JP2022109568A - Location information management communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a communication device for position information management that can grasp the position of an object regardless of the remaining amount of a battery of the device.SOLUTION: A communication device for position information management has a storage unit that stores identification information on the communication device for position information management and a first communication control unit that causes a first communication unit performing communication according to a first communication standard by using power supplied from a power supply unit to transmit the identification information stored in the storage unit to a server related to management of position information, and is provided in a management object whose position information is managed, and the communication device for position information management comprises: a second communication unit that performs, with a reading device, communication according to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; and a second communication control unit that, when the second communication unit receives an identification information reading signal from the reading device, reads the identification information from the storage unit by using a power obtained by converting a radio wave received in the communication with the reading device, and causes the second communication unit to transmit the identification information to the reading device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a location information management communication device.

BACKGROUND ART In recent years, a system for acquiring position information of a target and ascertaining the location of the target has been widely used. The system is used, for example, to confirm the whereabouts of packages and transportation tools in physical distribution.

Patent Literature 1 below discloses a technique in which a communication device having a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver is arranged as a target, and position information received by the GNSS receiver is acquired as target position information. The acquired position information is transmitted from the communication device to the server by wireless communication using LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) as a communication standard, and the target position information is managed by the server. The communication device uses LPWA as a communication standard, thereby suppressing consumption of electric power charged in a battery provided in the communication device.

JP 2020-100297 A

However, the communication device described in Patent Document 1 is driven only by the power supplied from the battery mounted in the communication device. will run out. If the communication device cannot be driven due to insufficient power, the position information will not be transmitted from the communication device to the server, making it impossible to grasp the position of the object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a position information management communication device capable of grasping the position of a target regardless of the remaining battery level of the own device.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a location information management communication device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores identification information of a local location information management communication device; a first communication control unit configured to transmit information to a server relating to management of location information by a first communication unit that performs communication according to a first communication standard using power supplied from a power supply unit; a location information management communication device provided in a management target whose information is managed, the second communication unit performing communication with a reading device according to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; When the communication unit 2 receives the read signal of the identification information from the reading device, the identification information is read from the storage unit using power obtained by converting radio waves received in communication with the reading device. and a second communication control unit for reading out and transmitting to the reading device by the second communication unit.

According to the present invention, the position of the target can be grasped regardless of the remaining battery level of the own device.

It is a figure showing an example of composition of a position information management system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the cargo information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 4 is a diagram showing an example of position management information according to the first embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the collation information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the position information management communication device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing in the location information management communication device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a location information management communication device according to a second embodiment; 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing in the location information management communication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a location information management communication device according to a third embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of output information according to the third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing in a location information management communication device according to a third embodiment; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<<1. First Embodiment>>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG.

<1-1. Configuration of Location Information Management System>
An example of the configuration of the position information management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a position information management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the location information management system 1 includes a location information management communication device 10, a cargo management server 20, a Sigfox management server 30, a location information management server 40, a Wi-Fi management server 50, and a user terminal 60. . The Sigfox management server 30, the location information management server 40, and the Wi-Fi management server 50 are examples of servers related to management of location information to be managed (hereinafter also referred to as "management servers").

A location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system for ascertaining the location (location) of an object to be managed. Objects to be managed are, for example, logistics materials such as pallets, carts, containers, packing boxes, and packages.
Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, an example will be described in which packages 12 (12A, 12B) are managed and the packages 12 are transported between a plurality of user bases 2 (2A, 2B) by vehicles 14. .

The position information management communication device 10 is an electronic device for acquiring the position information of the package 12 . The positional information management communication device 10 is attached to a package 12 whose positional information is to be managed. That is, the position information indicating the position of the position information management communication device 10 is also the position information indicating the position of the package 12 . It should be noted that the position where the communication device for position information management 10 is installed in the luggage 12 is not particularly limited. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a position information management communication device 10A is attached to a package 12A, and a position information management communication device 10B is attached to a package 12B.

The user base 2 is provided with, for example, a base terminal 13 capable of communicating with the cargo management server 20 . The base terminal 13 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal, or a terminal such as a PC (personal computer). Note that the base terminal 13 is not limited to this example. The base terminal 13 transmits, for example, the identification information of the position information management communication device 10 input by the user and the identification information of the package 12 equipped with the position information management communication device 10 to the shipment management server 20 .
The identification information of the location information management communication device 10 is, for example, an identification ID (Identification) of the location information management communication device 10 (hereinafter also referred to as “communication device ID”). The identification information of the package 12 is, for example, an identification ID of the package 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "package ID"). The communication device ID and package ID are, for example, character strings that combine arbitrary characters (alphabet letters, numbers, symbols, etc.).

The location information management communication device 10 according to the first embodiment has various communication functions for transmitting and receiving various information to and from other devices. The location information management communication device 10 has, for example, a Wi-Fi communication function, a Sigfox communication function, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) communication function.

The Wi-Fi communication function is a function of communicating with a Wi-Fi access point using Wi-Fi as a communication standard. An access point with which the position information management communication device 10 communicates is, for example, an access point provided in a communicable range around the package 12 . The location information management communication device 10 acquires information on Wi-Fi access points (hereinafter also referred to as “Wi-Fi information”) at a predetermined timing by means of the Wi-Fi communication function. The predetermined timing at which the location information management communication device 10 acquires the Wi-Fi information is, for example, the timing when the location information management communication device 10 is powered on or the timing after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Wi-Fi information includes, for example, address information and reception level information. The address information is information indicating the address of the access point. Specifically, the access point address is a MAC address (Media Access Control address). An example in which the address information is a MAC address will be described below in the first embodiment. The reception level information is information indicating the strength of the signal received by the position information management communication device 10 from the access point.

The access point from which the location information management communication device 10 acquires Wi-Fi information can be provided inside or outside a building, vehicle, etc., as long as the location information management communication device 10 can receive a signal. may be
Further, when the location information management communication device 10 receives Wi-Fi information from a plurality of Wi-Fi access points, that is, when a plurality of pieces of Wi-Fi information is acquired, the location information management communication device 10 selects the Any Wi-Fi information may be extracted. For example, the location information management communication device 10 extracts Wi-Fi information according to the reception level of the signal from the access point. As an example, the location information management communication device 10 preferentially extracts Wi-Fi information received from an access point with a high signal reception level.

The location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function to the server for managing the location information of the parcel 12 . The server related to management of the position information of the packages 12 is, for example, a server that acquires the position information of the packages 12, a server that manages the position information acquired by each server, and the like.

The Sigfox communication function is a function of communicating with the Sigfox management server 30 using Sigfox (an example of a first communication standard) as a communication standard. Sigfox is one of the standards of LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). The location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and the MAC address acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function to the Sigfox management server 30 at a predetermined timing by the Sigfox communication function. The predetermined timing at which the location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and the MAC address is, for example, the timing at which the MAC address is acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function or the timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed.

Note that the LPWA standard used when the location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and MAC address is not limited to Sigfox. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may use standards such as NB-IoT, LoRa (LoRa WAN), ELTRES, ZETA, and Wi-SUN as LPWA standards. Further, the communication standard used by the location information management communication device 10 is not limited to LPWA. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may use communication standards such as 3G (third generation mobile communication system), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system).

The server to which the communication device 10 for position information management transmits the communication device ID and MAC address is a server conforming to the communication standard used by the communication device 10 for position information management. In the case of the first embodiment, the communication standard used by the position information management communication device 10 is Sigfox. Therefore, the location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID and MAC address to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station as shown in FIG.

The RFID communication function is a function of performing communication with the RFID reader 15 (an example of a reading device) using RFID (an example of a second communication standard) of near field communication (NFC) as a communication standard. RFID can transmit and receive more information in a single communication than LPWA. The RFID reader 15 is a device that communicates with the location information management communication device 10 by RFID and transmits information acquired through the communication to the location information management server 40 .
The location information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID to the RFID reader 15 at a predetermined timing using the RFID communication function. The predetermined timing at which the positional information management communication device 10 transmits the communication device ID is, for example, the timing at which the positional information management communication device 10 receives the reading signal of the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15 .

The cargo management server 20 is a server that manages the correspondence between the location information management communication device 10 and the cargo 12 . The cargo management server 20 associates and stores the communication device ID and the cargo ID received from the base terminal 13 . Information in which the communication device ID and the package ID are associated is hereinafter also referred to as "shipment information". The cargo management server 20 may transmit the cargo information to the location information management server 40 and share it.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of cargo information according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the cargo information consists of a communication device ID and a cargo ID. The cargo information shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the cargo information is not limited to the example shown in FIG.
The first record in the table shown in FIG. 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "001" and the parcel ID is "101". This indicates that the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "001" is attached to the package 12 with the package ID "101".
The second record in the table shown in FIG. 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "002" and the parcel ID is "102". This indicates that the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "002" is attached to the package 12 with the package ID "102".
The third record in the table shown in FIG. 2 shows an example in which the communication device ID is "003" and the parcel ID is "103". This indicates that the location information management communication device 10 with the communication device ID "003" is attached to the package 12 with the package ID "103".

The Sigfox management server 30 acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10 based on the information received from the location information management communication device 10 via the Sigfox base station. For example, the Sigfox management server 30 acquires the location information of the location information management communication device 10 by base station positioning. The Sigfox management server 30 acquires the acquired position information of the position information management communication device 10 as the position information of the parcel 12 (managed object) on which the position information management communication device 10 is installed.

The Sigfox management server 30 according to the first embodiment performs base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that performs communication using Sigfox. The Sigfox management server 30 may perform base station positioning based on information transmitted from a base station that performs communication using a LPWA standard other than Sigfox, or may perform communication using a communication standard other than LPWA. Base station positioning may be performed based on information transmitted from the base station that performs the positioning. The name of the Sigfox management server 30 may be a name according to the communication standard used.

In the following, the position information of the parcel 12 obtained by base station positioning is also referred to as "base station positioning information". The base station positioning information acquired by base station positioning includes, for example, coordinates indicating the latitude and longitude of the current position of the package 12 . Note that the base station positioning information may include credit. The credibility is indicated, for example, by the radius of a circle centered on the coordinates included in the base station positioning information. The circle indicates the range in which the position of the package 12 can be included. That is, it can be said that it indicates a positioning error due to base station positioning.

The Sigfox management server 30 transmits information including the acquired base station positioning information to the location information management server 40 . The Sigfox management server 30 also transmits the communication device ID and MAC address received from the position information management communication device 10 to the position information management server 40 .

In communication between the Sigfox management server 30 and the location information management server 40, the amount of information that can be transmitted in one communication may be limited. Therefore, the Sigfox management server 30 transmits two types of information, the base station positioning information and the Wi-Fi information, to the location information management server 40 according to the amount of information that can be transmitted.
For example, if one signal can include two pieces of information, the Sigfox management server 30 may include the two pieces of information in one signal and transmit the two pieces of information in one communication. On the other hand, if only one piece of information can be included in one signal, the Sigfox management server 30 may include two pieces of information in different signals and divide the two pieces of information into two communications to transmit the two pieces of information. When one signal cannot contain all one piece of information, the Sigfox management server 30 divides one piece of information according to the amount of information that can be transmitted, and transmits the information by communication the number of times according to the number of divisions. good too.

The position information management server 40 is a position information management device that manages position information of the packages 12 . The position information management server 40 manages the position information of the cargo 12 based on the cargo information received from the cargo management server 20 and the communication device ID, base station positioning information, and Wi-Fi information received from the Sigfox management server 30. .

For example, the location information management server 40 transmits the MAC address included in the Wi-Fi information to the Wi-Fi management server 50 to perform Wi-Fi positioning. Thereby, the position information management server 40 can acquire the position information of the package 12 obtained by Wi-Fi positioning. In the following, the position information of the parcel 12 obtained by Wi-Fi positioning is also referred to as "Wi-Fi positioning information". The Wi-Fi positioning information acquired by Wi-Fi positioning includes, for example, coordinates indicating the latitude and longitude of the current position of the package 12 . Note that the Wi-Fi positioning information may also include the same reliability as the base station positioning information.

The location information management server 40 stores the communication device ID and the base station positioning information received from the Sigfox management server 30 and the Wi-Fi positioning information obtained from the Wi-Fi management server 50 in association with each acquisition date and time. Information associated with the communication device ID, the base station positioning information, the Wi-Fi positioning information, and the date and time is hereinafter also referred to as "location management information".

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of position management information according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the location management information consists of a communication device ID, base station positioning information, Wi-Fi positioning information, and date and time.
In the first record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is "001", the base station positioning information is (X _B1 , Y _B1 ), the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X _W1 , Y _W1 ), and the date and time is " 2020/12/01 10:00:00" is shown. This is because the base station positioning information acquired at “2020/12/01 10:00:00” is (X _B1 , Y _B1 ) for the location information management communication device 10 whose communication device ID is “001”. Yes, indicating that the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X _W1 , Y _W1 ).
In the second record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is "002", the base station positioning information is (X _B2 , Y _B2 ), the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X _W2 , Y _W2 ), and the date and time is " 2020/12/01 11:00:00" is shown. This is because the base station positioning information obtained at “2020/12/01 11:00:00” is (X _B2 , Y _B2 ) for the location information management communication device 10 whose communication device ID is “002”. Yes, indicating that the Wi-Fi positioning information is (X _W2 , Y _W2 ).
In the third record of the table shown in FIG. 3, the communication device ID is "003", the base station positioning information is (X _B3 , Y _B3 ), the Wi-Fi positioning information is "-", and the date and time is "2020/12/ 01 14:00:00" is shown. This is because the base station positioning information obtained at “2020/12/01 14:00:00” is (X _B3 , Y _B3 ) for the location information management communication device 10 whose communication device ID is “003”. Yes, indicating that the Wi-Fi positioning information was not acquired.
Note that the position management information shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and the position management information is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the base station positioning information and Wi-Fi positioning information of the location management information shown in FIG. 3 may include credit in addition to coordinates.

The position information management server 40 estimates the current position of the package 12 based on the generated position management information. In general, the accuracy of Wi-Fi positioning is higher than that of base station positioning and Wi-Fi positioning. That is, the positioning error included in the base station positioning information is larger than the positioning error included in the Wi-Fi positioning. Therefore, the position information management server 40 according to the first embodiment estimates the current position of the package 12 by preferentially using the Wi-Fi positioning information among the information included in the position management information. The position information management server 40 then transmits information indicating the estimated current position of the package 12 to the user terminal 60 .

For example, the position information management server 40 estimates the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information as the current position of the package 12 and transmits the coordinate information to the user terminal 60 as information indicating the current position of the package 12 .
Further, the location information management server 40 may estimate the name of the location where the package 12 is stored based on the matching information, and transmit the location name to the user terminal 60 as information indicating the current location of the package 12 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of collation information according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the collation information consists of a site name and site location information. The site name indicates the name of the site. The base location information indicates coordinates at which bases are located. Note that the collation information shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and the collation information is not limited to the example shown in FIG.
The first record of the table shown in FIG. 4 shows an example in which the site name is "site I" and the base location information is (X _K1 , Y _K1 ). This indicates that "site I" exists at (X _K1 , Y _K1 ).
The second record in the table shown in FIG. 4 shows an example in which the site name is "site II" and the base location information is (X _K2 , Y _K2 ). This indicates that "site II" exists at (X _K2 , Y _K2 ).
The third record in the table shown in FIG. 4 shows an example in which the site name is "site III" and the base location information is (X _K3 , Y _K3 ). This indicates that "site III" exists at (X _K3 , Y _K3 ).

The location information management server 40 , for example, collates the matching information with the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information, and acquires the name of the site where the package 12 is stored. In collation, for example, it is determined whether or not the coordinates indicated by each piece of positioning information match the coordinates indicated by the base location information of the collation information, and base location information with matching coordinates and the corresponding base name are acquired. After acquisition, the location information management server 40 transmits the acquired base name to the user terminal 60 . If no matching coordinates exist, the location information management server 40 does not acquire the name of the base where the package 12 is stored, and outputs information indicating that the package 12 is not stored at the base. good. For example, the location information management server 40 outputs information indicating that the package 12 is being moved (transported) between bases, or that the package 12 has been lost to a location not included in the verification information, stolen, or otherwise unknown.

The Wi-Fi management server 50 performs Wi-Fi positioning for the location information management communication device 10 based on the MAC address received from the location information management server 40 . The location information of the location information management communication device 10 is obtained by the Wi-Fi positioning. The Wi-Fi management server 50 acquires the acquired position information of the position information management communication device 10 as Wi-Fi positioning information of the parcel 12 on which the position information management communication device 10 is installed. The Wi-Fi management server 50 transmits the acquired Wi-Fi positioning information to the location information management server 40 .

The user terminal 60 is a device operated by a user to refer to various information. The user terminal 60 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal, or a terminal such as a PC. Note that the user terminal 60 is not limited to this example.

Here, an example of communication by each communication function will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, first, at a user site 2A, a package 12A is equipped with a location information management communication device 10A, and a package 12B is equipped with a location information management communication device 10B. is turned on (initial state). At this time, if an access point exists within a signal receivable range, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point using the Wi-Fi communication function. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point AP1 provided in the user site 2A using the Wi-Fi communication function.
After acquiring the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS1 using the Sigfox communication function.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the cargo 12 is transported by the vehicle 14 between the user bases 2A and 2B. When an access point exists within a signal receivable range while the package 12 is being transported, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use the Wi-Fi communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information of the access point. get. For example, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information of an access point AP2 provided outside the vehicle 14 using the Wi-Fi communication function, as shown in FIG.
After obtaining the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use the Sigfox communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS2.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, assume that the cargo 12 is transported by the vehicle 14 to the user site 2B. If an access point exists within a signal receivable range at the user base 2B, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use the Wi-Fi communication function to acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point. do. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information of the access point AP3 provided in the user site 2B using the Wi-Fi communication function.
After acquiring the Wi-Fi information, the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B use the Sigfox communication function to transmit the Wi-Fi information to the Sigfox management server 30 via the Sigfox base station BS3.

The access point from which the location information management communication devices 10A and 10B acquire Wi-Fi information may be provided inside or outside the user site 2 as long as the signal can be received. , may be provided inside or outside the vehicle 14 .

A battery is incorporated in the location information management communication device 10 according to the first embodiment. The location information management communication device 10 operates by power supplied from the battery, and can use the Wi-Fi communication function and the Sigfox communication function. In addition, the positional information management communication device 10 has a configuration (that is, a passive type configuration) in which the RFID communication function can be used using power obtained by communication with the RFID reader 15 . The location information management communication device 10 converts radio waves from the RFID reader 15 into electric energy, and can use the RFID communication function with the obtained electric energy. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate a battery for using the RFID communication function. There is no Therefore, even if the power supplied from the battery incorporated in the location information management communication device 10 is insufficient, or if the battery runs out, the location information management communication device 10 can receive data from the RFID reader 15. can be read, the RFID communication function can be used.

The location information management communication device 10 according to the first embodiment transmits the communication device ID of the own location information management communication device 10 to the RFID reader 15 when reading is performed by the RFID reader 15 . As an example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the location information management communication device 10B read by the RFID reader 15 transmits the communication device ID of the own location information management communication device 10B to the RFID reader 15 . The RFID reader 15 transmits the received communication device ID to the location information management server 40 .

<1-2. Functional Configuration of Location Information Management Communication Device>
An example of the configuration of the location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the location information management communication device 10-1 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1, a Sigfox communication unit 110-1, a control unit 120-1, a storage unit 130-1, a power supply unit 140- 1, and an RFID communication control unit 200-1. Note that the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 is an example of a first communication unit.

(1) Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1
The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 has a Wi-Fi communication function, and has a function of performing Wi-Fi communication. The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 operates with power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1.
The Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 communicates with a Wi-Fi access point using the Wi-Fi communication function to acquire Wi-Fi information. The Wi-Fi information acquired in the first embodiment includes the MAC address of the access point and the reception level of the signal from the access point. Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 may store the acquired Wi-Fi information in storage unit 130-1.

(2) Sigfox communication unit 110-1
The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 has a Sigfox communication function and a function of performing communication by Sigfox. The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 performs communication using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1.
Sigfox communication unit 110-1 uses the Sigfox communication function to combine the Wi-Fi information acquired by Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 with the information of own location information management communication device 10-1 stored in storage unit 130-1. The transmission information including the communication device ID is transmitted to the Sigfox management server 30 .

(3) Control section 120-1
The control unit 120-1 has a function of controlling the entire operation of the position information management communication device 10-1. Control unit 120-1 operates with power supplied from power supply unit 140-1. The functions of the control unit 120-1 are realized by, for example, causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the position information management communication device 10-1 to execute a program.
As shown in FIG. 5, control section 120-1 includes transmission information acquisition section 121-1 and communication control section 122-1. Communication control section 122-1 is an example of a first communication control section.

(3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121-1
The transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 has a function of acquiring transmission information to be transmitted from the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to the Sigfox management server 30. FIG. The transmission information includes Wi-Fi information and a communication device ID. For example, transmission information acquisition section 121-1 acquires Wi-Fi information from Wi-Fi communication section 100-1 or storage section 130-1. In addition, transmission information acquisition section 121-1 reads out and acquires the communication device ID of own location information management communication device 10-1 from storage section 130-1. Transmission information acquisition section 121-1 acquires transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires the transmission information includes the timing at which the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 acquires the Wi-Fi information, the timing at which the predetermined time has elapsed, and the timing at which the package 12 has moved. timing, etc.

(3-2) Communication control unit 122-1
The communication control unit 122-1 has a function of controlling communication in the position information management communication device 10-1. For example, the communication control unit 122-1 uses power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1 to control communication in the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 and communication in the Sigfox communication unit 110-1.

Specifically, the communication control unit 122-1 causes the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 to communicate with a Wi-Fi access point to acquire Wi-Fi information. Communication control section 122-1 causes Wi-Fi communication section 100-1 to acquire Wi-Fi information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the communication control unit 122-1 acquires the Wi-Fi information includes the timing when the position information management communication device 10-1 is turned on, the timing when the predetermined time has passed, and the timing when the package 12 has passed. It is the timing of movement and the like.

Further, the communication control unit 122-1 transmits the transmission information including the communication device ID of the local location information management communication device 10-1 acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 from the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to the Sigfox management server 30. send to Communication control section 122-1 causes Sigfox communication section 110-1 to transmit transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing at which the communication control unit 122-1 transmits the transmission information is the timing at which the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires the transmission information, the timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed, the timing at which the package 12 has moved, and the like. be.

(4) Storage unit 130-1
Storage unit 130-1 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 130-1 includes a storage medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access read/write Memory), ROM (Read Only), or Memory. It is configured by any combination of these storage media.

Storage unit 130-1 operates with power supplied from power supply unit 140-1 or power supplied from RFID communication unit 210-1. The storage unit 130-1 stores, for example, the communication device ID of the own location information managing communication device 10-1. The communication device ID stored in storage unit 130-1 is identification information different from the identification ID of RFID communication control unit 200-1. Storage unit 130-1 may also store Wi-Fi information acquired by Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1.

(5) Power supply unit 140-1
Power supply unit 140-1 has a function of supplying power. The power supply unit 140-1 is, for example, a battery such as a cylindrical or button-shaped dry battery (primary battery) or battery (secondary battery). Power supply unit 140-1 supplies power to Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1, Sigfox communication unit 110-1, control unit 120-1, and storage unit 130-1.

(6) RFID communication control unit 200-1
The RFID communication control section 200-1 has a function of controlling communication by the RFID communication function. The function of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 is realized by, for example, an antenna and an IC (integrated circuit) provided as hardware in the position information management communication device 10-1. The RFID communication control unit 200-1 communicates with the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function. RFID communication control section 200 - 1 operates with power generated by communication with RFID reader 15 . Therefore, power supply unit 140-1 does not supply power to RFID communication control unit 200-1.
As shown in FIG. 5, RFID communication control section 200-1 includes RFID communication section 210-1 and control section 220-1. RFID communication unit 210-1 is an example of a second communication unit.

(6-1) RFID Communication Unit 210-1
The RFID communication unit 210-1 has an RFID communication function, and has a function of performing RFID communication. The function of the RFID communication unit 210-1 is implemented by, for example, an antenna included as hardware in the RFID communication control unit 200-1. The RFID communication unit 210-1 communicates with the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function. The RFID communication unit 210-1 performs communication using power obtained by converting radio waves received in communication with the RFID reader 15. FIG. RFID communication unit 210-1 supplies the obtained power to control unit 220-1 and storage unit 130-1. The power obtained by RFID communication unit 210-1 is supplied to storage unit 130-1 only when the power supplied from power supply unit 140-1 to storage unit 130-1 is insufficient. good too.

RFID communication unit 210-1 transmits transmission information including the communication device ID of communication device 10-1 for self-location information management stored in storage unit 130-1 to RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication function.

(6-2) Control unit 220-1
Control unit 220-1 has a function of controlling the overall operation of RFID communication control unit 200-1. Control unit 220-1 operates with power supplied from RFID communication unit 210-1. The functions of the control unit 220-1 are implemented by, for example, an IC included as hardware in the RFID communication control unit 200-1.
As shown in FIG. 5, the control section 220-1 includes a reading detection section 221-1, a transmission information acquisition section 222-1, and a communication control section 223-1. Communication control section 223-1 is an example of a second communication control section.

(6-2-1) Reading detection unit 221-1
The reading detection unit 221-1 has a function of detecting reading by the RFID reader 15. FIG. For example, when the RFID communication unit 210-1 receives the read signal of the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15, the reading detection unit 221-1 detects that the RFID reader 15 has read the communication device ID.

(6-2-2) Transmission information acquisition unit 222-1
The transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 has a function of acquiring transmission information to be transmitted from the RFID communication unit 210-1 to the RFID reader 15. FIG. The transmission information includes a communication device ID. For example, when the reading detection unit 221-1 detects the reading by the RFID reader 15, the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 obtains the communication device ID of the local location information management communication device 10-1 from the storage unit 130-1. read and get.

(6-2-3) Communication control unit 223-1
The communication control section 223-1 has a function of controlling communication in the RFID communication section 210-1. For example, the communication control unit 223-1 transmits the transmission information including the communication device ID of the own location information management communication device 10-1 acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 from the RFID communication unit 210-1 to the RFID reader 15. send. Communication control section 223-1 causes RFID communication section 210-1 to transmit transmission information at a predetermined timing. For example, the communication control unit 223-1 causes the RFID communication unit 210-1 to transmit the transmission information to the RFID reader 15 at the timing when the RFID communication unit 210-1 receives the reading signal of the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15. FIG.

<1-3. Process Flow>
An example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the flow of processing in the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing in the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, the read detection unit 221-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 of the location information management communication device 10-1 detects reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 (step S100). If reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected (step S100/YES), the process proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, if reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is not detected (step S100/NO), the process proceeds to step S103.

When reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the transmission information acquisition section 222-1 of the RFID communication control section 200-1 acquires transmission information to be transmitted by the RFID communication function. The transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 reads out the communication device ID of the local location information managing communication device 10-1 stored in the storage unit 130-1 and acquires it as transmission information (step S101).

After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 223-1 of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 includes the communication device ID of the own location information management communication device 10-1 by the RFID communication function of the RFID communication unit 210-1. Transmission information is transmitted from RFID communication unit 210-1 to RFID reader 15 (step S102).

Regardless of whether or not reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the communication control unit 122-1 determines whether or not it is a predetermined timing (step S103). If it is not the predetermined timing (step S103/NO), the process is repeated from step S100. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing (step S103/YES), the process proceeds to step S104.

When it is the predetermined timing, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 acquires the transmission information to be transmitted by the Sigfox communication function. Communication control unit 122-1 uses the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function of Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 and the location information management communication device 10 stored in storage unit 130-1. -1 is acquired as transmission information (step S104).

After acquiring the transmission information, communication control section 122-1 uses the Sigfox communication function of Sigfox communication section 110-1 to transmit transmission information including the Wi-Fi information and the communication device ID of communication device 10-1 for managing own location information. The Sigfox communication unit 110-1 transmits to the Sigfox management server 30 (step S105). After transmitting the transmission information, the process is repeated from step S100.

As described above, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment includes the storage unit 130-1, the communication control unit 122-1, the RFID communication unit 210-1, and the communication control unit 223- 1.
Storage unit 130-1 stores the communication device ID of own location information managing communication device 10-1. The communication control unit 122-1 sends the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-1 to the management server by the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 that performs Sigfox communication using power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1. send. The RFID communication unit 210-1 communicates with the RFID reader 15 using RFID, which is a communication standard different from LPWA. When the RFID communication unit 210-1 receives the reading signal of the communication device ID from the RFID reader 15, the communication control unit 223-1 converts the radio waves received in the communication with the RFID reader 15 to obtain power. is used to read out the communication device ID from storage unit 130-1 and transmit it to RFID reader 15 by RFID communication unit 210-1.

With such a configuration, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment stores the communication device ID of the own location information management communication device 10-1 with power supplied from the power supply unit 140-1. It can be read from the unit 130-1 and transmitted to the management server by the Sigfox communication unit 110-1. In addition, position information management communication device 10-1 uses power obtained by converting radio waves received in communication with RFID reader 15 to obtain the communication device ID of own position information management communication device 10-1. can be read from the storage unit 130-1 and transmitted to the RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication unit 210-1. As a result, when the power supply unit 140-1 still has enough power for the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit the communication device ID, the user can use at least one of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 and the RFID communication unit 210-1. By acquiring the communication device ID of the position information managing communication device 10-1, it is possible to grasp the position of the object equipped with the position information managing communication device 10-1. On the other hand, even if the power supply unit 140-1 does not have enough power for the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 to transmit the communication device ID, the user can transmit the location information management communication device 10 from the RFID communication unit 210-1. -1 can be acquired, and the position of the object to which the communication device for position information management 10-1 is installed can be grasped. Since the communication control unit 122-1 and the communication control unit 223-1 of the location information management communication device 10-1 share the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-1, the Sigfox communication unit 110 -1 and the RFID communication unit 210-1 transmit the same communication device ID to the management server. Therefore, the management server can similarly manage the position information of the parcel 12 regardless of whether the communication device ID is received from either the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 or the RFID communication unit 210-1.

Therefore, the location information management communication device 10-1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to grasp the location of the object regardless of the remaining battery level of the own device.

<<2. Second Embodiment>>
The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.
In the above-described first embodiment, when the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the position information management communication device 10-1 transmits the communication device ID to the RFID reader 15 by the RFID communication function. explained. In the second embodiment, when reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 installed at the managed location is detected, the position information management communication device 10-1 reads the communication device ID from the Sigfox management server by the Sigfox communication function. 30 will be described.
The place to be managed is, for example, a destination to which the cargo 12 is to be transported, a waypoint for transporting the cargo 12 to the destination, and the like. Examples of the destination and waypoints include a base where the package 12 is stored and a facility to which the package 12 is delivered. Bases and facilities are, for example, factories, warehouses, offices, and the like. Note that the bases and facilities may be owned by either the company (the company) to which the deliverer (transportation client) belongs or another company.
Note that explanations that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

<2-1. Configuration of Location Information Management System>
Since the configuration of the position information management system according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the position information management system 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

<2-2. Functional Configuration of Location Information Management Communication Device>
Next, an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the location information management communication device 10-2 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2, a Sigfox communication unit 110-2, a control unit 120-2, a storage unit 130-2, a power supply unit 140- 2, and an RFID communication control unit 200-2.

(1) Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2
The function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2 is the same as the function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, so description thereof will be omitted.

(2) Sigfox communication unit 110-2
Since the function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 is the same as the function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, redundant description will be omitted.
When the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 transmits the transmission information including the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-2 to the Sigfox management server 30 by the Sigfox communication function. Send to

(3) Control section 120-2
The functions of the control unit 120-2 are the same as the functions of the control unit 120-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, so redundant description will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 7, control section 120-2 includes transmission information acquisition section 121-2 and communication control section 122-2. Communication control section 122-2 is an example of a first communication control section.

(3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121-2
Since the function of the transmission information acquisition section 121-2 is the same as the function of the transmission information acquisition section 121-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, redundant description will be omitted.
When the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 receives the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-2 and the information received from the read detection unit 221-1, which will be described later. acquires the read information as the transmission information. The reading information is information indicating that reading by the RFID reader 15 has been performed. The read information may include the identification ID of the RFID reader 15 and the date and time when the reading by the RFID reader 15 was performed. In addition to the identification ID of the RFID reader 15 and the date and time of reading, the read information may include Wi-Fi information stored in the storage unit 130-2.

(3-2) Communication control unit 122-2
Since the function of the communication control unit 122-2 is the same as the function of the communication control unit 122-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, redundant description will be omitted.
When the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the communication control unit 122-2 causes the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 to transmit transmission information including the communication device ID and the read information to the Sigfox management server 30. FIG. The Sigfox management server 30 transmits the received communication device ID and read information to the location information management server 40 .

With this configuration, the position information management server 40 can acquire the package ID associated with the received communication device ID by referring to the cargo information stored in the cargo management server 20 . The location information management server 40 can generate output information to be output to the user terminal 60 by associating each piece of acquired information. By referring to the output information output to the user terminal 60, the user can grasp the luggage 12 equipped with the position information management communication device 10-2 whose communication device ID is read by the RFID reader 15. can be done.
For example, it is assumed that the user transports the package 12, which is a delivery item for a customer and is equipped with the position information management communication device 10-2, by the vehicle 14. FIG. Assume that when the parcel 12 arrives at the customer, the person in charge at the customer checks the delivery, and the RFID reader 15 reads the communication device ID of the location information management communication device 10-2. At this time, read information is transmitted to the management server from the communication device 10-2 for position information management whose communication device ID has been read at the customer's site. The location information management server 40 generates output information indicating the acquired parcel ID based on the communication device ID, and transmits the output information to the user terminal 60 . By referring to the output information output by the user terminal 60, the user can easily confirm whether or not the package 12 has been safely delivered to the customer.

(4) Storage unit 130-2
Since the function of the storage unit 130-2 is the same as the function of the storage unit 130-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, description thereof will be omitted.

(5) Power supply unit 140-2
The function of the power supply unit 140-2 is the same as the function of the power supply unit 140-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, so description thereof will be omitted.

(6) RFID communication control unit 200-2
The functions of the RFID communication control unit 200-2 are the same as those of the RFID communication control unit 200-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, so redundant description will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 7, RFID communication control section 200-2 includes RFID communication section 210-2 and control section 220-2. RFID communication unit 210-2 is an example of a second communication unit.

(6-1) RFID communication unit 210-2
Since the function of the RFID communication unit 210-2 is the same as the function of the RFID communication unit 210-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, redundant description will be omitted.
The RFID communication unit 210-2 may receive the identification ID of the RFID reader 15 from the RFID reader 15. FIG.

(6-2) Control unit 220-2
Since the function of the control unit 220-2 is the same as the function of the control unit 220-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, redundant description will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 7, the control section 220-2 includes a reading detection section 221-2, a transmission information acquisition section 222-2, and a communication control section 223-2. Communication control section 223-2 is an example of a second communication control section.

(6-2-1) Reading detection unit 221-2
The function of the reading detection unit 221-2 is the same as the function of the reading detection unit 221-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, so redundant description will be omitted.
When the read detection unit 221-2 detects that the RFID reader 15 has read the communication device ID, the read detection unit 221-2 outputs read information to the control unit 120-2.

(6-2-2) Transmission information acquisition unit 222-2
Since the function of the transmission information acquisition section 222-2 is the same as the function of the transmission information acquisition section 222-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, the description thereof will be omitted.

(6-2-3) Communication control unit 223-2
Since the function of the communication control unit 223-2 is the same as the function of the communication control unit 223-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, the description thereof will be omitted.

<2-3. Process Flow>
An example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment has been described above. Next, an example of the flow of processing in the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing in the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, the reading detection unit 221-2 of the RFID communication control unit 200-2 of the location information management communication device 10-2 detects reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 (step S200). If reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected (step S200/YES), the process proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is not detected (step S200/NO), the process proceeds to step S203.

When reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 acquires transmission information to be transmitted using the Sigfox communication function. Transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 acquires the read information input from read detection unit 221-2 of RFID communication control unit 200-2 and the communication device ID stored in storage unit 130-1 as transmission information ( step S201).

After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 122-2 transmits the transmission information including the read information and the communication device ID from the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 to the Sigfox management server 30 using the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2. (step S202).

Regardless of whether or not reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the communication control unit 122-2 determines whether or not it is the predetermined timing (step S203). If it is not the predetermined timing (step S203/NO), the process is repeated from step S200. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing (step S203/YES), the process proceeds to step S204.

When it is the predetermined timing, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-2 acquires the transmission information to be transmitted by the Sigfox communication function. Communication control unit 122-1 acquires the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function of Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2 and the communication device ID stored in storage unit 130-2 as transmission information. (step S204).

After obtaining the transmission information, the communication control unit 122-2 transmits the transmission information including the Wi-Fi information and the communication device ID from the Sigfox communication unit 110-2 to the Sigfox management server 30 using the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-2. (step S205). After transmitting the transmission information, the process is repeated from step S200.

Note that the processes of steps S201 and S202 described above may be performed at predetermined time intervals. As a result, the location information management communication device 10-2 acquires the reading information and the communication device ID when the reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected in step S200, and performs communication using Sigfox. You can reduce the frequency. As a result, the location information management communication device 10-2 can reduce power consumption of the power supply unit 140-2 due to acquisition of the read information and communication device ID and communication using Sigfox.

As described above, the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment includes the storage unit 130-2, the Sigfox communication unit 110-2, the RFID communication unit 210-2, and the communication control unit 122-2. , and a communication control unit 223-2.
Storage unit 130-2 stores the communication device ID of position information management communication device 10-2. The Sigfox communication unit 110-2 performs communication using Sigfox. The RFID communication unit 210-2 performs RFID communication with the RFID reader 15 set in the managed location. When RFID communication unit 210-2 receives a communication device ID read signal from RFID reader 15, communication control unit 122-1 reads the communication device ID stored in storage unit 130-2 and RFID reader 15. Sigfox communication unit 110-2 transmits read information indicating that the data has been read to the management server. The communication control unit 223-2 causes the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-2 to be transmitted from the RFID communication unit 210-2 to the RFID reader 15. FIG.

With such a configuration, the management server transmits information indicating that the RFID reader 15 has read at the location to be managed, that is, information indicating that the package 12 is present at the location to be managed, to the location information management communication device 10. -2 can be obtained by the Sigfox communication function. By confirming the information acquired by the management server, the user can understand that the package 12 exists at the managed location.

Therefore, the location information management communication device 10-2 according to the second embodiment makes it possible to grasp that a management target exists at the location where the reader is installed without directly communicating with the reader.

<<3. Third Embodiment>>
The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. FIG.
In the first and second embodiments described above, when reading of the communication device ID by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the location information management communication devices 10-1 and 10-2 read the communication device ID using the RFID communication function. An example of transmission to the reader 15 has been described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the location information management communication device 10-3 transmits environmental information to the RFID reader 15 using the RFID communication function when reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is detected. The environment information is information relating to the environment of the package 12 (location information management communication device 10-3). The environment information includes, for example, the temperature around the package 12 or the temperature of the communication device 10-3 for position information management, the humidity around the package 12, the number of impacts applied to the package 12, and the like.
Note that explanations overlapping those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

<3-1. Configuration of Location Information Management System>
Since the configuration of the location information management system according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the location information management system 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

<3-2. Functional Configuration of Location Information Management Communication Device>
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the location information management communication device 10-3 includes a Wi-Fi communication unit 100-3, a Sigfox communication unit 110-3, a control unit 120-3, a storage unit 130-3, a power supply unit 140- 3. It has an environment information detection unit 150 and an RFID communication control unit 200-3.

(1) Wi-Fi communication unit 100-3
The function of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-3 is the same as that of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the function of the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Since the function is the same as that of the Wi-Fi communication unit 100-2, description thereof will be omitted.

(2) Sigfox communication unit 110-3
The function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 is the same as the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the Sigfox communication unit 110-1 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 110-2, the description thereof will be omitted.

(3) Control section 120-3
The functions of the control unit 120-3 are the control unit 120-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the control unit 120-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Since the function is the same as that of
As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 120-3 includes a transmission information acquisition unit 121-3, a communication control unit 122-3, and an environment information acquisition unit 123. Communication control section 122-3 is an example of a first communication control section.

(3-1) Transmission information acquisition unit 121-3
The function of the transmission information acquisition unit 121-3 is the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the transmission information acquisition unit 121-1 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Since the function is the same as that of the information acquisition unit 121-2, description thereof is omitted.

(3-2) Communication control unit 122-3
The function of the communication control unit 122-3 is the same as the communication control unit 122-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the communication control unit according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 122-2, the description thereof will be omitted.

(3-3) Environment information acquisition unit 123
The environment information acquisition unit 123 has a function of acquiring environment information. For example, the environment information acquisition unit 123 acquires information detected by the environment information detection unit 150, which will be described later, as the environment information. The environment information acquisition unit 123 stores the acquired environment information in the storage unit 130-3.

(4) Storage unit 130-3
The function of the storage unit 130-3 is the storage unit 130-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the storage unit 130-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Since the function is the same as that of , redundant description is omitted.
Storage unit 130-3 stores the environment information acquired by environment information acquisition unit 123. FIG.

(5) Power supply unit 140-3
The functions of the power supply unit 140-3 are the power supply unit 140-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the power supply unit 140-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Since the function is the same as that of , the description thereof is omitted.

(6) Environmental information detector 150
The environment information detection unit 150 has a function of detecting environment information. The function of the environment information detection unit 150 is realized by various sensor devices (attached to the position information management communication device 10-3) provided as hardware in the position information management communication device 10-3.
For example, if the location information management communication device 10-3 has a temperature sensor, the environment information detection unit 150 detects the temperature around the package 12 or the temperature of the location information management communication device 10-3 using the temperature sensor. Also, if the position information management communication device 10-3 is equipped with a humidity sensor, the environmental information detection unit 150 detects the humidity around the package 12 by means of the humidity sensor. Also, if the position information management communication device 10-3 has an acceleration sensor, the environment information detection unit 150 detects the acceleration of the package 12 using the acceleration sensor. The environmental information detection unit 150 may detect, for example, the number of times the acceleration is detected as the number of times the load 12 is impacted.

Note that the type of sensor device provided as hardware in the location information management communication device 10-3 is not limited to this example. Also, the number of sensor devices provided as hardware in the location information management communication device 10-3 is not particularly limited. That is, the type of environment information detected by the environment information detection unit 150 is not limited to this example, and the number of environment information to be detected is also not limited.

(7) RFID communication control unit 200-3
The function of the RFID communication control unit 200-3 is the RFID communication control unit 200-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the RFID communication control unit 200-1 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Since the function is the same as that of the communication control unit 200-2, redundant description will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 9, RFID communication control section 200-3 includes RFID communication section 210-3 and control section 220-3. RFID communication section 210-3 is an example of a second communication section.

(7-1) RFID communication unit 210-3
The function of the RFID communication unit 210-3 is the RFID communication unit 210-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the RFID communication unit 210-1 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 210-2, redundant description will be omitted.
When the reading of the environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the RFID communication unit 210-3 uses the RFID communication function to transmit transmission information including the environmental information stored in the storage unit 130-3 to the RFID reader 15. .

(7-2) Control unit 220-3
The functions of the control unit 220-3 are the control unit 220-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the control unit 220-2 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Since the function is the same as that of , redundant description is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 9, the control section 220-3 includes a reading detection section 221-3, a transmission information acquisition section 222-3, and a communication control section 223-3. The communication control section 223-3 is an example of a second communication control section.

(7-2-1) Reading detection unit 221-3
The function of the reading detection unit 221-3 is similar to that of the reading detection unit 221-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the reading detection unit 221-1 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 221-2, redundant description will be omitted.
The read detection unit 221-3 detects that the environment information has been read by the RFID reader 15 when the RFID communication unit 210-3 receives the environment information read signal from the RFID reader 15. FIG.

(7-2-2) Transmission information acquisition unit 222-3
The function of the transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 is the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the transmission information acquisition unit 222-1 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. Since the function is the same as that of the information acquisition unit 222-2, redundant description will be omitted.
When reading by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 acquires the communication device ID and environment information stored in the storage unit 130-3 as transmission information. The transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 may include read information in the transmission information.

(7-2-3) Communication control section 223-3
The function of the communication control unit 223-3 is the same as the communication control unit 223-1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 and the communication control unit 223-1 according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 223-2, redundant description will be omitted.
When the reading of the environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the communication control section 223-3 causes the RFID communication section 210-3 to transmit transmission information including the communication device ID and the environmental information to the RFID reader 15. FIG. The RFID reader 15 transmits the received communication device ID and environmental information to the location information management server 40 .

With this configuration, the position information management server 40 can acquire the package ID associated with the received communication device ID by referring to the cargo information stored in the cargo management server 20 . The location information management server 40 can generate output information to be output to the user terminal 60 by associating each piece of acquired information. By referring to the output information output to the user terminal 60, the user can easily grasp information about the package 12 equipped with the position information management communication device 10-3 read by the RFID reader 15. be able to.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of output information according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the output information includes, for example, a communication device ID, package ID, environment information, and reading date and time. The communication device ID is information received by the location information management server 40 from the location information management communication device 10-3. The parcel ID is information acquired by the position information management server 40 from the parcel information. The environmental information is information received by the location information management server 40 from the location information management communication device 10-3. Environmental information includes, for example, temperature, humidity, number of impacts, and date and time of acquisition. The date and time of reading is the date and time when reading by the RFID reader 15 is performed, and is information included in the reading information. Note that the output information shown in FIG. 10 is an example, and the output information is not limited to the example shown in FIG.
In the first record of the table shown in FIG. 10, the communication device ID is "001", the parcel ID is "101", the temperature is "12°C", the humidity is "61%", and the number of impacts is "0". An example is shown in which the date and time is "2020/12/01 10:00:00" and the reading date and time is "2020/12/02 9:00:00". This is obtained at "2020/12/01 11:00:00" for the package 12 with the package ID "101", which is equipped with the location information management communication device 10-3 with the communication device ID "001". and the fact that reading was performed by the RFID reader 15 at “2020/12/02 9:00:00”. Specifically, the acquired environmental information was that the temperature around the package 12 was "12°C", the humidity was "61%", and the number of impacts applied to the package 12 was "0". It is shown that.
In the second record of the table shown in FIG. 10, the communication device ID is "002", the parcel ID is "102", the temperature is "5°C", the humidity is "52%", and the number of impacts is "1". An example is shown in which the date and time is "2020/12/01 12:00:00" and the reading date and time is "-". This is obtained at "2020/12/01 12:00:00" for the parcel 12 with the parcel ID "102" equipped with the location information management communication device 10-3 with the communication device ID "002". It shows the specific environment information that has been read and that reading by the RFID reader 15 is not being performed. Specifically, the acquired environmental information was that the temperature around the package 12 was "5°C", the humidity was "52%", and the number of impacts applied to the package 12 was "1". It is shown that.
In the third record of the table shown in FIG. 10, the communication device ID is "003", the parcel ID is "103", the temperature is "25°C", the humidity is "90%", and the number of impacts is "5". An example is shown in which the date and time is "2020/12/01 15:00:00" and the reading date and time is "2020/12/03 18:00:00". This is obtained at "2020/12/01 15:00:00" for the package 12 with the package ID "103" equipped with the location information management communication device 10-3 with the communication device ID "003". and the fact that reading was performed by the RFID reader 15 at “2020/12/03 18:00:00”. Specifically, the acquired environmental information was that the temperature around the package 12 was "25°C", the humidity was "90%", and the number of impacts applied to the package 12 was "5". It is shown that.

Further, RFID communication section 210-3 can handle a larger amount of information than Sigfox communication section 110-3 in one communication. Therefore, position information management communication device 10-3 transmits information from RFID communication unit 210-3 in one communication even if the amount of information cannot be transmitted by Sigfox communication unit 110-3 in one communication. Sometimes we can. In this case, the location information management communication device 10-3 transmits information from the RFID communication unit 210-3 to the management server via the RFID reader 15 so that the information cannot be sent from the Sigfox communication unit 110-3. Even information with a large amount of information can be transmitted to the management server without increasing the number of communications. As a result, the location information management server 40 can acquire more information about the packages 12 while suppressing power consumption.

<3-3. Process Flow>
An example of the functional configuration of the location information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment has been described above. Next, with reference to FIG. 11, an example of the flow of processing in the position information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing in the location information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, first, the read detection unit 221-3 of the RFID communication control unit 200-3 of the location information management communication device 10-3 detects reading of environment information by the RFID reader 15 (step S300). ). If reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is detected (step S300/YES), the process proceeds to step S301. On the other hand, if reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is not detected (step S300/NO), the process proceeds to step S303.

When reading of environmental information by RFID reader 15 is detected, transmission information acquisition section 222-3 of RFID communication control section 200-3 acquires transmission information to be transmitted by the RFID communication function. The transmission information acquisition unit 222-3 acquires the environment information and the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-3 as transmission information (step S301).

After acquiring the transmission information, the communication control unit 223-3 of the RFID communication control unit 200-3 transmits the transmission information including the environment information and the communication device ID to the RFID communication unit 210-3 by the RFID communication function of the RFID communication unit 210-3. 3 to the RFID reader 15 (step S302).

Regardless of whether or not reading of environmental information by the RFID reader 15 is detected, the communication control unit 122-3 determines whether or not it is the predetermined timing (step S303). If it is not the predetermined timing (step S303/NO), the process is repeated from step S300. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing (step S303/YES), the process proceeds to step S304.

If it is the predetermined timing, the transmission information acquisition unit 121-3 acquires transmission information to be transmitted using the Sigfox communication function. Communication control unit 122-3 acquires the Wi-Fi information acquired by the Wi-Fi communication function of Wi-Fi communication unit 100-3 and the communication device ID stored in storage unit 130-3 as transmission information. (step S304).

After obtaining the transmission information, the communication control unit 122-3 transmits the transmission information including the Wi-Fi information and the communication device ID from the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 to the Sigfox management server 30 using the Sigfox communication function of the Sigfox communication unit 110-3. (step S305). After transmitting the transmission information, the process is repeated from step S300.

As described above, the location information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment includes the storage unit 130-3, the environment information acquisition unit 123, the Sigfox communication unit 110-3, the RFID communication unit 210-3, A communication control unit 122-3 and a communication control unit 223-3 are provided.
Storage unit 130-3 stores the communication device ID of position information management communication device 10-3. The environment information acquisition unit 123 acquires environment information indicating information about the environment of the package 12 detected by the sensor device attached to the position information management communication device 10-3, and stores the environment information in the storage unit 130-3. The Sigfox communication unit 110-3 uses power supplied from the power supply unit 140-3 to perform Sigfox communication. The RFID communication unit 210-3 communicates with the RFID reader 15 by RFID. The communication control unit 122-3 causes the communication device ID stored in the storage unit 130-3 and the Sigfox communication unit 110-3 to be transmitted to the management server. When the RFID communication unit 210-3 receives the environmental information read signal from the RFID reader 15, the communication control unit 223-3 uses the power obtained by converting the radio waves received in communication with the RFID reader 15. environmental information from storage unit 130-3 and transmitted to RFID reader 15 by RFID communication unit 210-2.

With this configuration, the positional information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment uses the power of the power supply unit 140-3 to transmit only the information (for example, the communication device ID) necessary for grasping the positional information of the package 12. It is possible to transmit additional information (for example, environmental information) that is not necessarily required for grasping the position information to the management server without using the power of the power supply unit 140-3.

Therefore, the location information management communication device 10-3 according to the third embodiment can transmit environment information for which location information is managed while suppressing power consumption of the battery of its own device.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above.
Note that each configuration described in each embodiment may be applied in place of the configuration described in another embodiment, or may be additionally applied to the configuration described in each embodiment.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the package 12 is managed and the location information of the package 12 is managed by installing the position information management communication device 10 on the package 12 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. . For example, the objects to be managed may be distribution materials such as carts, pallets, containers, and packing boxes. The position information of each distribution material may be managed by installing the position information management communication device 10 for each distribution material. The position where the position information management communication device 10 is installed in each physical distribution material is not particularly limited, and it may be installed at any position.
When the object of management is distribution materials, a distribution material ID (for example, distribution material is a cage car, the cage car ID) is associated with it. As a result, as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to manage the location information of distribution materials provided with the location information management communication device 10 based on the communication device ID.
Furthermore, a parcel ID may be associated with the physical distribution material ID. For example, if the distribution material is a cage truck, the baggage ID of the baggage 12 loaded on the cage truck is associated with the cage truck ID of the cage truck. Thereby, it is also possible to manage the position information of the package 12 loaded on the cart based on the communication device ID and the physical distribution material ID. In addition, when managing a plurality of packages 12, it is not necessary to equip each of the packages 12 with the position information management communication device 10. cost can be reduced.

Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example using RFID as the second communication standard has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the second communication standard may be Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark). Note that when BLE is used as the second communication standard, the location information management communication device 10 has a configuration capable of supplying power for using BLE in addition to the power supply unit 140 . For example, it is a configuration that enables power generation by energy harvesting. Specifically, it is a configuration capable of converting vibration, light such as indoor light and sunlight, and heat such as waste heat into electric power.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the position information management communication device 10 performs base station positioning with the Wi-Fi communication unit 100 for performing Wi-Fi positioning as a configuration for positioning the position of the package 12. Although an example in which the Sigfox communication unit 110 is provided has been described, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the location information management communication device 10 may have a configuration capable of GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning. Specifically, the location information management communication device 10 may include a receiver capable of receiving GPS signals from GPS.

Also, part or all of the functions of the units included in the location information management communication device 10 in each of the above-described embodiments may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. It should be noted that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard discs incorporated in computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" means a medium that dynamically retains a program for a short period of time, like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. It may also include something that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in that case. Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above, or may be capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. It may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is possible to

1 Location Information Management System 2A, 2B User Locations 10, 10A, 10B, 10-1 to 10-3 Location Information Management Communication Device 12A, 12B Package 13 Location Terminal 14 Vehicle 15 RFID Reader 20 Cargo Management Server 30 Sigfox Management Server 40 Location information management server 50 Wi-Fi management server 60 User terminal 100-1 to 100-3 Wi-Fi communication unit 110-1 to 110-3 Sigfox communication unit 120-1 to 120-3 Control unit 121-1 to 121- 3 Transmission information acquisition unit 122-1 to 122-3 Communication control unit 123 Environment information acquisition unit 130-1 to 130-3 Storage unit 140-1 to 140-3 Power supply unit 150 Environment information detection unit 200-1 to 200-3 RFID communication control unit 210-1 to 210-3 RFID communication unit 220-1 to 220-3 control unit 221-1 to 221-3 reading detection unit 222-1 to 222-3 transmission information acquisition unit 223-1 to 223- 3 Communication control unit AP1, AP2, AP3 Access point BS1, BS2, BS3 Sigfox base station

Claims (3)

a storage unit for storing identification information of a communication device for managing own location information; and a first communication control unit for transmitting the position information to a server related to management of the position information by the communication unit of the position information management communication device provided in a management target for which the position information is managed,
a second communication unit that communicates with the reading device according to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard;
When the second communication unit receives the reading signal of the identification information from the reading device, the electric power obtained by converting the radio waves received in communication with the reading device is used to read the identification information from the storage unit. a second communication control unit that reads identification information and causes the second communication unit to transmit it to the reading device;
A communication device for position information management. When the second communication unit receives the reading signal of the identification information from the reading device installed at the managed location, the first communication control unit reads the identification information stored in the storage unit and the identification information stored in the storage unit. causing the first communication unit to transmit read information indicating that reading has been performed by a reading device to the server;
The communication device for position information management according to claim 1. an environment information acquisition unit that acquires environment information indicating information about the environment to be managed detected by a sensor device attached to the position information management communication device, and stores the environment information in the storage unit;
further comprising
The second communication control unit, when the second communication unit receives the reading signal of the environmental information from the reading device, converts the electric wave received in communication with the reading device to generate electric power. to read the environmental information from the storage unit and transmit it to the reading device by the second communication unit;
The position information management communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

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