JP2020072281A - Portable radio terminal and positioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

To save power of portable radio terminal.SOLUTION: A radio tag device 2 includes a short-range radio communication unit capable of short-range radio communication with a first communication terminal 3 and a second communication terminal 4, respectively, a radio communication unit communicating with the second communication terminal 4 via a mobile communication network 5, and a control section for controlling the radio communication unit to transit from a state non-communicable via the mobile communication network 5 to a communicable state, when satisfying first condition indicating transition from a state receiving a first signal transmitted from the first communication terminal 3 by short-range radio communication to a state not receiving the first signal, and second condition indicating transition from a state receiving a second signal transmitted from the second communication terminal 4 by short-range radio communication to a state not receiving the second signal, and controlling the radio communication unit to transmit information about the position of the radio tag device 2 for the mobile communication network 5 after the transition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile wireless terminal and a positioning system.

  There is known a wireless tag device which is used by being attached to luggage or the like and notifies the communication terminal of the fact that the luggage or the like is separated from a communication terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user.

  The wireless tag device described in Patent Document 1 starts supplying power to its own network communication unit when the short-range wireless communication with the communication terminal carried by the user is disconnected. Then, by supplying power to the network communication unit, the position information of the wireless tag device is transmitted to the communication terminal via the network.

JP, 2017-97750, A

  However, in the wireless tag device described in Patent Document 1, power supply is started when the short-range wireless communication is disconnected, so that, for example, a smartphone with a baggage with the wireless tag device left at home or the like at the intention of the user. Even when the user goes out with a communication terminal such as, the power supply is started. Therefore, there is a problem that power consumption in the wireless tag device is large.

  In order to solve the above problems, a mobile wireless terminal according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a mobile wireless terminal, and is a short-range wireless terminal that performs short-range wireless communication with each of a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal. The communication unit, the wireless communication unit that performs communication through the mobile communication network, and the state in which the first signal transmitted from the first communication terminal is received by the short-range wireless communication transits to a state where the first signal is not received. And a second condition indicating that the second signal transmitted from the second communication terminal has transited from a state where the second signal is received by the short-range wireless communication to a state where the second signal is not received. In this case, the wireless communication unit is transited from a state in which communication through the mobile communication network is impossible to a state in which communication is possible, and after the transition, information regarding the position of the portable wireless terminal is transmitted to the mobile communication network. Send to wireless communication unit And a control unit for, a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to save power of a mobile wireless terminal.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the positioning system in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag device in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 2nd communication terminal in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the wireless tag device in 1st Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows connection processing by an RFID tag device in a 1st embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows positioning processing by a wireless tag device in a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag device in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows the connection processing by the wireless tag device in a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag device in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 2nd communication terminal in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the wireless tag device in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows operation of the RFID tag device in a 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the positioning process by the wireless tag device in 4th Embodiment.

1. First Embodiment 1-1. Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the positioning system in the first embodiment. The positioning system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that can be used to search for lost items or lost children, for example. The positioning system 100 includes a wireless tag device 2, which is an example of a “portable wireless terminal”, a first communication terminal 3, and a second communication terminal 4. The positioning system 100 uses the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 to measure the current position of the object O1 to which the wireless tag device 2 is attached. The object O1 is a property such as a bag of the user U, for example. It should be noted that the object O1 is not limited to a possession, and is arbitrary, and may be clothes of a child, a collar of a pet, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the first communication terminal 3 is a stationary communication terminal such as a base station installed in the home or company of the user U, and the second communication terminal 4 is portable by the user U, for example. Communication terminal. Examples of the second communication terminal 4 include smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, wearable terminals, and the like.

  Moreover, the wireless tag device 2, the first communication terminal 3, and the second communication terminal 4 can communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication. Short-distance wireless communication is communication such as wireless PAN with a communication distance of up to several tens of meters. The short-distance wireless communication is communication based on a communication standard such as Bluetooth or ZigBee. Note that Bluetooth and ZigBee are registered trademarks, respectively.

  The wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 each have a function of connecting to the mobile communication network 5. The mobile communication network 5 has a plurality of base stations. Each base station communicates with each of the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 by a communication method conforming to a communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) of a license band. In particular, it is preferable that the wireless tag device 2 be communicatively connectable by LPWA of a license band corresponding to eDRX such as NB-IoT from the viewpoint of saving power. Further, in the present embodiment, the first communication terminal 3 can also be connected to the mobile communication network 5, but the first communication terminal 3 may not be connected to the mobile communication network 5.

  The wireless tag device 2 also has a function of receiving a GPS signal or the like, which is a radio wave from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, and measuring the current position of the device itself based on the received GPS signal or the like.

  In the positioning system 100, when the short-range wireless communication between both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 and the wireless tag device 2 is disconnected, the wireless tag device 2 causes the mobile communication network 5 to operate. A transition from a state in which communication via the Internet is impossible to a state in which communication is possible is performed. Then, the wireless tag device 2 transmits information regarding the position of the wireless tag device 2 to the mobile communication network 5, and the second communication terminal 4 notifies the user U of the position of the wireless tag device 2. Examples of the notification mode include display of latitude and longitude, display of place name, display of mark indicating position on map, reading of latitude and longitude, or reading of place name. By the notification of the position, the user U can know the current position of the object O1 even if the object O1 to which the wireless tag device 2 is attached is lost.

  Next, each configuration of the wireless tag device 2, the first communication terminal 3, and the second communication terminal 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. In the following, the term “apparatus” may be replaced with another term such as a circuit, a device, or a unit. The illustrated devices included in the wireless tag device 2, the first communication terminal 3, and the second communication terminal 4 may be configured by a single device or a plurality of devices, and some devices may be omitted as appropriate. Good. The wireless tag device 2, the first communication terminal 3, and the second communication terminal 4 may further include devices other than the illustrated devices. Further, in the following, the term “communication module” may be replaced with other terms such as a network device, a network controller, or a network card.

1-1A. Configuration of Wireless Tag Device FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless tag device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless tag device 2 is a computer system that includes a processing device 21, a storage device 22, a short-range wireless communication device 23, a wireless communication device 24, a GPS receiving device 25, a speed detecting device 26, and a power supply device 27. It is realized by. The devices included in the wireless tag device 2 are connected to each other by a single bus or a plurality of buses.

  The processing device 21 is an example of a “control unit” and is a processor that controls the entire RFID tag device 2. The processing device 21 is composed of, for example, a single chip or a plurality of chips. The processing device 21 includes a central processing unit (CPU) including, for example, an arithmetic unit and a register. In addition, a part or all of the processing device 21 may be configured by hardware such as DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Good. The processing device 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially. Further, the processing device 21 realizes various functions by reading out and executing various programs stored in the storage device 22. The various functions will be described in detail later.

  The storage device 22 is a recording medium readable by the processing device 21, and stores a plurality of programs executed by the processing device 21 and various data used by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 is configured by one or more types of storage circuits such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The storage device 22 stores the positioning program P21 executed by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 stores pairing information D21 including a communication address used for performing near field communication with each of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4. The communication address is information that can identify the terminal, such as a Bluetooth address. The storage device 22 also stores destination information D22 including an identifier for identifying each of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 in communication via the mobile communication network 5. Although not shown, the storage device 22 stores information including an identifier for identifying its own device in connection with the mobile communication network 5. The identifier corresponds to, for example, IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity).

  The short-range wireless communication device 23 is an example of a “short-range wireless communication unit”, and performs short-range wireless communication with various devices existing within a predetermined distance range. The short-range wireless communication device 23 includes, for example, a short-range wireless communication module including an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves for short-range wireless communication, and a communication circuit that is connected to the antenna and that transmits and receives signals. In the present embodiment, the short-range wireless communication device 23 performs short-range wireless communication with each of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4.

  Specifically, the short-range wireless communication device 23 receives the connection request transmitted from the first communication terminal 3. When the short-range wireless communication device 23 responds to the connection request from the first communication terminal 3, the short-range wireless communication between the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3 is established. Further, the short-range wireless communication device 23 receives the data signal (an example of the first signal) transmitted from the first communication terminal 3 in the connection state where the short-range wireless communication with the first communication terminal 3 is established. When the state where the data signal is received by the near field communication is changed to the state where the data signal cannot be received, the near field communication between the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3 is disconnected.

  Further, the short-range wireless communication device 23 receives the connection request via the short-range wireless communication transmitted from the second communication terminal 4. By the short-range wireless communication device 23 responding to the connection request from the second communication terminal 4, the short-range wireless communication connection between the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 is established. The short-range wireless communication device 23 also receives a data signal (an example of a second signal) transmitted from the second communication terminal 4 in a connection state where short-range wireless communication with the second communication terminal 4 is established. When the state where the data signal is received by the near field communication is changed to the state where the data signal cannot be received, the near field communication between the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 is disconnected.

  The wireless communication device 24 is an example of a “wireless communication unit” and is connected to the mobile communication network 5. The wireless communication device 24 includes, for example, a wireless communication module having an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves for connecting to the mobile communication network 5, and a communication circuit that is connected to the antenna and that transmits and receives signals. In addition, the wireless communication device 24 acquires from the mobile communication network 5 the cell ID assigned to the existing cell. The cell ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the cell in which the cell is located. The base station transmits a paging signal which is a calling signal to the wireless tag device 2 located in the cell to which the base station belongs. The mobile communication network 5 grasps the position of the wireless tag device 2 based on the cell ID by using the position registration request and the response to the paging signal. The location registration request is a signal that requests registration of a cell in which the wireless tag device 2 is located. The wireless communication device 24 transmits a location registration request to the mobile communication network 5. The location registration request is an example of information about the location of the wireless tag device 2.

  The GPS receiving device 25 is an example of a “satellite signal receiving unit”, receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites, and outputs a signal used to generate position information of the wireless tag device 2. Based on the signal, the processing device 21 described above generates position information indicating the position of the wireless tag device 2. The position information is an example of information about the position of the wireless tag device 2. The GPS receiving device 25 includes, for example, a GPS module that includes a GPS antenna that receives a GPS signal and a circuit that processes the GPS signal and outputs the signal to the processing device 21. The wireless tag device 2 may be provided with a receiving device that receives a satellite signal, which is a radio wave from a satellite, and outputs a signal for generating position information, and instead of the GPS receiving device 25 or GPS receiving device. In addition to the device 25, for example, a device for receiving radio waves from a satellite in the quasi-zenith orbit may be provided. A communication unit that communicates with an access point of a wireless LAN may be provided together with the GPS receiving device 25 or instead of the GPS receiving device 25. In that case, the position information may be acquired by referring to a database in which an identification address (MAC (Media Access Control) address) on the network assigned to the access point and an actual position are associated with each other.

  The speed detection device 26 acquires the acceleration for calculating the moving speed of the wireless tag device 2. The speed detection device 26 is configured to include, for example, an acceleration sensor. The velocity detection device 26 may include a sensor other than the acceleration sensor, such as an angular velocity sensor.

  The power supply device 27 is an example of a “power supply unit” and supplies power to each device included in the wireless tag device 2. The power supply device 27 includes a battery and a power supply circuit that supplies electric power from the battery to each device. The battery may be any battery such as a primary battery, a secondary battery or a solar battery.

1-1B. Configuration of First Communication Terminal FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first communication terminal in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the first communication terminal 3 is realized by a computer system including a processing device 31, a storage device 32, a short-range wireless communication device 33, and a wireless communication device 34. The respective devices of the first communication terminal 3 are mutually connected by a single bus or a plurality of buses.

  The processing device 31 has the same configuration as the processing device 21, the storage device 32 has the same configuration as the storage device 22, the short-range wireless communication device 33 has the same configuration as the short-range wireless communication device 23, and the wireless communication device 34 has the same configuration as the wireless communication device 24. However, the storage device 32 stores the pairing information D31 including the communication address used for performing the near field communication with each of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4. Further, the storage device 32 stores destination information D32 including an identifier for identifying each of the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 in communication via the mobile communication network 5. Although not shown, the storage device 32 stores information including an identifier for identifying itself in connection with the mobile communication network 5.

1-1C. Configuration of Second Communication Terminal FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second communication terminal in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the second communication terminal 4 is realized by a computer system including a processing device 41, a storage device 42, a short-range wireless communication device 43, a wireless communication device 44, a display device 45, and an input device 46. The respective devices of the second communication terminal 4 are mutually connected by a single bus or a plurality of buses.

  The processing device 41 has the same configuration as the processing device 21, the storage device 42 has the same configuration as the storage device 22, the short-range wireless communication device 43 has the same configuration as the short-range wireless communication device 23, and the wireless communication device 44 has the same configuration as the wireless communication device 24. However, the storage device 42 stores the positioning program P41. The storage device 42 also stores pairing information D41 including a communication address used to perform near field communication with each of the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3. Further, the storage device 42 stores destination information D42 including an identifier for identifying each of the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 in communication via the mobile communication network 5. Although not shown, the storage device 42 stores information including an identifier for identifying itself in connection with the mobile communication network 5. Further, the processing device 41 executes various functions related to the positioning of the wireless tag device 2 by reading and executing the positioning program P41.

  The display device 45 displays an image visible to the user U and notifies the user U of a predetermined notification by the image. The display device 45 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel. Note that the content of the predetermined notification includes, for example, content indicating the current position of the wireless tag device 2, content indicating that short-range wireless communication with the wireless tag device 2 has been disconnected, and the like. Although not shown, the second communication terminal 4 may perform notification by sound using a speaker, or may perform notification by vibration using a vibrator. The vibration notification cannot notify the user U of the current position of the wireless tag device 2 in detail, but can notify the user U that the short-range wireless communication with the wireless tag device 2 has been disconnected.

  The input device 46 receives an input from the user U. The input device 46 includes, for example, a part or all of a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, and a sensor. Further, the input device 46 and the display device 45 described above may be configured by a touch panel.

1-1D. Functional Configuration of Wireless Tag Device FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the wireless tag device according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the processing device 21 of the wireless tag device 2 reads out and executes the positioning program P21 stored in the storage device 22, thereby performing the operation control unit 211, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212, and the position information. It functions as the management unit 213 and the speed management unit 214.

  The operation control unit 211 controls the operation of each device included in the wireless tag device 2. For example, the operation control unit 211 transitions the wireless communication device 24 from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network 5 is impossible to a state in which communication is possible. That is, the operation control unit 211 activates the wireless communication device 24. Further, the operation control unit 211 causes the wireless communication device 24 to transition from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network 5 is possible to a state in which communication is not possible. That is, the operation control unit 211 deactivates the wireless communication device 24.

  More specifically, the operation control unit 211 activates the wireless communication device 24 by starting the wireless communication device 24 by starting the supply of power to the wireless communication device 24 by the power supply device 27. On the other hand, the operation control unit 211 deactivates the wireless communication device 24 by stopping the operation of the wireless communication device 24 by stopping the power supply from the power supply device 27 to the wireless communication device 24. In addition, the operation control unit 211 puts the wireless communication device 24 in the sleep state without stopping the power supply from the power supply device 27 to the wireless communication device 24, thereby deactivating the wireless communication device 24. Good. Further, the operation control unit 211 may activate the wireless communication device 24 by canceling the sleep state. Here, in the sleep state, power is supplied to the wireless communication device 24, but the wireless communication device 24 is not connected to the mobile communication network 5, and signals are transmitted and received through the mobile communication network 5. It is a state in which you cannot do it. By setting the wireless communication device 24 in the sleep state, the wireless communication device 24 can be activated immediately as compared with the case where the wireless communication device 24 is activated from the state in which the power supply is stopped.

  After activating the wireless communication device 24, the operation control unit 211 controls the wireless communication device 24 so as to transmit the information regarding the position of the wireless tag device 2 to the mobile communication network 5. The information about the position of the wireless tag device 2 is, for example, position information based on a position registration request and a satellite signal such as a GPS signal.

  The operation control unit 211 also controls the operation of the GPS receiving device 25 or the power supply device 27 to control the operation of the GPS receiving device 25. Specifically, the operation control unit 211 transitions the GPS reception device 25 from a state in which GPS signals cannot be received to a state in which GPS signals can be received. That is, the operation control unit 211 activates the GPS receiving device 25. In addition, the operation control unit 211 causes the GPS receiving device 25 to transition from a state in which GPS signals can be received to a state in which GPS signals cannot be received. That is, the operation control unit 211 deactivates the GPS receiving device 25.

  More specifically, the operation control unit 211 activates the GPS receiving device 25 by starting the GPS receiving device 25 by starting the power supply from the power supply device 27 to the GPS receiving device 25. On the other hand, the operation control unit 211 deactivates the GPS receiving device 25 by stopping the operation of the GPS receiving device 25 by stopping the power supply from the power supply device 27 to the GPS receiving device 25.

  The short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to perform a connection process related to short-range wireless communication. In the connection process, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to perform pairing with each of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4.

  The short-distance wireless communication management unit 212 detects whether or not the short-distance wireless communication device 23 receives the connection request from the first communication terminal 3 to determine whether or not the short-distance wireless communication can be connected to the first communication terminal 3. To judge. In addition, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to execute a response to the connection request and establishes a connection with the first communication terminal 3 by short-range wireless communication. In addition, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 detects the presence or absence of reception of the first signal from the first communication terminal 3 by the short-range wireless communication device 23, thereby performing short-range wireless communication with the first communication terminal 3. Judge whether it has been disconnected. That is, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 transitions from the state in which the short-range wireless communication device 23 receives the data signal (an example of the first signal) transmitted from the first communication terminal 3 to the state in which the data signal is not received. It is determined whether or not the first condition indicating that it has been performed is satisfied.

  The short-distance wireless communication management unit 212 detects whether or not the short-distance wireless communication device 23 has received a connection request from the second communication terminal 4, thereby determining whether or not the short-distance wireless communication can be performed with the second communication terminal 4. To judge. Also, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to execute a response to the connection request, and establishes a connection with the second communication terminal 4 by short-range wireless communication. In addition, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 detects whether or not the short-range wireless communication device 23 receives the data signal from the second communication terminal 4, thereby disconnecting the short-range wireless communication with the second communication terminal 4. It is determined whether it has been done. That is, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 transitions from a state in which the short-range wireless communication device 23 receives the data signal (an example of the second signal) transmitted from the second communication terminal 4 to a state in which the data signal is not received. It is determined whether or not the second condition indicating that it has been performed is satisfied.

  When the GPS reception device 25 can receive the GPS signal, the position information management unit 213 generates position information indicating the current position of the wireless tag device 2 based on the signal output from the GPS reception device 25. The position information includes latitude and longitude, for example. Further, the position information management unit 213 determines whether the GPS signal can be received by the GPS receiving device 25 based on the signal output from the GPS receiving device 25.

  The speed management unit 214 detects the moving speed of the wireless tag device 2 by integrating the acceleration acquired by the speed detection device 26.

1-2. Operation of RFID Tag Device FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a connection process of the RFID tag device in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the positioning process of the wireless tag device according to the first embodiment. The wireless tag device 2 connects the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 with each other, and activates the wireless communication device 24 to provide information about the position of the wireless tag device 2 to the mobile communication network 5. Positioning processing for transmission is performed. The processing device 21 of the wireless tag device 2 executes the positioning program P21 to execute the connection process and the positioning process. In addition, the processing device 21 independently and repeatedly performs the connection process and the positioning process while the wireless tag device 2 is powered on.

  Below, the connection process shown in FIG. 6 will be described, and then the positioning process shown in FIG. 7 will be described. In the following, a case where the first communication terminal 3 is an access point installed in the home of the user U and the second communication terminal 4 is a smartphone owned by the user U will be described as an example. In the following, a case will be described as an example in which the user U carries the object O1 to which the wireless tag device 2 is attached and the first communication terminal 3 and leaves the home, and then leaves the object O1 somewhere. .. In this case, first, when the object O1 is at home, the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3 are connected by short-range wireless communication. After that, when the user U goes out with the object O1 and the first communication terminal 3, the short-range wireless communication between the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3 is disconnected, and the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 3 are disconnected. 4 is connected by short-distance wireless communication. After that, when the user U leaves the object O1 somewhere, the short-range wireless communication between the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 is disconnected. When the short-distance wireless communication is disconnected, the wireless tag device 2 starts the positioning process of the object O1 shown in FIG. 7.

1-2A. Connection Process In the following connection process, it is assumed that the wireless tag device 2 has been paired with each of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4. Further, before the start of the connection process, the wireless communication device 24 and the GPS receiving device 25 of the wireless tag device 2 are inactivated. Further, hereinafter, the wireless tag device 2 is assumed to establish the connection by the short-distance wireless communication by giving priority to the first communication terminal 3 over the second communication terminal 4.

  First, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 can connect to the first communication terminal 3 by short-range wireless communication by detecting whether or not the short-range wireless communication device 23 has received a connection request from the first communication terminal 3. It is determined whether or not (step S11). When the object O1 with the wireless tag device 2 is at home, the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3 are located within the communicable range of the short-range wireless communication with each other. Therefore, the short-range wireless communication device 23 can receive the connection request from the first communication terminal 3.

  Next, if the connection is possible (Yes in step S11), the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to execute a response to the connection request, and the short-range wireless communication with the first communication terminal 3 is performed. A connection by communication is established (step S12). When the connection is established, the first communication terminal 3 periodically outputs a data signal to the wireless tag device 2, and this continues until the short-range wireless communication to which the wireless tag device 2 responds is disconnected.

  Next, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 detects whether or not the short-range wireless communication device 23 receives the data signal from the first communication terminal 3, thereby performing short-range wireless communication with the first communication terminal 3. It is determined whether or not it has been disconnected (step S13). That is, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 determines whether or not the above-described first condition is satisfied. When the user U goes out and the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3 are located outside the communicable range of the short-range wireless communication with each other, the short distance between the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3 is reached. Wireless communication is disconnected.

  Next, when the short-range wireless communication with the first communication terminal 3 is disconnected (Yes in step S13), the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to connect from the second communication terminal 4. By detecting whether or not the request has been received, it is determined whether or not the second communication terminal 4 can be connected by short-range wireless communication (step S14). When the user U has both the object O1 and the second communication terminal 4 and is out, the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 are located within the communicable range of the short-range wireless communication with each other. .. Therefore, the short-range wireless communication device 23 can receive the connection request from the second communication terminal 4.

  Next, if connection is possible (Yes in step S14), the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to execute a response to the connection request, and performs short-range wireless communication with the second communication terminal 4. To establish a connection (step S15). When the connection is established, the second communication terminal 4 periodically outputs a data signal to the wireless tag device 2, and the wireless tag device 2 responds to the short-distance wireless communication.

  Next, the short-distance wireless communication management unit 212 detects whether or not the short-distance wireless communication device 23 receives the data signal from the second communication terminal 4, thereby performing short-distance wireless communication with the second communication terminal 4. It is determined whether or not it has been disconnected (step S16). That is, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 determines whether or not the second condition is satisfied. When the user U leaves the object O1 somewhere and the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 are located outside the communicable range of the short-range wireless communication with each other, the wireless tag device 2 and the second communication terminal 4 are The short-range wireless communication between the two is disconnected.

  When the short-range wireless communication with the second communication terminal 4 is disconnected (Yes in step S16), the processing device 21 advances the processing to step S11. Then, in the short-range wireless communication management unit 212, the short-range wireless communication device 23 cannot receive the connection request from the first communication terminal 3 (No in step S11), and the short-range wireless communication device 23 performs the second communication. When the connection request from the terminal 4 cannot be received (No in step S14), the connection process shown in FIG. 6 is ended.

  Here, when the short-range wireless communication with the wireless tag device 2 is disconnected, the first communication terminal 3 indicates that the short-range wireless communication with the wireless tag device 2 is disconnected with respect to the second communication terminal 4. Send information. The information is transmitted by near field communication or communication via the mobile communication network 5.

  In addition, the second communication terminal 4 gives a predetermined notification to the user U when the short-range wireless communication with the wireless tag device 2 transits from connection to disconnection. In particular, the second communication terminal 4 has disconnected the short-range wireless communication between itself and the wireless tag device 2 and the short-range wireless communication between the first communication terminal 3 and the wireless tag device 2 transiting from connection to disconnection. A predetermined notification is given to the user U, triggered by the reception of the information indicating the above from the first communication terminal 3. In this example, the fact that the short-range wireless communication between the first communication terminal 3 and the wireless tag device 2 is disconnected is acquired from the first communication terminal 3, so the wireless tag device 2 disconnects from the second communication terminal 4. It is not necessary to transmit the information indicating that it has been done. Therefore, the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 can be reduced. Examples of the predetermined notification include a notification to the user U that the short-range wireless communication has been disconnected, or a notification in accordance with the disconnection. The content is, for example, a suggestion that the object O1 may be lost.

  The notification allows the user U to know that the object O1 may have been lost. In particular, in the present embodiment, the user U is notified of the content such as that the short-range wireless communication is disconnected, or that the object O1 may be lost, for example. The notification allows the user U to know that the object O1 may have been lost. With this notification as a trigger, the user U can perform a search for himself / herself in a place where he / she is aware, before acquiring the position information of the wireless tag device 2 via the second communication terminal 4. Therefore, the search for the object O1 can be started quickly.

1-2B. Positioning Process Next, the positioning process will be described with reference to FIG. 7. First, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 determines whether the short-range wireless communication with both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 has been disconnected (step S21). That is, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 determines whether or not the above-described first condition and second condition are satisfied.

  Next, when it is determined that the near field communication with both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 is disconnected (Yes in step S21), the operation control unit 211 causes the wireless communication device 24 and the GPS receiving device. 25 is activated (step S22). That is, if it is determined that the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the operation control unit 211 causes the wireless communication device 24 to transition from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network 5 is disabled to a state in which the GPS signal is transmitted. The GPS receiver 25 is transited from the state of being unable to receive to the state of being capable of receiving.

  Next, the operation control unit 211 controls the wireless communication device 24 to transmit the position registration request to the mobile communication network 5 (step S23). Note that the operation control unit 211 issues a location registration request to the mobile communication network 5 each time the wireless tag device 2 moves and the cell in which the wireless tag device 2 is located changes, or at regular intervals, in steps S24 to S28 described below. The wireless communication device 24 is controlled so as to be transmitted.

  Next, the position information management unit 213 determines whether the GPS signal can be received (step S24). If the GPS signal can be received (Yes in step S24), the position information management unit 213 generates position information indicating the current position of the wireless tag device 2 based on the signal output from the GPS receiving device 25 ( Step S25). Next, the operation control unit 211 causes the wireless communication device 24 to transmit the position information toward the second communication terminal 4 (step S26).

  Here, when the second communication terminal 4 receives the position information, the second communication terminal 4 notifies the user U of the position of the wireless tag device 2. With this notification, the user U can know the current position of the object O1.

  In step S24 described above, if the GPS signal cannot be received (No in step S24), the processing device 21 advances the process to step S27. In this case, the second communication terminal 4 acquires the position information of the wireless tag device 2 based on the cell ID from the mobile communication network 5, and notifies the user U of the position of the wireless tag device 2 based on the cell ID. With this notification, the user U can know the approximate current position of the object O1.

  Next, the short-distance wireless communication management unit 212 detects whether or not the short-distance wireless communication device 23 has received a connection request from the first communication terminal 3 or the second communication terminal 4, and thereby the first communication terminal 3 or It is determined whether or not the second communication terminal 4 can be connected by near field communication (step S27). Next, if connection is possible (Yes in step S27), the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to execute a response to the connection request, and then the first communication terminal 3 or the second communication terminal. A short-range wireless communication connection with the communication terminal 4 is established (step S28). When the user U obtains the object O1 with the RFID tag device 2 again at the destination, the RFID tag device 2B is connected to the second communication terminal 4 by short-range wireless communication, for example. Note that steps S24 to S27 are repeated until it is determined in step S27 that the connection can be established by the short-range wireless communication.

  Next, when the connection by the short-range wireless communication with the first communication terminal 3 or the second communication terminal 4 is established (Yes in step S28), the operation control unit 211 deactivates the wireless communication device 24 and the GPS receiving device 25. (Step S29). That is, when the connection by the short-range wireless communication is reestablished, the operation control unit 211 shifts the wireless communication device 24 from the state in which the communication via the mobile communication network 5 is possible to the state in which the communication is not possible, and the GPS signal can be received. The GPS receiver 25 is changed from the unrecoverable state to the unreceivable state. When the user U acquires the object O1 again and the connection of the wireless tag device 2 by the short-range wireless communication is reestablished, the wireless communication device 24 and the GPS receiving device 25 are inactivated, and when the inactivation is not performed. In comparison, the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2B can be suppressed.

  The deactivation of the wireless communication device 24 is performed, for example, by the operation control unit 211 stopping the operation of the wireless communication device 24 by stopping the power supply from the power supply device 27 to the wireless communication device 24. The same applies to deactivating the GPS receiving device 25. Alternatively, the wireless communication device 24 may be inactivated by setting the sleep state.

  The above is an example of the operation of the wireless tag device 2. As described above, the wireless tag device 2 communicates with the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 via the mobile communication network 5 and the short-range wireless communication device 23 capable of short-distance wireless communication. The wireless communication device 24 for performing the processing and the processing device 21 are provided. Then, the processing device 21 activates the wireless communication device 24 upon the disconnection of the short-range wireless communication with both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4, and causes the wireless communication device 24 to operate. Information on the position of the wireless tag device 2 is transmitted to the mobile communication network 5. That is, when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the processing device 21 transitions the wireless communication device 24 from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network 5 is disabled to a state in which communication is possible, and after the transition, the wireless tag Information regarding the position of the device 2 is transmitted to the wireless communication device 24 to the mobile communication network 5 (step S22).

  According to the wireless tag device 2, the wireless communication device 24 can communicate via the mobile communication network 5 until short-range wireless communication with both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 is cut off. It does not go into a state. Therefore, the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the short-range wireless communication device 23 is in a state in which the short-range wireless communication device 23 can communicate via the mobile communication network 5 while the connection is made by the short-range wireless communication. .. Further, according to the wireless tag device 2 of the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 24 can perform communication via the mobile communication network 5 even when the object O1 is left at home by the user U and left out. It does not go into a state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 each time the user U goes out. Therefore, the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 can be significantly reduced, and the number of times the wireless tag device 2 is charged can be reduced. Further, even if the object O1 is left at home and goes out, the RFID tag device 2 does not become ready for communication via the mobile communication network 5, so that power of the RFID tag device 2 is not inadvertently consumed when going out. , It is possible to save the trouble of removing the RFID tag device 2 from the object O1 each time the user U goes out. Therefore, the convenience of the user U can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the processing device 21 transitions the GPS receiving device 25 from the state in which the GPS signal cannot be received to the state in which the GPS signal can be received (step S22). That is, the GPS receiving device 25 does not enter the receivable state until the short-range wireless communication with both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 is disconnected. For this reason, power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the GPS receiving device 25 is in a receivable state even while being connected by short-range wireless communication.

  In addition, when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the processing device 21 causes the power supply device 27 to start supplying power to the wireless communication device 24, or cancels the sleep state. Above all, it is preferable that the processing device 21 starts supplying power to the wireless communication device 24 when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. This is because the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 can be suppressed by canceling the sleep state.

  In the connection process described above, the processing device 21 establishes a short-distance wireless communication connection with the second communication terminal 4 when the first condition is satisfied, and then the second condition is satisfied. When the condition is satisfied, the wireless communication device 24 is transited from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network 5 is impossible to a state in which communication is possible. That is, in the present embodiment, the short-range wireless communication device 23 performs short-range wireless communication at different timings from the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4, respectively. Therefore, the processing load of the processing device 21 can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the connection by the short-range wireless communication is established simultaneously with both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4.

  In the positioning process described above, when the processing device 21 satisfies the first condition and the second condition and the GPS signal can be received, the processing device 21 generates the position information based on the GPS signal, and transmits the position information via the mobile communication network 5. 2 The position information is transmitted to the wireless communication device 24 to the communication terminal 4 (steps S24 to S26). Then, when the communication with the portable wireless terminal is established via the mobile communication network 5, the second communication terminal 4 notifies the user U of the position of the wireless tag device 2. Therefore, the wireless tag device 2 can perform accurate positioning using the GPS signal. Then, the user U can know the accurate current position of the object O1 via the second communication terminal 4.

  Further, the transmission of the position information in step S26 of the positioning process shown in FIG. 7 may be performed every time the wireless tag device 2 moves, or may be performed at regular intervals. Since the position information is transmitted every time the wireless tag device 2 moves, the user U can always grasp the accurate current position of the object O1 via the second communication terminal 4.

  Further, the processing device 21 may change the frequency of outputting the position information based on the GPS signal, for example, according to the moving speed calculated by the speed management unit 214. When the moving speed of the wireless tag device 2 is high, the position of the wireless tag device 2 is likely to change with time. In this case, the wireless tag device 2 transmits the position information to the second communication terminal 4 with high frequency so that the user U can timely grasp the position of the wireless tag device 2. On the other hand, when the moving speed of the wireless tag device 2 is slow, the position of the wireless tag device 2 is unlikely to change with time. In this case, the wireless tag device 2 transmits the position information to the second communication terminal 4 with low frequency. If the wireless tag device 2 is almost stopped, the position information may be transmitted only once. By reducing the number of times position information is generated and the number of times position information is transmitted, the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 can be suppressed.

  In addition, as described above, when the processing device 21 satisfies the first condition and the second condition, the processing device 21 issues a position registration request for requesting the mobile communication network 5 to register the cell in which the wireless tag device 2 is located. It is transmitted to the wireless communication device 24 (step S23). Therefore, even when the wireless tag device 2 cannot receive the GPS signal, the second communication terminal 4 can acquire the position information of the wireless tag device 2 based on the cell ID. Therefore, the user U can know the approximate current position of the object O1.

  Further, as described above, the second communication terminal 4 notifies the user U of the position of the wireless tag device 2 when the communication with the wireless tag device 2 via the mobile communication network 5 is established. Therefore, the user U can easily find the object O1 by searching for the object O1 based on the notified position.

  Further, as described above, the second communication terminal 4 can be carried by the user U. Therefore, the positioning system 100 can be preferably used as a system for searching for lost items. However, the second communication terminal 4 may be a stationary communication terminal such as a station. Further, the first communication terminal 3 may be a portable communication terminal.

  When the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 are portable communication terminals, the positioning system 100 can be used in the following cases. For example, when the first communication terminal 3 is a father's smartphone, the second communication terminal 4 is a mother's smartphone, the wireless tag device 2 is a child's smartphone, and the object O1 is a child, the positioning system 100 is used as a lost child prevention system. Available. As described above, according to the positioning system 100, it is possible to detect that the child is separated from both the parents, so that the positioning system 100 can be suitably used as a lost child prevention system. Also, for example, when the first communication terminal 3 is a home base station, the second communication terminal 4 is a smartphone owned by a parent, and the wireless tag device 2 is a smartphone owned by a child, the positioning system 100 is preferably used. Available. In this case, if only the child goes out while the parent is at home, the positional information of the child is transmitted to the smartphone owned by the parent. Therefore, the parent can grasp the position of the child via the smartphone. In addition, even after the parent goes out of the home together with the child and the child leaves the parent at the destination, the parent can grasp the position of the child via the smartphone owned by the parent. According to the positioning system 100, the wireless communication device 24 and the like of the wireless tag device 2 owned by the child are activated at the optimum timing, so that the child is not lost and the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 is reduced. Can be suppressed.

  When the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 are stationary communication terminals, the positioning system 100 can be used in the following cases. For example, if the first communication terminal 3 is a station of the user U's home, the second communication terminal 4 is a station of the company where the user U works, and the object O1 is a confidential article of the company, the positioning system 100 is a confidential article. It can be used to prevent theft. As described above, according to the positioning system 100, for example, the short-range wireless communication with the second communication terminal 4 is performed before a predetermined time elapses after the short-range wireless communication between the wireless tag device 2 and the first communication terminal 3 is disconnected. When the communication connection is made again, it is possible to confirm that the confidential article is returned from home to the office. Therefore, the positioning system 100 can be preferably used as a theft prevention system for confidential articles. Further, in this case, for example, the smartphone of the user U may be used as the third communication terminal. By detecting that the confidential article is separated from all of the first communication terminal 3, the second communication terminal 4, and the third communication terminal, the positioning system 100 can be preferably used as a theft prevention system for the confidential article.

  In the figure, the number of the RFID tag devices 2 is one, but the number of the RFID tag devices 2 may be plural. Further, the positioning system 100 may have other communication terminals such as the above-mentioned third communication terminal in addition to the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4.

  Moreover, the “portable wireless terminal” is not limited to the wireless tag device 2 as long as it is a terminal that is portable and capable of communication connection with the mobile communication network 5. For example, the “portable wireless terminal” may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a wearable terminal, or the like. However, if the “portable wireless terminal” is a wireless tag with a built-in battery, it is advantageous because the advantage of power saving is remarkably exhibited.

2. Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless tag device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a connection process by the wireless tag device according to the second embodiment. Note that, in the second embodiment illustrated below, as for the same matters as in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are used, and the detailed description of each is omitted as appropriate.

  The wireless tag device 2A shown in FIG. 8 is connected to the second communication terminal 4 by short-distance wireless communication while being connected to the first communication terminal 3 by short-distance wireless communication. That is, the wireless tag device 2A can establish a one-to-one connection with each of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4. As illustrated, the short-range wireless communication device 23A establishes a connection by short-range wireless communication with the first communication unit 231 that establishes a connection with the first communication terminal 3 by short-range wireless communication. And a second communication unit 232 to be established. The first communication unit 231 and the second communication unit 232 may be configured by different short-range wireless communication modules, or may be configured by one short-range wireless communication module.

  Next, the connection processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, by detecting whether or not the short-distance wireless communication device 23A has received a connection request from the first communication terminal 3, it is determined whether or not the short-distance wireless communication can be established with the first communication terminal 3 (step S31). ). Next, if the connection is possible (Yes in step S31), the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23A to execute a response to the connection request, and the short-range wireless communication with the first communication terminal 3 is performed. A connection by communication is established (step S32).

  Next, by detecting whether or not the short-distance wireless communication device 23A has received the connection request from the second communication terminal 4, it is determined whether or not the second communication terminal 4 can be connected by the short-distance wireless communication (step). S33). Next, if connection is possible (Yes in step S33), the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23A to execute a response to the connection request, and the short-range wireless communication with the second communication terminal 4 is performed. A connection by communication is established (step S32).

  Note that step S33 may be performed simultaneously or in parallel with step S31 or step S32. Moreover, step S33 and step S34 may be performed before step S31.

  According to the wireless tag device 2A of the present embodiment, the near field communication device 23A is connected to each of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 by near field communication while the object O1 is at home, for example. It will be in the state of being According to the wireless tag device 2A, both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 can be simultaneously connected by short-distance wireless communication. Therefore, in the connection of the short-distance wireless communication, for example, the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 are connected. It is possible to omit the process of setting to preferentially connect one of the two communication terminals 4.

  The short-range wireless communication device 23A may be simultaneously connected to the other terminals in addition to the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 by short-range wireless communication.

3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless tag device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first communication terminal in the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second communication terminal in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the wireless tag device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the wireless tag device according to the third embodiment. Note that, in the third embodiment illustrated below, the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used for the same items as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

3-1. Overall Configuration The short-range wireless communication device 23B of the wireless tag device 2B shown in FIG. 10 includes a transmitting unit 233 that transmits a beacon signal and a receiving unit 234 that receives the beacon signal. The transmitter 233 transmits a beacon signal to the first communication terminal 3B and the second communication terminal 4B. In addition, the receiving unit 234 can receive a plurality of beacon signals, and when a beacon signal is received, outputs a signal based on the received beacon signal to the processing device 21B. In addition, the receiving unit 234 can simultaneously receive a plurality of beacon signals.

  The short-range wireless communication device 33B of the first communication terminal 3B illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a transmitter 333 similar to the transmitter 233 and a receiver 334 similar to the receiver 234. The short-range wireless communication device 43B of the second communication terminal 4B illustrated in FIG. 12 includes a transmission unit 433 similar to the transmission unit 233 and a reception unit 434 similar to the reception unit 234.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B included in the processing device 21B has a function as a measurement unit 215 that measures the reception intensity based on the signal. In addition, the measurement unit 215 detects the beacon signal transmitted from the first communication terminal 3B and determines whether the first condition is satisfied. The first condition is that the first signal transmitted from the first communication terminal 3B has transitioned from a state in which the first signal is received by the short-range wireless communication to a state in which the first signal is not received. In the present embodiment, the first signal is It is a beacon signal whose reception strength transmitted from the first communication terminal 3B exceeds a predetermined value. Similarly, the measurement unit 215 detects the beacon signal transmitted from the second communication terminal 4B and determines whether the second condition is satisfied. The second condition is that the second signal transmitted from the second communication terminal 4B has transitioned from a state in which the second signal is received by the short-range wireless communication to a state in which the second signal is not received. In the present embodiment, the second signal is It is a beacon signal whose reception intensity transmitted from the second communication terminal 4B exceeds a predetermined value.

  The predetermined value for the second signal and the predetermined value for the first signal may be the same or different. Further, although each of these predetermined values can be set as appropriate, the predetermined value is, for example, the strength with which information that can identify the terminal such as a Bluetooth address superimposed on the beacon signal can be acquired.

  Note that the processing device 31B and the processing device 41B also have the same function as the measuring unit 215 that measures the reception intensity of the received beacon signal, similarly to the processing device 21B.

3-2. Operation of RFID Tag Device The operation of the RFID tag device 2B will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the wireless tag device 2B, the first communication terminal 3B, and the second communication terminal 4B continue to transmit beacon signals.

  In this embodiment, step S41 and step S42 are mainly different from the first embodiment. Specifically, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B measures the reception intensity of the beacon signal transmitted from the first communication terminal 3B and determines whether the reception intensity is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S41). .. More specifically, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B determines whether to transition from a state in which a beacon signal having a reception strength transmitted from the first communication terminal 3B can exceed a predetermined value to a state in which the beacon signal cannot be received, that is, the first state. Judge whether 1 condition is satisfied. When the object O1 with the wireless tag device 2B is at home, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B can receive a beacon signal whose reception intensity from the first communication terminal 3B exceeds a predetermined value. On the other hand, when the user U carries the object O1 and goes out and the wireless tag device 2B moves away from the first communication terminal 3B, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B causes the reception intensity from the first communication terminal 3B to have a predetermined value. Cannot receive beacon signal that exceeds.

  Next, when the short-distance wireless communication management unit 212B determines that the reception intensity of the beacon signal transmitted from the first communication terminal 3 has become equal to or lower than a predetermined value (No in step S41), the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B transmits from the second communication terminal 4B. The received signal strength of the beacon signal is measured, and it is determined whether the received signal strength is less than or equal to a predetermined value (step S42). More specifically, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B determines whether to transition from a state in which a beacon signal having a reception strength transmitted from the second communication terminal 4B exceeds a predetermined value to a state in which it cannot receive the beacon signal, that is, the first state. 2 Determine if the conditions are met. When the user U has both the object O1 and the second communication terminal 4B and is out, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B receives a beacon signal whose reception intensity from the second communication terminal 4B exceeds a predetermined value. it can. On the other hand, when the user U leaves the object O1 somewhere and the wireless tag device 2B moves away from the second communication terminal 4B, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B causes the reception strength from the second communication terminal 4B to exceed a predetermined value. Cannot receive beacon signal.

  When it is determined that the reception intensity of the beacon signal transmitted from both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 is less than or equal to the predetermined value (Yes in step S42), the processing device 21 causes the positioning process illustrated in FIG. A process similar to is started.

  However, in the present embodiment, after “No” in step S24 or after step S26, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212B receives the beacon signal transmitted from at least one of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4. It is determined whether or not the strength is below a predetermined value (step S43). If it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value (Yes in step S43), the operation control unit 211 deactivates the wireless communication device 24 and the GPS receiving device 25 (step S29). When the user U acquires the object O1 again and the reception intensity of the beacon signal transmitted from at least one of the first communication terminal 3B and the second communication terminal 4B exceeds a predetermined value, the wireless communication device 24 and the GPS receiving device 25. By deactivating, the power saving of the wireless tag device 2B can be improved as compared with the case where it is not deactivated.

  As described above, the processing device 21B activates the wireless communication device 24 when the reception intensity of the beacon signal transmitted from each of the first communication terminal 3B and the second communication terminal 4B is less than or equal to a predetermined value. That is, when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the processing device 21B transitions the wireless communication device 24 from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network 5 is impossible to a state in which communication is possible (steps S41, S42, and S22). ).

  According to the wireless tag device 2B, the processing device 21B moves the wireless communication device 24 until the reception intensity of the beacon signal transmitted from both the first communication terminal 3B and the second communication terminal 4B becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Communication through the body communication network 5 is not possible. Therefore, power saving of the wireless tag device 2B can be achieved. Further, according to the wireless tag device 2B, even when the object O1 is left at home by the user U while leaving the home, the wireless communication device 24 does not become ready for communication via the mobile communication network 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electric power of the wireless tag device 2B from being unintentionally consumed each time the user U goes out. In addition, the user U can save time and effort to remove the wireless tag device 2B from the object O1 every time he or she goes out, for example, so that the power of the wireless tag device 2B is not inadvertently consumed when going out. Therefore, the convenience of the user U can be improved.

  In addition, the second communication terminal 4B has a predetermined value for the user U when the intensity of the beacon signal related to the short-range wireless communication transmitted from the wireless tag device 2B transitions from a state in which the intensity exceeds a predetermined value to a state in which the predetermined value or less. Notification. In the present embodiment, the user U is notified of the content such that the reception intensity of the beacon signal is equal to or less than a predetermined value, or that the object O1 may be lost, for example. The notification allows the user U to know that the object O1 may have been lost. With this notification as a trigger, the user U can perform a search for himself / herself in a place where he / she is aware, before acquiring the position information of the wireless tag device 2 via the second communication terminal 4. Therefore, the search for the object O1 can be started quickly.

4. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the positioning process by the wireless tag device according to the fourth embodiment. Note that, in the fourth embodiment illustrated below, the same reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used for the same items as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

  In the positioning process illustrated in FIG. 15, when it is determined that the short-range wireless communication with both the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4 is disconnected (Yes in step S21), the operation control unit 211 causes the wireless communication device to operate. 24 is activated (step S51). That is, the operation control unit 211 shifts the wireless communication device 24 from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network 5 is possible to a state in which communication is not possible. Next, the operation control unit 211 causes the mobile communication network 5 to transmit a position registration request to the wireless communication device 24 (step S52).

  Next, the speed management unit 214 calculates the moving speed of the wireless tag device 2 based on the acceleration detected by the speed detecting device 26 (step S53). Next, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 determines whether or not the moving speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (step S54). The moving speed refers to an average speed for a predetermined period after the wireless communication device 24 becomes ready for communication via the mobile communication network 5. The predetermined period can be set as appropriate. Further, the predetermined value of the moving speed can be set as appropriate. At such a level, it can be suitably determined based on the moving speed whether the wireless tag device 2 is moving or stopped.

  When the moving speed of the wireless tag device 2 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (Yes in step S54), the operation control unit 211 activates the GPS receiving device 25 (step S55). That is, the GPS reception device 25 is transited from the state in which the GPS signal cannot be received to the state in which the GPS signal can be received.

  On the other hand, when the moving speed of the wireless tag device 2 exceeds the predetermined value (No in step S54), the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 causes the short-range wireless communication device 23 to communicate with the first communication terminal 3 or the second communication terminal 4. It is determined whether or not connection is possible by short-range wireless communication (step S56). If it is determined that the short-range wireless communication can be connected, the short-range wireless communication management unit 212 moves the process to step S28, and if it is determined that the short-range wireless communication cannot be connected, the process moves to step S54. ..

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not to activate the GPS receiving device 25 based on the moving speed of the wireless tag device 2 (step S54). When the moving speed exceeds a predetermined value, that is, when the moving speed is high, the position of the wireless tag device 2 is likely to change with time. Therefore, when the moving speed is fast, even if the position of the wireless tag device 2 is generated and transmitted based on the GPS signal, the position immediately changes, and thus the generated position information becomes useless. As a result, power consumption also increases. Therefore, when the moving speed exceeds a predetermined value, the GPS receiver 25 is not activated, so that power saving can be achieved. In this case, the second communication terminal 4 can notify the user U of the rough position of the wireless tag device 2 by using the position information of the wireless tag device 2 based on the cell ID. Therefore, also according to the present embodiment, it is possible to search for the object O1 while saving the power of the wireless tag device 2.

  Note that steps S27 and S28 may be omitted. That is, the position information based on the GPS signal may be generated and transmitted only once. If the moving speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined value and is almost stopped, the position of the wireless tag device 2 is unlikely to change, so that the number of times of generation and transmission of position information is sufficient. Therefore, by omitting steps S27 and S28, the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 can be suppressed.

  In the above description, the GPS receiving device 25 is activated when the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, but the GPS receiving device 25 may be activated when the moving speed is not equal to or lower than the predetermined value. According to this process, the wireless tag device 2 transmits the position information to the second communication terminal 4 with high frequency, so that the moving speed is high and the moving distance is long, so that the wireless tag device 2 can accurately and timely. The position of the wireless tag device 2 can be grasped. On the other hand, when the moving speed is slow, particularly when it is stopped, the power consumption of the wireless tag device 2 can be reduced by not generating and transmitting the position information based on the GPS signal.

  In this way, by selecting whether or not to activate the GPS receiving device 25 according to the moving speed, it is possible to perform a search according to the situation and reduce power consumption.

  Further, whether or not to activate the GPS receiving device 25 may be set depending on the type of the object O1 and the like. For example, if the object O1 is a property such as an umbrella, the processing device 21 does not activate the GPS receiving device 25 with a priority on power saving. On the other hand, if the object O1 is a child or the like, the processing device 21 activates the GPS receiving device 25 by giving priority to accurate and timely position grasping.

5. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated above. Specific modes of modification will be exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be merged.

(1) In the above-described fourth embodiment, the wireless tag device 2 selects whether or not to activate the GPS receiving device 25 according to the moving speed. However, according to the moving speed, the intermittent reception interval of the paging signal is determined. May be changed. For example, whether to apply a power saving mode such as eDRX (Extended Discontinuous Reception) or PSM (Power Saving Mode) may be selected according to the moving speed. For example, the power consumption can be suppressed by applying eDRX and lengthening the interval of the intermittent reception of the paging signal. Moreover, since the paging signal can be stopped for a predetermined period by applying PSM, the power consumption can be further suppressed.

(2) Further, the wireless tag device 2 changes the intermittent reception interval of the paging signal or stops the paging signal according to whether the GPS signal can be received by the GPS receiving device 25. The power consumption of the device 2 can be suppressed.

(3) The operation control unit 211, when transitioning the wireless communication device 24 from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network 5 is impossible to a state in which communication is possible, selects one of the first communication terminal 3 and the second communication terminal 4. For, regarding the above, the short-range wireless communication may be disconnected, and on the other hand, the reception intensity of the beacon signal may be below a predetermined value.

6. Others In each of the above-described embodiments, the storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read by the processing device 21, and is exemplified by a ROM and a RAM, but a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (for example, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk). , Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, smart card, flash memory device (for example, card, stick, key drive), CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), register, removable disk, hard disk, floppy (registered trademark). A disk, magnetic strip, database, server or other suitable storage medium. The same applies to the storage device 32 and the storage device 42. Further, the program may be transmitted from the network via an electric communication line. Further, the program may be transmitted from a communication network via an electric communication line.

  Each of the above-described embodiments includes LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G, 5G, FRA (Future Radio Access), W-CDMA (registered trademark), and GSM. (Registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.11 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth (registered trademark), It may be applied to a system utilizing other suitable systems and / or a next-generation system extended based on these.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the specific operation performed by the base station (for example, the location information identification by the base station) may be performed by its upper node in some cases. In a network including one or more network nodes having a base station, various operations performed for communication with a terminal may include a base station and / or other network nodes other than the base station (eg, Obviously, but not limited to MME or S-GW). Although the case where there is one network node other than the base station has been described above, a combination of a plurality of other network nodes (for example, MME and S-GW) may be used.

  In the embodiments described above, the information, signals, etc. described may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description include voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any of these. May be represented by a combination of

  Note that the terms described in this specification and / or the terms necessary for understanding this specification may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the input / output information and the like may be stored in a specific place (for example, a memory) or may be managed by a management table. Information that is input / output may be overwritten, updated, or added. The output information and the like may be deleted. The input information and the like may be transmitted to another device.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the determination may be performed by a value (0 or 1) represented by 1 bit, a true / false value (Boolean: true or false), or a numerical value. (For example, comparison with a predetermined value) may be performed.

  In the sequence chart illustrated in each of the above-described embodiments, the order of each step may be changed. That is, the order of each process in the preferred aspect of the present invention is not limited to a particular order.

  Each function illustrated in each of the above-described embodiments is realized by an arbitrary combination of hardware and software. Further, each function may be realized by a single device, or may be realized by two or more devices that are configured separately from each other.

The program exemplified in each of the above-described embodiments is an instruction, an instruction set, a code, a code segment, a program code, regardless of whether it is called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a hardware description language. , Subprogram, software module, application, software application, software package, routine, subroutine, object, executable, thread of execution, procedure or function, etc.
Further, software, instructions, etc. may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, the software may use a wired technology such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair and digital subscriber line (DSL) and / or wireless technology such as infrared, wireless and microwave to websites, servers, or other When transmitted from a remote source, these wireline and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission medium.

  In each of the above forms, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the base station can accommodate one or more (eg, three) cells (also called sectors). When a base station accommodates a plurality of cells, the entire coverage area of the base station can be divided into a plurality of smaller areas, each smaller area being a base station subsystem (eg, small indoor base station RRH: Remote). The communication service can also be provided by the Radio Head. The term "cell" or "sector" refers to part or all of the coverage area of a base station and / or base station subsystem that provides communication services in this coverage. Further, the terms "base station", "eNB", "cell", and "sector" may be used interchangeably herein. A base station may be referred to by terms such as fixed station, NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), access point, femtocell, and small cell.

  Each device in each of the above-described embodiments includes a case where the device is a mobile station. A mobile station can be a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless, by a person skilled in the art. It may also be referred to as a terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the term "connected", or any variation thereof, means any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, "connection" to each other. There may be one or more intermediate elements between the two marked elements. The connections between the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As used herein, two elements are radio frequency by using one or more wires, cables and / or printed electrical connections, and as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples. By using electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the region, the microwave region and the light (both visible and invisible) region, it can be considered to be “connected” to each other.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the description "based on" does not mean "based only on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

  As long as the terms "including", "comprising", and variations thereof in each of the above-described embodiments are used in the specification or claims, these terms include the term "comprising." Is intended to be inclusive. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in the specification or claims is not intended to be an exclusive OR.

  Throughout this application, where articles are added by translation, for example, a, an, and the in English, these articles include plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. .

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented as modified and changed modes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined based on the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of the present specification is for the purpose of exemplification, and has no restrictive meaning to the present invention. In addition, a plurality of modes selected from the modes exemplified in this specification may be combined.

  2 ... Wireless tag device, 2A ... Wireless tag device, 2B ... Wireless tag device, 3 ... First communication terminal, 3B ... First communication terminal, 4 ... Second communication terminal, 4B ... Second communication terminal, 5 ... Mobile unit Communication network, 21 ... Processing device, 21B ... Processing device, 22 ... Storage device, 23 ... Short-distance wireless communication device, 23A ... Short-distance wireless communication device, 24 ... Wireless communication device, 25 ... GPS receiving device, 25 ... Receiving device , 26 ... Speed detection device, 27 ... Power supply device, 31 ... Processing device, 31B ... Processing device, 32 ... Storage device, 33 ... Short-distance wireless communication device, 34 ... Wireless communication device, 41 ... Processing device, 41B ... Processing device , 42 ... Storage device, 43 ... Short-distance wireless communication device, 44 ... Wireless communication device, 45 ... Display device, 46 ... Input device, 100 ... Positioning system, 211 ... Operation control unit, 212 ... Short-distance wireless communication management unit, 212B ... Short-range wireless Communication management unit, 213 ... Position information management unit, 214 ... Speed management unit, 215 ... Measuring unit, 231 ... First communication unit, 232 ... Second communication unit, 233 ... Transmission unit, 234 ... Reception unit, 333 ... Transmission unit 334 ... Reception unit, 433 ... Transmission unit, 434 ... Reception unit, D21 ... Pairing information, D22 ... Destination information, D31 ... Pairing information, D32 ... Destination information, D41 ... Pairing information, D42 ... Destination Information, O1 ... Target, P21 ... Positioning program, P41 ... Positioning program, U ... User.

Claims (10)

A mobile wireless terminal,
A short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with each of the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal,
A wireless communication unit that performs communication via a mobile communication network,
A first condition indicating that the first signal transmitted from the first communication terminal has transitioned from a state in which the first signal is received by short-range wireless communication to a state in which the first signal is not received; and a first condition transmitted from the second communication terminal. It is possible from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network is impossible, when the second condition indicating that the two signals are transited from the state in which they are received by the short-range wireless communication to the state in which they are not received is satisfied. And a controller that causes the wireless communication unit to transition to a state and, after the transition, causes the wireless communication unit to transmit information regarding the position of the portable wireless terminal to the mobile communication network. Wireless terminal. Further comprising a power supply unit for supplying power to the wireless communication unit,
The mobile wireless terminal according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the power supply unit to start supplying power to the wireless communication unit when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. A satellite signal receiver for receiving satellite signals,
The control unit generates position information indicating the position of the mobile wireless terminal based on the satellite signal as information on the position of the mobile wireless terminal, and sends the position information to the second communication terminal via the mobile communication network. The mobile wireless terminal according to claim 1 or 2, which transmits position information to the wireless communication unit.   The mobile wireless terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information regarding the position of the mobile wireless terminal requests the mobile communication network to register a cell in which the mobile wireless terminal is located. The first signal is a data signal transmitted from the first communication terminal in a connection state of short-distance wireless communication, and transits from a state where the data signal is received by the short-distance wireless communication to a state where it is not received. Then the short-range wireless communication is cut off,
The second signal is a data signal transmitted from the second communication terminal in a connection state of short-range wireless communication, and transits from a state where the data signal is received by the short-range wireless communication to a state where it is not received. The mobile wireless terminal according to claim 1, wherein short-range wireless communication is disconnected.   After the first condition is satisfied, the control unit causes the short-range wireless communication unit to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the second communication terminal, and then the second condition is satisfied. The portable wireless terminal according to claim 5, wherein in the case of communication, the wireless communication unit is transited from a state in which communication via the mobile communication network is impossible to a state in which communication via the mobile communication network is possible. The first signal is a beacon signal whose reception strength exceeds a predetermined value,
The mobile wireless terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second signal is a beacon signal whose reception strength exceeds a predetermined value. A mobile wireless terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A first communication terminal capable of short-range wireless communication with the portable wireless terminal;
A second communication terminal capable of short-range wireless communication with the portable wireless terminal,
In the second communication terminal, the short-range wireless communication with the mobile wireless terminal makes a transition from connection to disconnection, or the reception strength of a beacon signal transmitted from the mobile wireless terminal exceeds a predetermined value, and then the predetermined value is reached. A positioning system that gives a predetermined notification to a user when making a transition to the following states.   The positioning system according to claim 8, wherein the second communication terminal is portable by the user.   The positioning according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second communication terminal notifies the user of the position of the mobile wireless terminal when communication with the mobile wireless terminal is established via the mobile communication network. system.

Images