JP7642341B2 - Processing device, processing system, processing method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a processing device, a processing system, a processing method, a program, and a storage medium.

There is technology that uses a transmitter and a receiver to determine the location of the receiver. There is a demand for improving the accuracy of determining the location of this technology.

JP 2017-32546 A

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a processing device, processing system, processing method, program, and storage medium that can improve the accuracy of position determination.

The processing device according to the embodiment acquires a reception result obtained by a receiver that receives at least a portion of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitters. The processing device determines the position of the transmitter where the receiver is located based on the strength of the signal. When there is a transition of the receiver from a first position of one of the transmitters to a second position of another of the transmitters, the processing device refers to transition possible data indicating positions to which the transition can be made from the positions of the respective transmitters. In a first case in which it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data, the processing device allows the transition. In a second case in which it is determined that the transition is impossible based on the transition possible data, the processing device does not allow the transition during a first period.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a processing system according to an embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a process in the processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hardware configuration. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating application examples of a processing system according to an embodiment. 13 is an example of transition possible data. FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of FIG. 4 . FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of FIG. 4 . FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of FIG. 4 . 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an output from the processing device according to the embodiment.

Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those already described will be given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a processing system according to an embodiment.
The processing system 1 according to the embodiment is used to automatically determine the location of a person or object equipped with a receiver. The processing system 1 can automatically record the locations where people have stayed, the duration of their stay at each location, the history of people's movements, etc., for example, in a manufacturing site, a logistics warehouse, an exhibition hall, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the processing system 1 includes a processing device 11, an input device 12, a display device 13, a storage device 14, a plurality of transmitters 21, and a receiver 22.

The processing device 11 processes various data obtained by the processing system 1. The input device 12 is used by a user to input data to the processing device 11. The display device 13 displays the data output from the processing device 11 to the user. The storage device 14 stores various data.

Each transmitter 21 emits a signal. The signal includes identification information of the transmitter 21. The transmitter 21 emits a signal at a predetermined interval. The signal emitted from the transmitter 21 may be directional or omnidirectional. For example, a parabolic reflector facing a specific direction is attached to the transmitter 21. A radio wave absorber that covers all directions except the specific direction may be attached to the transmitter 21.

The receiver 22 receives the signal. The receiver 22 is attached to a person or object so that it can receive at least a portion of the signals emitted from the multiple transmitters 21. The receiver 22 transmits the reception result to the processing device 11.

The processing device 11 obtains the identification information of the transmitter 21 and the signal strength from the reception result. The processing device 11 also identifies the reception time. The signal strength correlates with the distance between the transmitter 21 that emitted the signal and the receiver 22. The greater the strength, the closer the distance. The processing device 11 determines the position of the transmitter 21 where the receiver 22 is located based on the signal strength. Note that the "position of the transmitter 21" includes not only the point where the transmitter 21 is installed, but also the surrounding area.

The processing device 11 identifies the transmitter 21 closest to the receiver 22. The processing device 11 determines that the receiver 22 is located at the location where the transmitter 21 is installed. A threshold may be set for each transmitter 21. The processing device 11 determines that the receiver 22 is located at the location where a transmitter 21 whose distance is less than the threshold is installed. The processing device 11 determines the location where the receiver 22 is located each time it obtains a reception result.

For example, it is determined that a receiver 22 exists at a position where a certain transmitter 21 is provided. Next, it is determined that a receiver 22 exists at a position where another transmitter 21 is provided. In this case, it is determined that the receiver 22 has transitioned from the position of one transmitter 21 to the position of another transmitter 21. Here, the position from which the transition originates is also referred to as the first position. The position to which the transition is made is also referred to as the second position.

The storage device 14 stores transition possible data that indicates positions to which a transition can be made from the position of each transmitter 21. When a transition occurs, the processing device 11 refers to the transition possible data. The processing device 11 determines whether the transition possible data indicates that a transition from a first position to a second position is possible.

When it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data (first case), the processing device 11 accepts the transition. The receiver 22 is determined to be in the second position. When it is determined that the transition is not possible based on the transition possible data (second case), the processing device 11 does not accept the transition during the first period. The first period is set in advance according to the distance between the transmitters 21, the interval at which the signals are emitted, the moving speed of the receiver 22, etc.

In the second case, when the receiver 22 stays at the second position for longer than the first period, the processing device 11 accepts the transition. The processing device 11 determines that the receiver 22 is at the second position. Also, it is determined that the receiver 22 has been continuously staying at the second position during the first period. "Stay" refers to the receiver 22 being determined to be at the position of one transmitter 21 multiple times or more in succession.

In the second case, when the receiver 22 stays at the second position for a shorter period than the first period, the processing device 11 does not allow the transition. That is, when the receiver 22 is determined to be at another position between the time when the receiver 22 is first determined to be at the second position and the time when the first period has elapsed, the transition is not allowed. For example, the period during which the receiver 22 was determined to be at the second position is determined to be when the receiver 22 stayed at the first position.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process in the processing system according to the embodiment.
The processing device 11 acquires a reception result from the receiver 22 (step S1). The processing device 11 determines the position of the receiver 22 based on the reception result (step S2). The processing device 11 determines whether the position of the receiver 22 has changed (step S3). If a transition has occurred, the processing device 11 refers to the transition possible data (step S4). The processing device 11 determines whether the determined transition is possible based on the transition possible data (step S5).

If transition is not possible, the processing device 11 determines whether the receiver 22 has been at the determined position for a first period of time (step S6). If the period of time is less than the first period, the processing device 11 determines whether the stay is continuing (step S7). Specifically, in step S7, the processing device 11 executes the same processes as steps S1 and S2. The processing device 11 determines whether the receiver 22 is at the same position as the position determined immediately before. If it is determined that the receiver 22 is at the same position as the immediately previous position, the processing device 11 determines that the stay is continuing.

If the stay is continuing, step S6 is executed again. If it is determined in step S5 that the transition is possible, or if it is determined in step S6 that the stay period is longer than the first period , the processing device 11 approves the transition (step S8). If it is determined in step S7 that the stay is not continuing, the processing device 11 denies (does not approve) the transition (step S9).

After it is determined in step S3 that there is no transition, after step S8 is executed, or after step S9 is executed, the processing device 11 stores the position and time of the receiver 22 in the storage device 14 (step S10). In addition to the position, if there is a transition, data indicating whether the transition is possible based on the transition possible data is stored.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration.
The processing device 11 is, for example, a computer, and includes a read only memory (ROM) 11a, a random access memory (RAM) 11b, a central processing unit (CPU) 11c, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 11d.

ROM 11a stores programs that control the operation of the computer. ROM 11a stores programs necessary for the computer to realize each of the above-mentioned processes. RAM 11b functions as a storage area in which the programs stored in ROM 11a are expanded. CPU 11c includes a processing circuit. CPU 11c reads the control programs stored in ROM 11a and controls the operation of the computer in accordance with the control programs. CPU 11c also expands various data obtained by the operation of the computer into RAM 11b. HDD 11d stores data necessary for reading and data obtained during the reading process.

The HDD 11d functions as the storage device 14 shown in FIG. 1, for example. Alternatively, the storage device 14 may be provided separately from the HDD 11d and may include at least one of an HDD, a solid state drive (SSD), and a network attached hard disk (NAS). Each process and function of the processing device 11 may be realized by the cooperation of more computers.

The input device 12 includes at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad. The display device 13 includes at least one of a monitor and a projector. A device that functions as both the input device 12 and the display device 13, such as a touch panel, may also be used.

The transmitter 21 is a beacon. The configuration of the receiver 22 is arbitrary as long as it is capable of receiving a signal emitted from the beacon. For example, a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet is connected to the transmitter 21 via a common wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and receives the signal.

The smart device can be used as the processing device 11, the input device 12, the display device 13, the storage device 14, and the receiver 22. The storage device 14 may be provided separately from the smart device and connected to the smart device via communication. The function of the processing device 11 may be provided by a server on the cloud connected to the smart device. The monitor of a terminal device for an administrator provided separately from the smart device may be used as the display device 13.

The transmitter 21 may be a Radio Frequency IDentifier (RFID) tag that emits a signal. In this case, the receiver 22 is an RFID reader.

Advantages of the embodiment will be described.
The strength of the signal received by the receiver 22 may temporarily change significantly. For example, the transmitter 21 may temporarily emit a signal with a strength greater than normal. In this case, the distance between the transmitter 21 that emitted the strong signal and the receiver 22 is calculated to be shorter than the actual distance. This may result in the receiver 22 being erroneously determined to be located at the position of the transmitter 21. As a result, for example, the movement of a person or object to which the receiver 22 is attached cannot be accurately recorded.

To address this issue, the processing device 11 refers to the transition possible data when a transition occurs. Whether or not a transition is possible is determined based on the transition possible data. The processing device 11 accepts the transition only when it is determined that the transition is possible. By using the transition possible data, erroneous determination of the position of the receiver 22 due to temporary fluctuations in signal strength can be suppressed. The accuracy of determining the position of the receiver 22 can be improved.

Even if it is determined that a transition is not possible based on the transition possible data, the receiver 22 may actually be present at the determined position. For example, if the receiver 22 is temporarily unable to receive a signal, a transition to a distant transmitter 21 position may occur. For this reason, the processing device 11 does not allow the transition for a preset first period. In other words, if the receiver 22 continues to be present at the determined position for a period longer than the first period, the processing device 11 allows the transition. By using the first period, it is possible to prevent the determination from being treated as an error even when the receiver 22 actually is present at the determined position. In other words, by using the first period, the accuracy of the determination can be further improved.

In addition, for transitions that are determined to be possible based on the transition possible data, the transition can be determined more quickly by accepting the transition regardless of the first period. By determining the transition quickly, for example, the transition from a position after the transition to another position can be accurately tracked.

When a transition occurs, the processing device 11 may link data indicating whether the transition is set as possible in the possible transition data to the transition determination result. For example, for a transition that is permitted despite being set as impossible in the possible transition data, first data is linked to the transition determination result. For a transition that is permitted and set as possible in the possible transition data, second data is linked to the transition determination result. The first data indicates that the transition is set as impossible (not possible) in the possible transition data. The second data indicates that the transition is set as possible in the possible transition data. Linking the first data or the second data makes it easier for the user to determine whether the transition is set as possible in the possible transition data when later checking the position of the receiver 22 and the transition history.

Hereinafter, the processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to a specific example.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an application example of the processing system according to the embodiment.
4 shows a warehouse A. In the warehouse A, a plurality of shelves B1 to B4 are installed, and a plurality of transmitters ₂₁₁₁ to ₂₁₄₄ are also provided. A worker O works in the warehouse while carrying a smart device S. The smart device S functions as the input device 12, the display device 13, and the receiver 22 shown in FIG. 1. The functions of the processing device 11 and the storage device 14 are provided by a server connected to the smart device.

FIG. 5 is an example of transition possible data.
5, the transitionable data is stored as a list. The transitionable data includes the ID of each transmitter 21, a transitionable position from the position of each transmitter 21, and a first period. The transitionable position is represented by the ID of the transmitter 21.

In the example of FIG. 5, the positions of adjacent transmitters 21 are set to be able to transition between each other. Also, even if the positions of the transmitters 21 are adjacent in space, if there is an obstacle (shelf) between those transmitters 21, those positions are not set to be able to transition between each other.

The first period may be set to a common value for each transmitter 21. The first periods set for each transmitter 21 may be different from each other.

6, 7(a), 7(b), 8(a) and 8(b) are schematic enlarged views of a portion of FIG.
In FIG. 6, oscillators 21 ₂₁ , 21 ₂₂ , 21 ₃₁ and 21 ₃₂ emit signals Sig ₂₁ , Sig ₂₂ , Sig ₃₁ and Sig ₃₂ , respectively.

The smart device S, which is the receiver 22, receives the signals Sig ₂₁ , Sig ₂₂ , Sig ₃₁ , and Sig ₃₂ , respectively. The processing device 11 calculates the distances d ₂₁ , d ₂₂ , d ₃₁ , and d ₃₂ between the receiver 22 and the transmitters 21 ₂₁ , 21 ₂₂ , 21 ₃₁ , and 21 ₃₂ , respectively, based on the intensities of the signals Sig ₂₁ , Sig ₂₂ , Sig ₃₁ , and Sig _32. In the example of FIG. 6, the distance d ₂₁ is the shortest. The processing device 11 determines that the receiver 22 is present at the position of the transmitter 21 ₂₁ .

For example, after the state shown in Fig. 6, the worker O moves and moves close to the transmitter _21-31 as shown in Fig. 7(a). The processing device 11 compares the distances _d21 , _d22 , _d31 , and _d32 , and determines that the receiver 22 is at the position of the transmitter _21-31 . The processing device 11 determines that the position of the receiver 22 has transitioned from the position of the transmitter _21-21 to the position of the transmitter _21-31 . The processing device 11 refers to the transition possible data and determines whether a transition from the position of the transmitter _21-21 to the position of the transmitter _21-31 is possible. This transition is set as possible in the transition possible data shown in Fig. 5. The processing device 11 allows the transition before the first period has elapsed.

Some of the transmitters 21 may temporarily emit signals with a strength greater than normal. As an example, when the worker O is near the transmitter _21-31 , the strength of the signal Sig ₂₂ temporarily increases. Due to the increase in the strength of the signal Sig ₂₂ , the distance d ₂₂ is calculated to be shorter than the actual distance, as shown in FIG. 7B. As a result, the distance d ₂₂ is determined to be the shortest. Although the receiver 22 is actually located at the position of the transmitter _21-31 , it is determined that the receiver 22 is located at the position of the transmitter _21-22 .

In this case, the processing device 11 determines that the position of the receiver 22 has transitioned from the position of the transmitter _21-31 to the position of the transmitter _21-22 . The processing device 11 refers to the transition possible data and determines whether a transition from the position of the transmitter _21-31 to the position of the transmitter _21-22 is possible. This transition is not set as possible in the transition possible data shown in Fig. 5. The processing device 11 does not allow the transition during the first period of 15 seconds.

In the case of an erroneous determination due to a temporary increase in the strength of the signal Sig ₂₂ , the strength of the signal Sig ₂₂ returns to a normal value before the first period has elapsed. As a result, the receiver 22 is determined to be present at the position of the transmitter _21-31 . For example, during the period in which the receiver ₂₂ is determined to be present at the position of the transmitter 21-22, the processing device 11 determines that the receiver 22 has been staying at the position of the transmitter _21-31 . This makes it possible to avoid a period in which the position of the receiver 22 is unknown.

On the other hand, the receiver 22 may not receive the signal temporarily. For example, if the signal is interrupted or the connection between the transmitter 21 and the receiver 22 is lost, the receiver 22 may not receive the signal temporarily. Therefore, there is a possibility that the receiver 22 has actually transitioned to the position of the transmitter 21 ₂₂ , rather than a temporary increase in the signal strength. In this case, it is repeatedly determined that the receiver 22 is present at the position of the transmitter 21 _22. It is determined that the receiver 22 has stayed at the position of the transmitter 21 ₂₂ for a period longer than the first period. The processing device 11 accepts the transition from the position of the transmitter 21 ₃₁ to the position of the transmitter 21 _22. For example, the processing device 11 determines that the receiver 22 has been present at the position of the transmitter 21 ₂₂ during the first period.

As another example, after the state shown in Fig. 6, the worker O moves near the transmitter _21-22 as shown in Fig. 8(a). Then, the worker O moves near the transmitter _21-32 as shown in Fig. 8(b). If a signal is not normally received while the worker O moves from the transmitter _21-21 to the transmitter _21-22 , it is determined that the receiver 22 has transitioned from the position of the transmitter _21-21 to the position of the transmitter _21-22 . This transition is not permitted during the first period. If the worker O moves near the transmitter _21-32 before the first period has elapsed, the transition to the transmitter _21-22 is not permitted. It is determined that the receiver 22 has transitioned from the position of the transmitter _21-21 to the position of the transmitter _21-32 .

When the first period has elapsed while the receiver 22 has been staying at the position of the transmitter _{21_32} , the processing device 11 accepts the transition from the position of the transmitter _{21_21} to the position of the transmitter _{21_32} . At this time, the processing device 11 may refer to the history of the past positions of the receiver 22. According to the history, although the transition was not accepted, it has been determined that the receiver 22 is present at _the position of the transmitter _{21_22} . The processing device 11 refers to the transition possible data and judges whether the position of the transmitter 21_22 is capable of transitioning from the position of the transmitter _{21_32} . Alternatively, the processing device 11 may judge whether the position of the transmitter _{21_32} is capable of transitioning from the position of the transmitter _{21_22} . If the transition is possible, the processing device 11 may judge that the receiver 22 was present at the position of _{the transmitter 21_22 during} the period from when the transition to the position of the transmitter _{21_22} was determined to be made until when the transition to the position of the transmitter 21_32 was determined.

According to the embodiment, the position of worker O within warehouse A can be determined with greater accuracy.

The following describes specific examples of how to calculate the distance between the transmitter 21 and the receiver 22, how to calculate the duration of stay, how to link related data, and the output from the processing device 11.

(distance)
The processing device 11 calculates the distance d between one transmitter 21 and the receiver 22 for each of the x signals received before time _t0 . The processing device 11 sets a reference time _st0 based on time _t0 . The processing device 11 takes the average of the multiple distances d as the distance d( _t0 ) between the transmitter 21 and the receiver 22 at the reference time _st0 . The averaging can reduce the effects of temporary variations in signal strength and disturbances to the signal, improving the accuracy of determining the position of the receiver 22. The processing device 11 calculates the above-mentioned distance d( _t0 ) for each transmitter 21.

The processing device 11 compares the distances d( _t0 ) and selects the shortest distance d( _t0 ). The processing device 11 determines that the receiver 22 is located at the position of the transmitter 21 from which the shortest distance d( _t0 ) was obtained at time _t0 .

A plurality of thresholds may be set for each of the plurality of transmitters 21. For example, the plurality of thresholds are different from each other. The thresholds are set according to the distances between the adjacent transmitters 21. The processing device 11 compares each of the plurality of distances d(t ₀ ) with the plurality of thresholds. The processing device 11 selects the shortest distance d(t ₀ ) from among the distances d(t ₀ ) that are below the threshold.

The processing device 11 similarly calculates the distance d(t) at each of the other times. That is, the processing device 11 sets reference times _st1 , st2, ..., _st1 at each of times _t1 , _t2 , ..., _t1 after time _t0 . The processing device 11 calculates the distances d( _t1 ), d( _t2 ), ..., d( _t1 ) between each of _the transmitters 21 and the receiver 22 at each of the reference times. Based on the calculated distances, the processing device 11 determines the position of the transmitter 21 at which the receiver 22 is located at each of the times _t1 , _t2 , ..., _t1 .

(Length of stay)
When it is continuously determined that the receiver 22 is present at the position of one transmitter 21, the processing device 11 determines that the receiver 22 is staying at that position. The processing device 11 calculates the stay period as the period from when it is first determined that the receiver 22 is present at the position of one transmitter 21 until it is determined that the receiver 22 is present at the position of another transmitter 21.

(Linking)
The storage device 14 may store data related to the position of each receiver 22. For example, the storage device 14 may store associated data, such as the work to be performed, the tools used, or the items to be worked on, for the position of each receiver 22. After determining the position of the receiver 22, the processing device 11 refers to the associated data. The processing device 11 links the associated data related to the position of the receiver 22 to the position determination result. The processing device 11 may output the linked associated data when outputting the position determination result at each time. This allows the user to easily check the data related to each position.

(output)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an output from the processing device according to the embodiment.
The processing device 11 displays, for example, image G shown in Fig. 9 on the display device 13 based on the determination result of the position of the receiver 22 at each time. Image G shows a warehouse A, the positions of each transmitter 21, a circle C, a line L, and a dashed line BL. A transmitter 21 surrounded by a circle C indicates that it has been determined that a receiver 22 is present at the position of that transmitter 21. The larger the circle C, the longer the total stay period of the receiver 22 at that position.

The line L indicates a transition of the receiver 22 that is determined to be possible based on the transition possible data. That is, the line L indicates a transition that is linked to the second data. The dashed line BL indicates a transition of the receiver 22 that is determined to be impossible based on the transition possible data. That is, the dashed line BL indicates a transition that is linked to the first data.

By displaying the location history of the receiver 22, the user can easily understand the route traveled by the worker O. By displaying the length of stay at each location, the user can easily understand how long the worker O stayed at each location. In addition, by displaying transitions that are determined to be possible and transitions that are determined to be impossible based on the transition feasibility data, the user can easily understand the certainty of each transition.

The above describes an example in which the worker O carries the receiver 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the receiver 22 may be attached to a moving object. In this case, it is possible to automatically determine the location of the moving object and how long it stayed at each location.

The above various data processing may be recorded as a program that can be executed by a computer on a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk or hard disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW), a semiconductor memory, or other recording medium.

For example, data recorded on a recording medium can be read by a computer (or an embedded system). The recording medium may have any recording format (storage format). For example, the computer reads a program from the recording medium and causes the CPU to execute instructions described in the program based on the program. In the computer, the program may be acquired (or read) via a network.

The processing system 1, processing device 11, or processing method described above can improve the accuracy of determining the position of the receiver. Similarly, the program that causes the processing device 11 to execute the above-mentioned processing can improve the accuracy of determining the position of the receiver.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

1: Processing system, 11: Processing device, 12: Input device, 13: Display device, 14: Storage device, 21: Transmitter, 22: Receiver, O: Worker, S: Smart device

Claims (12)

A processing device that acquires a reception result obtained by a receiver that receives at least a part of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitters, calculates a distance between the receiver and at least a part of the plurality of transmitters based on the strength of the signals, and determines that the receiver is located at a position of the transmitter where the distance is shortest,
When it is determined that the distance between a first position of one of the transmitters and the receiver is the shortest, and then the distance between a second position of another of the transmitters and the receiver is the shortest, it is determined that the receiver has transitioned from the first position to the second position, and referring to transition possible data indicating positions to which the receiver can transition from the positions of each of the transmitters,
in a first case where it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data, accepting the transition and determining that the receiver is present at the second location;
in a second case where it is determined that the transition is not possible based on the transition enabling data, not allowing the transition during a first time period and determining that the receiver is in the first position ;
In the second case,
if the residence of the receiver at the second location is longer than the first period, then accepting the transition and determining that the receiver is at the second location;
rejecting the transition and determining that the receiver is in the first location when the receiver's stay in the second location is shorter than the first period;
a processing device that, when the transition is permitted in the second case, associates first data with the transition, the first data indicating that the transition is not possible in the transition possible data, and stores the first data with the transition . The processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a processor configured to calculate a stay period of the receiver at each of the locations where the transmitters are provided, based on a result of determining the location where the receiver is present. 3. The processing device of claim 2, further comprising: a processor configured to determine that the receiver has been at the first position during the period during which the receiver has been determined to have been at the second position when the transition is not permitted in the second case. A processing device that acquires a reception result obtained by a receiver that receives at least a part of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitters, calculates a distance between the receiver and at least a part of the plurality of transmitters based on the strength of the signals, and determines that the receiver is located at a position of the transmitter where the distance is shortest,
When it is determined that the distance between a first position of one of the transmitters and the receiver is the shortest, and then the distance between a second position of another of the transmitters and the receiver is the shortest, it is determined that the receiver has transitioned from the first position to the second position, and referring to transition possible data indicating positions to which the receiver can transition from the positions of each of the transmitters,
in a first case where it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data, accepting the transition and determining that the receiver is present at the second location;
in a second case where it is determined that the transition is not possible based on the transition enabling data, not allowing the transition during a first time period and determining that the receiver is in the first position;
outputting an image indicative of a plurality of said transitions for said receiver;
a processing device that displays on the image a part of the plurality of transitions that are determined to be possible based on the transition possible data and another part of the plurality of transitions that are determined to be impossible based on the transition possible data in a distinguishable manner. A processing device that acquires reception results obtained by a receiver that receives at least a portion of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitters, and determines a position of the transmitter where the receiver is located based on the strength of the signals,
when it is determined that the receiver has transitioned from a first position of one of the transmitters to a second position of another of the transmitters based on the strength of the signal, referring to transition possible data indicating positions to which the receiver can transition from the positions of the respective transmitters;
in a first case where it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data, accepting the transition and determining that the receiver is present at the second location;
In a second case in which it is determined that the transition is impossible based on the transition possible data,
if the residence of the receiver at the second location is longer than a first period, then accepting the transition and determining that the receiver is at the second location;
rejecting the transition and determining that the receiver is in the first location when the receiver's stay in the second location is shorter than the first period;
a processing device that, when the transition is accepted in the second case and it is determined that the receiver is present at the second position, associates first data indicating that the transition is not possible in the transition possible data with the transition and stores the first data. A processing device that acquires reception results obtained by a receiver that receives at least a portion of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitters, and determines a position of the transmitter where the receiver is located based on the strength of the signals,
when it is determined that the receiver has transitioned from a first position of one of the transmitters to a second position of another of the transmitters based on the strength of the signal, referring to transition possible data indicating a transition possible position from each of the transmitter positions;
in a first case where it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data, accepting the transition and determining that the receiver is present at the second location;
in a second case where it is determined that the transition is not possible based on the transition enabling data, not allowing the transition during a first time period and determining that the receiver is in the first position;
outputting an image indicative of a plurality of said transitions for said receiver;
a processing device that displays on the image a part of the plurality of transitions that are determined to be possible based on the transition possible data and another part of the plurality of transitions that are determined to be impossible based on the transition possible data in a distinguishable manner. The plurality of transmitters;
The receiver;
A processing system comprising the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A processing method for making a computer acquire a reception result obtained by a receiver that receives at least a part of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitters, calculate a distance between the receiver and at least a part of the plurality of transmitters based on the strength of the signals, and determine that the receiver is present at a position of the transmitter where the distance is shortest, comprising:
The computer includes:
when it is determined that the distance between a first position of one of the transmitters and the receiver is the shortest, and then the distance between a second position of another of the transmitters and the receiver is the shortest, it is determined that the receiver has transitioned from the first position to the second position, and transition possible data indicating a transition possible position from each of the positions of the transmitters is referred to;
in a first case where it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data, the transition is accepted to determine that the receiver is present at the second location;
in a second case where it is determined that the transition is not possible based on the transition enabling data, not allowing the transition during a first time period and determining that the receiver is in the first position ;
In the second case, the computer
allowing the transition to occur and determining that the receiver is in the second location when the receiver's residence at the second location is longer than the first period;
when the residence of the receiver at the second location is shorter than the first period, the transition is not permitted and the receiver is determined to be at the first location;
When the transition is permitted in the second case, the computer stores first data indicating that the transition is not possible in the transition possible data in association with the transition.
Processing methods. A processing method for making a computer acquire reception results obtained by a receiver that receives at least a portion of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitters, and determine a position of the transmitter where the receiver is located based on the strength of the signals, comprising:
The computer includes:
when it is determined that the receiver has transitioned from a first position of one of the transmitters to a second position of another of the transmitters based on the strength of the signal, referring to transition possible data indicating positions to which the receiver can transition from the positions of the respective transmitters;
in a first case where it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data, the transition is accepted to determine that the receiver is present at the second location;
In a second case in which it is determined that the transition is impossible based on the transition possible data,
when the residence of the receiver at the second location is longer than a first period, the transition is accepted to determine that the receiver is at the second location;
when the residence of the receiver at the second location is shorter than the first period, the transition is not accepted and the receiver is determined to be at the first location;
A processing method in which, when the transition is accepted in the second case and it is determined that the receiver is present at the second position, first data indicating that the transition is not possible in the transition possible data is stored in association with the transition. A processing method for making a computer acquire reception results obtained by a receiver that receives at least a portion of signals emitted from a plurality of transmitters, and determine a position of the transmitter where the receiver is located based on the strength of the signals, comprising:
The computer includes:
when it is determined that the receiver has transitioned from a first position of one of the transmitters to a second position of another of the transmitters based on the strength of the signal, referring to transition possible data indicating positions to which the receiver can transition from the positions of the respective transmitters;
in a first case where it is determined that the transition is possible based on the transition possible data, the transition is accepted to determine that the receiver is present at the second location;
in a second case where it is determined that the transition is not possible based on the transition enabling data, not allowing the transition during a first time period and determining that the receiver is in the first position;
outputting an image showing a plurality of said transitions for said receiver;
a part of the plurality of transitions determined to be possible based on the transition possible data and another part of the plurality of transitions determined to be impossible based on the transition possible data are displayed on the image in a distinguishable manner;
Processing methods. A program for causing a computer to execute the processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 10 . A storage medium storing the program according to claim 11 .

Images