Control apparatus, control method, and computer-readable recording medium that obtain position data of a wireless terminal

A control apparatus is disclosed that may communicate with a wireless terminal and an information processing device. The control apparatus includes a first obtaining unit configured to obtain position data of the wireless terminal; a second obtaining unit configured to obtain state information about the information processing device; a determining unit configured to make a determination that the position data obtained by the first obtaining unit indicates a predetermined location and the state information obtained by the second obtaining unit indicates a predetermined state; and a transmission unit configured to transmit to the information processing device a control signal causing the information processing device to execute predetermined processing in response to the determination made by the determining unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

An aspect of this disclosure is related to a control apparatus, a control method, and a computer-readable recording medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a user who intends to use an information processing device installed in an office environment may use the information processing device by logging in the information processing device using an ID assigned to the user and a password. When the user wants to leave the place where the information processing device the user is using is installed temporarily, the user has to lock or log off the information processing device so that other users cannot wrongfully access the information processing device with the user's account.

When the user instructs the information processing device to execute a printing job through his information processing terminal, the information processing device receives and executes the printing job. As a result, printed paper is output to an output tray of the information processing device.

When the user leaves the place where the information processing device is installed without locking it or fails to collect the printed paper after instructing the information processing device to execute the printing job, the other users are likely to operate the device or obtain information incorrectly. Thus, a technique is desired to control the information processing device so that processing is executed depending on a location where the user is or a condition of the information processing device.

Patent Document 1 and Non-patent Document 1 disclose a method to obtain position data of users by allowing wireless terminals of the users to receive indoor positioning signals. However, no method exists to control the information processing device depending on the users' location or the condition of the information processing device.

An aspect of this disclosure aims to control the information processing device depending on the user's location and the condition of the information processing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of this invention, there is provided a control apparatus, which may communicate with a wireless terminal and an information processing device, the control apparatus includinga first obtaining unit configured to obtain position data of the wireless terminal;a second obtaining unit configured to obtain state information about the information processing device;a determining unit configured to make a determination that the position data obtained by the first obtaining unit indicates a predetermined location and the state information obtained by the second obtaining unit indicates a predetermined state; anda transmission unit configured to transmit to the information processing device a control signal causing the information processing device to execute predetermined processing in response to the determination made by the determining unit.

According to another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a control method executed on a control apparatus, which may communicate with a wireless terminal and an information processing device, the control method includingobtaining position data of the wireless terminal;obtaining state information about the information processing device;making a determination that the obtained position data indicates a predetermined location and the obtained state information obtained indicates a predetermined state; andtransmitting to the information processing device a control signal causing the information processing device to execute predetermined processing in response to the determination.

According to another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having stored therein a control program for a control apparatus which may communicate with a wireless terminal and an information processing device, the control program causing the control apparatus to execute a method, the method includingobtaining position data of the wireless terminal;obtaining state information about the information processing device;making a determination that the obtained position data indicates a predetermined location and the obtained state information obtained indicates a predetermined state; andtransmitting to the information processing device a control signal causing the information processing device to execute predetermined processing in response to the determination.

According to an embodiment of this invention, the information processing device may be controlled depending on the user's location and the condition of the information processing device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be noted that, in the explanation of the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and explanations are not repeated.1. System Overview2. Hardware Configurations2.1 Control Apparatus2.2 Wireless Terminal/Information Processing Device2.3 Broadcasting Device2.4 Gateway3. Functions3.1 Obtaining Position Data3.2 Transmitting Control Signals4. Process Flow5. Variants
(1. System Overview)

With reference toFIGS. 1,2, an overview of a system is explained, which includes a control apparatus100according to an embodiment of this invention.FIG. 1shows that a wireless terminal120which is carried by a user and an information processing device122which operates according to an instruction from the user are placed in an environment. The wireless terminal120and the information processing device122may receive positioning signals broadcast from broadcasting devices140-146installed on the ceiling of a room and obtain position data indicating their locations. The positioning signal may be formed according to IMES standard. The positioning signal includes latitude, longitude, and floor information indicating a location where the broadcasting device is installed. The wireless terminal120and the information processing device122may transmit the position data obtained via the positioning signal to a position data administration server102via a personal area network (PAN)180formed with the broadcasting devices140-146(and a gateway160stated later). The PAN180is formed according to ZigBee™ which is a protocol for short range radio communications.FIG. 1(B)shows the PAN180which is extracted fromFIG. 1(A). The PAN180is described in detail later. The control apparatus100may access the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122stored in the position data administration server102at any time. When the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122and state information which may be obtained from the information processing device122meet a predetermined condition, the control apparatus100may transmit a control signal to the information processing device122.

With reference toFIG. 2, a process for transmitting the control signal based on the condition is explained, which is executed by the control apparatus100.FIG. 2shows an overhead view of an actual office environment which indicates an access aisle, rooms, doors, chairs, a table, etc. Rectangles drawn by dashed lines indicate the broadcasting devices140-146which are installed in the environment and broadcast the positioning signal. The broadcasting device may be incorporated in or with a lighting unit such as a LED fluorescent tube.FIG. 2shows an image forming device as an example of the information processing device122, which may receive and execute a printing job issued by the information processing terminal120of the user. The image forming device122is configured to refrain from executing the printing job (or spool the printing job) until the image forming device122receives the control signal in a predetermined format from the control apparatus100. When the following conditions are met, the control apparatus100may transmit the control signal to the image forming device122to execute the printing job.The position data of the wireless terminal120obtained from the position data administration server102is identical to or neighbors with the position data of the image forming device (an example of “neighbor” position data is “C5” versus “C1”, “C4”, or “C8” shown inFIG. 2)The wireless terminal120carried by the user has issues the printing job

The control signal may be transmitted to the information processing device122via the network180or a network190(e.g. a wired LAN or a wireless LAN). As a result, the printing job is executed when the user, who carries the wireless terminal120and has instructed the image forming device122to execute the printing job, approaches the location where the image forming device122is installed. That reduces a risk that another person obtains and reads the printed paper even if the user fails to collect the printed paper since the print job is not executed before the conditions are met.

Next, with reference toFIG. 1(B), the configuration is explained in which the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122transmit the obtained position data to the position data administration server102via the network180employing the short range wireless communications. The network180is the PAN formed by the wireless terminal120, the information processing device122, broadcasting devices140-146, and the gateway160. The broadcasting devices140-146are configured to transmit the indoor positioning signal (e.g. a positioning signal according to IMES standard).

The wireless terminal120and the information processing device122which receive the positioning signal from the broadcasting devices140-146transmit the received position data and respective identification data (e.g. a network address) to the broadcasting devices140-146via the wireless communications (e.g. ZigBee™). The broadcasting devices140-146forming the PAN relay the data transmitted by the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122to the gateway160. When the network180is formed according to ZigBee™, the broadcasting devices140-146operate as ZigBee Routers, which have a function to relay data between other ZigBee devices).

The gateway160interconnects the networks180,190, and relays data transmitted from the network180to the network190. When the network180is formed according to ZigBee™ and the network190is a LAN formed according to IEEE 802.3, the gateway168may convert the data between the networks. In addition, the gateway160has a function to manage the network180.

As shown inFIG. 1(B), the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122are connected to the network180. When the network180is formed according to ZigBee™, the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122operate as ZigBee End Devices (i.g. devices connected to ZigBee Router or ZigBee Cordinator with no relay function). On the other hand, the gateway160operates as the ZigBee Cordinator (a sole device in a ZigBee network to create and manage the network) required to form and manage the network180.

The position data administration server102obtains and stores the position data transmitted by the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122via the networks180,190.

With the above stated configuration, the control apparatus100may transmit the control signal to allow the information processing device122to execute processing when a relationship about locations of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122and the state information about the information processing device122meet the predetermined conditions.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 3-6, hardware configurations are explained for the control apparatus100, the wireless terminal120(or the information processing device122), the broadcasting device140, and the gateway160.

FIG. 3shows an exemplary hardware configuration of the control apparatus100according to an embodiment of this invention. The control apparatus100includes a CPU300, a RAM302, a ROM304, a HDD306, a communication device308, a display device310, an input device312, and a bus314.

The CPU300executes programs controlling the control apparatus100. The RAM302may operate as a working memory for the CPU300. The ROM304stores system programs for the control apparatus100. The HDD306stores an OS or application programs and data. The communication device308, including a LAN interface, may communicate with an external device.

The display device310, such as a liquid crystal display, may provide visual information to the user. The input device312, such as a keyboard or a mouse, may accept input from the user. The bus314interconnects the above devices electrically.

With the above stated configuration, the control apparatus100according to an embodiment of this invention may transmit the control signal allowing the information processing device to execute processing when the predetermined conditions are met.

The display unit310and the input unit312may be omitted.

FIG. 4shows an exemplary hardware configuration of the wireless terminal120or the information processing device122according to an embodiment of this invention. The wireless terminal120or the information processing device122includes a CPU400, a RAM402, a ROM404, a first communication device406, a second communication device408, a positioning signal receiving device410, a display device412, an input device414, and a bus416.

The CPU400executes programs controlling the wireless terminal120or the information processing device122. The RAM402may operate as a working memory for the CPU400. The ROM404stores programs executed by the CPU400as well as data required to execute the programs. The first communication device406may communicate with an external device according to a short range wireless communication method such as ZigBee™. The second communication device408may communicate with an external device via a wireless LAN conforming to IEEE 802.11 standard. The positioning signal receiving device410may receive a positional signal whose frame format is formed according to IMES, which is transmitted by the broadcasting device140. The display device412, such as a liquid crystal display, may provide visual information to the user. The input device414, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, may accept input from the user. The bus416interconnects the above devices electrically.

With the above configuration, the wireless terminal120or the information processing device122according to an embodiment of this invention may obtain the position data using the positioning signal broadcast by the broadcasting device140. Also, the wireless terminal120or the information processing device122according to an embodiment of this invention may transmit the position data to the position data administration server102. The information processing device122may execute the predetermined processing in response to the control signal from the control apparatus100.

Alternatively, the wireless terminal120may have a communication device as the second communication device408, which may communicate with a 3G network for cell phones. The wireless terminal120may have both communication devices for communicating with the wireless LAN and the 3G network.

In addition, the information processing device122may have a communication device as the second communication unit408, which may communicate with a wired LAN.

The information processing device122may have further hardware. For example, the information processing device122may have an output device for receiving a printing job from the wireless terminal120and performing a printing process. In this way, any further hardware may be added to the information processing device122depending on a function of the information processing device122.

FIG. 5shows an exemplary hardware configuration of the broadcasting devices140-146(the following explanation refers to only the broadcasting device140) according to an embodiment of this invention. The broadcasting device140includes a CPU500, a RAM502, a ROM504, a communication unit506, a positioning signal transmitting unit508, and a bus510.

The CPU500executes programs controlling the broadcasting device140. The RAM502may operate as a working memory for the CPU500. The ROM504stores programs executed by the CPU500and data required by the programs. The communication unit506is a device to communicate with an external device according to a short range wireless communication technology such as ZigBee™. The positioning signal transmitting unit508is a device to transmit the positioning signal used by the wireless terminal120for the positioning. The positioning signal transmitting unit508may transmit the positioning signal including a frame format defined in IMES standard, for example.

In particular, the positioning signal transmitting unit508modulates a 1.5754 GHz carrier wave using data including the frame structure defined in IMES standard, and emits the modulated wave with an antenna. The bus510interconnects the above units electrically.

With the above stated configuration, the broadcasting device140according to an embodiment of this invention may transmit the positioning signal required by the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122for the positioning. Also the broadcasting device140may relay data between the wireless terminal120, the information processing device122, and the gateway160.

FIG. 6shows an exemplary hardware configuration of the gateway160according to an embodiment of this invention. The gateway160includes a CPU600, a RAM602, a ROM604, a first communication unit606, a second communication unit608, and a bus610.

The CPU600executes programs controlling the gateway160. The RAM602may operate as a working memory for the CPU600. The ROM604stores programs executed by the CPU600and data required by the programs. The first communication unit606is a device to communicate with an external device according to a short range wireless communication technology such as ZigBee™. The second communication unit608is a device to communicate with an external device. The communication unit608may include an interface to connect with the LAN190according to IEEE 802.3 standard. The bus610interconnects the above units electrically.

With the above stated configuration, the gateway160according to an embodiment of this invention may manage the network180with short range wireless communications, which includes the broadcasting devices140-146, the wireless terminal120, and the information processing device122. In addition, the gateway160may interconnect the networks180,190.

With reference toFIG. 7, the functional block diagram is explained for the control apparatus100, the wireless terminal120, the information processing device122, the broadcasting device140, the gateway160and the position data administration server102. The block diagram shown in theFIG. 7includes some of various elements of the above devices, which are especially related to the description of the embodiment. In theFIG. 7, data flows are expressed by arrows drawn between units. In particular, the data flows between devices are expressed by the arrows with dashed lines. Functions for “Obtaining Position Data” and “Transmitting Control Signals”, which are provided by the configuration, are explained separately below.

First, the function to obtain and administrate the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122is explained. Here, by way of example, only an explanation to obtain the position data of the wireless terminal120is done. As stated above, the position data of the wireless terminal120is obtained by the wireless terminal120via the positioning signal broadcast by the broadcasting device140. Here, the explanation is done on condition that the positioning signal is formed according to the IMES standard. The wireless terminal120may transmit the obtained position data to the position data administration server102via the network180.

The broadcasting device140includes a position data storage unit700and a position signal transmitting unit702(a relaying unit712is discussed later).

The position data storage unit700stores the position data indicating a location where the broadcasting device140is installed. The positioning signal may include latitude, longitude, and floor information. The position data for the broadcasting device140is set by an administrator of the broadcasting device140in advance. The position data of the installed broadcasting device may be managed with a table shown inFIG. 10. The table includes ID for each broadcasting device and the position data.

The table may be stored in the control apparatus100. The positioning signal transmitting unit702may create the positioning signal including the position data stored in the position data storage unit700and transmit the positioning signal to the wireless terminal120. The positioning signal may be formed using a frame structure defined by the IMES standard.

The wireless terminal120according to an embodiment of the invention includes a position signal receiving unit704a, a position data obtaining unit706a, an identification storage unit708a, and a position data transmission unit710a. Here, these units included in the wireless terminal120are hereinafter collectively called a positioning unit720a. As shown inFIG. 7, a positioning unit720b, which functions in common with the positioning unit720a, is included in the information processing device122.

The positioning signal receiving unit704amay receive the positioning signal broadcast by the broadcasting device140. The positioning signal receiving unit704atransfers the received positioning signal to the position data obtaining unit706a.

The position data obtaining unit706aobtains the position data from the positioning signal which is received by the positioning signal receiving unit704aand formed according to the IMES standard. The position data includes latitude, longitude, and floor information. The position data obtaining unit706aconveys the obtained position data to the position data transmission unit710a.

The identification data storage unit708amay store the identification data of the wireless terminal120. The identification data may be expressed by a MAC address uniquely assigned to the wireless terminal120.

The position data transmission unit710amay transmit to the broadcasting device140the position data received from the position data obtaining unit706aand the identification data stored in the identification data storage unit708a. Here, the position data and the identification data are conveyed to the position data administration server102after being relayed by the broadcasting device140(or the broadcasting devices142-146) and the gateway160(i.e. via the network180). The wireless terminal120may transmit the position data and the identification data to the broadcasting device140of several broadcasting devices, which have previously transmitted their respective positioning signals. The relaying process performed by the broadcasting device140and the gateway160is described later. The position data and the identification data may be transmitted every time the wireless terminal120obtains the position data via the positioning signal. The wireless terminal120may obtain the position data at a set time, in certain intervals, or in response to a change in accelerated velocity detected by an acceleration sensor incorporated in the wireless terminal120(not shown in the figure).

The broadcasting device140according to an embodiment of the invention further includes a relaying unit712.

The relaying unit712relays the position data and the identification data, which are transmitted from the wireless terminal120to the position data administration server102, to the other broadcasting device and/or the gateway160. The relayed data is conveyed to a next node (i.e. the broadcasting device140or the gateway160) based on routing information managed by the broadcasting device140. The position data and the identification data transmitted by the wireless terminal120are conveyed to the gateway160, and then conveyed to the position data administration server102. When the network180is formed by ZigBee™, the relaying unit712may function as a ZigBee Router.

The gateway160includes a conversion unit714and may manage the network180. When the network180is formed by ZigBee™, the gateway160may function as a ZigBee Coordinator.

The communication conversion unit714may convert data received from the broadcasting devices140-146connected to the network180so that the data is suitable for the external network (e.g. the internal network190inFIG. 1). The conversion unit714may transmit the converted data to the position data administration server102.

The position data administration server102according to an embodiment of this invention includes a position data receiving unit716and a position data storage unit718.

The position data receiving unit716may receive the identification data and the position data transmitted by the wireless terminal120. The position data receiving unit716may transfer the received identification data and position data to the position data storage unit718.

The position data storage unit718stores the position data received from the position data receiving unit716in tables created for each identification data, which is also received from the position receiving unit716.FIG. 8Ashows an example of a position data administration table which stores the position data of the wireless terminal120. Similarly,FIG. 8Bshows an example of the position data administration table which stores the position data of the information processing device122. The position data administration table may includes items indicating “Date and Time”, “Latitude”, “Longitude”, and “Floor”. “Date and Time” indicates the date and time when the position data is received from the wireless terminal120(or the information processing device122). Alternatively, “Date and Time” may indicate the date and time when the wireless terminal120(or the information processing device122) obtains the position data. In this case, additional data representing the date and time may be transmitted by the wireless terminal120(or the information processing device122). “Latitude”, “Longitude”, and “Floor” are included in the position data received from the wireless terminal120(or the information processing device122). As stated above, the position data administration tables shown inFIGS. 8A,8B are created for every identification data set of the wireless terminal120(or the information processing device122) and may store history of position data for a fixed period.FIGS. 9A,9B also show examples of the position data administration table for the position data received from the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122at different times. An example stated later refers to the position data administration tables shown inFIGS. 9A,9B.

Based on the above stated functions, the control apparatus100according to an embodiment of this invention may obtain the position data of the wireless terminal120carried by the user and the information processing device122via the position data administration server102. Since the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122may transmit the position data via the network180like the PAN, power consumption for the wireless transmission may be decreased as compared to transmitting the position data using an access point.

In the above stated example, the process is to obtain the position data of the wireless terminal120. However, the position data of the information processing device122may also be obtained according to a similar process. In that case, a positioning signal receiving unit704band a position data obtaining unit706bof a positioning unit720b(corresponding to the position unit720a) of the information processing device122may obtain the position data from the positioning signal broadcast by the broadcasting device140. A position data transmission unit710bof the positioning unit720btransmits to the broadcasting device140the position data and the identification data stored in the identification data storage unit708b.

Next, the function by which the control apparatus100transmits, when a predetermined condition is met, the control signals to the information processing device122is explained.

The control apparatus100according to an embodiment of this invention includes a determining unit730, a position data obtaining unit732, a state information obtaining unit734, a control condition storage unit736, a control condition setting unit738, a control signal transmission unit740, and a region data storage unit742.

The determining unit730determines whether the position data of the wireless terminal120carried by the user and the information processing device122and state information about the information processing device122meet a predetermined control condition. When the control condition is met, the determining unit730causes the control signal transmission unit740(explained later) to transmit predetermined control signals.

FIG. 23shows a detailed functional block diagram of the determining unit730. The determining unit730includes a position data loading unit731, a position specifying unit733, a state information loading unit735, a control condition loading unit737, a condition determining unit739, and a control signal creating unit741.

The position data loading unit731loads the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122obtained by the position data obtaining unit732discussed later.

The position specifying unit733may specify locations where the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122existed in the past and exist at the present time using the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122loaded by the position data loading unit731. The locations where the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122exist are expressed by broadcasting device identifiers (FIG. 10) assigned to the broadcasting device140.

In particular, the position specifying unit731may obtain any position data of the wireless terminal120during the period from “2012/7/17 10:00:00” to “2012/7/17 10:00:20” shown inFIG. 8A. In addition, the position specifying unit731may obtain any position data of the information processing device122during the period from “2012/7/17 10:00:00” to “2012/7/17 10:00:20” shown inFIG. 8B.

The position specifying unit732may specify the broadcasting device identifiers which correspond to the obtained position data using the table shown inFIG. 10. For example, when the position specifying unit731obtains the position data of the wireless terminal120shown inFIG. 8A, the position specifying unit731specifies the broadcasting device identifiers “C5”, “C4”, “C7”, and “C10” as the past and present locations of the wireless terminal120. In addition, when the position specifying unit731obtains the position data of the information processing device122shown inFIG. 8B, the position specifying unit731specifies the broadcasting device identifier “C5” as the past and present location of the information processing device122.

Thus, the position specifying unit731may specify that the information processing device122stands still at the location corresponding to the broadcasting device identifier “C5” and the wireless terminal120(the user) moves to the locations “C4”, “C7”, and “C10” sequentially after standing still at “C5”.

In another instance, the position specifying unit731may obtain any position data of the wireless terminal120during the period from “2012/7/17 10:05:00” to “2012/7/17 10:05:30” shown inFIG. 9A. In addition, the position specifying unit731may obtain any position data of the information processing device122during the period from “2012/7/17 10:05:00” to “2012/7/17 10:05:30” shown inFIG. 9B.

In this case, the position specifying unit731may specify that the information processing device122further stands still at the location “C5” and the wireless terminal120(the user) moves from the location “C3” to the locations “C6”, “C9”, “C10”, and “C10” sequentially.

The state information loading unit735may load the state information about the information processing device obtained by the state information obtaining unit734discussed later.

The control condition loading unit737may load a condition control table associating control conditions including a condition of the wireless terminal120location and a condition of the information processing device122state with processing to control the information processing device122which is executed when the control conditions are met.

The condition determining unit733may determine that the broadcasting device identifiers representing the locations of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122specified by the position specifying unit733and the state information about the information processing device122loaded by the state information loading unit735meet the control conditions loaded by the control condition loading unit737.

FIG. 11shows an example of the control condition table loaded by the control condition loading unit737. The control condition table includes items “Number”, “Condition of wireless terminal location”, “Condition of information processing device state”, and “How to control”. “Number” indicates a sequence number assigned to each condition.

“Condition of wireless terminal location” means a condition defined by the past or present location of the wireless terminal120specified by the position specifying unit731. As shown inFIG. 11, “Condition of wireless terminal location” may be defined by a single broadcasting device identifier. Alternatively, “Condition of wireless terminal location” may be defined by several broadcasting device identifiers. For example, when the condition defined in the table indicates “C1, C4, C7”, the wireless terminals120which are in the locations corresponding to the broadcasting device identifiers “C1”, “C4”, and “C7” meet the condition. Furthermore, “Condition of wireless terminal location” may be defined by a positional relationship with a certain information processing device122such as “Identical to information processing device (002673abcd02)”. “002673abcd02” indicates the unique identification data to identify the information processing device122.

“Condition of information processing device state” means a condition based on the state information about the information processing device122. Examples of “Condition of information processing device state” are as follows.“Locked” is a state in which the login user locks the system so as not to be operated by other users.“Unlocked” is a state in which the login user does not lock the system“Standby for execution of user's printing job” is a state for waiting for execution of a printing job issued by the user“System standby” is a state in which the system disables some of the functions to cut the power consumption

“How to control” means the processing to control the information processing device122when “Condition of wireless terminal location” and “Condition of information processing device state” are met. For example, “Unlock” to unlock the lock state for the information processing device, “Lock” to lock the information processing device, “Execution for the printing job” to execute the waiting printing job, and “Resume from system standby” to resume from the standby state, as shown inFIG. 11, may be defined. The above stated conditions and processing may be set by the user in advance.

The condition determining unit733determines the conditions are met when the locations (expressed by the broadcasting device identifier) of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122specified by the position specifying unit731meet “Condition of wireless terminal location”; and the state information loaded by the state information loading unit735meets “Condition of information processing device state”.

When the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122is expressed inFIGS. 8A,8B, the position specifying unit733specifies “C10” as the location of the wireless terminal120. In addition, provided that the condition determining unit739receives the state information about the information processing device122“Unlocked” from the state information loading unit735, the condition determining unit739determines that the conditions of “Number” “2” among the conditions shown inFIG. 11are met.

Alternatively, when the position data of the wireless terminal and the information processing device is expressed inFIGS. 9A,9B, the position specifying unit733specifies “C7” as the location of the wireless terminal120. In addition, provided that the condition determining unit739receives the state information about the information processing device122“Standby for execution of user's printing job” from the state information loading unit735, the condition determining unit739determines that the conditions of “Number” “3” among the conditions shown inFIG. 11are met.

The condition determining unit739notifies the control signal creating unit741of the processing (i.e. “How to control”) when the control conditions are met.

The control signal creating unit741may create a control signal allowing the information processing device122to execute the processing determined by the condition determining unit739and instruct the control signal transmission unit740to transmit the control signal. The control signal creating unit741transfers to the control signal transmission unit740the identification data of the information processing device to which the control signal is transmitted and information about the processing (e.g. a command which may be understood by the information processing device122).

For example, when the position data of the wireless terminal and the information processing device is expressed inFIGS. 8A,8B and when the state information about the information processing device122is “Unlocked”, the condition “Number” “2” is met as shown inFIG. 11. Thus, the control signal creating unit741creates the control signal including the command to “Lock” and transfers to the control signal transmission unit740the control signal and the identification data of the information processing device122to which the control signal should be transmitted.

Alternatively, when the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122is expressed inFIGS. 9A,9B and when the state information about the information processing device122is “Standby for execution of user's printing job”, the condition “Number” “3” is met as shown inFIG. 11. Thus, the control signal creating unit741creates the control signal including the command for “Execution for the printing job (issued by the user of the wireless terminal120)” and transfers to the control signal transmission unit740the control signal and the identification data of the information processing device122to which the control signal should be transmitted.

In response to the instruction from the determining unit730, the position data obtaining unit732obtains the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122corresponding to the identification data from the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102. The position data obtaining unit732transfers the obtained position data to the determining unit730. The position data obtaining unit732may transfer not only the present (latest) position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122but the history of the position data for a certain period.

The state information obtaining unit734obtains the state information about the information processing device122in response to the instruction from the determining unit730. Since the state information obtaining unit734may hold connection information which is required to connect each information processing device122and identified by the identification data, the state information obtaining unit734may connect with the information processing device122using the connection information and obtain the state information. The state information may be stored in the state information storage unit750of the information processing device122described later. The state information may indicate “Locked”, “Unlocked”, “Standby for execution of user's printing job”, or “System standby”, for example. However, the state information is not limited to the above example. The state information may indicate any hardware or software state of the information processing device122. The state information may be expressed in any manner. For example, each state may be expressed by an ID number. In this case, a table associating the ID number with the state may be shared in the control apparatus100and the information processing device122. The state information obtaining unit734may transfer the obtained state information to the determining unit730.

As stated above, the control condition storage unit736stores the control condition table shown inFIG. 11, and the control condition storage table may transfer the content of the control condition table to the determining unit730in response to a query from the determining unit730. The control conditions are pre-configured by the user via the control condition setting unit738in advance.

The control condition setting unit738may configure the above stated control conditions based on user's input. The control condition setting unit738may accept a XML file in a certain format as shown inFIGS. 12A,12B and configure the control conditions as shown inFIG. 11. Elements and attributes in the XML file shown inFIGS. 12A,12B correspond to the items in the control condition table shown inFIG. 11. For example, “Number” in the control condition table shown inFIG. 11corresponds to the “id” attribute in the “entry” element in the XML file shown inFIGS. 12A,12B. In addition, “Condition of wireless terminal location” corresponds to the “device_id” attribute in the “condition_location” element, “Condition of information processing device state” corresponds to the “name” attribute in the “condition_state” element, and “How to control” corresponds to the “name” attribute in the “action” elements. “Condition of wireless terminal location” may be specified by the known identifier of the broadcasting device140such as “C10”, or the identification data of the information processing device such as “002673abcd02”. At the former, the absolute position in which the broadcasting device140is installed may be used as “Condition of wireless terminal location” (e.g. the conditions “Number” “1” or “2” in the control condition table shown inFIG. 11). At the latter, the relative position in which the information processing device122is installed may be used as the condition (e.g. the condition “Number” “4” in the control condition table).

The control condition setting unit738may create the control condition table as shown inFIG. 11based on such elements and attributes and store the control condition table in the control condition storage unit736.

In order to set multiple “Conditions of wireless terminal location” such as the condition “Number” “3” in the control condition table shown inFIG. 11, some values may be described together in the “condition_location” element1200as shown inFIG. 12B.

In addition, in order to set multiple “Conditions of wireless terminal location”, a range of the position may be described as shown inFIG. 13. InFIG. 13, the “area” attribute for enabling the range description in the “condition_location” element, the “device_id” attribute for specifying the identifier of the broadcasting device which indicates the center of the area, the “latitude” attribute for expressing the range by degrees of latitude from the position specified in the “device_id” attribute, and the “longitude” attribute for expressing the range by degrees of longitude from the position specified in the “device_id” attribute are described. When the control condition setting unit738loads the “Conditions of wireless terminal location” expressed using the range, the control condition setting unit738refers to the table storing the position data of the installed broadcasting device shown inFIG. 10and specifies all of the broadcasting devices existing within the range. In the example shown inFIG. 13, the broadcasting devices “C1”-“C9” are specified which exist within the range plus or minus 0.00005 degrees in latitude and plus or minus 0.00005 degrees in longitude from the position in which the broadcasting device “C5” is. The control condition setting unit738sets the specified identifiers of the broadcasting devices as “Condition of wireless terminal location” in the control condition table. In the example as described usingFIG. 13, the control condition setting unit738creates a condition indicating “C1” “C9” in “Condition of wireless terminal location”. In the above example, “degree” is used. However, any units such as “m” may be used to specify the range.

When the range is used for setting of “Condition of wireless terminal location”, the control condition setting unit738may automatically modify the setting by referring to floor data (region data), such as a floor map of the environment where the broadcasting devices are installed, so that the range is not set across an impracticable border (e.g. a wall or a security gate). For example, provided that the region data of the environment shown inFIG. 2may be available, when such borders (e.g. walls) exist between the position of the broadcasting device specified as the center of the range and the positions of the other broadcasting devices within the range (e.g. on any routes expressed by lines or curves between the broadcasting devices), the control condition setting unit738does not set the other broadcasting devices in “Condition of wireless terminal location”. In the above stated example shown inFIG. 13, the control condition setting unit738specifies the broadcasting devices “C1”-“C9”. However, due to the above modification, the control condition setting unit738may exclude the broadcasting devices “C2”, “C3”, “C6”, and “C9” since there is a wall between the broadcasting device “C5” and each broadcasting device (i.e. “C2”, “C3”, “C6”, or “C9”). The condition of “Number” “3” in the control condition table shown inFIG. 11shows the result of the modification by the control condition setting unit738. The region data including the floor map or information about the impracticable border may be stored in the region data storage unit742stated later.

In addition, when the range is used to set “Condition of wireless terminal location”, the control condition setting unit738may refer to the region data and dynamically modify the values of the “latitude” attribute and the “longitude” attribute of the “condition_location” element which are described on the configuration file. For example, when no broadcasting device is found in the range specified by the configuration file, the control condition setting unit738may modify the values of the “latitude” attribute and the “longitude” attribute so that at least one or more broadcasting devices are included in the range. Alternatively, the control condition setting unit738may automatically adjust the values of the “latitude” and the “longitude” attributes which are relatively broad for the environment (e.g. the specified range includes the entire field of the environment) to or less than the predetermined value (e.g. a predetermined value for each environment).

The elements and attributes which may be described in the configuration file may be used in any combination. For example, the identification data of the information processing device may be specified in the “device_id” attribute of the “condition_location” elements, and the range may be used to specify the positions as shown inFIG. 13. As a result, the broadcasting devices within a certain area may be specified using “Condition of wireless terminal location” of the control condition table based on the position of the information processing device which is movable.

Such configuration for the control condition using the configuration file is just an example. The configuration may be done using an interactive method with graphical user interface (GUI) such as an application or a Web browser.

The control signal transmission unit740may receive the identification data and the control signal from the determining unit730and transmit the control signal to the information processing device122specified by the identification data. The connection information used by the control signal transmission unit740to connect with the information processing device122may be associated with the identification data and stored in the control apparatus100. The control signal may be conveyed to the information processing device122via the network180or the network190formed by the wireless or wired LAN.

The region data storage unit742may store the floor data (region data) such as a floor map of the environment in which the broadcasting device140, the information processing device122and the wireless terminal120may exist. The region data associates objects on the floor map as shown inFIG. 2with latitude and longitude. The region data includes data indicating the positions of the broadcasting devices140or the impracticable borders (e.g. a wall or a security gate) on the floor map. The data is referred by the control condition setting unit738and may be used for range-based configuration about “Condition of wireless terminal location”.

The information processing device122according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning unit720b, a state information storage unit750, a control signal receiving unit756, and a control unit758. As stated above, the positioning unit720bhas functions in common with the positioning unit720aof the wireless terminal120.

The state information storage unit750includes a printing job state storage unit752and a lock state storage unit754. The printing job state storage unit752may store information indicating a state of the printing job issued by the user operation for the information processing device122(i.e. image forming device). The state of the printing job may be stored for each user. The lock state storage unit754may store a lock state of the information processing device122. The state of the printing job or the lock state may be configured so that the state information obtaining unit734of the control apparatus100may access the states.

The control signal receiving unit756may receive the control signal transmitted by the control signal transmission unit740of the control apparatus100and transfer the control signal to the control unit758.

The control unit758may receive the control signal from the control signal receiving unit756and control the information processing device122according to the processing indicated by the control signal. Examples of the processing include, as stated above, “Unlock” to unlock the information processing device, “Lock” to lock the information processing device, “Execution for the printing job” to execute the waiting printing job, and “Resume from system standby” to resume from the standby state.

With the above stated functions, the control apparatus100according to this embodiment may control the information processing device122when the user carrying the wireless terminal120reaches a predetermined position. For example, when a printing job is issued by the user and the user reaches the predetermined area centering on an information processing device, the control apparatus100allows the information processing device122to start to execute the printing job. As a result, that prevents the user from leaving the printed paper on the information processing device122. Additionally, when the user reaches the predetermined area centering on an information processing device, the control apparatus100allows the information processing device122to lock or unlock the system of the information processing device122. As a result, convenience for the user is advantageously improved.

With reference toFIG. 14, the process of the control apparatus100according to an embodiment of this invention is explained. The process shown inFIG. 14is repeatedly executed when any of the following conditions are met.A certain period of time passesIn response to an instruction received from other devices or the userIn response to an update for the position data administration table stored in the position data administration server102In any time

In Step S1400, the process of the control apparatus100starts.

In Step S1402, the position data obtaining unit732obtains the position data of the wireless terminal120(the present position data and/or the history of the position data for a fixed period) from the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102. For example, the position data from “2012/7/17 10:05:00” to “2012/7/17 10:05:30” included in the position data administration table shown inFIG. 9Ais obtained. That indicates (the user of) the wireless terminal120starts to move from the broadcasting device “C3”, via “C6”, “C9”, “C10”, and reaches “C7”.

In Step S1404, the position data obtaining unit732obtains the position data of the information processing terminal122(the present position data and/or the history of the position data for a fixed period) from the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102. For example, the position data from “2012/7/17 10:05:00” to “2012/7/17 10:05:30” included in the position data administration table shown inFIG. 9Bis obtained. That indicates the information processing device122is fixed on the position “C5”.

In Step S1406, the state information obtaining unit734obtains the state information about the information processing device122from the state information storage unit750of the information processing device122. Here, the state information of the information processing device122representing “Standby for execution of user's printing job” is obtained.

In Step S1408, the control condition loading unit737of the determining unit730loads the control conditions and the processing (how to control) from the control condition storage unit736. The control condition table shown inFIG. 11stores the control conditions and the processing (how to control).

In Step S1410, the position specifying unit733of the determining unit730specifies the broadcasting device identifier(s) corresponding to the position data obtained in Step S1402using the table shown inFIG. 10.

In Step S1412, the position specifying unit733of the determining unit730specifies the broadcasting device identifier(s) corresponding to the position data obtained in Step S1404using the table shown inFIG. 10.

In Step S1414, the condition determining unit739of the determining unit730determines that the control conditions are met (i.e. “Condition of wireless terminal location” and “Condition of information processing device state” in the control condition table shown inFIG. 11are met).

When the conditions are met, the process goes to Step S1416. Otherwise, the process goes to Step S1420and ends.

Here, since the specified broadcasting device identifier is “C7” from the position data of the wireless terminal120, and the state information about the information processing device122represents “Standby for execution of user's printing job”, the condition determining unit739determines that the condition “Number” “3” is met.

In Step S1416, the control signal creating unit741of the determining unit730creates the control signal (command) allowing the information processing device122to “execute for the printing job” defined in the control condition table.

In Step S1418, the control signal transmission unit740transmits to the information processing device122the control signal using the connection information about the information processing device122associated with the identification data of the information processing device122. The information processing device122receiving the control signal controls itself according to the control signal. Here, when the information processing device122receives the control signal for “execution for the printing job” created in Step S1416, the information processing device122starts to execute the printing job issued by the user of the wireless terminal120.

In Step S1420, the process ends.

With reference toFIGS. 15,16, the process of the system including the control apparatus100according to an embodiment of this invention is explained. Here, the user carrying the wireless terminal120approaches the information processing device122to collect the printed paper after instructing the information processing device122to print out a document, which is installed in the environment shown inFIG. 2. The position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122is shown inFIGS. 9A,9B respectively. Thus, the information processing device122is fixed to “C5” position. The wireless terminal120moves with the user from “C3” to “C7” via “C6”, “C9”, and “C10” positions.

FIG. 15shows the process performed by the wireless terminal120to transmit the position data to the position data administration server102. The information processing device122also transmits the position data to the position data administration server102according the same process with the wireless terminal120. The steps shown inFIG. 15(especially Steps S1510-S1522) are executed when any of the following conditions are met.A certain period of time passesIn response to an instruction to perform the steps from other devices or the userIn response to a detection of a change in accelerated velocity detected by the acceleration sensor (i.e. a move of the wireless terminal120)In any time

In Step S1500, the positionig signal transmitting unit702of the broadcasting device140, which has the broadcast device identifier “C7”, transmits the positioning signal including the following position data to a predetermined area.Latitude “35.66640”Longitude “139.76520”Floor “4”

The position data transmitted by the broadcasting device140having the broadcasting device identifier “C7” is administrated by the table shown inFIG. 10and stored in the control apparatus100.

In Step S1510, the positioning signal receiving unit704aof the wireless terminal120receives the position signal transmitted by the positioning signal transmitting unit702of the broadcasting device140having the broadcasting device identifier “C7”.

In Step S1512, the position data obtaining unit706aof the wireless terminal120obtains the position data from the received positioning signal. The position data is included in a predetermined field of a frame forming the positional signal according to the IMES standard. Here, the position data obtained by the wireless terminal120is as follows.Latitude “35.66640”Longitude “139.76520”Floor “4”

In Step S1514, the position data transmission unit710aof the wireless terminal120transmits to the broadcasting device140the above position data as well as the identification data stored in the identification data storage unit708. Here, the identification data (i.e. MAC address) of the wireless terminal120is as follows.Identification data “002673abcd01”

In Step S1516, the relaying unit712of the broadcasting device140relays the position data and the identification data received from the wireless terminal120to the gateway160.

In Step S1518, the gateway160converts the data received from the network180to which the broadcasting device140is connected into the data which is suitable for the network190such as a LAN.

In Step S1520, the position data receiving unit716of the position data administration server102receives the position data and the identification data of the wireless terminal120via the broadcasting device140and the gateway160.

In Step S1522, the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102stores the position data of the wireless terminal120using the received identification data. Here, the date and time in which the position data administration server102receives the position data from the wireless terminal120is also stored. In this example, the position data administration server102administrates the position data received from the wireless terminal120using the position data administration table as shown inFIG. 9A. In this example, the following data is stored.Date and time “2012/7/17 10:05:30”Latitude “35.66640”Longitude “139.76520”Floor “4”

With the above process, the position data administration server102according to this embodiment of this invention may administrate the position data of the wireless terminal120carried by the user and the information processing device122.

FIG. 16shows the process performed by the control apparatus100to control the information processing device122according to the obtained data from the position data administration server102and the information processing device122. This process may start just after the execution of the above stated process shown inFIG. 15. A series of the steps shown inFIG. 16are executed when any of the following conditions are met.A certain period of time passesIn response to an instruction to perform the process from other devices or the userIn response to an update for the position data administration table stored in the position data administration server102In any time

In Step S1600, the determining unit730(the position specifying unit733) of the control apparatus100instructs the position data obtaining unit732to obtain the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122.

In Step S1602, the position data obtaining unit732of the control apparatus100obtains the position data of the wireless terminal120(the present position data and/or the history of the position data for a fixed period) from the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102. Here, the position data obtaining unit732obtains the position data from “2012/7/17 10:05:00” to “2012/7/17 10:05:30” stored in the position data administration table shown inFIG. 9A.

In Step S1604, the determining unit730(the position data obtaining unit732) of the control apparatus100reads the position data of the wireless terminal120obtained in Step S1602.

In Step S1606, the position data obtaining unit732of the control apparatus100obtains the position data of the information processing device122(the present position data and/or the history of the position data for a fixed period) from the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102. For example, the position data from “2012/7/17 10:05:00” to “2012/7/17 10:05:30” included in the position data administration table shown inFIG. 9Bis obtained.

In Step S1608, the determining unit730(the position data loading unit731) of the control apparatus100reads the position data of the information processing device122obtained in Step S1606.

In Step S1610, the state information obtaining unit734of the control apparatus100obtains the state information about the information processing device122from the state information storage unit750of the information processing device122. Here, the state information about the information processing device122representing “Standby for execution of user's printing job” is obtained.

In Step S1612, the determining unit730(state information loading unit735) of the control apparatus100obtains the state information about the information processing device122obtained in Step S1610.

In Step S1614, the determining unit730(the control condition loading unit737) of the control apparatus100reads the control condition table stored in the control condition storage unit736shown inFIG. 11.

In Step S1616, the determining unit730(the position specifying unit733) of the control apparatus100specifies the (present and past) positions of the wireless terminal using the broadcasting device identifiers. Here, the determining unit730specifies “C3”, “C6”, “C9”, “C10” as the past positions and “C7” as the present position.

In Step S1618, the determining unit730(the position specifying unit733) of the control apparatus100specifies the positions of the information processing device using the broadcasting device identifiers. Here, the determining unit730specifies “C5” as the past and the present position of the information processing device122.

In Step S1620, the determining unit730(the condition determining unit739) of the control apparatus100determines that the control conditions “Condition of wireless terminal location” and “Condition of information processing device state” in the control condition table shown inFIG. 11are met. Here, the wireless terminal120is located in “C7” position at present, and the information processing device122is located in “C5” position. In addition, the state information about the information processing device122represents “Standby for execution of user's printing job”. Thus, the determining unit730(the condition determining unit739) determines that the control condition “Number” “3” is met (i.e. the wireless terminal locates in “C1”, “C4”, “C5”, “C7”, or “C8” position, and the state information about the information processing device represents “Standby for execution of user's printing job” in the control conditions shown inFIG. 11.

In Step S1622, the determining unit730(the control signal creating unit741) of the control apparatus100creates the control signal for “execution for the printing job” defined in the control condition table.

In Step S1624, the determining unit730(the control signal creating unit741) of the control apparatus100transfers the created control signal to the control signal transmission unit740.

In Step S1626, the control signal transmission unit740of the control apparatus100transmits to the information processing device122the control signal using the connection information about the information processing device122associated with the identification data of the information processing device122.

In Step S1628, the control signal receiving unit756notifies the control unit758of the received control signal.

In Step S1630, the control unit758executes the processing according to the control signal. Here, the information processing device122starts to execute the printing job issued by the user carrying the wireless terminal120.

With the above process, the control apparatus according to this embodiment allows the information processing device122to execute predetermined processing when the user carrying the wireless terminal120reaches a predetermined position. Since the printing job is executed only when the user reaches the position(s) which may be relatively specified by the position of the information processing device, the user is prevented from forgetting to collect the printed paper from the information processing device122.

Next, a variant of this invention is explained. In the above stated example, the information processing device122, which may execute various processing, may receive the positioning signal broadcast by the broadcasting device140and obtain the position data. On the other hand, an information processing device122A in this variant does not have the positioning signal receiving unit for receiving the positioning signal transmitted by the broadcasting device. Alternatively, a communication terminal122B in the form of a small tag is attached to the information processing device122A, and the communication terminal122B may receive the positioning signal. The communication terminal122B may obtain the position data from the broadcasting device140and transmit the position data to the position data administration server102in common with the wireless terminal120.

The position data administration server102stores information about a correspondence relationship between the communication terminal122B and the information processing device122A using the identification data. Thus, when the control apparatus100obtains the position data of the information processing device122A, the control apparatus100obtains the position data of the communication terminal122B associated with the information processing device122A.

With such configuration, the present invention may apply to the information processing device which does not have a positioning function.

FIGS. 17,18show hardware configurations of the information processing device122A and the communication terminal122B according to this variant. The hardware configurations of the control apparatus100, the wireless terminal120, the broadcasting device140, and the gateway160have already been shown inFIGS. 3-6.

FIG. 17shows an exemplary hardware configuration of the information processing device122A. The information processing device122A includes a CPU1700, a RAM1702, a ROM1704, a communication device1706, a display device1708, an input device1710, and a bus1712.

The CPU1700executes programs controlling the information processing device122A. The RAM1702may operate as a working memory for the CPU1700. The ROM1704stores programs executed by the CPU1700as well as data required to execute the programs. The communication device1706may communicate with an external device via a wireless or wired LAN. The display device1708, such as a liquid crystal display, may provide visual information to the user. The input device1710, such as mechanical buttons or a touch panel, may accept input from the user. The bus1712interconnects the above devices electrically.

With the above configuration, the information processing device122A according to this example may execute processing according to an instruction received from the control apparatus100.

FIG. 18shows an exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal122B according to an embodiment of this invention. The communication terminal122B includes a CPU1800, a RAM1802, a ROM1804, a communication device1806, a positioning signal receiving device1808, and a bus1810.

The CPU1800executes programs controlling the communication terminal122B. The RAM1802may operate as a working memory for the CPU1800. The ROM1804stores programs executed by the CPU1800as well as data required to execute the programs. The communication device1806may communicate with an external device according to a short range wireless communication method such as ZigBee™ or Bluetooth™. The positioning signal receiving device1808may receive a positional signal whose frame format is formed according to IMES, which is transmitted by the broadcasting device140. The bus1810interconnects the above devices electrically.

With the above configuration, the communication terminal122B according to this embodiment may receive the positioning signal and obtain the position data in place of the information processing device122A. In addition, the communication terminal122B may transmit the obtained position data to the position data administration server102via the PAN. As a result, the position data administration server102may track the position of the information processing device122A which does not have the positioning signal receiving unit.

With reference toFIG. 19, the functional block diagram is explained for the control apparatus100, the wireless terminal120, the information processing device122A, the communication terminal122B, the broadcasting device140, the gateway160and the position data administration server102. Unlike the functional block diagram shown inFIG. 7, the information processing device122A does not have the positioning unit720b. On the other hand, the communication terminal122B has the positioning unit720b.

The communication terminal122B has the positioning unit720bincluding a positioning signal receiving unit704b, a position data obtaining unit706b, an identification data storage unit708b, a position data transmission unit710b. The positioning unit720bmay receive the positioning signal broadcast by the broadcasting device140, obtain the position data from the positioning signal, and transmit the position data and the identification data to the position data administration server102via the broadcasting device140as with the positioning unit720aof the wireless terminal120shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 20shows an example of the position data of the communication terminal122B received an administrated by the position data administration server102. The position data administration server102has information about the correspondence relationship between the communication terminal122B and the information processing device122A in advance. Thus, the position data administration server102may track the position of the information processing device122A using the identification data and the position data transmitted from the position unit720bof the communication terminal122B.

With reference toFIG. 21, the process for administrating the position data is explained, which is performed by the position data administration server102, the gateway160, the broadcasting device140, and the communication terminal122B. Unlike the example shown inFIG. 15,FIG. 21shows an example in which the communication terminal122B transmits the position data.

In Step S2100, the positionig signal transmitting unit702of the broadcasting device140, which has the broadcast device identifier “C5”, transmits the positioning signal including the following position data to a predetermined area.Latitude “35.66635”Longitude “139.76535”Floor “4”

The position data transmitted by the broadcasting device140having the broadcasting device identifier “C5” is administrated by the table shown inFIG. 10and stored in the control apparatus100.

In Step S2110, the positioning signal receiving unit704bof the communication terminal122B receives the position signal transmitted by the positioning signal transmitting unit702of the broadcasting device140having the broadcasting device identifier “C5”.

In Step S2112, the position data obtaining unit706bof the communication terminal122B obtains the position data from the received positioning signal. The position data is included in a predetermined field of a frame forming the positional signal according to the IMES standard. Here, the position data obtained by the communication terminal122B is as follows.Latitude “35.66635”Longitude “139.76525”Floor “4”

In Step S2114, the position data transmission unit710bof the communication terminal122B transmits to the broadcasting device140the above position data as well as the identification data stored in the identification data storage unit708. Here, the identification data (i.e. MAC address) of the communication terminal122B is as follows.Identification data “002673abcd03”

In Step S2116, the relaying unit712of the broadcasting device140relays the position data and the identification data received from the communication terminal122B to the gateway160.

In Step S2118, the gateway160converts the data received from the network180to which the broadcasting device140is connected into the data which is suitable for the network190such as a LAN.

In Step S2120, the position data receiving unit716of the position data administration server102receives the position data and the identification data of the communication terminal122B via the broadcasting device140and the gateway160.

In Step S2122, the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102stores the position data of the communication terminal122B using the received identification data. Here, the date and time in which the position data administration server102receives the position data from the communication terminal122B is also stored. In this example, the position data administration server102administrates the position data received from the communication terminal122B using the position data administration table as shown inFIG. 20. In this example, the following data is stored.Date and time “2012/7/17 10:05:30”Latitude “35.66635”Longitude “139.76525”Floor “4”

With the above process, the position data administration server102according to this embodiment of this invention may administrate the position data of the wireless terminal120carried by the user and the information processing device122A.

FIG. 22shows the process performed by the control apparatus100to control the information processing device122A according to the obtained data from the position data administration server102and the information processing device122A.

In Step S2200, the determining unit730(the position specifying unit733) of the control apparatus100instructs the position data obtaining unit732to obtain the position data of the wireless terminal120and the communication terminal122B.

In Step S2202, the position data obtaining unit732of the control apparatus100obtains the position data of the wireless terminal120(the present position data and/or the history of the position data for a fixed period) from the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102. Here, the position data obtaining unit732obtains the position data from “2012/7/17 10:05:00” to “2012/7/17 10:05:30” stored in the position data administration table shown inFIG. 9A.

In Step S2204, the determining unit730(the position data loading unit731) of the control apparatus100reads the position data of the wireless terminal120obtained in Step S2202.

In Step S2206, the position data obtaining unit732of the control apparatus100obtains the position data (the present position data and/or the history of the position data for a fixed period) of the communication terminal122B (i.e. information processing device122A) from the position data storage unit718of the position data administration server102. For example, the position data from “2012/7/17 10:05:00” to “2012/7/17 10:05:30” included in the position data administration table shown inFIG. 20is obtained.

In Step S2208, the determining unit730(the position data loading unit731) of the control apparatus100reads the position data of the communication terminal122B (i.e. the information processing device122A) obtained in Step S2206.

Subsequent Steps S2210-S2230for determining the processing based on the state information obtained from the information processing device122A and the position data of the wireless terminal120and the information processing device122A corresponds to Step S1610-S1630as shown inFIG. 16.

With the above stated process, the control apparatus100according to this embodiment allows the information processing device122A which does not have the positioning signal receiving unit to execute predetermined processing according to the control conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-202650 filed on Sep. 14, 2012, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-182175 filed on Sep. 3, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

PATENT DOCUMENT

[Non-patent Document 1] “Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Navigation Service Interface Specification for QZSS (IS-QZSS) V1.4”, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency