JP2007263771A - Article position detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article position detection system capable of detecting the location of an article in a house efficiently. <P>SOLUTION: The article position detection system comprises: a plurality of radio communication modules 8b arranged in the house; an ID tag 200 that is provided in an article 300 in the house for communicating with the radio communication module 8b by radio; and a communication control monitoring module 8a for controlling and monitoring the plurality of radio communication modules 8b. The plurality of radio communication modules 8b transmit radio signals to mutually different ranges and communicate with the IC tag 200 provided in the article 300 existing in the different ranges by radio, thus detecting the position of the article 300. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an article position detection system.

Conventionally, if the location of a home item (television receiver, remote control device for remotely operating an air conditioner, mobile phone, key, key case, etc.) cannot be determined due to misplacement, for example, an ID tag is attached to each item. There is provided a system that can detect an article existing in the vicinity of a wireless portable terminal when a wireless portable terminal that can be attached and communicated with an ID tag is operated in each room (Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-93423 A

  By the way, in the above-mentioned system, the user has to walk around the whole room or each room with a portable terminal, which is inefficient.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said reason, The objective is to provide the article | item position detection system which can detect the presence location of the articles | goods in a house efficiently.

  The invention of claim 1 includes a plurality of first wireless communication means arranged in a home, and a second wireless communication means provided in a home article and performing wireless communication with the first wireless communication means. And a communication control monitoring means for controlling and monitoring the plurality of first wireless communication means, wherein the plurality of first wireless communication means respectively transmit wireless signals to different ranges, and to articles existing in the range. The position of the article is detected by performing wireless communication with the provided second wireless communication means.

  According to the present invention, the entire detection range of the article position detection system is divided into a plurality of parts, and the first wireless communication unit is provided for each of the divided detection ranges, so that even when the entire detection range covers a wide range. Know the location of the item you are looking for without walking around the whole room or each room. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently detect the location of the article in the house.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the communication control monitoring unit sets the transmission timings of the radio signals by the plurality of first radio communication units to timings different from each other, and the first during the transmission operation Presenting means for presenting wireless communication means is provided, and the second wireless communication means includes notification means for notifying that the transmission signal of the first wireless communication means has been received.

  According to the present invention, not only the notification operation of the second wireless means but also the presenting content of the presentation means at the time of the notification operation can be combined to detect the location of the article being sought.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the second wireless communication unit is an RF-type and passive type ID tag, and the first wireless communication unit is a second wireless communication unit. An activation signal for supplying power is transmitted, and the notification means of the second wireless communication means operates using the power supplied by the activation signal.

  According to the present invention, the second wireless communication means itself does not need a power source, and the second wireless communication means can be configured in a small size.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first wireless communication unit generates a transmission signal including its own identification information, and the second wireless communication unit transmits the first wireless communication unit. When a signal is received, a reception confirmation signal including the identification information is transmitted, and the first wireless communication means in which the identification information included in the reception confirmation signal matches its own identification information receives the reception confirmation signal, and the communication The control monitoring means detects the position of the article by monitoring the reception status of the reception confirmation signal in the first wireless communication means.

According to this invention, the second wireless communication means does not need a notification means, and the second wireless communication means can be configured in a small size and at a low cost. The invention of claim 5 provides the reception confirmation signal according to claim 4. The received first wireless communication means transmits the article detection signal to the communication control monitoring means, and the communication control monitoring means determines the position of the article based on the transmission range of the first wireless communication means that has received the reception confirmation signal. It is characterized by comprising position presentation means for presenting.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the location of the article being sought simply by confirming the content presented by the position presenting means of the communication control monitoring means.

  The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in claim 5, the position presentation means presents the position of the article by voice.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to know the location of the article even if it is away from the communication control monitoring means.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention provides the gate device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the plurality of gate devices are embedded in the construction surface and are connected to wires that transmit power and information signals by preceding wiring on the rear side of the construction surface. The first wireless communication unit and the communication control monitoring unit are supplied with power through a gate device and exchange information signals with each other.

  According to this invention, the first wireless communication means and the communication control monitoring means can secure the power path and the information path at the same time, and excellent workability can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to efficiently detect the location of the article in the house.

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

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the wiring system to which the article position detection system of this embodiment is applied includes one or more switch boxes 2 that are embedded and arranged at appropriate locations in a building such as a house or a building. The power line L1 and the information line L2 that are wired in advance in the wall surface between the boxes 2 are sent and wired, and the switch box 2 at the starting end is routed through the main breaker MB and the branch breaker BB in the wiring board 1. The power line L1 drawn indoors is introduced, and the information line L2 connected to the external Internet network NT via a gateway GW (with built-in router and hub) is introduced. Here, the switch box 2 is provided at a high position HP such as an indoor ceiling surface, the switch box 2 is provided at a middle position MP such as a wall surface at a height position recommended by a wall switch, and the like. It is divided into those provided in a low position LP such as a wall surface or a floor surface.

  These switch boxes 2 are standardized corresponding to a series of mounting frames 4 (see FIG. 4) to which three large-sized square-type embedded wiring devices standardized by JIS can be mounted. As shown in FIG. 3, the power line L1 and the information line L2 sent from the wiring board 1 or other switch box 2 are introduced from the upper part as shown in FIG. Power line L1 and information line L2 are derived. The body of the gate device 3 to which the basic function module 8 is connected is attached to each switch box 2 by the attachment frame 4.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting frame 4 is provided with a window hole 4a for mounting the instrument in the center, and the front part of the instrument body to be mounted is fitted from the back into the window hole 4a, and the left and right frame pieces The locked body provided on the both sides of the device main body is locked by the locking means provided on the device to fix the device main body. And the attachment screw | thread (not shown) penetrated to the attachment hole 4b provided in the up-and-down frame piece is fastened to the screw hole (not shown) of the switch box 2, and it attaches to the switch box 2 with the instrument main body. Further, when the mounting is performed on the wall panel with the embedded hole opened without using the switch box 2, the wall panel can be clamped with a so-called clip fitting or can be mounted with a wood screw.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the gate device 3 is provided with connection terminal portions 5a and 5b having a fast connection terminal structure and connection terminal portions 5a ′ and 5b ′ for feed wiring on the back surface of the body, and corresponding power lines L1 and information lines. L2 is connected. Further, on the front surface of the body, a power path connection port 6A having a contact portion electrically connected to the sent power line L1, and an information path electrically connected to the sent information line L2. A modular connection port 6 having a connection port 6B is provided as shown in FIG.

  These connection ports 6A and 6B are standardized as a system in terms of the distance between them, the arrangement of internal contact portions, the shape of the opening, and the like. The front surface of the switch box 2 is covered so as to cover the front surface of the body of the gate device 3. Connected portions 7A and 7B of the connector 7 provided on the back surface of the basic function module 8 shown in FIG. 6 attached to the opening side are detachably coupled to the connection ports 6A and 6B.

  The basic function module 8 constitutes a function module together with an extended function module 10 to be described later, and is a flat module body made of synthetic resin (non-crystalline general-purpose plastic such as ABS) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A. The circuit shown in FIG. 9 is built in 8A, and by connecting the connected portions 7A and 7B of the connector 7 on the back surface to the connection ports 6A and 6B of the gate device 3, the front opening of the switch box 2 is obtained. In addition, the mounting flange (not shown) is attached to the front surface of the mounting hole 80 which is perforated in the center of the upper portion and the lower portion. It is attached to the switch box 2 via the attachment frame 4 by being inserted from the part side and screwed into a screw hole 4 c provided in the upper and lower frames of the attachment frame 4.

  Further, on the front surface of the module main body 8A, at a position above or below the opening position of the upper and lower mounting holes 80, as shown in FIG. A connecting groove 81 comprising a groove 81b is formed to be divided into left and right by a central partition wall 82.

  A half of one side of the synthetic resin coupling body 100 shown in FIG. 7 (b) is fitted in the coupling groove 81 on the left or right side of the partition wall 82 until it hits the partition wall 82, and the other half of the coupling body 100 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 8, the basic function module 8 and the extended function module 10 can be mechanically coupled by fitting into a connecting groove 81 that is similarly provided on the extended function module 10 side. The connecting body 100 is provided with a groove 100a in which a partition wall 81c for partitioning the wide groove 81a and the narrow groove 81b is fitted on the back surface, and is inserted so as to straddle both the grooves 81a and 81b. In the basic function module 8, the decorative cover 8 </ b> B is detachably attached from the front side, and in the extended function module 10, the lid 83 is closed so as to be fitted over the connecting groove 81. A certain connected body 100 is held so as not to fall off and is maintained in a connected state. Thus, the connecting body 100 and the connecting groove 81 constitute connecting means for the basic function module 8 and the extended function module 10.

  In this wiring system, a plurality of types of basic function modules 8 are prepared. As shown in FIG. 9, the basic function module 8 supplies a stable DC voltage to a commercial power supply AC supplied via a connected portion 7A. An AC / DC converter 21 for converting to an operating power supply + V of the internal circuit comprising: a communication transmission unit 22 for transmitting and receiving information signals transmitted bi-directionally through an information line L2 connected via the connected unit 7B; Power supply connectors 9A and 9A ′ connected to the commercial power supply AC via the connection part 7A, and information connectors 9B and 9B ′ connected to the information line L2 via the communication transmission part 22 and the connected part 7B Basically prepared. When it is necessary to take out an information signal or transmit an information signal internally, the data is received from the information signal received by the communication transmission unit 22 and processed, and the information signal from the basic function module 8 is processed. Is provided with an arithmetic processing unit 23 that performs an information generation process when transmitting data, and a functional unit 25 that operates by exchanging data with the arithmetic processing unit 23 via the I / O interface 24. Each of these units is supplied with operating power + V from the AC / DC converter 21. The configuration of the functional unit 25 differs depending on the basic functional module 8.

  A male power connector 9A and an information connector 9B are provided on one side of both side surfaces of the module main body 8A of the basic function module 8, and a female power connector 9A 'and an information connector 9B' are provided on the other side. Yes. Then, by connecting the contact pieces of the connected portion 7A to the contact pieces of the power connectors 9A and 9A ′, the commercial power supply AC is supplied even if the extended function module 10 is connected in either direction. To be able to. Further, by connecting the input / output of the communication transmission unit 22 to the contact pieces of the information connectors 9B and 9B ′, the information signal can be exchanged even if the extended function module 10 is connected in either the left or right direction. . The power connectors 9A and 9A ′ are arranged to be biased to one end on both side surfaces of the module body 8A, and the information connectors 9B and 9B ′ are biased to the other side on both side surfaces of the module body 8A. Arranged.

  The power connectors 9A and 9A ′ and the information connectors 9B and 9B ′ are standardized as a system in the arrangement of the internal contact portions, the shape of the openings, and the power connector and information arranged on the same surface. The distance from the connector for the connector is also standardized as a system, and power supply connectors 11A and 11A ′ and information connectors 11B and 11B ′, which will be described later, of the extended function module 10 are detachably coupled.

  Next, in this wiring system, a plurality of types of extended function modules 10 are prepared. As shown in FIG. 10, the extended function module 10 includes power supply connectors 11A and 11A ′ and information connectors 11B and 11B ′. An AC / DC converter 31 that converts a commercial power supply AC supplied through one of the power supply connectors 11A and 11A ′ into an operating power supply + V of an internal circuit composed of a stable DC voltage, and an information connector 11B, The communication transmission part 32 which transmits / receives the information signal transmitted bidirectionally via 11B 'is fundamentally provided. And when it is necessary to take out an information signal internally or to transmit an information signal, the information is received from the information signal received by the communication transmission unit 32 and processed. Is provided with an arithmetic processing unit 33 that performs information generation processing and a functional unit 35 that operates by exchanging data with the arithmetic processing unit 33 via the I / O interface 34. Each of these units is supplied with operating power + V from the AC / DC converter 31. The configuration of the functional unit 35 differs depending on the extended function module 10.

  In the extended function module 10, the height of the module body 10A is basically standardized to the same height as the basic function module 8 as shown in FIG. Standardized to an integral multiple of the unit module dimensions.

  Also, a male power connector 11A and an information connector 11B are provided on one side of both sides of the flat module body 10A made of synthetic resin (amorphous general-purpose plastic such as ABS), and a female power source is provided on the other side. Connector 11A 'and information connector 11B' are provided. The power connectors 11A and 11A ′ are biased to one end on both side surfaces of the module body 10A, and the information connectors 11B and 11B ′ are biased to the other side on both side surfaces of the module body 10A. Be placed. These power connectors 11A and 11A ′ and information connectors 11B and 11B ′ are arranged in the same manner as the power connectors 9A and 9A ′ and information connectors 9B and 9B ′ of the basic function module 8, and the arrangement and opening of the internal contact portions. The shape of the unit is standardized as a system, and the interval between the power connector and the information connector arranged on the same plane is also standardized as a system. The power connectors 9A, 9A ′ of the basic function module 8 are standardized. The information connectors 9B and 9B ′ or the power connectors 11A and 11A ′ and the information connectors 11B and 11B ′ of the other extended function modules 10 are detachably coupled.

  Specifically, the male power connector 11A and the information connector 11B are the female power connector 9A 'of the basic function module 8, the information connector 9B', or the female connector of another extension function module 10. Connected to the power connector 11A ′ and the information connector 11B ′, the female power connector 11A ′ and the information connector 11B ′ are the male power connector 9A, the information connector 9B of the basic function module 8, or The other extension function module 10 is connected to the male power connector 11A and the information connector 11B.

  In the module body 10A, the contact pieces of these power supply connectors 11A and 11A ′ are connected to each other, and the power supply connector on one side is fitted to the power supply connector of the adjacent basic function module 8 or the extended function module 10. When the power is received, the other power connector is the power supply side.

  Further, by connecting the input / output of the communication transmission unit 32 to the contact pieces of the information connectors 11B and 11B ′, the information signal can be transmitted regardless of whether the basic function module 8 or another extension function module 10 is connected in any direction. The information signal can be exchanged between the basic function module 8 or the extended function module 10 adjacent to both sides.

  Further, the shape of the module main body 10A of the extended function module 10 is such that the back surface is formed as a flat surface as shown in FIGS. The upper and lower positions are provided with a connecting groove portion 81 including a wide groove 81a and a narrow groove 81b for inserting the connecting body 100 in the same manner as the basic function module 8, and a lid portion for opening and closing the connecting groove portion 81. 83, the lid 83 is opened when the connecting body 100 is attached or removed, and is closed as described above when the attached state of the connecting body 100 is maintained (FIG. 11 (c). )reference).

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an article position detection system that detects the location of an article in the house using a wiring system composed of the gate device 3, basic function module 8, and extended function module 10, and FIG. The example of arrangement | positioning of a module is shown. Hereinafter, this article position detection system will be described.

  First, the power line L1 and the information line L2 are wired in advance in the wall surface of the building such as a house or a building and wired to each gate device 3, and are provided in the indoor high position HP, middle position MP, and low position LP, respectively. Each of the plurality of gate devices 3 includes a basic function module 8b (hereinafter referred to as a wireless communication module 8b) which is a first wireless communication unit that performs data communication with an ID tag 200 described later using a wireless signal. Each is connected. Further, a single gate device 3 provided in the indoor middle position MP has a basic function module 8a (hereinafter referred to as a communication control monitoring module 8a) that monitors and controls all the wireless communication modules 8b via the information line L2. ) Is connected.

  Then, an ID tag 200 as a second wireless communication means is attached to each of a remote control device for remotely operating a television receiver, an air conditioner, etc., and an article 300 such as a mobile phone. Is an RF-type and passive-type ID tag, and as shown in FIG. 12, includes a modulation / demodulation unit 200a, a control unit 200b, a memory unit 200c, an antenna 200d, and a notification unit 200e. The unmodulated carrier wave (startup signal) transmitted from 8b is received by the modem unit 200a via the antenna 200d and converted into power, and each unit is operated by this power. Therefore, the ID tag 200 itself does not require a power source, and the ID tag 200 can be configured in a small size.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the function unit 25 of the communication control monitoring module 8a includes a control unit 250a, a detected object setting unit 250b, an article storage unit 250c, an operation unit 250d, a display unit 250e, and a module information storage unit 250f. The controller 250a exchanges information signals with each wireless communication module 8b via the information line L2. The operations of the article storage unit 250c, the display unit 250e, and the module information storage unit 250f are controlled by the control unit 250a. On the front surface of the decorative cover 8B, a setting switch of the detected object setting unit 250b, an operation switch of the operation unit 250d, The liquid crystal screen of the display unit 250e is exposed. The ID tag 200 stores its own tag identification information in the memory unit 200c, and the article storage unit 250c of the communication control monitoring module 8a stores the name of the article 300 and the ID tag 200 attached to the article 300. Are stored in association with each other. The data storage process in the article storage unit 250c is performed by operating the operation unit 250d and inputting the name of the article 300 and the tag identification information of the ID tag 200.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the function unit 25 of the wireless communication module 8b includes a wireless communication unit 251b that transmits and receives wireless signals via the antenna 251a, and a wireless communication unit 251b that is based on an information signal input from the information line L2. The communication control unit 251c and the memory unit 251d are configured to transmit a radio signal and output an information signal received by the radio communication unit 251b to the information line L2. Note that the wireless communication unit 251b of the present embodiment may have only a transmission function.

  The antenna 251a of the wireless communication module 8b has directivity in a specific direction, and each wireless communication module 8b allows each wireless communication module 8b to reach each of the reach ranges of wireless signals emitted from the antenna 251a. The entire detection range of the present article position detection system is divided into a plurality of ranges that are set to different ranges, and one wireless communication module 8b is provided for each of the divided detection ranges. For example, six wireless communication modules 8b are arranged so as to cover the entire detection range in the living room R1, and three wireless communication modules 8b are arranged so as to cover the entire detection range in the kitchen R2. (See FIG. 1).

  The communication control monitoring module 8a has a function of automatically assigning module identification information to each wireless communication module 8b, and the module identification information assigned to each wireless communication module 8b is stored in each wireless communication module 8b. It is stored in the memory unit 251d. The module information storage unit 250f of the communication control monitoring module 8a stores module identification information assigned to each wireless communication module 8b in association with the detection range of the corresponding wireless communication module 8b. For example, [module identification information 1-living room 1], [module identification information 2-living room 2]. . . . . . It is stored in the format of [module identification information 8-kitchen 2] and [module identification information 9-kitchen 3].

  The module identification information allocation function can be realized, for example, by implementing a UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) control point function in the communication control monitoring module 8a. The SSDP (Simple Each wireless communication module 8b corresponding to a UPnP device is automatically detected by using Service Discovery Protocol, and a network address (module identification information) of each wireless communication module 8b, that is, a private IP address is set to DHCP (Dynamic Assigned automatically using the Host Configuration Protocol. However, since automatic allocation of network addresses using DHCP is well known in the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The operation of the article position detection system having the above configuration will be described below.

  First, the detected object setting unit 250b of the communication control monitoring module 8a is operated to select the name of an article to be searched from the article list displayed on the display unit 250e, and a detection start operation is performed. The article list is generated by the control unit 250a with reference to information stored in the article storage unit 250c. Then, the control unit 250a of the communication control monitoring module 8a transmits the information signal including the tag identification information corresponding to the selected article and the module identification information of the transmission destination wireless communication module 8b to each wireless communication via the information line L2. Transmit to module 8b. At this time, the control unit 250a transmits an information signal to each wireless communication module 8b at regular intervals so that each wireless communication module 8b sequentially performs transmission operation at regular intervals. That is, the detection range is moved in time series, and the control unit 250a of the communication control monitoring module 8a refers to the information stored in the module information storage unit 250f and is currently performing a transmission operation. By displaying the detection range of the module 8b on the display unit 250e, the current detection range is sequentially presented. The display by the display unit 250e makes it easy to grasp the detection position if the current detection range is identifiable (color display, blinking, etc.) in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional room plan.

  Then, the communication control unit 251c of the wireless communication module 8b that has received the information signal including its own module identification information extracts the tag identification information included in the information signal. Then, a wireless signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 251b via the antenna 251a. The transmitted radio signal includes the extracted tag identification information following the activation signal that activates the ID tag 200.

  The ID tag 200 attached to the article 300 existing within the detection range of the wireless communication module 8b during transmission operation is first activated when the modem unit 200a receives a transmission signal from the wireless communication module 8b via the antenna 200d. Each part is operated by the electric power converted from the signal. Then, the control unit 200b determines whether or not its own tag identification information stored in the memory unit 200c matches the tag identification information included in the received signal. If they match, the notification unit 200e generates a notification sound such as a buzzer sound to notify the presence of the surroundings.

  The householder who has operated the communication control monitoring module 8a can determine the location of the article 300 being searched for based on the notification sound from the ID tag 200. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the detection range of the wireless communication module 8b that is currently performing the transmission operation is displayed on the display unit 250e, the entire detection range of the present system covers a wide range, so that the notification sound can be heard. Even if you do not know where it is ringing, you can efficiently detect the location of the article 300 you are looking for by looking at the display content of the display section 250e when the notification sound is heard without walking around the whole room or each room. .

  In addition to the above, as the basic function module 8 and the extended function module 10 used in the wiring system to which the article position detection system of the present embodiment is applied, an air conditioner operation controller, an air conditioner temperature setting device, Electric razors that use power supply, electric toothbrushes, chargers for portable audio players, interphone master units, slave units, fire sensors, human sensors, etc. that have transmission functions and monitoring functions for images captured by surveillance cameras is there.

In addition, each of the function modules can be configured by either the basic function module 8 or the extended function module 10. Also, the gate device 3, the basic function module 8, and the extended function module 10 are configured by winding a coil around a core instead of a connector. , Each core is magnetically coupled to induce a low-voltage AC power supply voltage in the coil on the other side to supply power, and further send out an information signal through E / O conversion to send the information signal to O / O If the information signal consisting of an optical signal is transmitted in a non-contact bidirectional manner using a light emitting element and a light receiving element by taking in through E conversion, the power between the gate device 3, the basic function module 8, and the extended function module 10, Information signals can be exchanged without contact.

  Moreover, if the transmission system of the information signal of the whole system is performed by the power line carrier system, the power path and the information path can be shared.

  As an information signal transmission method of the article position detection system using the functional module of the present invention, either baseband transmission or broadband transmission may be adopted, and any protocol may be used, and it is not particularly limited. Since there is no description, explanation is omitted. Further, the protocol used between the gate devices 3 and the protocol used in the functional modules 8 and 10 connected to the gate device 3 may be made different, for example, the protocol conversion may be performed by the gate device 3.

  In the article position detection system, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the basic function module 8 is connected to the gate device 3, and an extended function module 10 having a certain function is connected to the right side of the basic function module 8. The extended function module 10 having different functions can be connected to the right side portion of the extended function module 10. Therefore, the gate device 3 and the basic function module 8 are connected to the power line L1 and the information line L2 that are wired in advance. By connecting the extended function module 10, each function module can secure a power path and an information path at the same time, and it is not necessary to perform a new wiring work and is excellent in workability. Further, by using the same information line L2 for each functional module, the interlocking control with other functional modules can be easily performed, and the extensibility is excellent.

  Thus, in using the basic function module 8, first, the gate device 3 is attached to the switch box 2 embedded in advance in the appropriate wall surface of the building through the attachment frame 4, and the power lines L 1, 1 wired in advance are wired. The information line L2 is connected. Thereafter, the corresponding connected portions 7A and 7B of the connector 7 of the basic function module 8 are connected to the electric wire connection ports 6A and 6B provided on the front surface portion of the gate device 3, and the basic function module 8 is connected to the gate device. 3 is attached to the attachment frame 4 so as to cover the front surface portion of the frame 3. When the basic function module 8 is attached, the front surface portion protrudes from the wall surface, and both side surfaces are exposed to the indoor side.

  Then, the extended function module 10 is connected to one of the exposed side surfaces of the basic function module 8 by connecting the side surface of one side to the connector, and in this state, the extended function module 10 and the basic function module 8 are connected using the coupling body 100. Connect mechanically. As a result, the basic function module 8 and the extended function module 10 constitute a function module. At this time, the back surface of the extended function module 10 is along the side wall surface of the switch box 2. For example, when the wall surface is cross-bonded or the like, the position of the back surface of the extended function module 10 is slightly shifted. In addition, it can be disposed in a state in which the back surface is in close contact with the wall portion, and even if an operation force or the like is applied from the front surface portion of the extended function module 10, the load applied to the connection portion can be reduced.

  Further, when another extended function module 10 is connected to the previously connected extended function module 10, the extended function modules 10 are mechanically connected to each other by the connecting body 100 in a state where the opposing side surfaces are in contact with each other and are connected by connectors. In this manner, the extended function modules 10 can be sequentially connected to the sides as shown in FIG.

  Since the basic function module 8 can connect the extended function module 10 to both sides, the extended function module 10 may be connected to both sides of the basic function module 8. After the extended function module 10 is connected in this way, the end cover 101 is detachably attached to the side of the connection portion of the extended function module 10 or the basic function module 8 located at both ends, so that the extended function module 10 is attached. Will be completed. When the extended function module 9 is not connected to the basic function module 8, that is, when it is left unused, the end cover 101 is attached to both sides of the basic function module 8.

  After the installation work is completed as described above and the system is completed, information signals are exchanged between the corresponding basic function module 8 and the extended function module 10.

  Further, in this embodiment, no special construction is required for the addition or deletion of the extended function module 10 or the basic function module 8, so that the extended function module 10 is simply connected to the basic function module 8 according to the general user's preference. Extensibility is ensured.

  Although the gate device 3 used in the present embodiment is attached to the switch box 2 with the attachment frame 4, it is of course possible to attach it directly to the back wall of the switch box 2 and attach the basic function module 8 to the switch box 2.

(Embodiment 2)
The configuration of the article position detection system of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 as in the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  First, the detected object setting unit 250b of the communication control monitoring module 8a is operated to select the name of an article to be searched from the article list displayed on the display unit 250e, and a detection start operation is performed. Then, the control unit 250a of the communication control monitoring module 8a transmits the information signal including the tag identification information corresponding to the selected article and the module identification information of the transmission destination wireless communication module 8b to each wireless communication via the information line L2. Transmit to module 8b. At this time, the controller 250a may transmit information signals all at once to all the wireless communication modules 8b, or each wireless communication module 8b so that the wireless communication modules 8b sequentially perform transmission operations one by one. An information signal may be transmitted.

  Then, the communication control unit 251c of the wireless communication module 8b that has received the information signal including its own module identification information transmits a wireless signal from the wireless communication unit 251b via the antenna 251a. The transmitted radio signal includes tag identification information and its own module identification information following the activation signal for activating the ID tag 200.

  The ID tag 200 attached to the article 300 existing within the detection range of the wireless communication module 8b during transmission operation is first activated when the modem unit 200a receives a transmission signal from the wireless communication module 8b via the antenna 200d. Each part is operated by the electric power converted from the signal. Then, the control unit 200b determines whether or not its own tag identification information stored in the memory unit 200c matches the tag identification information included in the received signal. If they match, module identification information contained in the transmission signal from the wireless communication module 8b is extracted. Then, a reception confirmation signal including the extracted module identification information is generated and transmitted from the modem 200a via the antenna 200d.

  In the wireless communication module 8b, when the wireless communication unit 251b receives the reception confirmation signal from the ID tag 200 via the antenna 251a, the communication control unit 251c receives its own module identification information stored in the memory unit 251d, and It is determined whether or not the module identification information included in the confirmation signal matches. If it does not match, the signal is discarded, and if it matches, an article detection signal including its own module identification information is generated and communication is performed. It transmits to the control monitoring module 8a via the information line L2.

  In the communication control monitoring module 8a that has received the article detection signal, the control unit 250a stores the information stored in the module information storage unit 250f of the detection range corresponding to the module identification information included in the received article detection signal. Refer to and recognize. And the communication control monitoring module 8a of this embodiment is provided with the audio | voice output part 250g (refer FIG. 13), and while the control part 250a displays the recognized detection range on the display part 250e, audio | voice output from the audio | voice output part 250g. (For example, “in living room 2”) is output to indicate the position of the article.

  Further, when one ID tag 200 receives each transmission signal from the plurality of wireless communication modules 8b, it transmits a reception confirmation signal to the plurality of wireless communication modules 8b, and performs communication control monitoring from the plurality of wireless communication modules 8b. An article detection signal is transmitted to the module 8a. In this case, the control unit 250a of the communication control monitoring module 8a displays, for example, a range where all the detection ranges overlap on the display unit 250e based on the detection ranges of the plurality of wireless communication modules 8b.

  Therefore, the family member who has operated the communication control monitoring module 8a displays the detection range of the wireless communication module 8b that has responded from the ID tag 200 on the display unit 250e, so that the entire detection range of the present system is wide. Even in the case where the object 300 is located, it is possible to efficiently detect the location of the article 300 being searched for by looking at the display content of the display unit 250e without walking around the entire room or each room. Further, the location of the article 300 can be known from the sound output from the sound output unit 250g even when away from the communication control monitoring module 8a. The display by the display unit 250e makes it easy to grasp the detection position if the recognized detection range is displayed in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional room plan so that the recognized detection range can be identified (color display, blinking, etc.).

  In the present embodiment, the notification unit 200e is not necessary for the ID tag 200 (see FIG. 12), and the ID tag 200 can be configured in a small size and at a low cost.

It is a lineblock diagram of an article position detection system of an embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a system same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of a functional module same as the above. It is a front view of the state which attached the gate apparatus same as the above to the attachment frame. It is a perspective view which shows the wiring form to the gate apparatus same as the above. It is a perspective view of the state which removed the basic functional module same as the above from the switch box. (A) is a perspective view of the basic functional module same as above with the decorative cover removed, and (b) is a perspective view of the coupling body. It is explanatory drawing of the connection structure of a basic function module same as the above and an expansion module. It is a circuit block diagram of a gate apparatus same as the above and a basic function module. It is a circuit block diagram of an extended function module same as the above. The extended function module same as the above is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a side view in a state where a lid is opened and a coupling body is removed. It is a circuit block diagram of an ID tag same as the above. It is a circuit block diagram of the function part of a communication control monitoring module same as the above. It is a circuit block diagram of the function part of a radio | wireless communication module same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

L1 Power line L2 Information line 3 Gate device 8a Communication control monitoring module 8b Wireless communication module 200 ID tag 300 Article

Claims (7)

A plurality of first wireless communication means arranged in the house, a second wireless communication means provided in the home article and performing wireless communication with the first wireless communication means, and a plurality of first wirelesss Communication control monitoring means for controlling and monitoring the communication means,
The plurality of first wireless communication means respectively transmit wireless signals to different ranges, and perform wireless communication with the second wireless communication means provided in the articles existing in the ranges, thereby positioning the article. An article position detection system characterized by detecting. The communication control monitoring unit includes a presentation unit that sets the transmission timings of the radio signals by the plurality of first radio communication units to different timings and presents the first radio communication unit during the transmission operation, 2. The article position detection system according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless communication means includes notification means for notifying that the transmission signal of the first wireless communication means has been received. The second wireless communication means is an RF type and passive type ID tag, the first wireless communication means transmits an activation signal for supplying power to the second wireless communication means, and a second 3. The article position detection system according to claim 1, wherein the notification means of the wireless communication means operates using the power supplied by the activation signal. The first wireless communication unit generates a transmission signal including its own identification information. When the second wireless communication unit receives the transmission signal of the first wireless communication unit, the reception confirmation including the identification information is performed. A first wireless communication unit that transmits a signal and whose identification information included in the reception confirmation signal matches its own identification information, receives the reception confirmation signal, and the communication control monitoring unit includes: 2. The article position detection system according to claim 1, wherein the article position is detected by monitoring the reception status of the reception confirmation signal. The first wireless communication means that has received the reception confirmation signal transmits the article detection signal to the communication control monitoring means, and the communication control monitoring means is within the transmission range of the first wireless communication means that has received the reception confirmation signal. 5. The article position detection system according to claim 4, further comprising position presentation means for presenting the position of the article based on the position. The article position detection system according to claim 5, wherein the position presentation unit presents the position of the article by voice. Embedded in the construction surface, and provided with a plurality of gate devices connected in advance to the back side of the construction surface and transmitting electric power and information signals, the first wireless communication means, the communication control monitoring means, 7. The article position detection system according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied through a gate device and information signals are exchanged with each other.

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