Patent ID: 12219441

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

Hereunder, a module management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG.1is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the module management system according to the exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG.1, a module management system100includes at least a mobile terminal1, and a first module device31and a second module device32attached respectively to left and right shoes.

The first module device31and the second module device32are collectively referred to simply as module devices3. In the present exemplary embodiment, an example will be described in which the module management system100includes two module devices3, however, the module management system100may include only one module device3.

The mobile terminal1is a computer carried and transported by a user. The mobile terminal1connects to and communicates with a cloud server10and other computers connected to the Internet network, primarily via a public wireless communication network. The mobile terminal1also wirelessly connects to and communicates with the first module device31and the second module device32, and receives sensing information transmitted from those module devices3. The mobile terminal1uploads received sensing information to the cloud server10.

FIG.2is a diagram showing a brief overview of a module device installed in a shoe sole.

As shown inFIG.2, the first module device31is attached to the sole of a left shoe and the second module device32to the sole of a right shoe. The first module device31and the second module device32connect to and communicate with the mobile terminal1or a fixed device2by means of wireless communication. In the present exemplary embodiment, the module devices3including the first module device31and the second module device32transmit to the mobile terminal1sensing information including at least the acceleration and angular velocity of the user's feet when the user walks.

FIG.3is a hardware configuration diagram of the mobile terminal and the module device.

The mobile terminal1is a computer that includes hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)101, a ROM (Read Only Memory)102, a RAM (Random Access Memory)103, a memory unit104, an RTC (Real Time Clock) circuit105, a communication device106, and a location sensor107.

Moreover, each module device3is a computer that includes hardware such as a CPU301, a ROM302, a RAM303, a memory unit304, an RTC circuit305, a communication device306, a status sensor307, and a location sensor308. In the present exemplary embodiment, the modular devices3include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that senses acceleration and angular velocity on the basis of the movement of the foot when the user walks. The inertial measurement unit includes a state sensor307. The state sensor307senses the acceleration and the angular velocity of the foot and generates sensing information including those values. The location sensor308detects a position on the basis of signals received from artificial satellites such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

FIG.4is a functional block diagram of the mobile terminal and the module device.

The mobile terminal1executes a module management program that is preliminarily stored. As a result, the mobile terminal1exerts at least the functions of a control unit11, a schedule acquisition unit12, an instruction unit13, and an upload unit14.

The control unit11controls each function of the mobile terminal1.

The schedule acquisition unit12acquires a schedule of a user using the module device3.

The instruction unit13instructs the module device3to initiate a process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information detected by the state sensor307of the module device3to a communication destination, on the basis of the schedule. In the present exemplary embodiment, the communication destination is the mobile terminal1.

The upload unit14uploads sensing information received from the module device3to the cloud server10.

The module device3executes a sensing program that is preliminarily stored. As a result, the module device3includes at least a control unit331, a sensing information acquisition unit332, a determination unit333, and a transmission unit334.

The control unit331controls each function of the module device3.

The sensing information acquisition unit332acquires, from the IMU including the state sensor307and the location sensor308, sensing information including the acceleration and angular velocity on the basis of the movement of the left and right foot when the user walks.

On the basis of an instruction to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information to a communication destination, the determination unit333initiates the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting the sensing information to the mobile terminal1.

The transmission unit334transmits the sensing information to the mobile terminal1.

In the module management system100according to the present exemplary embodiment, the mobile terminal1acquires the schedule of the user using the module device3. On the basis of the schedule, the mobile terminal1instructs the module device3to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting the sensing information detected by the module device3to the mobile terminal1. For example, the mobile terminal1acquires the user's schedule related to aircraft boarding, and on the basis of the schedule, instructs the module device3to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information detected by the state sensor307to the communication destination.

The module device3acquires the sensing information, and on the basis of an instruction to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmission to the mobile terminal1, initiates the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting the sensing information to the mobile terminal1. Such processing does not require the user to set when to start or when to stop wireless transmission via the interface of the mobile terminal1or the module device3, and therefore, it is possible to eliminate the cumbersomeness of setting whether or not to cause the module device3to perform wireless transmission of sensing information.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG.5is a diagram showing a processing flow of each device in a module management system of a first exemplary embodiment.

The user turns on the power of the first module device31and the second module device32(Step S101). As a result, the communication device306of the respective module devices3, that is, the first module device31and the second module device32, transmits a connection establishment signal (Step S102). The communication device306transmits the connection establishment signal to the mobile terminal1, using a wireless communication function such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy; registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example. The module devices3may be provided with a function of sensing acceleration and also turning on the power automatically if it is in a period during which activation thereof is possible. As a result, the module device3can be activated without the user having to manually turn on the power of the module device3.

The communication device106of the mobile terminal1receives the connection establishment signal (Step S103). The control unit11of the mobile terminal1detects the connection establishment signal having been received. Upon detecting the connection establishment signal having been received, the control unit11of the mobile terminal1transmits a normal connection establishment response signal to the module device3(Step S104). The control unit331of the module device3receives the connection establishment response signal. The control unit331of the module device3then connects to and communicates with the mobile terminal1, using a communication protocol for establishing connection (Step S105).

In the module device3, in the state of being connected to and communicating with the mobile terminal1, the sensing information acquisition unit332acquires sensing information from the state sensor307(Step S106). The sensing information acquisition unit332outputs the sensing information to the transmission unit334. The transmission unit334transmits the sensing information to the mobile terminal1(Step S107). The upload unit14of the mobile terminal1transmits the sensing information to the cloud server10(Step S108).

As a result, the sensing information is transmitted to the mobile terminal1while the mobile terminal1and the module device3are connected to and communicating with each other. The cloud server10performs predetermined processing using the acceleration and the angular velocity included in the sensing information. As an example, the predetermined processing may be a calculation of a stance-leg period or a swing-leg period of a foot, using the acceleration and the angular velocity of the foot, or a state of walking on the basis of those periods.

Meanwhile, the schedule acquisition unit12of the mobile terminal1has preliminarily stored the address of an acquisition destination from which schedule information is to be acquired. As an example, the acquisition destination is, for example, the cloud server10. The cloud server10has therein recorded schedule information including the takeoff time at the takeoff airport, the landing time at the landing airport, the location information of the takeoff airport (latitude, longitude, altitude), and the location information of the landing airport (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the aircraft on which the user is boarding. The schedule acquisition unit12transmits a schedule information transmission request to the cloud server10. This transmission request includes the ID of the user who uses the mobile terminal1. The cloud server10detects the user's ID included in the transmission request. The cloud server10reads schedule information that is stored in a database and is associated with the user's ID, and sends it to the mobile terminal1.

The schedule acquisition unit12of the mobile terminal1acquires the schedule information received from the cloud server10(step S109). The schedule acquisition unit12outputs the schedule information to the instruction unit13. The instruction unit13acquires the takeoff time at the takeoff airport, the landing time at the landing airport, the location information of the takeoff airport (latitude, longitude, altitude) and the location information of the landing airport (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the aircraft on which the user is boarding, which are included in the schedule information. The instruction unit13acquires the current time from the RTC circuit105and acquires the location information of the mobile terminal1from the location sensor107. Using the takeoff time, the landing time, the location information of the takeoff airport, the location information of the landing airport, the current time, and the location information of the device itself, the instruction unit13instructs the module device3to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting the sensing information to the communication destination.

Specifically, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1compares the current time with the takeoff time. When the current time reaches a time a predetermined amount of time prior thereto, such as 15 minutes before the takeoff time, the instruction unit13transmits to the module device3an instruction signal instructing it to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information (Step S110). The instruction signal may include a takeoff time and a landing time. The module device3receives the instruction signal. The determination unit333of the module device3acquires the information (such as takeoff time and landing time) included in the instruction signal. Then, the module device3initiates the determination process (Step S111).

For example, the determination unit333acquires the current time from the RTC circuit305. The determination unit333compares the current time with the takeoff time to thereby determine whether the current time matches the takeoff time (Step S112). If the current time matches the takeoff time, the determination unit333determines to stop transmitting sensing information to the mobile terminal1(Step S113). If the current time does not match the takeoff time, the determination unit333repeats transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1. If the current time matches the takeoff time, the determination unit333records the landing time in the RAM303or the like. The determination unit333outputs to the control unit331an instruction to transition to the sleep state.

The control unit331performs control so that the module device3continues to stay in the sleep state until the current time reaches the landing time. For example, the control unit331controls the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308to stop from operating. As a result, the module device3stops communication connection with the mobile terminal1and stops transmitting sensing information to the mobile terminal1.

The control unit331determines whether the time measured by the RTC circuit305has reached the landing time (Step S114). The control unit331initiates the control to release the sleep state when the current time reaches the landing time (Step S115). The control unit331instructs the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308to activate. As a result, the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308of the module device3activate. The control unit331determines whether to end the process (Step S116). In the case where the processing is not to end, the control unit331resumes acquisition and transmission of sensing information.

That is to say, the communication device306of the module devices3transmits a connection establishment signal. The communication device106of the mobile terminal1receives the connection establishment signal. The control unit11of the mobile terminal1detects the connection establishment signal having been received. Upon detecting the connection establishment signal having been received, the control unit11of the mobile terminal1transmits a normal connection establishment response signal to the module device3. The control unit331of the module device3receives the connection establishment response signal. The control unit331of the module device3then connects to and communicates with the mobile terminal1, using a communication protocol for establishing connection. As a result, communication connection between the mobile terminal1and the module device3is established again.

In the module device3, in the state of being connected to and communicating with the mobile terminal1, the sensing information acquisition unit332acquires sensing information from the state sensor307. The sensing information acquisition unit332outputs the sensing information to the transmission unit334. The transmission unit334transmits the sensing information to the mobile terminal1. The upload unit14of the mobile terminal1transmits the sensing information to the cloud server10.

In the case where schedule information includes a plurality of schedules related to the user, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1determines whether the current time has reached a time a predetermined amount of time prior thereto, such as 15 minutes before the takeoff time, on the basis of the next schedule. When the current time reaches a time a predetermined amount of time prior thereto, such as 15 minutes before the takeoff time, the instruction unit13transmits to the module device3an instruction signal instructing it to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information. The mobile terminal1may periodically acquire the user's schedule information from the cloud server10. In the present exemplary embodiment, schedule information is acquired from the cloud server10, however, the user's schedule information may be acquired from a web server or the like managed by the airline company.

According to the processing described above, the module device3detects a sensing information transmission stop period indicated by a takeoff time and a landing time after the user boarded the aircraft. Moreover, the module device3resumes acquisition of sensing information and transmission to the mobile terminal1after the transmission stop period. As a result, in a situation where wireless transmission is prohibited, such as when boarding an aircraft, the user does not need to perform an operation to turn off the power of the module device3, an operation to cause either one of the module devices3to stop performing wireless transmission, and an operation to cause the module device3to resume transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1. Therefore, according to the module management system100described above, it is possible to eliminate the cumbersomeness of setting wireless transmission of sensing information of the module device3.

According to the above processing, the determination unit333of the module device3determines whether the current time has reached the takeoff time, and when the current time reaches the takeoff time, the determination unit333of the module device3determines to transition to the sleep state. However, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may determine whether the current time has reached the takeoff time and determine to transition to the sleep state. In such a case, when the current time matches the takeoff time, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may determine to transition to the sleep state and transmit to the module device3an instruction signal that indicates the transition to the sleep state and includes the landing time. When an instruction signal is received, the control unit331of the module device3similarly performs the control to transition to the sleep state and the control to resume transmission of sensing information.

Moreover, according to the processing described above, the control unit331of the module device3initiates the control to release the sleep state when the current time matches the landing time. However, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may compare the current time with the landing time, and instruct the module device3to release the sleep state when those times match. In such a case, when transitioning to the sleep state, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1stops the transmission function of the communication device306only, and controls the receiving function to be in the operating state. Accordingly, on the basis of the reception of a sleep state release signal transmitted by the mobile terminal1, the control unit331of the module device3may recognize the signal, release the sleep state, and activate the communication device306.

Also in the case where the module device3transitions to the sleep state, the control unit331of the module device3may drive the state sensor307and the location sensor308and control the transmission/reception functions or only the transmission function of the communication device306to be in the sleep state. In such a case, the sensing information acquisition unit332of the module device3may acquire sensing information from the state sensor307or the location sensor308and record it in the memory unit304of the module device itself. Then, when the communication connection with the mobile terminal1is resumed, the control unit331of the module device3may transmit the sensing information of the state sensor307stored in the sleep state to the mobile terminal1.

According to the processing described above, the mobile terminal1and the module device3control wireless transmission of the module device3at least to be in the sleep state during the period between the takeoff time and the landing time. However, the control may be performed where a period between the time a predetermined amount of time prior to the takeoff time and the time a predetermined amount of time after the landing time, is taken as a period during which wireless transmission of the module device3is controlled to be in the sleep state.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG.6is a diagram showing a processing flow of each device in a module management system of a second exemplary embodiment.

The processing of the module management system100in the second exemplary embodiment is the same as that from Step S101to Step S108.

The schedule acquisition unit12of the mobile terminal1acquires the schedule information received from the cloud server10(Step S209). The schedule acquisition unit12outputs the schedule information to the instruction unit13. The instruction unit13acquires the takeoff time at the takeoff airport, the landing time at the landing airport, the location information of the takeoff airport (latitude, longitude, altitude) and the location information of the landing airport (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the aircraft on which the user is boarding, which are included in the schedule information. The instruction unit13acquires the current time from the RTC circuit105and acquires the location information of the mobile terminal1from the location sensor107. Using the takeoff time, the landing time, the location information of the takeoff airport, the location information of the landing airport, the current time, and the location information of the device itself, the instruction unit13instructs the module device3to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting the sensing information to the communication destination.

Specifically, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1compares the location information of the takeoff airport with the location information of the landing airport. When the distance between the current location and the location information of the takeoff airport becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance, the instruction unit13transmits to the module device3an instruction signal instructing it to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information (Step S210). The instruction signal may include the location information of the takeoff airport and the location information of the landing airport. The module device3receives the instruction signal. The determination unit333of the module device3acquires the information (such as the location information of the takeoff airport and the location information of the landing airport) included in the instruction signal. Then, the module device3initiates the determination process (Step S211).

For example, the determination unit333acquires the current location from the location sensor308. The determination unit333compares the current location with the location information of the takeoff airport to thereby determine whether the current location matches the location information of the takeoff airport (Step S212). If the current location matches the location information of the takeoff airport, the determination unit333determines to stop transmitting sensing information to the mobile terminal1(Step S213). If the current location does not match the location information of the takeoff airport, the determination unit333determines to repeat transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1. If the current location matches the location information of the takeoff airport, the determination unit333records the location information of the landing airport in the RAM303or the like. The determination unit333outputs to the control unit331an instruction to transition to the sleep state.

The control unit331performs control so that the module device3continues to stay in the sleep state until the current location matches the location information of the landing airport. For example, the control unit331controls the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308to stop from operating. As a result, the module device3stops communication connection with the mobile terminal1and stops transmitting sensing information to the mobile terminal1.

The control unit331determines whether the location information detected by the location sensor308matches the location information of the landing airport (Step S214). The control unit331initiates the control to release the sleep state when the current location matches the location information of the landing airport (Step S215). The control unit331instructs the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308to activate. As a result, the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308of the module device3activate. The control unit331determines whether to end the process (Step S216). In the case where the processing is not to end, the control unit331resumes acquisition and transmission of sensing information.

According to the processing described above, the module device3automatically detects the travel section between the takeoff airport and the landing airport for the aircraft used by the user as a sensing information transmission stop section. Moreover, the module device3resumes acquisition of sensing information and transmission to the mobile terminal1after the current location reaches the landing airport. As a result, in a situation where wireless transmission is prohibited, such as when boarding an aircraft, the user does not need to perform an operation to turn off the power of the module device3, an operation to cause either one of the module devices3to stop performing wireless transmission, and an operation to cause the module device3to resume transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1. Therefore, according to the module management system100described above, it is possible to eliminate the cumbersomeness of setting wireless transmission of sensing information of the module device3.

According to the processing described above, the determination unit333of the module device3determines whether the current location matches the location information of the takeoff airport, and when the current location reaches the location information of the takeoff airport, the determination unit333of the module device3determines to transition to the sleep state. However, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may determine whether the current location has reached the location information of the takeoff airport and determine to transition to the sleep state. In such a case, if the current location matches the location information of the takeoff airport, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may determine to transition to the sleep state and transmit to the module device3an instruction signal that indicates the transition to the sleep state and includes the location information of the landing airport. When an instruction signal is received, the control unit331of the module device3similarly performs the control to transition to the sleep state and the control to resume sensing information transmission.

Moreover, according to the processing described above, the control unit331of the module device3initiates the control to release the sleep state when the current location matches the location information of the landing airport. However, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may compare the current location with the location information of the landing airport, and instruct the module device3to release the sleep state when those locations match. In such a case, when transitioning to the sleep state, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1stops the transmission function of the communication device306only, and controls the receiving function to be in the operating state. Accordingly, on the basis of receiving a sleep state release signal transmitted by the mobile terminal1, the control unit331of the module device3may recognize the signal, release the sleep state, and activate the communication device306.

Also in the case where the module device3transitions to the sleep state, the control unit331of the module device3may drive the state sensor307and the location sensor308and control the transmission/reception functions or only the transmission function of the communication device306to be in the sleep state. In such a case, the sensing information acquisition unit332of the module device3may acquire sensing information from the state sensor307or the location sensor308and record it in the memory unit304of the module device itself. Then, when the communication connection with the mobile terminal1is resumed, the control unit331of the module device3may transmit the sensing information of the state sensor307stored in the sleep state to the mobile terminal1.

According to the processing described above, the mobile terminal1and the module device3control wireless transmission of the module device3at least to be in the sleep state while being in the section indicated by the location information of the takeoff airport and the location information of the landing airport. However, the control may be performed where a section that begins at a predetermined location nearer before reaching the location information of the takeoff airport, reaches the location information of the landing airport, and ends at a predetermined location out of the location of the landing airport thereafter, is taken as a section in which wireless transmission of the module device3is controlled to be in the sleep state. The processing may be performed such that the above match between the current location and the location information of the takeoff airport or the landing airport is treated as a match as long as it is within a predetermined distance.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

FIG.7is a diagram showing a processing flow of each device in a module management system of a third exemplary embodiment.

The processing of the module management system100in the third exemplary embodiment is the same as that from Step S101to Step S110in the first exemplary embodiment and that from Step S101to Step S210in the second exemplary embodiment. In the module management system100according to the third exemplary embodiment, the module device3determines whether to stop transmission of sensing information on the basis of acceleration, instead of the process that uses time information and location information to determine whether to stop transmission of sensing information.

Specifically, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1transmits to the module device3an instruction signal instructing it to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information. This instruction signal includes instruction information for performing a determination process that uses acceleration. The module device3receives an instruction signal. The determination unit333of the module device3detects that the determination process is to be performed using acceleration, on the basis of information included in the instruction signal. Then, the module device3initiates the determination process (Step S311).

In this determination process, the determination unit333acquires an acceleration from the state sensor307. The determination unit333determines whether the amount of time during which acceleration is exceeding a predetermined positive acceleration threshold value on the positive side is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of time (Step S312). By detecting the amount of time during which acceleration is exceeding the predetermined positive acceleration threshold value on the positive side is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of time, it is possible to determine the aircraft as performing the takeoff operation. If the amount of time during which acceleration is exceeding the predetermined positive acceleration threshold value on the positive side is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of time, the determination unit333determines to stop transmitting sensing information to the mobile terminal1(Step S313). If the amount of time during which acceleration is exceeding the predetermined positive acceleration threshold value on the positive side is not equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of time, the determination unit333repeats transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1. If a determination to stop transmission of sensing information is made, the determination unit333outputs, to the control unit331, an instruction to transition to the sleep state.

The control unit331performs control so that the module device3continues to stay in the sleep state until detecting the state where the amount of time during which the acceleration is exceeding a predetermined negative acceleration threshold value on the negative side is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of time. For example, the control unit331controls the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308to stop from operating. As a result, the module device3stops communication connection with the mobile terminal1and stops transmitting sensing information to the mobile terminal1.

The control unit331determines whether the amount of time during which acceleration is exceeding the predetermined negative acceleration threshold value on the negative side is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of time (Step S314). If the amount of time during which the acceleration is exceeding the predetermined negative acceleration threshold value on the negative side is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of time, the control unit331initiates the control to release the sleep state (Step S115). The control unit331instructs the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308to activate. As a result, the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308of the module device3activate. The control unit331determines whether to end the process (Step S116). In the case where the processing is not to end, the control unit331resumes acquisition and transmission of sensing information.

That is to say, the communication device306of the module devices3transmits a connection establishment signal. The communication device106of the mobile terminal1receives the connection establishment signal. The control unit11of the mobile terminal1detects the connection establishment signal having been received. Upon detecting the connection establishment signal having been received, the control unit11of the mobile terminal1transmits a normal connection establishment response signal to the module device3. The control unit331of the module device3receives the connection establishment response signal. The control unit331of the module device3then connects to and communicates with the mobile terminal1, using a communication protocol for establishing connection. As a result, communication connection between the mobile terminal1and the module device3is established again.

In the module device3, in the state of being connected to and communicating with the mobile terminal1, the sensing information acquisition unit332acquires sensing information from the state sensor307. The sensing information acquisition unit332outputs the sensing information to the transmission unit334. The transmission unit334transmits the sensing information to the mobile terminal1. The upload unit14of the mobile terminal1transmits the sensing information to the cloud server10.

According to the processing described above, the module device3detects a sensing information transmission stop period from the time when the user boarded the aircraft and it takes off to the time it lands. Moreover, the module device3resumes acquisition of sensing information and transmission to the mobile terminal1after the transmission stop period. As a result, in a situation where wireless transmission is prohibited, such as when boarding an aircraft, the user does not need to perform an operation to turn off the power of the module device3, an operation to cause either one of the module devices3to stop performing wireless transmission, and an operation to cause the module device3to resume transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1. Therefore, according to the module management system100described above, it is possible to eliminate the cumbersomeness of setting wireless transmission of sensing information of the module device3.

According to the above processing, the determination unit333of the module device3determines whether it is currently in a period of being on board the aircraft between takeoff and landing, on the basis of acceleration, and if it is determined as being in the period between takeoff and landing, the determination unit333of the module device3determines to transition to the sleep state. However, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may perform a similar determination as to whether it is in a period between takeoff and landing, and a determination of transition to the sleep state. In such a case, if the amount of time during which the acceleration is exceeding the predetermined positive acceleration threshold value on the positive side is determined as being equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of time, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may determine to transition to the sleep state and transmit to the module device3an instruction signal that indicates the transition to the sleep state and includes the landing time. When an instruction signal is received, the control unit331of the module device3similarly performs the control to transition to the sleep state and the control to resume sensing information transmission.

Moreover, according to the processing described above, if the amount of time during which acceleration is exceeding the predetermined negative acceleration threshold value on the negative side is determined as being equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of time, the control unit331of the module device3may instruct the module device3to release the sleep state. In such a case, when transitioning to the sleep state, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1stops the transmission function of the communication device306only, and controls the receiving function to be in the operating state. Accordingly, on the basis of the reception of a sleep state release signal transmitted by the mobile terminal1, the control unit331of the module device3may recognize the signal, release the sleep state, and activate the communication device306.

Also in the case where the module device3transitions to the sleep state, the control unit331of the module device3may drive the state sensor307and the location sensor308and control the transmission/reception functions or only the transmission function of the communication device306to be in the sleep state. In such a case, the sensing information acquisition unit332of the module device3may acquire sensing information from the state sensor307or the location sensor308and record it in the memory unit304of the module device itself. Then, when the communication connection with the mobile terminal1is resumed, the control unit331of the module device3may transmit the sensing information of the state sensor307stored in the sleep state to the mobile terminal1.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG.8is a diagram showing a processing flow of each device in a module management system of a fourth exemplary embodiment.

The processing of the module management system100in the fourth exemplary embodiment is the same as that from Step S101to Step S110in the first exemplary embodiment and that from Step S101to Step S210in the second exemplary embodiment. In the module management system100of the fourth exemplary embodiment, the module device3determines whether to stop transmission of sensing information on the basis of detecting the radio wave of a radio signal transmitted from an aircraft, instead of the process that uses time information and location information to determine whether to stop transmission of sensing information.

Specifically, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1transmits to the module device3an instruction signal instructing it to initiate the process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information. This instruction signal includes instruction information for performing a determination process that uses the radio wave of a radio signal transmitted from the aircraft. The module device3receives the instruction signal. The determination unit333of the module device3detects that the determination process is to be performed using the radio wave of a radio signal transmitted from the aircraft, on the basis of information included in the instruction signal. Then, the module device3initiates the determination process (Step S411).

In this determination process, the determination unit333acquires the frequency of a signal detected by a radio signal receiving function of the communication device306. The determination unit333determines whether the frequency of the received signal equates to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft (Step S412). By detecting the frequency of the received signal as equating to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft, it is possible to determine the user as being on board the aircraft. If the frequency of the received signal equates to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft, the determination unit333determines to stop transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1(Step S413). If the frequency of the received signal does not equate to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft, the determination unit333repeats transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1. If a determination to stop transmission of sensing information is made, the determination unit333outputs, to the control unit331, an instruction to transition to the sleep state.

The control unit331performs control so that the module device3continues to stay in the sleep state until the frequency of the received signal is determined as not equating to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft. For example, the control unit331controls the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308to stop from operating. As a result, the module device3stops communication connection with the mobile terminal1and stops transmitting sensing information to the mobile terminal1.

The control unit331repeatedly determines whether the frequency of the received signal equates to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft. If the frequency of the received signal does not equate to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft, the control unit331initiates the control to release the sleep state (Step S414). The control unit331instructs the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308to activate. As a result, the communication device306, the state sensor307, and the location sensor308of the module device3activate. The control unit331determines whether to end the process (Step S415). In the case where the processing is not to end, the control unit331resumes acquisition and transmission of sensing information.

That is to say, the communication device306of the module devices3transmits a connection establishment signal. The communication device106of the mobile terminal1receives the connection establishment signal. The control unit11of the mobile terminal1detects the connection establishment signal having been received. Upon detecting the connection establishment signal having been received, the control unit11of the mobile terminal1transmits a normal connection establishment response signal to the module device3. The control unit331of the module device3receives the connection establishment response signal. The control unit331of the module device3then connects to and communicates with the mobile terminal1, using a communication protocol for establishing connection. As a result, communication connection between the mobile terminal1and the module device3is established again.

In the module device3, in the state of being connected to and communicating with the mobile terminal1, the sensing information acquisition unit332acquires sensing information from the state sensor307. The sensing information acquisition unit332outputs the sensing information to the transmission unit334. The transmission unit334transmits the sensing information to the mobile terminal1. The upload unit14of the mobile terminal1transmits the sensing information to the cloud server10.

According to the processing described above, the module device3detects a sensing information transmission stop period that corresponds to the period during which the user is on board the aircraft. Moreover, the module device3resumes acquisition of sensing information and transmission to the mobile terminal1after the transmission stop period. As a result, in a situation where wireless transmission is prohibited, such as when boarding an aircraft, the user does not need to perform an operation to turn off the power of the module device3, an operation to cause either one of the module devices3to stop performing wireless transmission, and an operation to cause the module device3to resume transmission of sensing information to the mobile terminal1. Therefore, according to the module management system100described above, it is possible to eliminate the cumbersomeness of setting wireless transmission of sensing information of the module device3.

According to the processing described above, the determination unit333of the module device3determines whether the frequency of the received signal equates to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft, and if the frequency of the received signal is determined as equating to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft and this determines the user as being on board the aircraft, the determination unit333of the module device3determines to transition to the sleep state. However, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may determine whether the frequency of the received signal equates to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft and determine to transition to the sleep state. In such a case, if the frequency of the signal received by the communication device106is determined as equating to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may determine to transition to the sleep state and transmit to the module device3an instruction signal that indicates a transition to the sleep state. When an instruction signal is received, the control unit331of the module device3similarly performs the control to transition to the sleep state and the control to resume sensing information transmission.

Moreover, in the processing described above, if the frequency of the received signal is determined as not equating to the frequency of a signal transmitted from the aircraft, the instruction unit13of the mobile terminal1may instruct the module device3to release the sleep state. In such a case, when transitioning to the sleep state, the control unit331of the module device3stops the transmission function of the communication device306only, and controls the receiving function to be in the operating state. Then, on the basis of receiving a sleep state release signal transmitted by the mobile terminal1, the control unit331of the module device3may recognize the signal, release the sleep state, and activate the communication device306.

Also in the case where the module device3transitions to the sleep state, the control unit331of the module device3may drive the state sensor307and the location sensor308and control the transmission/reception functions or only the transmission function of the communication device306to be in the sleep state. In such a case, the sensing information acquisition unit332of the module device3may acquire sensing information from the state sensor307or the location sensor308and record it in the memory unit304of the module device itself. Then, when the communication connection with the mobile terminal1is resumed, the control unit331of the module device3may transmit the sensing information of the state sensor307stored in the sleep state to the mobile terminal1.

FIG.9is a diagram showing a minimum configuration of the mobile terminal.

FIG.10is a diagram showing a processing flow of the mobile terminal of the minimum configuration.

The mobile terminal1includes at least a schedule acquisition unit12and an instruction unit13.

The schedule acquisition unit12acquires a schedule of a user using the module device3that includes a state sensor307(Step S501).

The instruction unit13instructs the module device3to initiate a process for determining when to start or when to stop transmitting sensing information to a communication destination, on the basis of the schedule (Step S502).

Each device described above has a built-in computer system. The process of each processing described above is stored in a computer-readable recording medium in a form of a program, and the processing mentioned above is performed by a computer reading and executing the program. Here, the computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, a magnetic optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Moreover, the computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer having received the distributed program may execute the program.

Also, this program may be a program for realizing some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (a difference program) which can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1: Mobile terminal3: Module device10: Cloud server11,331: Control unit12: Schedule acquisition unit13: Instruction unit14: Upload unit332: Sensing information acquisition unit333: Determination unit334: Transmission unit