an area or position to which each receiving

device

2a, 2b, 2c belongs.
For example, the registration information database stores the identifier of the receiving device 2a in association with the information belonging to the first region R1, and stores the identifier of the receiving device 2b in association with the information belonging to the second region R2. The identifier of the receiving device 2c is stored in association with the information that it belongs to the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2.
The server device 3 can transmit information about the area of the receiving device 2c to the receiving device 2c. The receiving device 2c can store information about the area of the receiving device 2c transmitted from the server device 3, and can transmit the information to the transmitting device 1a as area information, for example.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the livestock management system according to the second embodiment of the present technology.
In this operation example, it is assumed that the transmission device 1a illustrated in FIG. 1 performs communication mode setting processing based on the area information transmitted from the reception device 2c illustrated in FIG. In this operation example, as described with reference to FIG. 5, an example will be described in which the communication unit 14 of the transmission device 1a transitions between a standby state in which communication is not performed and an operation state in which communication is performed. Note that the power consumption of the transmission device 1a in the operating state is greater than the power consumption of the transmission device 1a in the standby state.
In the figure, the processes of ST101 to ST104 are executed by the transmitting apparatus 1 (transmitting apparatus 1a), the processes of ST201 to ST203 are executed by the receiving apparatus 2 (receiving apparatus 2c), and the processes of ST301 to ST302 are performed. This is executed by the server device 3.
Further, all of the processes of ST101 to ST104 of the transmission apparatus 1 are executed in the operating state.

As shown in FIG. 16, first, when the transmitting apparatus 1a satisfies a predetermined condition (ST101), a signal is transmitted to the receiving apparatus 2c (ST102). The signal transmitted here includes, for example, identification information of the transmission device 1 and other information. Further, the predetermined condition here may be, for example, a condition that the power generation amount by the power generation unit 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined power generation amount. Alternatively, it may be a condition that a request signal for a signal is received from the receiving device 2c, the terminal device 4, or the like.
Moreover, the communication part 14 can change to the operation state from the standby state which does not communicate, for example, when the transmitter 1a satisfy | fills predetermined conditions.
The transmission device 1a can use a carrier sense function to determine the reception device 2 to be transmitted. Thereby, even when the livestock management system 100 has a plurality of transmission devices 1 and a plurality of reception devices 2, interference can be prevented.
Receiving device 2c receives the transmitted signal (ST201), and further transmits the signal to server device 3 (ST202). The reception device 2c adds the identification information of the reception device 2c, the reception time, the signal strength information at the time of reception, and other information to the signal transmitted from the transmission device 1a, and transmits the signal to the server device 3. May be.
Server apparatus 3 receives the signal (ST301), and stores information related to the signal in storage unit 32 (ST302). Although not shown, the server device 3 can perform various processes for livestock management, for example, using stored information.

On the other hand, when receiving a signal in ST201, receiving apparatus 2c automatically transmits region information to transmitting apparatus 1a that is a signal transmission source (ST203).
This area information may include, for example, identification information of the receiving device 2c registered in advance. The identification information of the receiving device 2c may include, for example, information on a position to which the receiving device 2c belongs, information on an identifier of the receiving device 2c, and the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the region information may include information that the receiving device 2c belongs to a boundary portion between the first region R1 and the second region R2.
Alternatively, the area information may include information for requesting the transmission device 1a to switch the communication mode.

The communication unit 14 of the transmission device 1a maintains an operating state for a predetermined time after signal transmission, and receives area information in this operating state (ST103). In this operation example, the communication unit 14 receives region information transmitted from the receiving device 2c belonging to the boundary portion between the first region R1 and the second region R2.
In the present embodiment, since the area information can be transmitted immediately after the reception device 2 receives the signal, the area information can be received in a short time after the communication unit 14 transmits the signal. Thereby, while the time of the operation state of the communication part 14 can be shortened and power saving can be implement | achieved, communication with the receiver 2 can be performed within the limited time.
The control unit 13 of the transmission device 1a switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the received area information (ST104).
In this operation example, the region information is transmitted from the receiving device 2c that belongs to the boundary portion between the first region R1 and the second region R2. When a communication method with a short communication distance of several centimeters to several meters is adopted, the transmitter 1a and the livestock A1 wearing the transmitter 1a are in the vicinity of the boundary portion between the first region R1 and the second region R2. It is estimated that That is, assuming that livestock A1 is moving to a different area, it is possible to switch to a different communication mode.
The transmission device 1a consumes power by each operation of signal transmission (ST102), region information reception (ST103), and communication mode setting processing (ST104) in the operation state of the communication unit 14, and operates after ST104. Return from the state to the standby state.

Then, the transmission device 1a whose communication mode is switched can return to ST101 again and transmit a signal in the switched new communication mode.
In this case, the receiving device 2 that receives the signal may be the receiving device 2c or any of the receiving

devices

2a and 2b.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication mode can be switched based on the area information transmitted from the receiving device 2 belonging to a predetermined position. Thereby, the area | region where the transmitter 1 and the communication part 14 belong can be estimated, and it can switch to the communication mode suitable for the said area | region.

[Modification]
(Modification 2-1: Modification for receiving area information from communication devices belonging to area)
In the above embodiment, an operation example in which the transmission device 1 performs the communication mode setting process based on the region information from the reception device 2c belonging to the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2 illustrated in FIG. Although shown, it is not limited to this.
For example, even if the communication mode setting process is performed based on the area information transmitted from the receiving apparatus 2a belonging to the first area R1 or the area information transmitted from the receiving apparatus 2a belonging to the second area R2. Good.

Hereinafter, an example in which the transmission device 1b illustrated in FIG. 1 executes the communication mode setting process based on the area information transmitted from the reception device 2b illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This operation example has the same flow as the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, but the contents of the area information shown in ST203 and ST103 may be different.

Referring to FIG. 16, first, when transmitting apparatus 1b satisfies a predetermined condition (ST101), a signal is transmitted to receiving apparatus 2b (ST102). At this time, for example, when the transmission device 1b is switched to the first communication mode, the transmission device 1b transmits a signal by the first communication method, and when the transmission device 1b is switched to the second communication mode, the transmission device 1b Send a signal. The communication unit 22 of the reception device 2b may be able to communicate using both the first communication method and the second communication method.
Receiving device 2b receives the transmitted signal (ST201), and further transmits the signal to server device 3 (ST202).
Server apparatus 3 receives the signal (ST301), and stores information related to the signal in storage unit 32 (ST302).
Subsequently, in ST203, the reception device 2b transmits the area information to the transmission device 1b that is the signal transmission source.
This area information may include, for example, identification information of the receiving device 2b registered in advance. The identification information of the receiving device 2b may include, for example, information on a position to which the receiving device 2b belongs, information on an identifier of the receiving device 2b, and the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the information about the position to which the receiving device 2b belongs may include information that the receiving device 2b belongs to the second region R2.
Alternatively, the area information may include information for requesting the transmission apparatus 1b to set the second communication mode.

The communication unit 14 of the transmission device 1b receives this area information (ST103). In this operation example, the communication unit 14 receives the region information transmitted from the receiving device 2b belonging to the second region R2.
Control unit 13 of transmitting apparatus 1b sets the communication mode to the second communication mode based on the received area information (ST104). For example, when the communication unit 14 has been switched to the first communication mode, the control unit 13 switches from the first communication mode to the second communication mode based on the region information. When the communication unit 14 has been switched to the second communication mode, the control unit 13 maintains the second communication mode without switching the communication mode.

In this operation example, the area information is transmitted from the receiving device 2c belonging to the second area R2. For this reason, when a communication method with a short communication distance such as several centimeters to several meters is adopted, it is estimated that the livestock A2 to which the transmission device 1b is attached is also located in the second region R2. For this reason, based on the area information, the control unit 13 of the transmission device 1 can set the second communication mode corresponding to the second area R2.
Also in this operation example, it is possible to switch to the communication mode suitable for the area to which the transmission device 1 and the communication unit 14 belong.

(Modification 2-2: Modification for transmitting region information based on transmitted signal)
Furthermore, the receiving device 2 may determine whether or not to transmit region information based on the signal transmitted from the transmitting device 1.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the livestock management system 100 according to Modification 2-2.
In the figure, the processes of ST101 to ST104 are executed by the transmitting apparatus 1 (transmitting apparatus 1b), the processes of ST231 to ST234 are executed by the receiving apparatus 2 (receiving apparatus 2b), and the processes of ST301 to ST302 are performed by the server It is executed by the device 3.
Note that the processing of ST101 to ST104 and the processing of ST301 to ST302 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG.
In the following description, as an example, it is assumed that the transmission device 1 is the transmission device 1b shown in FIG. 1, and the reception device 2 is the reception device 2b shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, first, when the transmission apparatus 1b satisfies a predetermined condition (ST101), a signal is transmitted to the reception apparatus 2b (ST102). At this time, for example, when the transmission device 1b is switched to the first communication mode, the transmission device 1b transmits a signal by the first communication method, and when the transmission device 1b is switched to the second communication mode, the transmission device 1b Send a signal. The communication unit 22 of the reception device 2b may be able to communicate using both the first communication method and the second communication method.
Receiving device 2b receives the transmitted signal (ST231), and further transmits the signal to server device 3 (ST232).
Server apparatus 3 receives the signal (ST301), and stores information related to the signal in storage unit 32 (ST302).

On the other hand, receiving apparatus 2b determines whether or not to transmit region information based on the transmitted signal (ST233).
For example, the receiving device 2b determines whether the transmitted signal is a signal transmitted by a communication method corresponding to the region to which the receiving device 2b belongs, and transmits the signal by the communication method corresponding to the region to which the receiving device 2b belongs. If it is determined that the received signal is not a received signal, it may be determined that the area information is transmitted. In this example, the receiving device 2b determines whether or not the transmitted signal is a signal transmitted by the second communication method corresponding to the second region R2.

If it is determined that the signal is not transmitted by the second communication method, the receiving apparatus 2b determines to transmit area information (Y in ST233), and transmits the area information to the transmitting apparatus 1b (ST234). This area information may include identification information including information about the second area R2 to which the receiving device 2c belongs, and includes information requesting the transmission device 1a to switch the communication mode. Also good.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the signal is transmitted by the second communication method, the receiving device 2b determines that the region information is not transmitted (N in ST233), and the receiving device 2b can receive the signal again. Return to (ST231).

The control unit 13 of the transmission device 1b that has received the area information (ST103) can switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode based on the area information (ST104).
Thus, according to this operation example, the receiving device 2 determines whether or not the communication mode corresponding to the region is based on the signal transmitted from the transmitting device 1, and is not the communication mode corresponding to the region. Only when it is determined, the area information can be transmitted. As a result, the communication mode setting process can be executed only when the transmission apparatus 1 is required, and the processing load can be reduced.

Moreover, in this modification, the criterion for transmission of region information in ST233 is not limited to the above example.
For example, the receiving device 2 may determine whether or not to transmit region information based on the signal strength of the received signal.
As described above, when the transmission apparatus 1 adopts a communication method with a short communication distance, the reception apparatus 2 that has received the signal assumes that the position of the transmission apparatus 1 is in the vicinity of itself and transmits area information. explained. On the other hand, it may be difficult to make the above assumption depending on the communication method, the size of the area, the installation density of the receiving apparatuses 2, and the like.
Therefore, the region information is transmitted when the reception device 2 can determine that the signal transmission source transmission device 1 is in the vicinity of the reception device 2 based on the signal strength information of the signal having a correlation with the communication distance. Can do. Specifically, the receiving device 2 can determine to transmit the region information when the signal strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.
Alternatively, when position information or the like is added to the signal from the transmission apparatus 1, the reception apparatus 2 may determine whether to transmit region information based on the position information added to the received signal. .
Furthermore, the criterion for transmission of region information in ST233 may be a combination of a plurality of criteria among the criteria described above.

(Modification 2-3: Modification without power generation unit)
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the transmission device 1 according to Modification 2-3.
As shown in the figure, the transmission device 1 includes a power supply unit 12, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 14, and does not include a power generation unit.
The power supply unit 12 includes a power storage unit 121, and the power storage unit 121 includes, for example, a primary battery and a secondary battery that can supply power to the control unit 13 and the communication unit 14.
In the present embodiment, the communication mode setting process can be executed using the region information that does not include the power generation information. Therefore, the power generation unit can be configured as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the transmission device 1 includes a control unit 13 and a communication unit 14, and may not include the power supply unit 12.
In this case, the communication unit 14 itself may be configured to generate electric power by receiving radio waves including a far electromagnetic field and a near electromagnetic field, and supply power to the control unit 13 and the like.

(Modification 2-4: Modification using power generation information and information from an external device as region information)
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the communication mode setting process according to Modification 2-4.
In this modification, the region information includes region information transmitted from an external device (for example, the receiving device 2) and power generation information, and the communication mode may be set based on both of these.
The example shown in FIG. 20 shows an example in which the communication mode corresponding to each of the three areas (first area, second area, and third area) is set.

First, similarly to ST221 in FIG. 14, when power is supplied and operation starts, the control unit 13 acquires power generation information about the power generation state of the power generation unit 11 (ST241).
Subsequently, similarly to ST222 in FIG. 14, control unit 13 determines whether or not to execute the communication mode setting process (ST242).
When it is determined to be executed (Y in ST242), the control unit 13 determines whether the power generation amount of the power generation unit satisfies a predetermined condition based on the power generation information (ST243), and when it is determined that the power generation amount is satisfied (ST243). In ST243, Y), the first communication mode is set (ST244).
Subsequently, the control unit 13 of the transmission device 1 determines whether the region information from the reception device (device) corresponds to the second region (ST245). When it corresponds to the second area (Y in ST245), the control unit 13 sets the second communication mode (ST246), and when it does not correspond to the second area (N in ST245). The third communication mode is set (ST247).
Note that the region information used for determination and the order of determination can be appropriately selected according to the characteristics of the region.
Also according to this modification, the communication unit 14 can be switched to various communication modes.

(Modification 2-5: Modification of system configuration)
As shown in FIG. 21, the livestock management system 100 may include a plurality of transmission devices 1, a plurality of reception devices 2, a server device 3, a terminal device 4, and one or a plurality of relay devices 5. Good.
The relay device 5 is configured to be able to communicate with the reception device 2 and the server device 3, and typically functions as a relay device that receives a signal transmitted from the reception device 2 and transmits the signal to the server device 3.
The relay device 5 has the same hardware configuration as that of the reception device 2 and includes, for example, a communication circuit and an antenna for communicating with the reception device 2, the server device 3, and the like.
The livestock management system 100 having such a configuration can also cause the transmission device 1 to execute processing for switching to a communication mode suitable for the region.

Alternatively, the livestock management system 100 includes a plurality of transmission devices 1, a server device 3, and a plurality of terminal devices 4, and each terminal device 4 has the function of the reception device 2 illustrated in FIG. Good.
That is, in this case, each terminal device 4 can function as a “device” that can communicate with the transmission device 1.

Furthermore, the terminal device 4 may have the function of the relay device 5 shown in FIG.

As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this art was described, this art is not limited only to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it cannot be overemphasized that various changes can be added within the range which does not deviate from the gist of this art. For example, the embodiment of the present technology may be an embodiment in which the embodiments are combined.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1) a housing configured to be attached to a living body;
Switchable between a first communication mode for communicating with a device belonging to the first area by the first communication method and a second communication mode for communicating with a device belonging to the second area by the second communication method The communication section
A communication device comprising: a control unit that switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on region information about a region to which the communication unit belongs.
(2) The communication device according to (1) above,
A power generation unit that generates power according to the environment of the area to which the communication device belongs;
The communication device is the region information, which is power generation information about a power generation state of the power generation unit.
(3) The communication device according to (2) above,
The control unit switches the first communication mode and the second communication mode by determining whether or not the power generation amount of the power generation unit satisfies a predetermined condition based on the power generation information.
(4) The communication device according to (3) above,
The control unit
Based on the power generation information, it is determined whether the amount of change in the power generation amount of the power generation unit satisfies a predetermined condition,
A communication device that determines whether the power generation amount of the power generation unit satisfies a predetermined condition when it is determined that the change amount satisfies a predetermined condition.
(5) The communication device according to any one of (2) to (4) above,
The power generation unit is a communication device that generates power using energy based on light.
(6) The communication device according to any one of (2) to (5) above,
The power generation unit is a communication device that generates power using energy based on vibration.
(7) The communication device according to any one of (2) to (6) above,
A communication apparatus further comprising a power supply unit that supplies the power generated by the power generation unit to the communication unit.
(8) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (7) above,
The communication unit receives the region information,
The control unit is a communication device that switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the received region information.
(9) The communication device according to (8) above,
The communication part
When switched to the first communication mode, a signal is transmitted by the first communication method,
Receiving the region information transmitted from a device belonging to the second region that has received the signal;
The control unit
A communication device that switches from the first communication mode to the second communication mode based on the region information.
(10) The communication device according to (8) or (9) above,
The communication part
Receiving the region information transmitted from a device belonging to the boundary between the first region and the second region;
The control unit
A communication device that switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the region information.
(11) The communication device according to any one of (8) to (10) above,
A power supply unit for supplying power to the communication unit;
The communication part
In each of the first communication mode and the second communication mode, it is configured to be able to transition between a standby state and an operating state based on the power supplied from the power supply unit,
A communication device that receives the region information in the operating state.
(12) The communication device according to (11) above,
A power generation unit that generates power according to the environment of the area to which the communication device belongs;
The power supply unit
When the electric power generated by the power generation unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of power, a transition is made from a cut-off state where the supply of power to the communication unit is cut off to a conduction state where the power is supplied to the communication unit. ,
The communication part
The communication device, in which the power is supplied when the power control unit transitions from a cut-off state to a conduction state, and transitions from the standby state to the operation state.
(13) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (12) above,
The first communication method is a wireless communication method using a first frequency band,
The second communication method is a wireless communication method using a second frequency band higher than the first wireless frequency band,
The communication apparatus, wherein the first area is an area wider than the second area.
(14) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (12) above,
The communication part
A first communication circuit using the first communication method;
A second communication circuit using the second communication method,
The control unit
A communication apparatus that controls the communication unit to use the first communication circuit in the first communication mode and to use the second communication circuit in the second communication mode.
(15) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (14) above,
The controller switches the first communication mode and the first communication protocol by switching between a first communication protocol corresponding to the first communication mode and a second communication protocol corresponding to the second communication mode. A communication device that switches between two communication modes.
(16) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (15) above,
The living body is a livestock communication device.
(17) A first communication mode in which a communication unit of a communication device configured to be attached to a living body communicates with a device belonging to the first area using the first communication method, and a device belonging to the second area And region information about the region to which the communication unit configured to be switchable between the second communication mode and the second communication mode communicating with the second communication method,
A communication method in which the control unit of the communication device switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the region information.
(18) a first device belonging to the first area;
A second device belonging to the second area;
A housing configured to be attached to a living body;
A communication unit configured to be switchable between a first communication mode for communicating with the first device using the first communication method and a second communication mode for communicating with the second device using the second communication method. When,
A communication system comprising: a control unit that switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on region information about a region to which the communication unit belongs.

1 ... Transmitting device (communication device)
2 ... Receiving device (device, first device, second device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Power generation part 12 ... Electric power supply part 13 ... Control part 14 ... Communication part 15 ... Housing

Claims

A housing configured to be attached to a living body;
Switchable between a first communication mode for communicating with a device belonging to the first area by the first communication method and a second communication mode for communicating with a device belonging to the second area by the second communication method The communication section
A communication device comprising: a control unit that switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on region information about a region to which the communication unit belongs.
The communication device according to claim 1,
A power generation unit that generates power according to the environment of the area to which the communication device belongs;
The area information is power generation information about a power generation state of the power generation unit.
The communication device according to claim 2,
The control unit switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode by determining whether or not a power generation amount of the power generation unit satisfies a predetermined condition based on the power generation information.
The communication device according to claim 3,
The controller is
Based on the power generation information, determine whether the amount of change in the power generation amount of the power generation unit satisfies a predetermined condition,
A communication device that determines whether or not the power generation amount of the power generation unit satisfies a predetermined condition when it is determined that the change amount satisfies a predetermined condition.
The communication device according to claim 2,
The power generation unit is a communication device that generates power using energy based on light.
The communication device according to claim 2,
The power generation unit generates power using energy based on vibration.
The communication device according to claim 2,
A communication apparatus further comprising a power supply unit that supplies the power generated by the power generation unit to the communication unit.
The communication device according to claim 1,
The communication unit receives the area information,
The control unit is a communication device that switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the received region information.
The communication device according to claim 8,
The communication unit is
When switched to the first communication mode, a signal is transmitted by the first communication method,
Receiving the region information transmitted from a device belonging to the second region that has received the signal;
The controller is
A communication device that switches from the first communication mode to the second communication mode based on the area information.
The communication device according to claim 8,
The communication unit is
Receiving the region information transmitted from a device belonging to a boundary portion between the first region and the second region;
The controller is
A communication device that switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the area information.
The communication device according to claim 8,
A power supply unit for supplying power to the communication unit;
The communication unit is
Each of the first communication mode and the second communication mode is configured to be able to transition between a standby state and an operating state based on the power supplied from the power supply unit,
A communication device that receives the region information in the operating state.
The communication device according to claim 11,
A power generation unit that generates power according to the environment of the area to which the communication device belongs;
The power supply unit
When the power generated by the power generation unit exceeds a predetermined amount of power, the state is changed from a cut-off state where the supply of power to the communication unit is cut off to a conduction state where the power is supplied to the communication unit. ,
The communication unit is
The communication apparatus, in which the power is supplied when the power control unit transitions from a cut-off state to a conduction state, and transitions from the standby state to the operation state.
The communication device according to claim 1,
The first communication method is a wireless communication method using a first frequency band,
The second communication method is a wireless communication method using a second frequency band higher than the first wireless frequency band,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first area is an area wider than the second area.
The communication device according to claim 1,
The communication unit is
A first communication circuit using the first communication method;
A second communication circuit using the second communication method,
The controller is
A communication apparatus that controls the communication unit to use the first communication circuit in the first communication mode and to use the second communication circuit in the second communication mode.
The communication device according to claim 1,
The control unit switches the first communication mode and the first communication protocol by switching between a first communication protocol corresponding to the first communication mode and a second communication protocol corresponding to the second communication mode. A communication device that switches between two communication modes.
The communication device according to claim 1,
The living body is a livestock communication device.
A communication unit of a communication device configured to be attached to a living body communicates with a device belonging to the first area by a first communication method, a first communication mode, a device belonging to the second area, and a second Receiving region information about a region to which the communication unit configured to be able to switch between the second communication mode for communication by the communication method of
A communication method in which a control unit of the communication device switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on the area information.
A first device belonging to a first area;
A second device belonging to the second area;
A housing configured to be attached to a living body;
A communication unit configured to be able to switch between a first communication mode for communicating with the first device using a first communication method and a second communication mode for communicating with the second device using a second communication method. When,
A communication apparatus comprising: a control unit that switches between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on region information about a region to which the communication unit belongs.