JP2004333414A - Position information detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To heighten efficiency in a position information detection system for detecting information on the distance or the direction wherein an extension 2 exists by a master machine 1 as position information of the extension 1. <P>SOLUTION: In the master machine 1, inquiry signal transmission means 11-13 transmit by radio an inquiry signal including discrimination information of the extension 2 which is a detection object of the position information from antennas A1-AN. In the extension 2, a discrimination information storage means 22 stores the discrimination information of the extension 2, and inquiry signal reception means 21, 22 receives the inquiry signal, and response signal transmission means 23-27 transmit by radio a response signal to the master machine 1 when the discrimination information included in the received inquiry signal corresponds to the stored discrimination information. In the master machine 1, the response signal reception means A1-AN, 14 receive the response signal, and an extension position information detection means 15 detects the position information of the extension based on the response signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a position information detection system in which a parent device detects information on a distance and a direction in which a child device exists as position information of the child device, and particularly to an efficient position information detection system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the conventional distance detection system, the master unit is a receiver and the slave unit is a transmitter for transmitting radio waves. The distance can be grasped by measuring the loudness of a sound from a speaker of the master unit or the light emitting diode (LED). A person listens to or sees the blinking brightness or interval to determine the distance.
Also, regarding the direction of the slave unit, the person listens to or judges the loudness of the sound, the blinking brightness of the LED, or the interval while changing the direction of the antenna without changing the position of the master unit.
[0003]
Therefore, the detection of distance and direction requires training and experience, and has the following problems (1) to (6).
(1) The slave unit constantly or periodically transmits radio waves, and consumes large power. Therefore, the usable time of the battery is shortened.
(2) There is no particular combination of the parent device and the child device, and the child device in use transmitting radio waves can be found from any parent device, and security is not ensured.
[0004]
(3) Since a person listens or judges the loudness of the sound and the blinking luminance / interval of the LED, the error is large.
(4) Depending on the environment, such as a place with a lot of noise, information may not be correctly obtained from the master unit.
(5) It takes time because a person determines the direction by changing the direction of the directional antenna.
(6) Operation is difficult.
[0005]
In addition, wireless azimuth detection has a similar function from the past for special applications such as illegal radio waves, eavesdropping, animal tracking, but as a product for ordinary people, there is not much technological progress. Is an almost untapped field.
[0006]
An example of a conventional technique relating to a device for detecting the direction of a radio wave is shown (for example, see Non-Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).
Conventionally, as an example of a direction finding method, an incoming radio wave is received by a pair of elements of a receiving antenna, and an arrival direction is calculated from a phase difference radio wave of a voltage induced in each element. Also, as another example, a large number of antenna elements are arranged concentrically via a reflector, and each element is switched at a high speed to create a directional beam between the element that induced the high voltage and the nearby element. The direction of arrival was calculated from the direction of the beam (for example, see Non-Patent Document 2).
[0007]
[Non-patent document 1]
Haruo Tamaki, "Prototype of Automatic Radio Direction Detector", HAM Journal, No. 71, 1991
[Non-patent document 2]
“Latest Radio Monitoring System”, [online], Tohoku General Communication Bureau: Radio Monitoring Division homepage, [searched February 13, 2003], Internet <URL: http: // www. tbb. go. jp / kanshi / 3-1. html>
[Non-Patent Document 3]
"Medium wave direction detection station", [online], [searched on February 13, 2003], Internet <URL: http: // www. bekoame. ne. jp / tume / uenae02, html>
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional distance detection system and direction detection system, when the parent device detects the distance and direction of the child device, the identification of the child device, the efficiency of the process of detecting the distance and direction of the child device, and the efficiency of the child device are improved. However, there are still some points that are insufficient in terms of efficiency of power consumption.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such conventional circumstances, and provides a position at which a parent device can efficiently detect information on a distance and a direction in which a child device exists as position information of the child device. An object is to provide an information detection system.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the position information detection system according to the present invention, the parent device detects information on one or both of the distance and direction in which the child device exists as the position information of the child device as follows.
That is, the master unit includes an antenna, and the inquiry signal transmitting unit wirelessly transmits the inquiry signal including the identification information of the slave unit whose position information is to be detected from the antenna.
[0011]
In the slave unit, the identification information storage unit stores the identification information of the slave unit, the inquiry signal receiving unit receives an inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit, and the response signal transmitting unit includes the inquiry signal receiving unit. When the identification information included in the inquiry signal received by the above corresponds to the identification information stored in the identification information storage means, a response signal is wirelessly transmitted to the master unit.
[0012]
Further, in the base unit, the response signal receiving unit receives a response signal transmitted wirelessly from the slave unit, and the slave unit position information detecting unit determines the position based on the response signal received by the response signal receiving unit. Information about one or both of the distance and the direction of the child device to be detected is detected.
[0013]
Therefore, since a response signal is transmitted from the child device corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry signal transmitted from the parent device and information on the distance and direction in which the child device exists is detected, for example, in the parent device, The response signal can be transmitted only from the child device corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry signal, and no response signal can be transmitted (ie, not transmitted) from the other child devices. In addition, since the response signal is transmitted from the corresponding slave in response to the inquiry signal transmitted from the master, it is possible to reduce, for example, unnecessary signal transmission from the slave.
[0014]
Here, as the information on one or both of the distance and the direction in which the child device exists, for example, information about the distance in which the child device exists may be detected as the position information of the child device, and the information about the direction in which the child device exists may be used. The information may be detected as the position information of the child device, or both pieces of information may be detected as the position information of the child device.
Further, various antennas may be used. For example, one or a plurality of directional antennas can be used.
[0015]
Also, various information may be used as the identification information of the slave unit, and for example, information of a number can be used.
Also, the identification information storage means can be configured using, for example, a memory for storing information.
Further, as for the same slave unit, as the identification information of the slave unit included in the inquiry signal and the identification information of the slave unit stored in the identification information storage unit, for example, the same information may be used, Alternatively, information that is different information but is understood to correspond to each other may be used.
[0016]
Further, as the identification information of the slave units, for example, a mode in which different information is set for each slave unit may be used, or the same identification information may be assigned to two or more slave units belonging to the same group. A mode in which information is set may be used, or both modes may be used.
[0017]
In the position information detection system according to the present invention, the parent device detects information on the distance at which the child device exists as the position information of the child device as follows.
That is, the master unit includes an antenna, and the inquiry signal transmitting unit wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal including information on a desired reception timing from the antenna to the slave unit whose position information is to be detected.
[0018]
In the slave unit, the inquiry signal receiving unit receives the inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit, and the response signal transmitting unit transmits the information of the desired reception timing included in the inquiry signal received by the inquiry signal receiving unit. The base station adjusts the timing at which the response signal is wirelessly transmitted to the base unit, and wirelessly transmits a response signal including information on the adjusted timing to the base unit.
[0019]
Further, in the base unit, the response signal receiving unit receives the response signal transmitted wirelessly from the slave unit at the desired reception timing transmitted to the slave unit, and the slave unit position information detecting unit receives the response signal. Based on the information on the adjusted timing included in the response signal received by the means, the information on the distance of the child device whose position information is to be detected is detected.
[0020]
Therefore, the slave unit adjusts the transmission timing of the response signal so as to match the desired reception timing notified by the inquiry signal from the master unit to the slave unit, and the master unit adjusts the transmission timing notified by the response signal from the slave unit. Based on the timing, it is possible to detect information on the distance at which the child device exists. In addition, the master unit can control the desired reception timing from the slave unit.
[0021]
Here, various antennas may be used, and for example, one or a plurality of directional antennas can be used.
Various timings may be used as the desired reception timing.
Various information may be used as the information of the desired reception timing, for example, information for specifying the desired reception timing is used.
[0022]
Various modes may be used as the mode for adjusting the timing of transmitting the response signal by the response signal transmitting unit of the slave unit. For example, a mode in which the transmission timing is changed by a predetermined time width, Alternatively, a mode in which the transmission timing is continuously changed can be used.
[0023]
Various information may be used as the information regarding the adjusted timing. For example, information for specifying the adjusted timing can be used. For example, the difference between the adjusted timing and the reference timing can be used. The identifying information can be used.
Further, as the information on the adjusted timing, for example, information on the distance where the slave unit exists can also be used.
[0024]
In the master unit, for example, when the response signal transmitted from the slave unit arrives at the desired reception timing, the master unit receives the response signal while the response signal transmitted from the slave unit deviates from the desired reception timing. , The response signal is not received.
In addition, various methods may be used as a method of detecting the information regarding the distance where the slave exists based on the information regarding the timing adjusted by the slave position information detecting unit of the master, for example, the slave and the slave may be used. A method of detecting information for specifying the distance at which the child device exists based on the delay time in wireless communication between the mobile terminals can be used.
[0025]
As one configuration example, in the slave unit, the response signal transmitting unit wirelessly transmits the response signal to the master unit every time the timing of wirelessly transmitting the response signal to the master unit is changed in a predetermined manner. . In the master unit, the response signal receiving unit attempts to receive a response signal wirelessly transmitted from the slave unit at a desired reception timing transmitted to the slave unit, and when the response signal is received, the slave unit position information detecting unit Detects information related to the distance of the slave unit whose position information is to be detected based on the information related to the adjusted timing included in the received response signal. In addition, as a predetermined mode of changing the transmission timing, for example, a mode of changing the transmission timing by a predetermined time width can be used.
[0026]
In the position information detection system according to the present invention, the parent device detects information on the distance at which the child device exists as the position information of the child device as follows.
That is, the master unit includes an antenna, and the inquiry signal transmitting unit wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal including information on a desired reception timing from the antenna to the slave unit whose position information is to be detected.
[0027]
In the slave unit, the inquiry signal receiving unit receives the inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit, and the response signal transmitting unit transmits the information of the desired reception timing included in the inquiry signal received by the inquiry signal receiving unit. Based on this, a response signal is wirelessly transmitted to the parent device at a predetermined timing.
[0028]
Further, in the master unit, the response signal receiving means receives the response signal transmitted wirelessly from the slave unit, and the slave unit position information detecting means determines the timing based on the reception timing of the response signal received by the response signal receiving means. Then, information on the distance at which the child device whose position information is to be detected is detected.
[0029]
Therefore, the slave transmits a response signal at a predetermined timing based on the desired reception timing notified by the inquiry signal from the master to the slave, and the slave transmits a response signal based on the timing at which the master receives the response signal from the slave. Information on the distance of the aircraft can be detected. Further, it is possible to reduce the number of times that the response signal is transmitted from the slave unit.
[0030]
Here, various antennas may be used, and for example, one or a plurality of directional antennas can be used.
Various timings may be used as the desired reception timing.
Various information may be used as the information of the desired reception timing, for example, information for specifying the desired reception timing is used.
[0031]
Various modes may be used as the mode of transmitting the response signal at a predetermined timing based on the information of the desired reception timing by the response signal transmitting means of the slave unit. For example, various modes may be used. A mode in which a response signal is transmitted at a set predetermined timing can be used.
[0032]
Further, various methods may be used as a method of detecting information on the distance at which the child device exists based on the reception timing of the response signal by the child device position information detecting means of the parent device. A method of detecting information for specifying the distance at which the child device exists based on the delay time in wireless communication between the mobile terminals can be used.
As an example, the slave unit position information detecting means of the master unit, based on the difference between the reception timing of the response signal received from the slave unit and the desired reception timing notified by the inquiry signal to the slave unit, Information that specifies the existing distance is detected.
[0033]
In the position information detection system according to the present invention, the parent device detects information on one or both of the distance and the direction in which the child device exists as the child device position information as follows. That is, the master unit includes a plurality of directional antennas, and the inquiry signal transmission unit wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal to the slave unit as a position information detection target in order from each of the two or more directional antennas. .
[0034]
In the slave unit, the inquiry signal receiving unit receives an inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit, the reception level detecting unit detects the reception level of the inquiry signal received by the inquiry signal receiving unit, and the response signal transmitting unit A response signal including information on the reception level detected by the reception level detection means is wirelessly transmitted to the master unit.
[0035]
Further, in the master unit, the response signal receiving unit receives a response signal wirelessly transmitted from the slave unit in response to the inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from each directional antenna, and the slave unit position information detection unit includes: Based on information on the reception level included in the response signal received in response to the inquiry signal transmitted from each directional antenna by the response signal receiving unit, the distance and direction in which the child device whose position information is to be detected exists. Information about one or both.
[0036]
Therefore, for two or more directional antennas provided in the master unit, the master unit can detect the position information of the slave unit based on the information on the reception level of the inquiry signal from the master unit detected by the slave unit. it can. Further, since the slave detects the level of the signal from the master, it is possible to reduce, for example, the power consumption of the slave.
[0037]
Here, as the information on one or both of the distance and the direction in which the child device exists, for example, information about the distance in which the child device exists may be detected as the position information of the child device, and the information about the direction in which the child device exists may be used. The information may be detected as the position information of the child device, or both pieces of information may be detected as the position information of the child device.
[0038]
Further, various numbers may be used as the number of the plurality of directional antennas.
Various antennas may be used as the directional antenna.
Also, various levels may be used as the reception level, and for example, the level of the reception electric field strength can be used.
Various information may be used as the information on the reception level. For example, information for specifying the reception level can be used.
[0039]
Various methods may be used to detect the position information of the child device based on the information on the reception level by the child device position information detection means of the parent device. For example, two or more directional antennas may be used. A method of detecting the position information of the child device based on the characteristic can be used.
[0040]
As an example, in the master unit, reception level position information correspondence storage means for storing a correspondence between a combination of reception levels for each of two or more directional antennas and information on one or both of the distance and direction in which the slave unit exists. Is provided. Then, the slave unit position information detecting means detects position information corresponding to the combination of the reception levels of each of the two or more directional antennas. As the combination of the reception levels for each of the two or more directional antennas, for example, a reception level ratio or the like can be used. Further, the reception level position information correspondence storage means can be configured using a memory for storing information, for example.
[0041]
Further, as one configuration example, in the master unit, the response signal receiving unit transmits a response signal wirelessly transmitted from the slave unit in response to the inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from each directional antenna by the respective directional antenna. Receive.
Further, as one configuration example, the slave unit averages a plurality of detected reception levels, and uses the averaged result as a reception level for specifying the position information of the slave unit.
[0042]
The position information detection system according to the present invention has the following configuration as one configuration example.
That is, the master unit is a portable device, and is carried by a user (user) of the master unit. The slaves are portable devices, and a plurality of slaves are provided, and each slave is carried by a user (user). In addition, the master unit and each slave unit directly communicate signals by radio.
[0043]
Therefore, the base unit carried by the user of the base unit directly performs wireless communication with the base units carried by the users of the respective base units, so that the distance and position of the base unit exist. Information can be detected.
[0044]
Here, various users may be used as users of the parent device and users of the respective child devices. As an example, a mode can be used in which a representative of a predetermined group is set as a user of the parent device, and one or more persons other than the representatives belonging to the group are set as users of the child device.
When there are a plurality of users of the child device, for example, a different child device is carried for each user.
[0045]
Next, a configuration example according to the present invention will be further described.
In the position information detection system according to the present invention, as one configuration example, as described below, the master unit detects information on one or both of the distance and the direction in which the slave unit exists as the slave unit position information.
That is, the master unit includes a plurality of directional antennas. In the master unit, the inquiry signal transmitting unit wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal to the slave unit whose position information is to be detected.
[0046]
In the slave unit, the inquiry signal receiving unit receives the inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit, and the response signal transmitting unit sends the inquiry signal to the master unit in response to receiving the inquiry signal by the inquiry signal receiving unit. To transmit a response signal wirelessly.
[0047]
Further, in the master unit, the response signal receiving unit receives a response signal transmitted wirelessly from the slave unit by each of the one or more directional antennas, and the reception level detecting unit uses the response signal receiving unit to detect the response signal by each directional antenna. The reception level of the received response signal is detected, and the slave unit position information detecting means detects, based on the reception level detected by the reception level detecting means, the distance at which the slave whose position information is to be detected exists. Detect information about one or both directions.
[0048]
Therefore, for one or more directional antennas provided in the master unit, the master unit can detect the position information of the slave unit based on the reception level of the response signal from the slave unit detected by the master unit.
[0049]
Here, as the information on one or both of the distance and the direction in which the child device exists, for example, information about the distance in which the child device exists may be detected as the position information of the child device, and the information about the direction in which the child device exists may be used. The information may be detected as the position information of the child device, or both pieces of information may be detected as the position information of the child device.
[0050]
Further, various numbers may be used as the number of the plurality of directional antennas.
Various antennas may be used as the directional antenna.
Also, various levels may be used as the reception level, and for example, the level of the reception electric field strength can be used.
[0051]
Further, various numbers may be used as the number of the one or more directional antennas that receive the response signal by the response signal receiving unit of the master unit.
Various methods may be used to detect the position information of the child device based on the reception level by the child device position information detection means of the parent device. For example, various methods may be used, such as the characteristics of one or more directional antennas. A method of detecting the position information of the child device based on the child device can be used.
[0052]
As an example, in the master unit, a reception level position information correspondence storage unit that stores a correspondence between a combination of reception levels for each of one or more directional antennas and information on one or both of the distance and direction in which the slave unit exists. Is provided. Then, the slave unit position information detecting means detects position information corresponding to the combination of the reception levels of each of the one or more directional antennas. Note that the reception level position information correspondence storage means can be configured using, for example, a memory for storing information.
[0053]
As one configuration example, in the master unit, the inquiry signal transmitting unit wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal to the slave unit from the directional antenna. As another configuration example, the master unit includes an omnidirectional (omnidirectional) antenna, and the inquiry signal transmitting unit wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal to the slave unit from the omnidirectional antenna. Note that various antennas may be used as the non-directional antenna.
[0054]
Further, as one configuration example, the master unit averages a plurality of detected reception levels, and uses the averaged result as a reception level for specifying the position information of the slave unit.
Further, as one configuration example, the reception level detected by the slave and the reception level detected by the master are averaged, and the averaged result is used as the reception level for specifying the position information of the slave. In this case, for example, information on the reception level detected by the slave unit is included in the response signal and notified to the master unit.
[0055]
Next, the position information detection system as described above will be further described.
Various devices may be used as the parent device and the child device, respectively.
For example, as a master unit and a slave unit, constituent devices of a wireless communication system such as a mobile phone system and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system can be used, but are independent of such a wireless communication system. It is also preferable to configure a position information detection system as a system that has been implemented.
[0056]
Further, various information may be used as the information related to the distance, and for example, information for specifying a value of the distance between the parent device and the child device can be used.
Further, various information may be used as the information on the direction, and for example, information for specifying the direction such as the azimuth of the child device viewed from the parent device can be used.
[0057]
Further, various distances and directions may be used, and for example, the distance and direction of the child device when viewed with reference to the position and direction of the parent device can be used.
Various signals may be used as the inquiry signal.
Various signals may be used as the response signal.
[0058]
As one configuration example, in the master unit, the slave unit position information output unit outputs the slave unit position information detected by the slave unit position information detection unit.
In addition, various modes may be used as a mode for outputting the position information of the child device, for example, a mode of displaying and outputting the position information of the child device to a user on a screen, or A mode in which the position information of the slave unit is output to an external device can be used.
[0059]
As an example of the configuration, when the master unit receives a response signal from the slave unit in response to wirelessly transmitting an inquiry signal from the directional antenna to the slave unit, the master unit moves in the direction corresponding to the directional antenna. It is assumed that the slave unit exists.
Further, in the base unit, when the inquiry signal is wirelessly transmitted from the directional antenna to the slave unit but the response signal from the slave unit is not received, the slave unit does not exist in the direction corresponding to the directional antenna. Is considered.
Further, as an example of the configuration, it is possible to switch the directional antenna only for transmission from the master unit and to receive from all directions. For example, the master unit determines from which directional antenna the response is to the inquiry transmitted by the identification code of the directional antenna units A1 to AN.
[0060]
As one configuration example, the master unit considers the slave unit to be present in a direction corresponding to the directional antenna that has received the response signal wirelessly transmitted from the slave unit.
In addition, the master unit regards that the slave unit does not exist in the direction corresponding to the directional antenna that does not receive the response signal wirelessly transmitted from the slave unit.
[0061]
As one configuration example, in the master unit, a plurality of dielectric antennas (chip antennas) are used as the plurality of directional antennas. The plurality of dielectric antennas are arranged, for example, at equal intervals in a circular shape.
As one configuration example, the slave unit includes an omni-directional antenna, and performs wireless communication using the omni-directional antenna.
[0062]
As an example of the configuration, in the master unit, a timing of a predetermined cycle or a predetermined timing is used as a timing of transmitting an inquiry signal to the slave unit. Note that various cycles may be used as the predetermined cycle.
As another configuration example, the master unit includes slave unit position information detection instruction receiving means for receiving a slave unit position information detection instruction from a user, and determines the slave unit position information as a timing for transmitting an inquiry signal to the slave unit. The timing according to the point in time when the child device position information detection instruction is received from the user by the information detection instruction receiving means is used. Note that the slave unit position information detection instruction receiving means can be configured using, for example, buttons and keys operated by the user.
[0063]
As an example of the configuration, the master unit instructs a plurality of slave units to determine the response timing so that the response timing from each slave unit is shifted. In addition, as a mode of instructing a response timing, for example, a mode of notifying a desired reception timing can be used.
As an example of the configuration, the master unit instructs a plurality of slave units to respond to the response in the order from the shortest distance to the longest distance. As the distance between the slave units, for example, a value detected in the past may be used, or an expected value may be used.
[0064]
As one configuration example, the same frequency is used for wireless communication from the parent device to the child device and for wireless communication from the child device to the parent device. It is also possible to use different frequencies for the master unit and the slave unit. For example, when there are a plurality of slave units, there is an advantage that an inquiry and a response can be performed in parallel. is there.
As an example of the configuration, based on an operation state using a method of detecting the position information of the child device based on the timing of wireless communication between the parent device and the child device, and a reception electric field strength of a reception signal in the parent device or the child device A slave unit position information detection method switching means for switching between an operating state using a method for detecting the slave unit position information.
[0065]
As one configuration example, when the master unit receives a plurality of response signals wirelessly transmitted from the slave unit, the master unit adopts the response signal received at the earliest timing. This supports a multipath environment.
[0066]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, a position information detection system including one portable master device and a plurality of portable slave devices is shown, and the master device is, for example, a representative (management person) managing persons belonging to a predetermined group. ), And each child device is carried by each person (user) other than the representative belonging to the group.
[0067]
The number of master units may be plural, and the number of slave units may be one.
Further, in the present embodiment, a master unit having a plurality of antennas and a slave unit having one antenna are shown, but the number of antennas of the master unit may be one. The number of antennas of the machine may be plural.
[0068]
A position information detection system according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the position information detection system of the present example.
The position information detection system of the present embodiment includes a parent device 1 for detecting position information and a child device 2 for detecting position information. Note that the position information includes information related to a distance and information related to a direction.
[0069]
The base unit 1 includes a wireless data generation unit 11 that generates wireless data, a transmission unit 12 that performs transmission processing, an antenna switching unit 13 that switches antennas, a reception unit 14 that performs reception processing, and a distance between the child device 2. And direction deriving unit 15 for deriving and detecting the direction and direction, display unit 16 for displaying information such as the distance and direction of handset 2 to be detected on the screen, and a plurality of N directional antennas having directional antennas Antenna units A1 to AN are provided.
[0070]
The handset 2 includes one omnidirectional antenna unit 21 having an omnidirectional antenna, a receiving unit 22 for performing reception processing, and an electric field intensity detecting unit 23 for detecting an electric field intensity of a received signal (receiving electric field intensity). A wireless data generation unit 24 that generates wireless data; a variable delay unit 25 that variably adjusts the transmission timing of wireless data; a transmission unit 26 that performs transmission processing; and a propagation delay detection unit 27 that detects a propagation delay Is provided.
[0071]
An example of an operation performed by the parent device 1 and the child device 2 of the present example will be described.
In the present example, a position information detection system is configured in which the slave unit 2 responds to the master unit 1 when the master unit 1 makes an inquiry to the slave unit 2.
When detecting the distance to the child device 2, the parent device 1 transmits wireless data (inquiry signal) including the identification code of the child device 2.
[0072]
The handset 2 in the wireless reception state holds the identification code of itself (the handset 2) in a memory or the like in advance, and holds the identification code included in the wireless data (inquiry signal) received from the base unit 1. Only when the identification code matches, the wireless data is fetched and the subsequent processing such as returning a response signal is performed.
Note that the identification code does not necessarily need to be different for each slave unit 2, and the same identification code can be set to a plurality of slave units 2 belonging to the same slave unit group.
[0073]
As described above, in the position information detection system of this example, when wireless data including the identification code of the child device 2 is transmitted from the parent device 1 to the child device 2, the child device 2 responds. The device 1 displays information indicating the detected distance and direction of the child device 2 on the display unit 16 to the user.
[0074]
Therefore, in the position information detection system of this example, when simply detecting the distance or direction between the person carrying the base unit 1 and the person carrying the handset 2, wireless data transmission from the handset 2, for example, is required. The minimum transmission time can be set at a minimum, and the power consumption of the slave unit 2 can be suppressed. In the base unit 1, transmission, reception, and display can be performed only when it is desired to detect the distance and direction of the base unit 2, so that power consumption can be suppressed. Further, in contrast to the configuration in which the transmission radio of the slave unit is captured by the master unit as in the conventional system, in this example, the transmission of the slave unit 2 is discontinuous and the transmission time is the shortest. It is difficult to grasp the direction and direction with the conventional system, and the security is high.
[0075]
In addition, in the position information detection system of this example, since a portable distance and direction measurement system is configured using wireless communication, for example, compared with a conventional system that mainly measures human operations as in the related art. Therefore, (1) low power consumption, (2) improvement of security, (3) improvement of distance and direction detection accuracy, and (4) users can understand regardless of the environment such as a place with much noise. It is possible to perform easy display, (5) quickly display the distance and direction of the slave unit 2, and (6) facilitate the operation by the user.
[0076]
Further, in the position information detection system of this example, the distance and direction can be detected by one master unit 1 and one slave unit 2 instead of a method such as triangulation.
When a plurality of slaves 2 are present, the distances and directions of the slaves 2 can be measured for each slave 2 by making the identification codes of the slaves 2 different. It becomes possible.
In addition, the identification information (ID information) of the base unit 1 may be provided or may not be provided.
[0077]
Further, in the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 as in the present example, the device configuration is simple, and since the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 communicate directly, no base station device or satellite is required. For this reason, for example, instead of an additional service of a mobile phone, it is also possible to configure as an inexpensive and simple application stand-alone system such as a toy. It should be noted that the system as in this example can be implemented as an additional service of a mobile phone.
[0078]
Further, as an application of the position information detection system as in the present example, for example, when a teacher goes to a school trip with a plurality of students, the teacher carries the master unit 1 and gives each child a child. With the machine 2, the teacher can grasp the movement of each student. In this case, the approximate distance and direction in which the respective slaves 2 are located in the master 1 may be determined by a simple operation.
Further, as another example, in a survival game, it can be used for identifying an enemy and an ally.
[0079]
Further, in this example, the configuration in which the distance between two wireless devices (the master device 1 and the slave device 2) is detected using the directional antenna units A1 to AN of the master device 1 has been described. Alternatively, the base unit 1 may include only one directional antenna unit. In this case, the user of the base unit 1 may manually adjust the direction of the antenna of the directional antenna unit.
[0080]
Further, when a directional antenna is used in base unit 1, even in a configuration including only one directional antenna, if a response (response signal) from slave unit 2 can be received, the slave unit It is possible to grasp the direction in which 2 exists. That is, if a response is received by the directional antenna, it is considered that the handset 2 exists in the direction in which the directional antenna faces, and if no response is received by the directional antenna, the handset 2 faces in the direction in which the directional antenna faces. Considered non-existent.
[0081]
In the base unit 1 of the present example, an inquiry signal transmitting unit is configured by the functions of the wireless data generation unit 11, the transmission unit 12, and the antenna switching unit 13, and the directional antenna units A1 to AN, the antenna switching unit 13, The function of the receiving unit 14 constitutes a response signal receiving unit, the function of the distance / direction deriving unit 15 constitutes the slave unit position information detecting unit, and the function of the display unit 16 constitutes the slave unit position information output unit. It is configured.
[0082]
Further, in the slave unit 2 of the present example, the identification information storage unit is configured by the function of storing the identification code as the identification information in, for example, the reception unit 22, and the inquiry signal reception is performed by the function of the antenna unit 21 and the reception unit 22. A response signal transmitting unit is configured by the functions of the wireless data generating unit 24, the transmitting unit 26, and the antenna unit 21.
[0083]
A position information detection system according to a second embodiment will be described.
Note that the configuration of the position information detection system of this example is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, and will be described with reference to FIG.
In the position information detection system of this example, when an inquiry is made by transmitting wireless data (inquiry signal) from the master unit 1 to the slave unit 2, the reception acceptance timing (reception desired timing) of the master unit 1 It is transmitted to the slave unit 2 while being included in the wireless data. Slave device 2 performs wireless transmission of a response signal in accordance with the reception reception timing notified from master device 1.
[0084]
FIG. 2 shows an example of transmission / reception timing in wireless communication performed between master device 1 and slave device 2.
Base unit 1 transmits a transmission permission by an inquiry signal, and the transmission permission reaches slave unit 2 with a delay of delay A. Further, master device 1 checks whether or not a response signal has been received from slave device 2 at a timing when a predetermined reception standby time has elapsed after transmission of the transmission permission (reception acceptance timing). Then, base unit 1 transmits to slave unit 2 a signal indicating whether or not a response signal has been received from slave unit 2 (reception quality). The signal reaches slave unit 2 with a delay of delay A.
[0085]
On the other hand, the slave unit 2 transmits a response signal at a timing when a predetermined transmission standby time has elapsed after receiving the transmission permission at first, but since the response signal does not reach the reception reception timing of the master unit 1 in this case, The transmission timing of the response signal is shifted by the variable delay unit 25. Here, the response signal from the slave unit 2 arrives at the master unit 1 with a delay B. Also, the slave unit 2 detects at least the information for specifying the propagation delay related to the transmission timing of the response signal correctly received by the master unit 1 by the propagation delay detecting unit 27, and includes the information in the response signal to include the master unit in the response signal. Send to 1.
[0086]
Further, in this example, the base unit 1 includes the identification code of the slave unit 2 in the inquiry signal, and the slave unit 2 transmits the master signal only when receiving the inquiry signal having the identification code addressed to the own unit (the slave unit 2). A reply signal to the device 1 is started.
[0087]
Note that the reception standby time is held in a memory or the like as a system fixed value by each of the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2, for example.
Alternatively, the reception standby time may be set, for example, by the base unit 1 as appropriate, and may be configured to notify the slave unit 2 at the first transmission from the base unit 1.
[0088]
As shown in FIG. 2 described above, the propagation delay from the wireless transmission of base unit 1 to reception of slave unit 2 and the propagation delay from the wireless transmission of base unit 2 to reception of base unit 1 are as follows. Occurs in proportion to the distance between the parent device 1 and the child device 2. For this reason, the fact that the slave unit 2 performs transmission so as to match the reception acceptance timing of the master unit 1 means that the slave unit 2 must perform transmission earlier by the propagation delay (delay A + delay B) than the reception acceptance timing. .
[0089]
Slave device 2 first transmits a response signal earlier by a preset propagation delay value, but from the next time onward, it propagates by referring to the reception acceptance result (reception quality) in the wireless data transmitted from master device 1. The response signal is transmitted by adjusting or maintaining the delay value. By repeating the wireless communication between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 in this manner, the slave unit 2 can obtain the correct propagation delay value, and the obtained correct propagation delay value is transmitted to the wireless data (the response signal). ), And transmits to the base unit 1. The base unit 1 derives the distance between the base unit 1 and the handset 2 from the propagation delay value and displays the distance on the display unit 16.
[0090]
As described above, in the position information detection system of the present example, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 is detected based on the propagation delay time in the wireless communication between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2, and the detected distance is determined. The information is displayed on the base unit 1. As an example, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 is obtained by (distance = propagation speed × reciprocation propagation delay time ÷ 2) based on the propagation delay time of the wireless signal and the propagation speed of the wireless signal.
In the slave unit 2 of this example, a response signal transmitting unit is configured by the functions of the wireless data generation unit 24, the variable delay unit 25, the transmission unit 26, and the propagation delay detection unit 27.
[0091]
Here, in the conventional system, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 is grasped by the electric field strength of the signal transmitted by the slave unit. However, the electric field strength varies greatly depending on the direction of the antenna even in the same place. In some cases, it was only possible to understand roughly. On the other hand, in the system of the present example, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 can be accurately measured irrespective of the electric field strength of the signal transmitted by the slave unit 1.
[0092]
Further, in the position information detection system of the present example, the reply timing in the slave unit 2 can be variably adjusted.
For this reason, for example, when the same frequency is used for transmission and reception, it can be distinguished from a simple reflected wave by confirming whether the reception timing changes in conjunction with the return timing, or can be partially distinguished from the reflected wave. When it is not possible to receive data satisfactorily due to overlap or the like, it is possible to respond by shifting the reply timing.
[0093]
In addition, for example, when a plurality of slave units 2 are provided, the reply timing from each slave unit 2 is overlapped by one master unit 1 at a single frequency by appropriately assigning a reply timing to each slave unit 2. Without receiving it. In this case, it is preferable that the base unit 1 hold the distance of each of the slave units 2 measured immediately before, and assign the return timings in order from the shortest distance.
[0094]
In this example, when there are a plurality of slaves 2, the master 1 notifies each slave 2 of the desired reception timing (reception reception timing), so that the reply timing from each slave 2 is determined. Can be shifted. Also, the desired reception timing can be adjusted according to the situation.
[0095]
Further, the slave 2 adjusts the delay time so that the reception timing specified by the master 1 can be reached, and returns a response signal.
For this reason, when increasing the display magnification of the master unit 1 (enlarging the measurement range), the delay time until returning from the slave unit 2 is extended, while when decreasing the display magnification (decreasing the measurement range), the child unit is enlarged. By narrowing the delay time until returning from the device 2, it is possible to minimize the measurement time of one child device 2.
[0096]
Further, in this example, when deriving the distance from the arrival delay of the radio wave, the slave unit 2 obtains the delay time based on the success or failure of the wireless communication between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2. For this reason, since a high-precision delay time detector is not used in the base unit 1, a low-cost configuration can be achieved, and a high-precision synchronization processing for detecting a high-precision delay time and a high-precision The time measurement function can be eliminated.
[0097]
Further, in the position information detection system of the present example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which master device 1 sequentially transmits inquiry signals from a plurality of directional antenna units A1 to AN. In this case, for example, there is a case where the delay time is completely unknown and the base unit 1 cannot obtain a reply to the inquiry from all the directional antenna units A1 to AN. It is also possible to provide identification information for each of the directional antenna units A1 to AN in order to distinguish whether or not the response is a response to the transmission. The base unit 1 transmits an inquiry signal including identification information of the directional antenna units A1 to AN to be used, and the slave unit 2 sends the identification information of the directional antenna units A1 to AN included in the received inquiry signal to the inquiry. Is included in the response signal to and transmitted.
[0098]
Further, as another example, it is possible to eliminate the need for identification information for each transmission antenna by setting a sufficient interval between transmissions of the inquiry signal from the base unit 1, or to count a code for each transmission indicating a transmission number. It is also possible to use a frame number method for increasing the number of slave units, or, for example, from the first antenna to the first slave unit, the second slave unit,..., The m-th slave unit (m is an integer of 2 or more). , And then sequentially from the second antenna to the first slave, the second slave,..., The m-th slave, and so on. It is possible to use a transmission order control method or the like in which the transmission order from the mobile station is transmitted to a plurality of slave units for each antenna.
[0099]
A position information detection system according to a third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the position information detection system of the present example.
The configuration of the position information detection system of the present example includes, for example, a propagation delay detection unit 31 that measures reception timing from the slave 2 between the reception unit 14 and the distance / direction derivation unit 15 of the master 1. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that the slave unit 2 is not provided with the propagation delay detection unit 27, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Shown.
[0100]
In the position information detection system of this example, the measurement of the propagation delay value is performed on the master device 1 side.
Specifically, base unit 1 transmits an inquiry signal including information on reception reception timing (reception desired timing), and handset 2 that has received the inquiry signal transmits a response signal to base unit 1. In this case, the handset 2 transmits such that the propagation delay time becomes 0 seconds or the predetermined propagation delay time earlier than the reception reception timing of the base unit 1. A deviation of the reception timing of the response signal from the reception reception timing instructed to the slave unit 2 is detected. Base unit 1 derives the distance between base unit 1 and child unit 2 from the deviation and displays the distance on display unit 16.
[0101]
Further, in this example, master device 1 includes the identification code of slave device 2 in the inquiry signal, and slave device 2 receives the master signal only when receiving the inquiry signal having the identification code addressed to itself (the slave device 2). 1 is returned as a response signal.
[0102]
As described above, in the position information detection system of the present example, the base unit 1 detects the distance between the base unit 1 and the base unit 2 from the propagation delay time in the wireless communication with the base unit 2, and determines the detected distance as the base unit. It is indicated by 1.
Therefore, in the position information detection system of the present example, for example, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 can be accurately measured irrespective of the electric field strength of the signal transmitted by the slave unit 2. Further, in this example, even when the transmission from the slave unit 2 is performed only once, the master unit 1 can detect a shift in the communication timing.
In the parent device 1 of this example, a function of the propagation delay detection unit 31 and the distance / direction derivation unit 15 constitutes a child device position information detection unit.
[0103]
A position information detection system according to a fourth embodiment will be described.
Note that the configuration of the position information detection system of this example is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment or FIG. 3 of the third embodiment. explain.
In the position information detection system of the present example, the master unit 1 transmits an inquiry signal using one or more directional antenna units A1 to AN, and the slave unit 2 measures the electric field strength at the time of receiving the inquiry signal. The measurement is performed by the unit 23.
[0104]
FIG. 4 shows a general example of the distribution of the electric field strength when radio transmission is performed using a directional antenna.
FIG. 1 shows a case where a signal is wirelessly transmitted from one directional antenna Ai provided in base unit 1, and the electric field strength of each of areas A, B, C, and D is expressed as area A> area B>. Area C> Area D. For this reason, it can be grasped in which area the slave unit 2 is located from the electric field strength of the signal received by the slave unit 2 from the master unit 1.
[0105]
Further, in the base unit 1, by using two or more directional antenna units A <b> 1 to AN, it is possible to more precisely specify the location of the slave unit 2.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the distribution of the electric field strength in the case of wireless transmission from three directional antennas.
FIG. 1 shows a case where the base unit 1 has three directional antennas in a range of 90 degrees, and the identifiable area can be more finely distinguished from the distribution of the electric field intensity by each directional antenna. .
[0106]
The slave unit 2 notifies the master unit 1 of the received electric field strength detected with respect to the wireless data (inquiry signal) transmitted from each directional antenna of the master unit 1 by a response signal each time. Receives the response signal by the directional antenna used for transmitting the inquiry signal. Then, base unit 1 holds the received electric field strength notified from handset 2 for each directional antenna, and specifies an area where handset 2 is present based on the received electric field strength. When the area where the child device 2 exists is specified, the distance and direction of the child device 2 as viewed from the parent device 1 are grasped. Base unit 1 displays the distance and direction of handset 2 as viewed from base unit 1 on display unit 16 corresponding to the direction of the directional antenna.
[0107]
As described above, in the position information detection system of the present example, the base unit 1 sequentially transmits the inquiry signal including the identification code of the slave unit 2 from the plurality of directional antennas, and the slave unit 2 corresponding to the identification code is transmitted. A response signal including the electric field strength of the inquiry signal received for each transmitting antenna of base unit 1 is transmitted to base unit 1, and base unit 1 determines the Calculate the distance and azimuth (direction). In this case, the base unit 1 performs transmission in a plurality of directions, for example, back and forth, left and right, and uses some or all of the values of the received electric field strength of the sub unit 2 for each of the transmissions. Identify the area.
[0108]
In addition, as a simple method for detecting the direction of the handset 2, a method in which the direction in which the electric field strength received by the handset 2 is the highest is the direction in which the handset is present can be used.
In addition, as a method for detecting the distance and direction of the handset 2, actual values of distribution data of the received electric field strength of the handset 2 in each transmission direction from the base unit 1 are stored in the base unit 1 in advance, When the system of the present example is used, it is also possible to use a method of specifying an area having a similar tendency by using linear interpolation or the like. In this method, by increasing the number of directional antennas of the base unit 1 (or the number of directions to be measured), the actual measurement value to be held increases, but the certainty of the area where the slave unit 2 is predicted to be present is increased. be able to.
[0109]
As described above, in the position information detection system of the present example, the antenna that switches between the two or more directional antenna units A1 to AN facing different directions to the base unit 1 and the directional antenna units A1 to AN for transmitting and receiving wireless data. A switching unit 13 is provided, and the handset 2 is provided with an electric field strength detection unit 2 for detecting the electric field strength of a signal received from the base unit 1, and the direction of the directional antenna of the base unit 1 and the electric field strength received by the handset 2 Then, the distance and direction of the slave unit 2 as viewed from the master unit 1 are derived, and the distance and direction are displayed on the master unit 1.
In the slave unit 2 of the present embodiment, the function of the electric field intensity detection unit 23 constitutes a reception level detection unit.
[0110]
Therefore, in the position information detection system of the present example, the base unit 1 transmits radio data only from one directional antenna at the same time, and automatically switches the antennas sequentially to perform transmission and reception. There is no need to search for the slave unit 2 while adjusting the direction of the antenna of the master unit 1, and the direction of the slave unit 2 can be quickly detected.
[0111]
Further, since the handset 2 measures the received electric field strength from the base unit 1, the measurement is not affected by the transmission power of the handset 2. Here, the transmission power of the handset 2 may fluctuate due to the battery consumption of the handset 2. That is, when the electric field strength of the signal transmitted from the slave unit 2 is detected by the master unit 1, it is difficult to distinguish between the battery consumption of the slave unit 2 and the distance, but in the case of this example, It is possible to estimate the battery consumption of the slave unit 2 from the master unit 1.
[0112]
When determining the direction of handset 2 from the strength of the received electric field from handset 2 using the directional antenna of base unit 1, demodulation and field strength measurement units may be provided as many as the number of directional antennas, or It is necessary to repeat the reply to the slave unit 2 by the number of the directional antennas, and as in this example, the slave unit 2 receives the signal (for example, the number of times is equal to or less than the number of antennas) from the slave unit 2. A reply configuration is more efficient.
[0113]
Further, for example, master device 1 transmits an inquiry signal from the same directional antenna a plurality of times, and slave device 2 calculates the average value of the reception measurement values (reception electric field strength) from master device 1 a plurality of times. , It is possible to improve the accuracy of the received electric field strength without increasing the power consumption by the slave unit 2.
[0114]
A position information detection system according to a fifth embodiment will be described.
Note that the configuration of the position information detection system of this example is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment or FIG. 3 of the third embodiment, except that an electric field strength detection unit (reception level detection means) is provided in the base unit 1. Is provided.
In the position information detection system of the present example, the received electric field strength of a signal from the slave unit 2 is detected by the master unit 1.
[0115]
Specifically, the base unit 1 transmits an inquiry signal including the identification code of the slave unit 2 from all the directional antenna units A1 to AN, for example, or prepares separately from the directional antenna units A1 to AN. An inquiry signal including the identification code of the slave unit 2 is transmitted from the omnidirectional antenna provided, and in response to this, the corresponding slave unit 2 returns a response signal to the master unit 1 and the master unit 1 The distance and direction of the slave unit 2 are determined by detecting the received electric field strengths of the directional antenna units A1 to AN.
[0116]
Alternatively, base unit 1 sequentially transmits inquiry signals including the identification code of handset 2 from a plurality of directional antenna units A1 to AN, and returns a response signal from handset 2 to each directional antenna unit. The signals are received by the units A1 to AN, the received electric field strength is measured, and the distance and direction of the slave unit 2 are determined.
[0117]
As described above, in the position information detection system of the present example, the base unit 1 detects the reception electric field strength of the response signal from the sub unit 2 by each directional antenna, and determines the distance and direction of the sub unit 2 from the detection result. Detect and display.
Therefore, for example, by performing processing collectively for a plurality of directional antennas provided in the base unit 1, the measurement time of the distance and direction of the base unit 2 can be shortened. And the function of inserting the measurement result into the radio frame (response signal) is not required, and thus the size of the slave unit 2 can be reduced.
[0118]
When the received electric field strength detected by the base unit 1 is used as in this example, as an example, the directivity data of each directional antenna is held as a linear approximation of an equal gain curve, and By obtaining an approximate curve from the gain of the directional antenna, it is possible to estimate the direction of the slave 2 from the intersection.
[0119]
Further, for example, the slave unit 2 transmits a response signal to the master unit 1 a plurality of times, and the master unit 1 sends a response signal based on an average value of the reception measurement values (reception electric field strength) from the slave unit 2 a plurality of times. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the distance and direction of the machine 2 are detected.
Further, for example, the slave unit 2 detects the reception electric field strength of the inquiry signal from the master unit 1 or a plurality of times and notifies the master unit 1 of the detection result, and the master unit 1 Alternatively, the reception electric field strength of the response signal is detected a plurality of times, the detected values of the reception electric field strengths are averaged in the master unit 1 or the like, and the distance and direction of the slave unit 2 are detected based on the average value. A configuration is also possible.
[0120]
A position information detection system according to a sixth embodiment will be described.
Note that the configuration of the position information detection system of this example is the same as that shown in the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment.
In this example, a specific example of a method of detecting the direction of the slave 2 will be described.
As an example, by taking a ratio of two or three data items from the highest (maximum value) of a plurality of reception electric field strengths obtained, and comparing the data ratio with a storage content of a table storing actual measured values of the ratios, It is possible to interpolate the gap between the directional antennas. In this case, it is possible to enhance the reliability by selecting, for example, the two or three receiving electric field strengths from the top one from those having almost the same arrival delay time as the shortest.
[0121]
As another example, it is also possible to detect the direction of handset 2 using both the delay time and the received electric field strength. Normally, the measurement of the distance of the slave 2 based on the delay time is higher in accuracy than the measurement of the distance of the slave 2 based on the received electric field strength.
In addition, as a method of detecting the distance of the slave unit 2 based on the delay time, for example, a method similar to that shown in the second embodiment or the third embodiment can be used. As a method of detecting the distance and the direction of the slave 2 based on the same, for example, a method similar to that shown in the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment can be used.
[0122]
For example, the distance and the direction (direction) of the slave unit 2 are simultaneously determined by a method in which an equal gain curve relating to the directional antenna is held in a table and a search is made for a value close to the measured value, and based on a delay time in wireless communication. If the distances of the slaves 2 obtained by these two methods are different, the distance based on the delay time is adopted, and the slaves 2 determined from the received electric field strength are used. Can be configured so as to correct the direction.
[0123]
In addition, an example of an interpolation method for the direction of the slave unit 2 will be described.
In this method, the ratio of the two antenna gains to the direction between the directivities of two adjacent directional antennas provided in master device 1 and the maximum gain at the center of the main beam and the two antenna gains are larger. The base unit 1 is provided with a table (reception level position information correspondence storage means) for storing the ratio of the gain to the other (most candidate) in association with the direction (angle).
[0124]
(1) First, the base unit 1 searches for a set having the shortest delay time from the set of the received electric field strength from the handset 2 and the propagation delay time detected by the number of directional antennas. (2) Next, master device 1 extracts a set (here, referred to as a shortest time set) that falls within a shortest time ± a predetermined range (for example, a predetermined percentage). (3) Next, master device 1 searches the extracted set for the set (most candidate) having the highest received electric field strength.
[0125]
(4) Next, master device 1 searches for the one (second candidate) included in the shortest time group and having the highest received electric field strength, from both sides of the set having the highest received electric field strength. (5) Next, the base unit 1 obtains the ratio of the antenna gain (reception electric field strength) between the best candidate and the second candidate and obtains the direction (angle) from the closest one by referring to the table, or The direction (angle) is obtained by calculating an approximate value by interpolation or the like. If there is no second candidate, the ratio is assumed to be zero (0).
[0126]
(6) Further, base unit 1 multiplies the ratio of the received electric field strength of the most probable candidate to the maximum gain, and estimates the antenna gain in the case where handset 2 is present in the main beam direction at that distance. . (7) The base unit 1 can also calculate the distance from the estimated antenna gain using a calculation or a separately provided table.
[0127]
FIG. 6 shows the ratio of both antenna gains to the direction (angle) of handset 2 as viewed from base unit 1 and the direction between the directivities of two adjacent directional antennas provided in base unit 1. An example of a table for storing a correspondence relationship between a ratio (ratio with the gain) and a ratio (ratio with the maximum gain) between the maximum gain at the center of the main beam and the larger (most candidate) of the two antenna gains Is shown.
[0128]
The example of FIG. 1 shows a case where the interval between the directional antennas provided in the base unit 1 is 45 degrees. In this case, since the function becomes an odd function, -22.5 to 0 degrees is omitted. . Specifically, the ratio to the gain is 0.5 with respect to the angle of 22.5 degrees, and decreases as the angle decreases. The ratio to the maximum gain is 1.0 for an angle of 0 degree, and decreases as the angle increases.
[0129]
Note that, instead of such a table, for example, an angle can be associated with a predetermined value using an approximate function using a polynomial.
Further, in this example, except for the measurement data by the two directional antennas is not used, for example, using a method such as Fourier expansion of the measured value to determine the phase of the fundamental wave to determine the angle of arrival, A large amount of data can be used, and this is particularly effective when the directivity is not sharp.
[0130]
A position information detection system according to a seventh embodiment will be described.
The position information detection system of this example is characterized by the form of the parent device, which will be described.
The internal configuration of the master unit and the slave unit of the present embodiment is, for example, the same as that shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment or FIG. 3 of the third embodiment.
[0131]
FIG. 7 shows an example of the appearance of the master unit 41 of the present example.
The parent device 41 of the present example has a circular shape when viewed from the front, and includes a circular display unit 51. The display unit 51 displays a horizontal / vertical memory 53, the center of which indicates the position of the master unit 41. Further, on the display unit 51, a mark 54 indicating the position (distance and direction) of the detected slave unit is displayed, and a number (for example, “50 m”) indicating the distance from the slave unit is displayed. .
[0132]
Further, the master unit 41 of the present example is provided with a detection instruction button 52 for receiving an instruction from the user at an upper portion.
When the user presses the detection instruction button 52, in response to this, the base unit 41 wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal including the identification code of the predetermined slave unit, and receives a response from the slave unit corresponding to the inquiry. In this case, the distance and direction of the child device are detected, and the detection result is displayed and output on the display unit 51.
[0133]
Further, as another example, the master unit 41 wirelessly transmits an inquiry signal including an identification code of a predetermined slave unit at a timing according to a predetermined cycle, thereby detecting position information of the slave unit. It is also possible.
[0134]
As described above, in the position information detection system of the present example, when a person presses the detection instruction button 52 or periodically, the master unit 41 checks the distance and direction in which the slave unit exists and displays the same on the display unit 51. Therefore, for example, even in a loud place, etc., it is possible to accurately convey the position information of the slave unit to the user, and the user is not required to have knowledge of wireless and operation skills of wireless devices. Also, the master unit 41 can be easily operated, and the detection result can be obtained quickly.
[0135]
Further, in the base unit 41, by providing an external output unit or the like together with the display unit 51 or instead of the display unit 51, it is possible to easily and quickly output data regarding the distance and direction of the slave unit and transmit the data to the outside. it can.
In the parent device 41 of this example, the function of the display unit 51 constitutes a slave unit position information output unit, and the function of the detection instruction button 52 constitutes a slave unit position information detection instruction receiving unit.
[0136]
A position information detection system according to an eighth embodiment will be described.
The configuration of the position information detection system of this example includes, for example, a configuration for detecting the distance of the slave unit 2 based on the delay time in wireless communication as described in the second embodiment or the third embodiment, and As shown in the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment, the present embodiment has a configuration in which the distance and the direction of the slave unit 2 are detected based on the received electric field strength. Has a handset position information switching function for switching between a detection method based on the delay time and a detection method based on the received electric field strength.
[0137]
When the detection method based on the delay time is used, the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 perform processing for detecting the distance of the slave unit 2 based on the delay time, and the detection method based on the received electric field strength is used. In such a case, processing for detecting the distance and direction of the slave unit 2 based on the received electric field strength is performed.
[0138]
It should be noted that which detection method is used may be controlled by the master unit 1 or its user, may be controlled by the slave unit 2 or its user, or may be controlled by the master unit 1 or the slave unit. It may be controlled by a control device other than 2. In a device that controls the detection method, for example, when the detection method is changed, the instruction is notified to another device.
[0139]
A position information detection system according to a ninth embodiment will be described.
In this example, an example of a synchronization process in wireless communication between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 will be described.
Ensuring communication synchronization between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 is particularly performed by measuring the arrival delay time of the response signal from the child device 2 as shown in the third embodiment, for example. It is effective in the case.
[0140]
FIG. 8A shows an example of the configuration of a downlink (from the master unit to the slave unit) wireless frame used in a subscriber wireless access system (FWA: Fixed Wireless Access). The frame includes a 300-bit guard time (G), a burst header (H), and data arranged in order from the top.
FIG. 8B shows a configuration example of the burst header. The burst header is configured by arranging a bit synchronization signal for 100 bits, a frame synchronization signal for 31 bits, and an identification signal in order from the top.
[0141]
In this example, communication synchronization between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 is established by using a frame having the same configuration as the frame shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
As a specific procedure, first, the base unit 1 transmits a guard time, a bit synchronization signal, and a frame synchronization signal at the beginning of a frame to be transmitted, and immediately thereafter (for example, at time A in FIG. 8B). In (2), the slave unit 2 establishes frame synchronization based on these signals received from the master unit 1, and thereafter transmits and receives data.
[0142]
A position information detection system according to a tenth embodiment will be described.
In the present example, a configuration example of an antenna provided in master device 1 will be described.
Generally, the size of the antenna depends on the frequency. As an example, an antenna corresponding to a frequency of 26 GHz used in a subscriber wireless access system (FWA) can change a beam direction and can be accommodated in a size of a lunch box.
[0143]
In order to make the base unit 1 portable, it is suitable to reduce the size of the antenna and to reduce the number of antennas.
Therefore, as an example, when a plurality of antennas are provided, a dielectric antenna (chip antenna) having directivity is used, and the plurality of dielectric antennas are arranged at equal intervals around the entire circumference. .
FIG. 9 shows a configuration example in which dielectric antenna elements B1 to B8 having directivity are arranged radially at equal intervals.
[0144]
Normally, when the direction of the slave unit 2 is calculated by interpolating between the beams of the directional antenna by calculation, the antenna gain is set at the center of the main beam in a section on both sides (360 ° number of antennas) from the main beam. It is preferable that the value deviates monotonically as the value deviates from the range, that is, that there is no side lobe in that section, and further that the directionality is as strong as possible.
[0145]
Further, as another configuration example, in base unit 1 having a plurality of directional antennas, the number of beams is doubled by simultaneously transmitting from adjacent directional antennas and combining beams from these directional antennas. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the number of antennas is reduced.
[0146]
A position information detection system according to an eleventh embodiment will be described.
In this example, a configuration example for saving power in the slave unit 2 will be described.
In the slave unit 2 of this example, during standby, power is supplied only to the receiving unit 22, and after the receiving unit 22 detects a transmission carrier from the master unit 1, the power of another processing unit is turned on, and power is supplied to the transmitting unit 26. Is performed after confirming that the identification codes of the slaves 2 included in the inquiry signal from the master 1 match. In such a configuration, it is preferable that the reception standby time be sufficiently long.
[0147]
A position information detection system according to a twelfth embodiment will be described.
In this example, an example of measures against a multipath environment will be described.
In a preferred embodiment, the parent device 1 and the child device 2 of this example adopt the direction of the shortest received signal instead of the received signal of the maximum strength in a multipath environment such as a building street. Specifically, as a countermeasure against multipath, it is preferable to search for the direction in which the signal propagation delay time is minimum. Note that the directional resolution is equivalent to the number of antennas.
[0148]
Here, the configuration of the position information detection system, the master unit, the slave unit, and the like according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to those described above, and various configurations may be used. Note that the present invention can be provided, for example, as a method or a method for executing the processing according to the present invention, or a program for realizing such a method or method.
Further, the application field of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described fields, and the present invention can be applied to various fields.
[0149]
As various processes performed in the position information detection system, the master unit, the slave unit, and the like according to the present invention, for example, the processor is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) in a hardware resource including a processor and a memory. A configuration controlled by executing a control program may be used, and, for example, each functional unit for executing the processing may be configured as an independent hardware circuit.
Further, the present invention can be understood as a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM storing the above-mentioned control program or the program (the program itself). The processing according to the present invention can be performed by inputting the program from the recording medium to the computer and causing the processor to execute the program.
[0150]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the position information detection system according to the present invention, for example, a configuration in which a child device returns a response signal in response to an inquiry signal from a parent device, or the identification of a child device in an inquiry signal from the parent device A configuration in which a slave corresponding to the identification information including the information responds, a configuration in which the timing of a response from the slave can be adjusted, a configuration in which the master uses one or more directional antennas, Using a configuration in which a parent device or a child device is carried by a person as a portable type, the distance and direction of the child device with respect to the parent device are detected and displayed based on the delay time in wireless communication and the received electric field strength. Therefore, efficiency can be improved in terms of the identification of the slave unit, the efficiency of the process of detecting the distance and direction of the slave unit, the efficiency of power consumption by the slave unit, and the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a position information detection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a propagation delay between a master unit and a slave unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a position information detection system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an electric field strength distribution of a directional antenna according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution of electric field strength of a plurality of directional antennas according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between a ratio between a gain and a maximum gain and a direction (angle) according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a master device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example using a dielectric antenna.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 41 ... master unit, 2 ... slave unit, 11, 24 ... wireless data generation unit,
12, 26 ... transmitting unit, 13 ... antenna switching unit, 14, 22 ... receiving unit,
15 ・ ・ Distance ・ direction derivation part 、 16 ・ ・ ・ ・ Display part 、 21 ・ ・ Antenna part 、
23 ··· Electric field strength detection unit, 25 ··· Variable delay unit,
27, 31... Propagation delay detecting section, A1 to AN, directional antenna section,
51 ··· display unit, 52 ··· detection instruction button, 53 ··· horizontal and vertical memory,
54 ... the location of the slave, 55 ... the distance to the slave,

Claims (5)

In a position information detection system in which the parent device detects information about one or both of the distance and direction in which the child device exists as position information of the child device,
The master unit has an antenna and
Inquiry signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an inquiry signal including identification information of the slave unit to be detected of the position information from the antenna,
A slave unit, which stores identification information of the slave unit;
Inquiry signal receiving means for receiving an inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit,
Response signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a response signal to the base unit when the identification information included in the inquiry signal received by the inquiry signal receiving means corresponds to the identification information stored in the identification information storage means; With
The base unit further includes a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal wirelessly transmitted from the slave unit,
A slave unit position information detecting unit that detects information related to one or both of the distance and the direction in which the slave unit that is the target of the position information exists based on the response signal received by the response signal receiving unit,
A position information detection system, characterized in that: In a position information detection system in which the base unit detects information on the distance at which the base unit exists as position information of the base unit,
The master unit has an antenna and
Inquiry signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an inquiry signal including information on a desired reception timing to the slave unit to be detected of the position information from the antenna, and
The slave unit is an inquiry signal receiving unit that receives an inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit,
A response signal including information on the adjusted timing, by adjusting a timing at which a response signal is wirelessly transmitted to the master unit based on information on a desired reception timing included in the inquiry signal received by the inquiry signal receiving means. Response signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting to the base unit,
The base unit further includes a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal wirelessly transmitted from the sub unit at a desired reception timing transmitted to the sub unit,
Slave unit position information detecting means for detecting information on the distance of a slave unit whose position information is to be detected based on the information on the adjusted timing included in the response signal received by the response signal receiving means. ,
A position information detection system, characterized in that: In a position information detection system in which the base unit detects information on the distance at which the base unit exists as position information of the base unit,
The master unit has an antenna and
Inquiry signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an inquiry signal including information on a desired reception timing to the slave unit to be detected of the position information from the antenna, and
The slave unit is an inquiry signal receiving unit that receives an inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit,
Response signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a response signal to the master unit at a predetermined timing based on information on the desired reception timing included in the inquiry signal received by the inquiry signal receiving means,
The base unit further includes a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal wirelessly transmitted from the slave unit,
A slave unit position information detecting unit that detects information about a distance at which a slave unit that is a position information detection target exists based on the reception timing of the response signal received by the response signal receiving unit.
A position information detection system, characterized in that: In a position information detection system in which the parent device detects information about one or both of the distance and direction in which the child device exists as position information of the child device,
The master unit has multiple directional antennas,
Inquiry signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an inquiry signal to the child device whose position information is to be detected in order from each of the two or more directional antennas,
The slave unit is an inquiry signal receiving unit that receives an inquiry signal wirelessly transmitted from the master unit,
Reception level detection means for detecting the reception level of the inquiry signal received by the inquiry signal reception means,
Response signal transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a response signal including information on the reception level detected by the reception level detection means to the master unit,
The base unit further includes a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal transmitted wirelessly from the slave unit in response to an inquiry signal transmitted wirelessly from each directional antenna,
Information on one or both of the distance and direction of the child device whose position information is to be detected based on the information on the reception level included in the response signal received corresponding to each directional antenna by the response signal receiving means. And slave unit position information detecting means for detecting
A position information detection system, characterized in that: In the position information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The base unit is a portable device, carried by a user of the base unit,
The slave unit is a portable device, and a plurality of slave units are provided and carried by a user of each slave unit.
The parent device and each child device directly communicate signals by radio,
A position information detection system, characterized in that:

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